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Loneliness of the long-distance runner? If that’s not your bag – and that’s cool if it is – we’re here to remind you that some things really are better with friends. And that includes running. So, get your running posse together. The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Relay or Half-Marathon Relay are your entry into one of the biggest celebrations of running in the city. If you’re looking for that tipping point, trust us; you can do this!

No time to train? No problem!

We get it. You’re busy with work, kids, school, CrossFit, or that other thing you do that isn’t running. Finding time to train for a marathon or half marathon might not seem like it fits into your schedule. The good news is relays shorten the training time required or downright eliminate it. With even a very basic level of fitness, most anyone can get ready to cover a 3-to-5-mile relay leg in just a few weeks.

Push yourself. Or don’t.

Got fast friends? Good for you! Get them together and flat out crush the competition or just see how quickly you can cover the distance. Or don’t! Relays are an honest-to-goodness “no pressure” environment if you want them to be. Have fun, enjoy the experience, wear costumes, ruck it… totally your call. Relays are also a great opportunity if injury sets back your training, or you just don’t want to miss out on the fun. FOMO, anyone?

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Relays are an actual factual shared experience. And not in a “misery loves company” kind of way. You’ll get to skip the “sweaty van” thing, but there’s coordination, communication, and – depending on how you want to roll – a healthy dose of comedic relief involved. If relay running delivers on anything, it almost always nets a few good stories. Ah, memories…

Cash in on your hard-earned fitness.

Did you or will you run a marathon this fall? Did your “A” race not work out as planned? Or maybe you’re just one of those runners who’s always sitting on “ready.” Doesn’t matter. Running a relay is a great way to capitalize once more on all the work you put in leading up to another event. Might as well get the most from it.

And you can (kinda) check one off the old bucket list.

If a marathon or half marathon is one of those boxes you’ve wanted to check, here’s your chance. A relay also gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the entire experience. Heck, we’re pretty sure it’ll inspire you to want to tackle your distance of choice solo. And if not, that’s fine, too. You’ll have earned bragging rights and a finishers’ medal for your part in the team effort. Good for you!

One last thing. The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon relay and half marathon relay are also the most cost-effective ways to bring your friends together for the fun and the run. And yes, you’ll still all get medals, event shirts, post-race goodies, and beers. What’s not to like about that? Registration is open at thecharlottemarathon.com

 

Planning an event that has something for everyone is tough, just ask anyone who’s thrown a party of any kind. There’s a lot to think about from planning, food, and drinks, ordering supplies, and booking entertainment, and getting people to RSVP.

Putting on the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon weekend is a lot like throwing a party. Toss in the logistics to manage thousands of runners, volunteers, and spectators, a 13.1 or 26.2 mile route that has to be smoothly connected, street closures, police protection, weather, safety, and traffic… it becomes a massive undertaking.

Tim Rhodes, the director of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon (previously called Thunder Road Marathon) since its inception in 2005, can certainly attest to that. He is wholly invested in making Charlotte’s only full marathon and the events that go along with it — including a 5K, a half marathon and relay, and a marathon relay– better for everyone. That’s why he took out all of the hills in this year’s course and made it pancake flat.

That last part isn’t really going to happen.

“It’s called uptown for a reason; it’s the highest point in Charlotte.  If we want to finish up there, we’ve got to get there and that involves some hills,” he says. Though by going back to the drawing board this year, Rhodes and his team, “wanted to be more responsive to comments about the hills and try to reduce the impact of them along the course as best we could.”

What else has changed in the courses in 2021?  The half will have runners spend more time in neighborhoods than on busy streets. “That’s much better,” added Rhodes. “You can’t beat running under tree-lined streets with neighbors who come out of their homes to cheer on runners.”

The half marathon, which shares a route with the full marathon for the first 12.8-ish miles, also goes through Latta Park in Dilworth, one of the most active, historical and beautiful neighborhoods around. And this year, the half marathon also includes a relay.

