THE JOURNAL
Preparing For The London Marathon With Run Dem Crew’s Mr Charlie Dark And lululemon
When multi-hyphenate DJ and poet Mr Charlie Dark went on his first run back in 2006, he was on a quest to get fitter and found running to be something of a fitness hack. But little did he know that nearly 18 years later, he would be recognised for leading a revolution in the running space.
He founded collective Run Dem Crew to bring together creatives to explore new cities through a shared passion for running. “I wanted to share its benefits with my musical and creative community,” he says. “The best part of the journey has been seeing the young people who’ve been through on our programmes continue to run and start their own collectives.”
Run Dem Crew has become an inspiration for other running clubs within the UK and across the world. And many members, including Dark, have gone on to run marathons in London, New York and Los Angeles.
Dark’s prep ahead of London’s race on 21 April, however, looks a little different to the leisurely pace of his running club, where all levels are welcome. “I follow a structured training plan that includes long runs, speed work and cross-training,” he says. “And if I’m going for a specific time, then I might work with a coach. In the off-season, I focus on maintenance, strength training and most importantly recovery.”
Nutrition is also key. “Balanced meals with carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and healthy fats and electrolytes for hydration,” he says, help his body recover and adhere to an intense training schedule. But that doesn’t stop him from celebrating. Running 26.2 miles calls for “a celebratory cheeseburger and a small tub of ice cream,” he says. “It’s a Run Dem tradition.”
There is a lot of scientific research on music as an ergogenic aid for running – certain beats and rhythms are thought to help with speed and pacing – but Dark doesn’t believe that his pace depends on the music tempo. He doesn’t have a playlist of Hi-NRG music to push him through the paces. Instead, he favours music that triggers happy memories.
“I like to soundtrack my runs with music that reminds me of good times on the dance floor, good times with good people, memorable tunes that have been important in my life,” he says. “Could be slow, could be fast, it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s good.”
Well-made running gear is just as important. “It should be functional, hard-wearing and able to withstand frequent washing,” Dark says. The latest collection from lululemon – now available to shop at MR PORTER – features some of his favourite kit. There’s the Metal Vent Tech Sleeveless Shirt, which is designed with Silverescent™ technology to prevent odours, and the 7in Pace Breaker Shorts, whose streamlined fit helps keep chafing to a minimum.
The brand’s Surge Shorts are one of his highlights, too, and it’s clear to see why. They’re made from sweat-wicking and quick-drying mesh fabric that’s light on the skin, while lululemon’s Out of Mind™ (OOM™) liner has a 3D-shaped pouch that provides breathable support while on the move.
Running is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Feeling good and relaxed by the workout gear you’re in is one crucial way to look after your wellbeing when pursuing such demanding physical exercise. Dark practices mindfulness, positive visualisation and affirmations, as well as yoga.
“I make sure the musical soundtrack is inspirational and positive,” Dark says. “Writing down my ‘Why’ – the reason why I’m running, and who I’m running for – keeps me level-headed during the hard periods.”
He finds that running in itself, too, can improve wellbeing and mental clarity, providing stress relief and instilling a confidence that helps him in day-to-day life.
Transforming running from a solitary exercise to a fulfilling collective pursuit and opportunity for adventure has helped to keep the activity fresh and exciting for Dark. While the London Marathon claims top spot for his favourite event, New York is his favourite running city in the world. “It’s vibrant and exciting, and it feels like you are running through a movie set,” he says. “Plus, it’s the home of run-crew culture.”
Setting and beating personal records has become a huge part of his routine, but running is still all about fun, exploration and community. “I’m known for using the city as a playground and training partner, and keeping the running playful and not just concentrating on time and distance,” he says. “I like to focus on how the running makes me feel inside, not just the numbers on the clock.”
Catch you on the road.