Run The World

Name:

Candice Brown Brathwaite (but everyone calls me Candie)

Age:

23

Location:

South London

Tell us a little bit about Run The World, what first inspired you to run a half marathon on every continent?

I love to travel. In 2009 I was in the middle of a self-imposed gap year. It was awesome. But then my Dad passed away suddenly and I had to return home and bury him. After a year of grieving, I wanted to get my life back. While I understood it would not be the life I had with my Dad, I was determined to make it just as good. I started running in November 2010. I found that running abroad was a great way to see the sights and get some much needed me time. While running up some steep hills in Switzerland, I decided there was a way to combine my two loves and hey presto, the seed for Run The World was planted!

What events do you plan to run for Run The World?

*Deep breath!* It kicks off 3rd December in Jamaica with the Reggae Half Marathon, then Kilamanjaro Half in Feb, Paris in March and Berlin in April (I know! But I couldn’t resist!), Virgin London Marathon in April, Great wall of China in May, with India and Australia yet to be confirmed.

And what timeframe do you plan to run them in?

Due to work commitments for both the videographer and myself, we have settled at one per month.

Are you running alone, or with friends/family/support?

I am running alone. While this does worry me, it is great prep for the big bad London Marathon, where I will solely have to depend on my own willpower.

How long have you been running?

Exactly one year!

What first got you into running?

An old friend by the name of Mark Gurney was listening to my moans of wanting to get fit and introduced me to a running club by the name of Run Dem Crew. I was anxious but attended the first session with no expectations. I positively hated it! That was in 2008. I never returned. Until Dad passed and I decided I wanted a new challenge and something to focus on. So I tried again in 2010 and with a newfound positive attitude and an understanding of ‘finding my pace’ I thoroughly enjoyed it. Needless to say, running with a crew has totally enhanced my entire running experience. I have gone from running alone at 4am to avoid embarrassment, to eating miles up with a bunch of people whom I can now call friends.

How do you stay motivated?

I set goals for myself and keep a watchful eye on my running comrades. Having a goal is the only way I am going to get out of bed at 6am on a Sunday morning and go for an 8-mile ‘easy run’. Believe me when I say, there is nothing easy about it! Having friends who also run and strive towards the same goals, reminds me of what I should be doing. There is no better kick up the bum than watching someone’s Nike+ stats roll up on your Twitter feed!

Have you run a half marathon before?

Yes, two! I did not want to head into this without having conquered the distance under race circumstances so I know what I am dealing with.

What do you love most about running?

The freedom. I can do it whenever, however, with the only person dictating the mileage being myself.

What sort of distance or time do you typically cover in a training session?

A short run for me now is a 10K, which I keep at 10 minute miles in an ‘easy’ training session. My longer runs are now in the 90 minute/two hour zone and I must admit, I have begun to enjoy them far more than my shorter sessions. I feel like I only come into my stride after 10K.

What’s your favorite time of day to run?

Early morning. There is something really awesome about knocking out a 10 miler while everyone else is nursing hangovers. When I start the day with a good run, I genuinely feel like there is nothing I cannot do.

Do you run with friends or solo?

Both. Some days I love the boost running with friends give me. The miles pass quicker with company. But I also love talking to myself on those longer runs!

What’s your can’t-live-without-it running kit?

My Nike LunarGlides. As runners, we can get by on wearing general workout gear, but I think our running shoes should be of a high standard, as our feet will take a huge battering.

Do you have any top training tips or secrets you’d be happy to share with our readers?

Mix it up. Our bodies become used to one thing really quickly. Introducing other exercises abates boredom and gives overused muscles a rest. Go outside! I dislike training with a passion, so the only goal I set myself is to get dressed and go outside. Once I’m out the gate, I tell myself ‘just one mile girl’ and before I know it, I’ve gone above and beyond said target!Also have someone hold you accountable. That’s the reason I started a blog. So that people were able to say ‘hey you were supposed to run 10K tonight!’ Once you put it out there, you will be amazed at how many people want to see you do better.

Do you run to music, and if so what’s your favourite artist/song to run to?

I do. Funnily enough my best runs have been music free and it is a habit I am trying to break. My playlist must haves are Ellie Goulding’s ‘Under the sheets’ (dub mix) and Kanye West’s ‘All of the lights’ Both of them have very good ‘pacemaker’ beats and a feel good vibe!

Are you going to raise money for charity?

Definitely. I am raising money for Avert(ing HIV/AIDS).

If so, what made you choose this particular charity? What does it mean to you? And how is your fundraising going?

Shortly after Dad passed, someone close to me was diagnosed with HIV. Like most awful things, we pay none of them much attention until we have to live with them. This was an eye-opener to the fact that not since the late 80s has there been a real fuss made in terms of the awareness of HIV/AIDS.

What are your expectations and hopes for Run The World?

My expectation is just to have fun. This is a new idea. The fact it’s even happening blows me away. My hope is to raise as much money as possible.

What mental tactics will you use to help you?

When in each country I will be travelling to HIV/AIDS centers and meeting people who are affected and infected. A lot of these people who have advanced AIDS don’t have the strength to walk, let alone run. So my mental tactic will be to remember why I am doing this.

What will you do to celebrate after you finish?

Have a big fat beer and probably go on a real holiday. I will not pack my trainers. I promise!

What’s your advice to other women thinking of taking part in a similar long-distance running adventure?

Don’t second guess yourself. Just make a choice. Once that choice has been made, everything else will fall into place. It hasn’t been easy, but it sure will be worth it.