“We want to keep it all interesting and fun for runners,” says Rhodes, who has been through a few variations of the course over the years. “We usually have about double the amount of runners doing the half than we do the full. When you’re running with a pack of three and two of them split off to finish the half and there’s one still going for the full… we want that runner to have a great experience in that back half of the course.”

Two of the biggest changes between miles 13.1 and 26.2 are the addition of Little Sugar Creek Greenway and portions of out-and-back. Usually, runners are pretty spread out at mile, say, 18.  It’s tougher to run if you’re all alone on a stretch of street when you’re tired.  Rhodes took that into consideration when tweaking the route at that point.  “Out-and-backs are just more fun. You get to see other runners and have some interaction, maybe give some encouragement.”

Out-and-backs also allow for a reduction of resources, something about which Rhodes is very cognizant. “We have a great partnership with CMPD and Park and Recreation and we want to be mindful of the effect we have on our police force.”

The full course keeps the lively neighborhoods of NoDa and Plaza Midwood, where people have been known to offer runners more than just Gatorade.

Both races still finish uptown, among the beautiful buildings that make up our skyline, That scene is worth the climb to get there.

Rhodes is most looking forward to seeing the people that make this event so great: he wants to say “good job” and congratulate you and celebrate your accomplishment. He wants to see your smile. He wants to hear your feedback on how he and his team can help make the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon events more inclusive, more fun for everyone.

This party is happening on November 13 and you are cordially invited. Registration and more info are available at runcharlotte.com Note: Want to see the course in person before then? Take part in one or both of these preview runs!

COURSE PREVIEWS:

10/23/21:  The Run Far Program will host a preview of the first half.  

10/30:  The Run Far Program will host a preview of the second half of the marathon course.  

For both (10/23 and 10/30) we will meet at BB&T baseball field on S Mint. at 6:15 am.  Both will have pace groups and 10-mile options. You do not need to be a member of Run Far to participate. 

 

 

The “Dog Days of Summer” are now behind us, and the heat is giving us a break as we head into fall — a perfect time to start the “Dog Days of Running.” We know not every dog loves to run with their owners, but if you have one suited to a few miles on a leash, they can be a great running companion and accountability partner, to boot.

We talked to Dr. Tom Watson, a veterinary orthopedic and soft tissue surgeon at Carolina Veterinary Medical Hospital, about how to safely run with dogs. In addition to being a well-known veterinarian and a regular on many local media outlets, Dr. Watson is also an avid runner and ‘dad’ to numerous rescue pups over the years.

“Your dog will be the most loyal running partner you’ve ever had,” Dr. Watson reminds us. “It’s a good thing, promotes bonding between dog and owner, offers exercise, and it’s fun!” He shared both his professional and personal experience with us to make sure you keep your doggo safe while you get your miles in.

Weather

Too hot? Too cold? It may not be a good time to take your pup along. In summers, hot pavement can burn dogs’ pads, even though their feet are tougher than ours. If you wouldn’t consider running more than a few feet barefoot, or placing your hand on the pavement for more than a few seconds, then your dog shouldn’t either. And don’t forget the sheer misery of that fur coat they’re wearing: “Dogs can’t sweat,” says Dr. Watson. “They have to pant to dissipate heat.”

Think about it, if you couldn’t breathe fast enough to get air and stay cool, how far would you continue to run? You’d probably pull over under a tree for a few minutes, and your pup should too. “Dogs can be struggling, but they’re going to do everything they can to keep up with you,” says Dr. Watson. Don’t make them choose — they want to be with you, so run in the early mornings or on shaded trails when the sun shines brightest.

The cold weather can be a shivering experience for a dog with short hair, too. If you have a thin-skinned (or furred) dog, consider getting them a well-fitted coat. And while some breeds, like Huskies, are suited to running in snow, check their feet — ice can get compacted between their toes and cause problems. It might be worth the investment to get them booties (which are also very cute). Also be sure to rinse their paws when you get home in case there are salt or chemicals on the road.

