Name
Charlie Tomlinson
Where do you currently live?
Wynnewood PA
How long have you been involved with Achilles Philadelphia?
Since 2013
How did you find out about Achilles International?
I met Melissa Wilcox at the gym and she told me about the group
When did running become a part of your life?
As a young adult I started running
What do you gain from running?
Independence, an ability to clear my head, stress relief, enjoyment, comraderies, etc.
What is your favorite distance to run?
10 Miles
What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
Besides my three great kids, would probably be the 10 marathons that I have completed with the 11th to occur shortly
Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
Every one of the Athletes inspire me, they have all overcome extreme obstacles in their lives and have made it through and day after day they become stronger runners
What quality best describes your personality?
Boisterous and Outgoing
What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time?
Hang out with my kids and run
Do you have a favorite quote?
Shut Up and Run!!!
What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter? (don’t be modest!!)
Seasoned distance runner with the ability to ramp up my pace to run with the faster athletes or ramp down to accommodate the slower athletes
What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
The group. It is hard to explain the cohesion of the athletes and volunteers until you attend a workout, but once you see/meet the amazing athletes that come week after week for not just the running but for the comradery it hooks you in. This group is like a second family to me. It is also a generational thing as many volunteers including myself have brought their kids who are now also hooked and come week after week
If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?
The cohesion of the group. That all levels, ages and disabilities are welcome. Whether you are a seasoned runner, a novice runner or a walker, you will be welcomed and find partners to exercise with. For the volunteer “ to have the opportunity to work with and become friends with some of the most amazing athletes in the area. I don’t look at any of the athletes as disabled and I don’t consider my time with Achilles to be community service, I consider it a great running club and time hanging out with my friends”