Inner Drive Motivates Bednar To Put In Summer Work, From Sandy Beach Runs To 'Watch-less' Workouts

By Natalie Shapiro for DyeStat

Photos by Phil Yearian

In the 2021 track season, Charlotte Bednar capitalized on racing opportunities, claiming personal bests in the 5,000 meters, 3,000, 3,200 and 2-mile.

The rising senior at Lawrenceville NJ began this phenomenal season with a time of 15:52.10 for 5,000 on the track at the GSTC Spring Opener and closed it with a second-place finish in the Brooks PR Invitational 2-mile (10:06.14).  

She carried the good energy from these accomplishments into a perfect spinoff of summer training.

Bednar enjoys running on the soft sand at the beach. And while her main motivation for chugging through sand is “mostly for fun,” the practice does increase effort and build strength. 

These beach runs typically involve running for as long as she can and as fast as she can on the looser sand far from the water's edge. The terrain is flat but the sand adds resistance. At home, Bednar lives about an hour away from the beach. However, spending time in South Carolina this summer allowed her easier beach access. 

"When I'm running on the beach it is always super nice and really entertaining to look out at the water," Bednar said. "Afterwards my legs feel a little tired from the sand, but it's just such a nice way to start my day.” 

In regards to pace and distance, Bednar does not go into these runs with specific goals. Instead, she runs based on feel, emphasizing the importance of preserving the fun in her running. She says her best summer training advice would be to “have fun and don't get too stressed out.” 

Bednar’s method for avoiding the stress of performing on training runs is certainly unconventional. She does not run with a watch. The running community has seen an occasional bold move to opt for a simple timer watch instead of a Garmin, but Bednar’s totally watchless approach is less common. 

“I just go as hard as I can," she said. "I don't like to look at my pace or anything. It makes me kind of stressed sometimes if I have to know my pace so I just go without it.”

While this this unconventional approach may be surprising to some, Bednar does not see her method as particularly unusual. She says that she is sure she has a watch somewhere but never uses it. When asked if she recommends going watchless, she simply says “it works for me.” 

Bednar creates her own training schedule based on feel instead of one given to her by a coach. Any perceived lack of structure in Bednar’s training does not equate to a lack of intensity. She emphasizes that she runs as hard as she can without having to worry about what the pace may be. It is the effort exerted that counts. 

Bednar’s father, Myron, attests to his daughter’s work ethic, saying “Charlotte is always up early and ready to get her workout in. She will never skip her training and is very devoted.” 

Bednar trusts herself to throttle back if she brings too much intensity to the run.

"(It) can sometimes get hard but if I get too tired I'll just let myself slow down," she said. "I kind of just do whatever and I don't worry about it too much.”

Her evolving PRs point to a go-by-feel approach that is most certainly working. 

In addition to running, Charlotte plays club lacrosse in the summer. She also enjoys staying active through activities such as hiking, biking, skiing and swimming. She also finds time to bake, spend time with friends, and go to the beach (Not all of her time on the sand is spent running). 

In the upcoming cross country season, Bednar is excited to get back into some competitive races and enjoy the sport that she has missed. Her early goals are based on time. Bednar says that she is hoping to complete some 5,000-meter courses in the "16 minute range.” 

Later in the season, Bednar is excited to return to national competition. After an eighth place finish in 2019 at Nike Cross Nationals, she could be a top contender this year.

“I would like to go to NXN and if I have the opportunity I'd love to try to go to Foot Locker as well, if that's possible,” she said. "I am feeling fit and ready for the fall.”

Her consistent improvement and impressive PRs in the recent track season suggest more success is on the way.