Breed

All dogs love to play, but not all are built for running. Dogs with short legs are meant for short distances — not marathon training. Take them on your warm-up walks and finish with a short jog down the block before you go on your long run. Also, dogs with “smushed faces” — called brachycephalic — are adorable and loving pets, but not well-suited for running because of their breathing mechanism. Stick to playing fetch with these cuties like bulldogs and pugs.

So what IS a good breed?

“For the average runner, the longer-legged the dog, the better,” says Dr. Watson. Labs, Goldens, Huskies, Dalmatian, and shepherds are just a few breeds that usually make good running companions. Greyhounds, known for speedy sprints, usually do not, FYI. And note that even if the breed is one that generally makes a good running companion, dogs’ personalities can be like people’s — some would simply rather stay home and watch Netflix than bolt out the door at 5 a.m. with you. You know your dog best!

Build Up Gradually

You didn’t run marathons as a toddler, did you? (Though your mother may have stories about your sprints!) Then don’t expect a puppy to run 5 miles on his first trip out the door. Spend those first months going for walks together, building strength and endurance, and especially, WORKING ON MANNERS. A dog with bad manners will make a bad running companion if it darts for every squirrel, cat, and fellow runner on the route, or is constantly tripping you. You can throw in a block or two of running with each walk until they can follow you for more.

“Wait until they’re 6 months, at least, before you do some longer running,” says Dr. Watson. This helps their bone and muscle development as well as those all-important manners. You don’t want to create an early injury that plagues them for years, so start slow. “A smaller pup can go 5 to 10 minutes at most.” From there, add a little running at a time — walk, slow jog, moderate jog, back to a walk. If they can stop, sit, and stay on command, you can take off again. Dogs generally reach adulthood at a year, so leave serious running until then.

“When your dog starts lagging, or they stop and sit down, they’ve had too much,” says Dr. Watson. “That’s how they say I’m done. Read the room, know your pet.”

Hydrate!

Don’t let your dog drink a gallon of water before a run, because that can cause a life-threatening condition called bloat. (This applies to food, too — don’t let them eat before running, either.) Instead, bring a water bottle so they can drink out of your hand or a collapsible cup if they start panting excessively. You can also build your route around water fountains, ( https://runcharlotte.com/water-fountain-map/ ) or stash a gallon or two of water on your route ahead of time. Dr. Watson says a run of 45 minutes or less should be fine — just make sure plenty of clean water is available when you get home.

Warm Up, Cool Down

Just like you need a stretch before you run, your dog can use one too. They may not do lunges (though that would be funny!), but a warm-up walk is a great way to stretch their legs and get them ready for something faster. There are even ways to stretch your dog’s legs and massage his muscles to get him rolling out the door more safely.

After your run, make sure you cool down adequately. That means walking until your heart rate comes down and your dog’s panting slows a little. And again, WATER! They need it and so do you. If they seem hot, pour a little over their heads to cool them, but don’t send them into a cold tub or a pool too quickly.

“If a dog seems overheated, a sudden cool down can be dangerous,” says Dr. Watson. “It can send them into shock.” Let them cool gradually as they drink water, and give them a little massage while you do your cool-down stretches.

Other considerations:

Your leash – Don’t use the retractable kind. Dr. Watson says he’s seen more than one dog who darted into traffic and got hit by a car. Instead, use a fixed-length leash, no more than 6 feet long. For a very well-behaved dog, a nylon choker-type cord is lightweight and can be taken off and easily carried in areas where it is safe and legal, with no other people or dogs around. Remember, if you let your dog run off-leash, he has to be exceptionally trained to come when called the first time, even with distractions.

Age – We all get a little slower at a certain age, and dogs are no different. Your running buddy will always try to keep up, even when he shouldn’t. “If he’s slowing down, or has trouble going up and down stairs and in and out of cars,” says Dr. Watson, “you know he’s not the same as he used to be.” That’s a tough reality when it hits, for pets or for people. If he starts lagging behind, give him a break. And some days, like all of us, he’s just not feeling it. Time to turn around and head home.

