Episode 81: Charlie Dark, Founder Run Dem Crew

Spoiler alert: This is one of my favorite episodes to date. When Charlie Dark (@daddydarkrdc) started running, he was in a bad place. Dropped by his record label, the DJ and poet was teaching a poetry and creative writing class in east London and had recently lost a friend of his. It began under the cover of darkness. Between 1 and 3 a.m., he’d leave the recording studio in the early hours of the morning and run home. “I didn’t want anyone to see me. I didn’t need anyone to watch me fail.”

Within a year’s time, he had shared his love for the sport with friends. Every Friday night, they’d link up to run a single mile. Soon after this #hurdlemoment, Run Dem Crew was born. Currently at more than 500 strong, Dark says that co-founding the collective gave him new purpose. “We’re changing lives.” In episode 81 — recorded live at the Lululemon Re:Pair Lab — we’re chatting everything from how to defeat imposter syndrome to the highs and lows of conquering the marathon distance. Plus, following your true passion and the power of running culture.

Charlie_Dark

“If you’re going to do something — step into your light, and give it 110 percent of your effort.”

SOCIAL
@daddydarkrdc
@run.dem.crew

@lululemon
@hurdlepodcast
@emilyabbate

OFFERS
Athletic Greens | Head to athleticgreens.com/hurdle to get 20 free travel packs ($79 value) with your first purchase, no code necessary.
WHOOP | Head to whoop.com to get a free WHOOP band plus 15 percent off any membership by entering the code "hurdle" at checkout.