Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Charlotte, I’m from Cambridgeshire and I'm 33 years old. I’m a runner, a mum and a Senior Admin Officer for a small charity.
I know you were planning to run for us last year but a wonderful life event happened, do tell us more about that and how that might have changed your approach to training this year?
Yes I was. I applied to run for DR UK in the 2023 London Marathon but in Feb 2023, mid training, I found out I was pregnant with my first child! I finally realised why I’d been feeling sick on my training runs! After the initial excitement and lots of medical advice I decided to carry on training with my "baby on board" because I was an experienced runner, and could manage it as long as I was sensible and well hydrated. A more difficult but do-able challenge.
Unfortunately, by chance, when I was 9 weeks pregnant, I discovered that I had a rare problem with my calcium levels caused by something called Hyperparathyroidism (a mouthful I know!). I had to start attending hospital for regular drips and was ordered to drink 4 litres of water every day to attempt to dilute the high levels of calcium that I had. Despite my efforts, 6 days before the London Marathon was due to take place and after completing the 16 week training plan, my consultant told me that it was not advisable for me to run, due to the risk of dehydration. Reluctantly I agreed that it was better safe than sorry and I pressed the "Defer entry" button on my marathon dreams. I watched the race at home that year from my sofa, shedding a few tears as I saw all the charity runners doing just what I should have been.
After surgery in July to remove my defective parathyroid gland, I was completely well again and my baby boy Oliver arrived in October 2023.
Have you ran a marathon before? What is your planned training in the lead up to the event?
Yes, I ran the Virtual London Marathon in 2021 for Fareshare UK. The virtual marathon starts at the same time as the event in London but you run the 26.2 miles on your home turf instead. I ran it with my sister after plotting out a lovely rural run around my hometown of Huntingdon. I was surprised at how hard I found it despite following the training plan. It took me 6 hours 15 minutes which I was quite disappointed about at the time. But with hindsight I’m really proud I did it! I spent the majority of those 6 hours alone so it took a lot of self motivation to get to the end. We both followed the official London Marathon 16 week Beginner Training plan - I’ll be following it again this year because it's the best one I’ve found. I should probably be doing the intermediate plan by now but since I’ve had a baby, I’ve decided to be kind to myself.
What's your favourite part of marathon training?
The end! Training is brutal and I’m not a natural runner at all. I find it really hard but I started running for my mental health. It’s really beneficial to me, mentally and physically. The sense of achievement when you reach a goal you’ve set out to meet is indescribable. I never thought I’d run a marathon so when I did the virtual one, I felt so much pride. Doing that in London has been the dream ever since I started running regularly. I can’t wait to cross that finish line especially after getting so close in 2023!
What made you fundraise for Disability Rights UK?
I work for a small charity called The Thalidomide Trust and we support people with disabilities caused by the drug thalidomide in the 60s. We work quite closely with Disability Rights UK on a regular basis. Someone in the office mentioned you were looking for runners and in a moment of madness I said I’d give it a go. The next thing I knew I was emailing Bex [DR UK's Fundraising Lead] and asking to take part!
Why are you passionate about the fight for disability rights and equality?
My Grandad and my step-mum both have disabilities which affect their everyday lives, so I’ve seen first hand how tough life can be for them. At work we know that the beneficiaries of our charity have fought their entire lives for independence and justice. Their stories are simply inspiring. I believe strongly that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to live with dignity and equal opportunity. The work that DR UK do is invaluable and I’m really proud to be fundraising for them.
You can donate to Charlotte's London Marathon 2025 Fundraising page here.