14. Playfully Powered Performance with Charlotte "The Marathon Costume Chic" Corriher

With over 300 marathons, 127 ultras, and 35 x 100-milers, Charlotte Corriher proves you don’t have to be the fastest to be Unstoppable... but you can absolutely be the festive-est. Known on Instagram as @marathoncostumechic, Charlotte races in themed costumes (head-to-toe, start-to-finish) and brings big joy to big miles. From a pirate-themed 300th marathon weekend in Wilmington, NC (complete with swords and a yacht-club celebration) to the glitteriest Dopey you ever did see, she shows how grit, community, and play carry you through the pain cave.In this heartfelt episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist chats with Charlotte about coastal running life in Wilmington, milestone magic, and the mindset that turns outrageous goals into finish-line realities.In this episode, you’ll hear:Charlotte’s origin story → going from a non-runner to becoming the blister queenCostume philosophy → “If you can’t be fast, be festive,” born at Shamrock 2007Favorite builds & hacks → 3-tier Birthday Cake (PVC + porta-potty lessons), Alaska SalmonWilmington milestone → why a pirate theme fit the Cape Fear coast and her hometown marathon’s 15th yearMega goals & numbers → 307 marathons, 127 ultras, 35 x 100-milers so far; the dream of 100 one-hundredsUltras, the smart way → why 48-hour loop races work: strategic sleeping, heat management, and “night-moves” playlistsMind over miles → navigating the pain cave, chasing the buckle, stacking small wins when the distance feels impossibleWork/life that fuels the miles → remote client management in employee benefits; “Seeing America 26.2 miles at a time”Tools & tips → Garmin badge buddies, Strava, hills/sprints + aqua aerobics for recoveryReal life, real joy → Wilmington beach living and her one-eyed cat, JackFollow Charlotte: Instagram: @marathoncostumechicResources & shout-outs:0Wilmington Marathon (15th anniversary weekend)Roadside America app (oddities for race trips)Timed/loop ultras (why 48-hour formats help first-time 100-milers)Whether you’re eyeing your first ultra or plotting costume glitter that’ll “get you through,” Charlotte’s story proves playfulness and persistence can happily coexist mile after mile.💜 Support Sally’s mission to raise $1M for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.comFeeling inspired? What’s the wildest costume you’ve raced in, or the one you want to try? Tell us!Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little sparkle with their miles.