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Charlotte —  More runners, more partners, and more ways to contribute added up to an even bigger check from this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Event organizers, partners, and friends presented Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital with a check for $102,150 – the largest so far!

Media from today’s check presentation at the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/epf7il66jui4ymo/AAAKemmc4sHssSlOGnAOaDnKa?dl=0

“We’ve always aimed for this event to be about so much more than running,” said Tim Rhodes, RunCharlotte president and Race Director of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “Our runners, our sponsors and partners prove that every year.”

“Part of our mission with the marathon has always been to connect participants, sponsors, and partners with something larger than a single-day event,” said Mark Richardson, partner in the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “As we’ve grown, so has their role in creating a lasting impact on the lives of the families and community served through Hemby Children’s Hospital.”

Along with partner and sponsor contributions, the event introduced Team Hemby for 2022. This new opportunity made it easier for individuals and teams to raise direct donations for Novant Hemby Children’s Hospital.

“The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon continues to unite, inspire and serve the greater Charlotte community we call home,” said Katie Spizzirri, chief philanthropy officer, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation. “Since our partnership began in 2014, participants and donors have generously contributed to fund key projects that support, encourage and treat our youngest patients at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. As a parent, I’m continually reminded that this purpose-driven marathon provides a truly life-changing investment in the health of our patients and their families.”

Nearly 6,000 participants took to Charlotte’s streets for the November 12 running of the marathon, half marathon, 5k, rucking, and relay events. Rhodes says this return to pre-pandemic registration levels points to the growing enthusiasm for the event.

“We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to make this presentation,” added Rhodes. “This check represents the contributions made by many in both time and dollars.”

The 2023 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, November 4. Registration is open for all events at:  https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Charlotte/CharlotteMarathon

 About RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

RunCharlotte is Charlotte’s home for the resources, inspiration, and experiences to guide you along your running journey, with more than 25 years of experience producing, promoting, timing, and scoring events of all types. Since 2005, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has capped the local road racing season. The event, its participants and partners have contributed nearly than $350,000 to support programs at Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital.

Event website: https://thecharlottemarathon.com

Media contact: DC Lucchesi dc@well-runmedia.com 704-577-8459

Running truly is a gift. (Ask any runner who’s been forced to take some time off, right?) In Charlotte, there are a number of ways to pay that gift forward. Here’s our updated list, starting with programs for local youth.

Your Local Public School’s Athletic Program

Your local school likely has underfunded cross-country and track programs, and you need your dollars to share the sport with marginalized kids. Simply contact the school of choice and ask about a booster club or foundation for the athletic department!

CMS Athletics site (with schools): CMS Athletics – Charlotte

Girls on the Run

The earlier we can teach girls to be active and healthy, the more likely they are to make good habits that last a lifetime. Girls on the Run, founded in Charlotte, became a national phenomenon based on this premise. The popular afterschool program offers the opportunity and encouragement girls need to learn about inner strength, confidence, and their own health and fitness at a crucial age. GOTR teaches skills of character, care, and self-reliance through running.

To give: https://www.gotrgreaterclt.org/Support-Us

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2022/05/03/gotr-2022/

Let Me Run

If you’ve heard of Girls on the Run, you may know there is a similar group for boys called Let Me Run. A new, reformulated-for-the-times curriculum addresses boys’ emotional needs brought on by the pandemic, in addition to its traditional format of challenging the “Boy Code.” The non-profit program, also founded in Charlotte and growing nationwide, encourages boys in 4th through 8th grade to be healthy, build relationships, and live active lifestyles with skills learned through running and positive communication.

To give: Let Me Run Donations | LetMeRun.org

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2022/11/22/jesse-smith/

Cross Country for Youth

Cross Country for Youth introduces young people to cross-country and character-building concepts with twice-a-week training. The non-profit for 9- to 14- year-olds (4^th – 8^th grades) teaches endurance, flexibility, and character development through group runs, stretching, and focused talks about Integrity, Respect, Sportsmanship, Responsibility, Perseverance, Teamwork, Commitment, Courage, Discipline and Leadership.

To Give: Cross-Country For Youth

More Than Miles

Founded by our friends at Mad Miles, this new nonprofit 501(c)(3) aims to build and strengthen community. Their three pillars of focus are to provide resources to the community, promote educational advancement, and encourage acts of service.

Their More Than Miles scholarship was created to provide collegiate students the opportunity to develop professionally and socially while highlighting the importance of community in building successful networks.

To Give: https://www.madmilesrunclub.com/morethanmiles

Running Works

Running can have a transformative effect on people’s lives, and RunningWorks proves this where the rubber – pardon the pun – meets the road. This nonprofit continues to adjust its programs to give Charlotte’s homeless population an avenue to take control of their lives, with life skills learned through mentoring and the health and wellness of running. They can always use volunteers and donations!