Pee Breaks – If you don’t like stopping for them (the dog’s, not yours), make sure there’s ample opportunity to “go” before you say “go” on that run. And don’t forget to bring bags for the poops — and please dispose of them properly! No one wants to see your poop bag. If you don’t feel like carrying it, make sure you leave it where you can pick it up on the way back. Some neighborhoods and greenways even have trash cans.

Check with Your Vet – It’s always good to ask your vet if your dog is a good candidate for running. If your dog is overweight, it’s worth looking into a better diet along with exercise to get them in better shape.

All that said, enjoy your run together!

Fall racing and events are back in Charlotte and we’re here FOR it. If it’s been a minute since you’ve lined up at a real, live starting line or it’s your very first go-round, welcome. Or welcome back!

You can’t control the weather, but having a great race day plan can make your experience that much better. We believe in learning from the best, so we tapped into the expertise of the local Charlotte running community for these tips to help you prep like a pro!

Remember to breathe
This is a good one to remember, you know, in general. Sometimes in a high anxiety environment, our breathing can become shallow and rapid. Try to take some deep breaths, keep your cool. Here are a few to try to calm those nerves. 

Carry water during your training
You don’t want any surprises on race day. If you hate carrying a handheld, it’s important to know that before you line up. By carrying what you need, you take out the crowded water stops during the race.

Practice your fuel and hydration on long runs
Not only is it important to know how you’re going to get your water and nutrition during your race, you want to know what works for you. Some gels, bars, or gummies can wreak havoc on your GI tract– that would be highly beneficial to know before you go for a PR at your A race.

Negative splits yield the best results
The hope for all races is that you can speed up or at least maintain your goal pace during the second half of the race. That’s called a negative split, which means you’re feeling good enough to speed it up a little when it counts.

Pee before
Who likes to run with a full bladder? No one. Use those porta potties with pride, and don’t forget the hand sanitizer.

Dial in those playlists
Have multiple running playlists ready to go so you don’t get tired of listening to the same music.Good tunes can make the run speed by or at least take the edge off. Just remember to always be aware of your surroundings and turn down the volume enough to be able to hear those around you. You never know when someone could yell at you that you missed a turn and are going the wrong way!

Stress less, sleep more
Before your big race, make sure to turn down your stress and get some good sleep and nutrition. Two nights before is the most important sleep. Stress impacts our mind and body in ways that can affect our training and racing. Keep it as low as you can — nerves can serve a purpose with some adrenaline at the start, but losing sleep over an event is never a positive.  Some tips for getting a good night’s sleep can be found here.

Nothing new on race day
It’s not good to find out on race day that those shorts you bought specifically for the race actually chafe or the new socks give you blisters. Use the old standbys — your lucky underwear needs you! — and save the shiny new things for a practice run.

Don’t be that person
Most all events have chip timing. If you’re new to the running events thing, that means no matter where you start in the group, the clock on your start and finish time doesn’t begin until you cross the start line. So need to push anyone out of the way or trip anyone to get in front of them. Seriously; that can get downright dangerous. And like that one guy says, “fast people line up front, good-looking people toward the rear.” Figure out where you fit into the mix.

HAVE FUN!
This may be the most important tip of all. Remember: we GET to do this, folks. Enjoy the ride!

There are plenty of events at which to sharpen your pre-race routine between now and November’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon weekend. Check out our race calendar here: https://runcharlotte.com/lets-run/

What’s your best pre-race tip? Share it with us at ed@runcharlotte.com

If you’ve ever had to take your child to the hospital — especially in an emergency — you know how scary it can be for you and for them. Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is proud of the fact that proceeds from the annual event help some of the most vulnerable members of our community find comfort at that unsettling time.

The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has donated nearly $200,000 to the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital child life program since 2014, including a $37,732 donation in 2019. During the past year, the marathon’s donations supported two big projects aimed at families of children in the hospital’s care.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Caroline’s Corner is an extension of the kind of care families receive at Ronald McDonald House during a child’s hospital stay. The 1,100-square-foot space has comfortable seating, work stations, and even showers for family members who don’t want to leave the hospital when their little ones are receiving care.

