Run Leaders - Charlie

What inspired you to start leading runs and what motivates you to keep going?

Whilst living in London I was a member and Chairperson of
Sheen Shufflers Running Club. I was already leading the weekly runs and training sessions and so I decided to get qualified to coach the club. I enrolled on the Assistant Coach course with England Athletics and completed the course. When the Leader in Running Fitness course was introduced, I completed this too as it was more relevant to the activities I was leading.
When I moved to Chester, I joined CRR and ran in group one. As the club were looking for people to join the run leader team and I had already completed the courses and had some experience, I put my hand up and helped leading the group two runs …. I have never looked back.

Can you share your favourite running route and why it’s special to you?

My best running route in the north would be up on the Sandstone Trail around Raw Head and around Peckforton and Bulkeley Hill. Down in London Box Hill has some great routes.
My favourite race is The Grizzly a 20 mile, multi terrain race starting in Seaton, Devon. I have been doing it every year since 2001 and have only missed one year through injury.
I thought my road marathon days where over, but I really enjoyed the Chester marathon this year and will be doing it again next year. I got just under four hours with 3:59:21, so room for improvement.
‘When I were a lad’ I used to do triathlons and adventure racing but now mainly I do fell running and I have entered the Yorkshire Three Peaks for next year, a little jaunt up Peny Fan, Inglebrooke and Whernside hills in Gods Own County.

What tips do you have for beginners who are just starting their running journey?

My top tip for beginners would be if you are struggling with your breathing, you need to slow down to a pace you can run at without getting more and more out of breath. Also keep at it, it gets easier eventually.

How do you stay motivated on days when you don’t feel like running?

Being in a club is good for maintaining motivation. I also find having a goal and a race to focus on will keep me going through the hard times, especially getting out in the winter.

What’s one memorable moment from your time leading runs that stands out to you?

One memorable time from run leading, was the time I got group two around the route I had posted without going wrong once… it was sometime in 2022 I believe.