Runner’s Story: Charlotte Gage
Runner’s Story: Charlotte Gage
‘’It’s important for me to demonstrate the importance of being active to my children. I want them to grow up to be fit and healthy’’
Charlotte Gage, 36, from Hadfield, completed the full 2021 Tour of Tameside in preparation for the upcoming London Marathon.
Back in 2018, Charlotte completed the Hero Half Marathon and was in awe of all the runners competing in all four races. Although not convinced at the time she could run the full tour herself, she was inspired to have a go and signed herself up!
‘’The Tour of Tameside seemed like the perfect race to challenge myself ahead of my marathon. My taste of it back in 2018 inspired me to compete again this year but succeed in every race! My favourite part of the tour was definitely Hell on the Fell. I was so nervous beforehand, I hadn’t run the route, I’d heard how steep Mottram Old Road was and that the late Dr Ron Hill had fallen and broke his arm whilst doing it. I really wasn’t sure I’d be able to finish it. But wow! I absolutely loved it. I ran it with a friend from my running club, she paced us on the uphill sections and the views were sensational. Definitely more Thrill on the Hill (that’s what I’d called it beforehand to try to ease my worries!)’’
Charlotte ran in aid of local charity Reuben’s Retreat, a charity in support of parents, siblings and families with children who have life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses or have lost a child.
‘’I’ve chosen to run for Reuben’s Retreat, for the Tour and the London Marathon. They’re a local charity to me and the support they give their families is second to none, it’s an incredibly special place so to be able to help them in any way at all is a huge privilege, and again, a massive motivator to keep heading out in my trainers.’’
We asked Charlotte what training advice for others she had and why being active is important to her;
‘’Have a training plan that you know suits you. I work full time and have 5 children so I knew I wouldn’t realistically do 4+ training runs a week, so I chose to do 3, knowing it would be manageable but still effective. Don’t dodge the hills, the more you run them the easier they get. I joined a local running club too, Start 2 Jog, who have been amazing, so friendly and fantastic coaching. My motivation to reach the finish line is also sheer stubbornness, which definitely helped me over the 4 days!’’
‘’Being active for my health is what’s most important for me. Over the Christmas period, I was very anaemic and couldn’t walk upstairs without feeling dizzy or out of breath. After the right medical treatment, I made sure I started getting more active to improve my fitness. It’s important to me to demonstrate the importance of being active to my children as I want them to grow up to be fit and healthy.’’
Everyone at the Running Bee wishes Charlotte the best of luck in her upcoming marathon and we look forward to seeing her at next year’s tour!
Charlotte is already looking forward to taking part in the 2022 Tour of Tameside in June next year.