On Saturday 19th March, the HCX girls will be teaming up with CoppaFeel! to complete Exeter’s 10km RockSolid course, raising money and awareness to help young girls get to know their breasts and promote early detection of breast cancer symptoms. As the day approaches, we caught up with a couple of our girls who will be participating… The final member to complete our Rock Solid team is HCX’s very own President Charlotte Clark.
Name: Charlotte Clark
Age: 20
Year: 3rd
Studying: English Literature and Mathematics
Role in HCX: President
What is your weekly training regime?
I admit I don’t have a very rigorous regime, but try to run 2-3 times a week, mixing between shorter and longer runs. I also rock climb, which I hope will come in handy for the obstacles we’ll face on the day, including the rather intimidating looking wall! Each morning I try to complete a short yoga sequence which really helps keep your body flexible and supple, particularly your leg muscles which can become quite stiff after a run.
Is there a particular aspect of this regime you enjoy the most?
Running is a great way to clear your mind from studying, I like it as a break in the afternoon. I’m not a massive fan of treadmills and prefer to run outdoors, so it is a nice opportunity to see some of Exeter that I wouldn’t see otherwise. The quayside, for example, is a lovely tranquil (and flat) place to run!
How do you motivate yourself on these cold January mornings?
I love the feeling you get after completing a run, and find I am more energised than before the run itself. I try to re-assure myself that the run will be worth braving the rain and cold for. I also think of the great cause we are raising money for, CoppaFeel!, which makes every run worth it!
Why are you supporting CoppaFeel!, and what does it mean to you?
Everyone is affected by Cancer in some way, breast cancer especially hitting HCX’s demographic. We can only combat this horrible disease together, one step at a time, so taking part in events such as Rock Solid to create awareness and fundraise all add up. At HCX we are always eager to support and help promote worthy causes, so we jumped at the chance to collaborate with CoppaFeel!.
What are your top tips for looking great while training?
Well, my face tends to turn into a tomato while running so I try not to wear red! I think as long as you look like you’re determined and enjoying the run, then that is all you can do to look confident while hitting the road.
Do you have a favourite outfit to exercise in?
I recently splurged on some new running gear (thought it was only necessary as I’d be wearing it so much this term!). Black leggings with a fleece lining are a great investment as they keep you from freezing in this cold weather. A bright pink, for HCX of course, long sleeve Karrimor top and grey Reebok running jacket with a high zip and lots of pockets to carry anything I may need while running. Mixing bright colours with black and grey tones are a nice way to spice up your running attire!
Do you have a special snack that energises you?
Banana bread is the best snack ever! I have rather an unusual diet as cannot eat dairy, gluten or refined sugar so like to make it myself meaning I can chose exactly what goes in it-often lots of honey and dried fruit. Adding Medjool dates or banana slices is a fab way to give you that extra energy boost.
Any advice you would like to share with fellow runners?
Just start early and build up slowly. It is tricky to start running at first and can be quite de-motivating when you can’t run as far as you’d like, but once you start going regularly, you’ll soon rack up those kilometers and before you know it, you’ll have hit the 10km mark. Setting yourself weekly goals is also a great way to motivate yourself.
Thank you Charlotte – HCX wishes you good luck with the race!
For more information about RockSolid, as well as CoppaFeel’s other work promoting breast cancer awareness, check out their Facebook page here.