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a place of respite for families, where they can do laundry, shower, or cook a meal if they need to,” says Jessica Osborn, a Hemby Children’s Hospital Ambassador and new mom herself. “We’ve been enjoying watching our families utilizing that space.”

The Family Room is an extension of a quiet place John and Ginny Comly had envisioned for Hemby’s pediatric staff in honor of their daughter Caroline. Caroline had unexpectedly passed away from bacterial meningitis in 2018 when she was just an infant, and her family wanted to create a place where her name would be remembered. The new Ronald McDonald Family Room enlarges the space in Caroline’s Corner for families with children in the unit.

The other project is renovation of an indoor-outdoor playground into a magical place “under the sea.” The new Blume Family Playground recognizes that “play is the work of children” and allows them to learn and grow through fun experiences. It also gives children and their families a chance to take a break from the stress of being in the hospital.

The 3,971-square-foot updated playground, located right at the hospital’s entrance, has a colorful collection of sea creatures as climbing and musical toys, with a pirate ship (everyone’s favorite!) as a centerpiece of the floor. Lights on the ceiling evoke bubbles on the surface of a calming blue sea above. The space honors 5-year-old Sherri Blume, who received care for a brain tumor at the hospital more than 50 years ago, in 1967. Sherri’s family has kept in touch with her care team over the years and enjoys creating a fun legacy in her name. The playground upgrade has been in the works for a while, says Osborne.

“It’s just such a unique space we can offer the patients,” she says. “The opportunity to see your children play when you’re going through a tough time — I think it’s invaluable to parents. It’s helpful for parents to get to watch those moments.” Because the area is an indoor/outdoor space, families can enjoy fresh air on the playground while being protected from the elements.

The “under the sea” theme also extends to another Charlotte Marathon-supported part of Presbyterian Hospital, outside of Hemby — the radiology suite. While children can receive most of their care at Hemby Children’s Hospital, their radiological tests occur in a separate unit over in the main hospital — so the Novant Health Foundation brought a little bit of the fun to them over there.

“We outfitted a room to be an “under the sea” theme — with an MRI cover and mural on the wall,” says Osborn. “We created beautiful places that make this space less scary.” The MRI cover makes the machine look like a pirate ship, and even adults getting MRI’s love it! VR goggles allow patients to slip their minds into a different place, where they can play games, meditate, or do visualization.

More projects are in the works for 2021 and beyond, as pediatric staff work tirelessly under the extreme conditions brought on by COVID-19. The Delta variant of the virus is affecting more children than the initial strain, and staff is working non-stop to care for each little patient.

In 2022, Hemby Children’s Hospital will break ground on expansions of their NICU and clinics for their Hematology and Oncology patients (cancer and blood diseases). The NICU unit will add 12 new patient beds, lactation rooms for moms and babies, family restrooms, and enhanced staff areas. The pediatric cancer center will expand its clinic space, double the number of clinical labs, and give families areas to rest while patients are receiving treatment.

“One of the things that makes Hemby special is the incredible, skilled team members that can provide great care, but it’s also small enough to provide intimate care to our patients,” says Osborn. The clinical team passes along suggestions to let the Child Life Team, administration, and foundation know “what areas need a little love.”

The result is child- and patient-centered areas to ease the stress of a hospital visit like the new and renovated areas above, along with a teen room, indoor play area, and arts and crafts, toys, and movies.

“Watching our team members rise to the occasion is a pretty special thing to witness,” says Osborn. “It shows the true passion they have for their patients.”

After all, caring for children is like a marathon – not a sprint. Your participation in the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon events helps fuel that journey.

To donate to projects at Hemby Children’s Hospital, sign up for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon! Or go to SupportNovantHealth.org, and choose Hemby Children’s Hospital to determine where your gift will be spent.