To give: https://runningworks.org/donate/

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/11/02/matt-sharp-2/

Samaritan’s Feet

Samaritan’s Feet believes that a new pair of shoes can provide a tangible foundation of hope, and decrease the possibility of getting a foot-borne disease. Since its founding in 2003, this Charlotte-based non-profit and partners have distributed over 8 million pairs of shoes in 108 countries and over 440 U.S. cities.

To Give: Samaritans Feet

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2020/11/17/tracie-ohonme/

Black Men Run

Black Men Run is about more than just getting in the miles. This program aims to reverse negative health trends and increased health risks that plague Black males, by offering support and camaraderie through running. The organization’s mission is to encourage African American males to get out and be active. The Charlotte chapter of this national organization is active and open to all!

To give: Black Men Run: Home

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/11/09/gregory-washington/

Black Girls Run

Black Girls Run was launched in 2009 to encourage and motivate Black women to practice a healthy lifestyle, and to battle what the nonprofit calls the “growing obesity epidemic” in the African American community. The group is a fitness resources to get ALL women moving — regardless of race — and lower the number of women with chronic diseases associated with an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.

To give: BGR! Foundation

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/04/13/black-girls-run/

Para Guides

Running a marathon or taking part in other sports is a big enough challenge for most anyone. Now imagine you are training or competing with a visual impairment that doesn’t let you see the crowd or bumps in the road as clearly as the other athletes. Para Guides allows athletes with visual disabilities to train and compete in swimming, cycling, running, or group activities by pairing them with another athlete or coach who guides their way, even providing transportation if they have none.

To give: Blind Running | Para Guide | United States

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2019/09/03/shannon-houlihan/

Speed for Need

This nonprofit was created with inclusiveness in mind. Trained drivers (runners) share races with their special needs Track Commanders (riders) by pushing them in customized racing wheelchairs. Speed for Need has a mission to raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a special need, supported by the men of F3 Nation.

To Give: Speed for Need | Who Pushes Who?

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2019/07/23/kevin-young/

Hemby Foundation

The Hemby Foundation is the charitable entity that supports the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, beneficiaries of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. While not technically a running nonprofit, they work daily to protect and preserve the health of our children so they can grow strong and run someday!

To give: Support Hemby Children’s Hospital

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2022/08/02/betsy-zarzour-team-hemby/

‘Tis the season for giving thanks! With all of the stress and spending that comes with the holidays, it can be easy to forget what they are actually about. During the holiday season, we should spend time with friends and family, eat good food, and show appreciation for the things we are thankful for. Runners have got a lot to be thankful for, so we thought we’d help jumpstart your list with 7 Things Runners Are Thankful For.

New Pairs of Shoes

There’s nothing that can brighten up a day, or a run, like new shoes. When you lace up a pair for the first time you can feel every bit of the science that went into making them. It’s like the engineers from Hoka or Brooks (or your shoe brand) are pushing you forward with every step. If you’ve gotten new shoes this year you definitely have something to be thankful for. (Multiply thanks by # of shoes)

Signing up For Races

Who wouldn’t be thankful for the opportunity to show off the results of their training? Weeks and months of hard work, all for one day to give it everything you have. They also come with the added bonus of seeing friends and members of your running community, and probably a new t-shirt too!

Gaining and Maintaining Discipline

Running gives us a lot, including the discipline to accomplish tasks that aren’t easy. Finding the discipline to follow any running plan, especially for a long-distance race, is an achievement. This year runners can be thankful for the discipline they have gained through numerous easy runs, speed workouts, and long runs.

Making New Friends

When you need to clear your head a good solo run is perfect, but for your other runs grab a partner and attack the miles together. Better yet, join a run club and meet someone new that shares your love of the sport. Runners are grateful for the running partners they have as well as the new friends the sport has given them. Be sure to share this article with your running buddies!

Staying in Shape

Be thankful you’ve found a way to stay in shape and that you actually like! Your health is essential and being able to work towards and maintain a healthy body is absolutely something to be thankful for. Creating healthy habits can increase not only your quality of life but also extend your years. Be thankful for the health that comes from practicing the sport you love!

Getting to Push Limits

Running gives us the opportunity to push past what we thought was possible, which in turn helps us dream bigger. The only limits we have are those that we set for ourselves; but, running is a great way to break through those limits and set yourself free. If you continue to push your training in hopes of big results in the future, then we think you’ve got something to be thankful for.

A Great Sport To Love

Of course, we had to save the best for last, and it is pretty obvious… runners should be thankful for the ability to run. Beyond the PRs, new shoes, and anything else, just being able to put one foot in front of the other and move is something to be thankful for. Running is a great sport, it will challenge you, help you create healthy habits, and can also foster lifelong friendships. Just being able to run is quite a lot to be thankful for!

