Charlie Watson hasn't always been a fitness fanatic. In fact, when she ran her first marathon in April 2012, she described herself as a "non-runner".
Fast-forward to the present day and the 28-year-old has seven marathons under her belt (she's also running London 2017), more than 25,000 Instagram followers and spends her time travelling the world on active holidays (that look incredible but exhausting).
Food
What do you eat throughout the week to complement your training schedule?
Marathon training means I'm hungry all the time. I try to eat real food (cutting processed crap from my diet). Typically I have overnight oats on the train into London after my morning run with a coffee, fruit and nut snack with tea mid-morning, then leftovers for lunch.
I've been cooking a lot from Shalane Flanagan's Run Fast, Eat Slow cook book - delicious, nourishing meals. 4pm means something chocolatey and a cup of tea, every day without fail! Dinner is based on plenty of veg, slow release carbs and lean meat - except on a Sunday when post long run we usually make a roast (the leftovers are great for lunches during the week!)
What are your pre and post-workout snacks?
I usually run fasted first thing, then either have a smoothie or milky coffee with overnight oats post-run. If it's a really hard workout in the morning then I'll have a banana and some almond butter with a glass of water.
What's the most important lesson you've learned about food?
What works for others might not work for you and vice versa. Everyone is different, so it's all about trial and error. I've also learned that as soon as you tell yourself you can't have something, you want it even more.
I don't cut anything from my diet, I eat everything in moderation. Studying for my Dietetics degree has reaffirmed that balance is key.
Motivation
Do you have a motivational mantra that keeps you going?
One day you won't be able to do this, today is not that day.
I think about how much I will regret it if I bail on a workout or give up halfway through. I was told by a friend that no-one can do it for you, and when it comes to race day, only you know whether you've given your all in both training and during the race. I like to know I've given everything I have, that way whatever the result, I can be proud of myself.
Do you always have fitness/body goals you are aiming for?
Personally I don't have body goals per se - although with a wedding in Sept - I do want to work on my back and arms to look toned in my wedding dress - however I'm more concerned with getting faster. My goal is to run a sub 3.35 marathon which would earn me a Boston Qualifying time.
What's your ultimate workout track and why?
Rudimental 'Feel the Love' is mine and my fiancees song - it makes me feel like he's right there with me during a tough race and pushes me forward. Otherwise I love a bit of Tay (Taylor Swift) during any workout.