If you’re a regular on UK Run Chat or were in attendance at Hackney 2017 or the 2017 British 10k, you may recognize Carl-Warren Dudley, also known as Big Carl Running on social media.
London native Carl-Warren started running because of his dad, a runner of nearly thirty years:
“I started of walking and then I moved into run/walking, until Ibuilt up the confidence to do a 5k, then a 10k. The 2015 British 10k was my first race — I’d started running only a few months before it. I then did the Hackney Half marathon, where I met the Backpackers — they are the best ever. I used to do a lot of solo running, because I was worried I’d be too slow, or people would be waiting for me . But there’s none of that with the Backpackers, nobody is left behind and everyone is really supported.
The reason I run is to try to inspire other people who are too scared to go out and run, or who have the feeling that running is only for fast and fit people. I want to motivate people who think they can’t run.
It’s funny, when people ask me what I do and I reply that I do a fair bit of running, people are always like: ‘you don’t look like a typical runner’ to which I say: ‘well no, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t run — anyone can run’.
Post-running, mentally, I am completely different now. I’m obviously physically different, I’m fitter, I can do more things that I would have never done before, and I would say that I’m a lot happier in general now. And you know, a mile is a much shorter distance now for me — I used to would have gotten an Uber or gone in the tube if I had to go a mile.”
We interviewed Carl-Warren to learn a little bit more about him…
What is your idea of a perfect workout?
Early morning run along the river. And then the gym for a HIIT session.
What is your greatest fear?
Failing.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
My perseverance towards a goal.
What is the trait you most admire in others?
Loyalty.
Which living athlete do you most admire?
Paula Radcliffe
What is your greatest extravagance?
My watches.
What do you consider the most overrated workout?
I don’t know if there is one — if you’re moving, you’re doing good.
On what occasion do you lie?
When I’m trying not to hurt people’s feeling.
Which person, living or dead, do you most want to go out for a run with?
Mo Farah
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Cool.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My running shoes.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To speak foreign languages.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My running pace.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Getting started running — just having the confidence to start.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I always wanted to be a formula one driver when I was young
Where would you most like to run?
Asia — I travel around Asia a lot, but it was before I discovered running, and I think I missed out on seeing the things over there. Singapore.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Friendly and tall.
What do you most value in your teammates?
Honesty.
Who are your favorite writers?
Steven Hawking.
What is it that you most dislike?
Being late.
What is your greatest regret?
Not starting running or being active earlier. And not learning to cycle when I was younger. I just learned how to ride a bike last September.
When and where were you happiest?
Probably say back home in the countryside.
How would you like to die?
Peacefully.
What is your life motto?
Keep moving forward.
Next up for Carl-Warren: The Berlin Marathon! Follow him on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with the latest.
Next up for us: Oxford Half on 8 October and we just launched registration for Hackney Half 2018 — score your early bird tickets now.