It’s the season of giving thanks and now that you’ve seen our list of things runners are thankful for, we challenge you to make your own. If you do, be sure to share it with us on social media by tagging @runcharlotte_ on Instagram and RunCharlotte on Facebook. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

The sun is going down early, and so are the temperatures. Late fall and winter can be difficult times for runners. If you run in the morning, it’s cold and dark. If you run in the evening, it’s cold and dark. And if you run during the day, you might not have a job when you come back. We can’t do too much about the sunrise and sunset, but we can help you combat the cold.

Low-Temperature Running

Low-temperature running could be anything from temperatures “lower than you are used to”, to temperatures below freezing. Whatever temperatures you are running in, it is important to make sure your running kit is up to the challenge. That means having gear for any type of weather.

>50°F

Between 50°F and 60°F is considered perfect weather for running. You can wear shorts and short sleeves, without the fear of being drenched in sweat or at risk of overheating. Enjoy these temps!

40°F to 50°F

Long sleeves with long running pants are your best bet for these runs.  You may consider wearing a jacket, but make it light. Depending on the length of your workout, you may be holding it at the end after you get too warm.

30°F to 40°F

Time to break out the running jacket, and winter accessories like gloves, ear warmers, and hats. Also keep your eyes peeled for black ice, it’s cold enough for water to freeze even if it isn’t currently snowing or raining. Remember that skipping a run is always preferable to getting injured so don’t overdo it.

20°F to 30°F

3 Heavy Layers! You should heavily consider a layer of tights or Under Armour under your long sleeve workout gear. On top of that, you should have a sweatshirt or fleece for added warmth. As an optional 4th layer try a wind-breaking jacket.

<20°F

Stay home…BUT, if you have to get a few more miles in, be warned that you will be very cold. You need to cover as much of your skin as possible to avoid injury, especially if you are running long distance. You should be in 4 layers minimum with 2 pairs of gloves, and a good hat that can keep heat from escaping through your head.

For a quick and easy guide checkout this graphic!

Overdressing or Underdressing

All this talk of the cold has probably got you feeling a bit chilly and on the search for something warmer, but that’s a good thing right? Overdressing is not something to shoot. Overheating on a run can be just as problematic as freezing, but both can be solved with layering.

Dressing in layers gives you the opportunity to reevaluate temps on the fly, taking things off and putting things on. That way you don’t have to stay uncomfortable on your runs. Layering gives you options and you’ll be happy to have them on your next run.

Conclusion

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder you don’t have to stop running. All you need to do is make sure that you are equipped to handle the temperatures that you face in your area. Outside of the extreme temperatures, being comfortable on a run is completely possible, as long as you have the right gear and the right attitude when you get out there on the road. Stay warm runners!

Your training has been right on the money. You are running every mile. Your nutrition and gear are locked in, and though they feel completely worn down, you know your legs are stronger than ever. But something strange is happening with your training plan. As you near the end of your training for a race, especially a long-distance race, you will notice that your mileage starts decreasing. Let’s talk about the taper.

What is Tapering?

Tapering is what we call the sharp decrease in mileage in the last 2-3 weeks of training before a race. For example, if at the height of your training you are running 40 miles per week, your tapering weeks may look very different at 7-12 miles. Each plan and runner will have a different taper, but they will all have a steep decrease in mileage for a period around 2-3 weeks. Believe it or not, this decrease in mileage will actually help you perform at your athletic peak on race day.

Tapering Science

The science behind tapering may be a little unintuitive for first time racers. When you are training and building up mileage your muscles are getting stronger and more efficient after every run. Which is of course the goal of training. So when we talk about tapering it seems like your legs would be getting weaker everyday, however that is not the case.

The assumption that you are getting stronger after every run is not exactly accurate. Today’s run is not what is making your muscles stronger. It is actually the runs from about 2-3 weeks ago that are adding to the overall strength of your muscles. When you take time off from heavy training right before your race you are not losing any of your muscle strength. Tapering also has the added benefit of reducing the chance for injury. Every extra mile that you run past what is suggested for your training is another opportunity for something to go wrong before race day. Now you know why we taper, but it can still be a trying time mentally even if you know the reasons behind it.

Staying Sane During Your Taper

Even with the knowledge of tapering and all of the science behind it, many runners will still find it difficult to complete their taper correctly. After months of training, you’ve most likely built up a bit of an addiction to long mileage, and it can be hard to pull back. There is also the nagging feeling that just one more mile of training could be the difference between hitting your goals or falling short.

What can you do when you are feeling the taper jitters?

• Use the time to rest physically and mentally
• Focus on staying healthy
• Take back your social life
• Remember that more miles doesn’t mean more fitness

Conclusion

Tapering is an essential part of every race plan regardless of your running experience. Giving your body a chance to rest and rebuild for 2-3 weeks before your race is essential to a great performance. Sports science tells us that you will not lose any fitness during this period, and the lower mileage drastically reduces your chance of injury. It can be difficult, but if you can stay on track with your taper you’ll be able to perform to the best of your ability on race day!