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It’s hard to really read Spring around the Carolinas. It is truly a season of many smaller seasons. Sandwiched somewhere between “Third Winter” and “Actual Spring,” is the season colloquially, if not meteorologically known as, “The Pollening.” Stop us if you’ve heard this one.

While it’s hard to pin it to an exact start time, one thing’s for sure; newcomers and natives alike will recognize it immediately, when its yellow-green hallmark blankets any and everything that isn’t in constant motion. And even that stuff will get a decent dusting. Runners know it from the itchy eyes, stuffy noses, sneezing and wheezing that pollen allergies can bring on.

Like some of us, Mike Cooke says he would avoid trail running if his allergies were too bad on a given day, and run somewhere else, or on his treadmill, to stay away from the pollen. “If it’s race day and there’s no way around it,” he adds, “I’ll throw on a nasal strip and hope for the best. They can give a little extra airflow, while also looking very cool, and not at all nerdy.”

Tracy Dean says she never had allergies living in Upstate New York. “Once I moved to the Carolinas they kicked in,” she says, “and some days are worse than others, especially with the pollen.”

Yes, the very trees that will make August and September remotely bearable force us pay up front for the privilege. Blowing, drifting pollen is an annual sufferfest that all of Zevon’s lawyers, guns, and money couldn’t spare you from. But if you play it smart, you can make the best of allergy season and keep your running and training on pace.

Running Through Spring Allery Season

• Know what’s out there. It’s easy to keep track of pollen counts on your phone, with apps from The Weather Channel, My Pollen Count, Allergy Alert, and others.
• Timing is everything. If you can, run later in the morning or in the afternoon when pollen counts are usually lower.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses. The hat’s brim and your sunnies can keep allergens out of your eyes and off your face.
• Keep it indoors. These treadmill workouts to keep it fresh. Or use high pollen count days for strength training, yoga, or other indoor workouts.
• Shower and change. After outdoor runs, shower and change as soon as you can. That will get pollen and other allergens off your skin, hair, and clothes.

Check out more on how to Run Through Spring Allergies Like a Pro 

“You should never let allergies stop you from doing things you want to do,” says Dr. Puja Rajani, a Novant Health Pediatric Allergy & Immunology Specialist. There are ways to get relief, he adds; starting with over-the-counter treatments, to natural or holistic treatments, neti pots and nasal rinses, to prescriptions and allergy shots.

It’s also important to remember that your allergies may change over time, says Dr. Keith Anderson is a family medicine and sports medicine practitioner at Novant Health. He’s also a runner, triathlete, and medical director for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. What worked last year may not work as well – if at all — this season. But you don’t need to suffer. When in doubt, as your doctor to develop an allergy treatment protocol that’s right for you.

Most of us probably wouldn’t say we’re fans of needles. The recent frequency of flu and COVID vaccines aside, needles aren’t on most folks’ want-to-do list. So who’s signing-up for more needles in the form of acupuncture or dry needling? The short answer: athletes of all types, and even everyday folks, in search of drug-free relief, routine body maintenance, and general well-being.

The Team at Greenapple Sports and Wellness provides both types of therapy – acupuncture and dry needling. We asked Doctors Doug Bradberry and Eric Goodman five questions to satisfy the interested, skeptical, or just plain curious.

1. For starters, how are dry needling and acupuncture similar?

The application of both is very similar. Both techniques use the same needles and may even target the same spots. Using needles is a much different way of stimulating tissues compared to other techniques that may use tools or someone’s hands. This specific type of stimulation, deep into the muscle, can make a stubborn problem spot disappear. It’s a way to trigger the body to respond to an area that just can’t be accomplished any other way.

2. How do these therapies differ?

Acupuncture treats the body as a whole by balancing the body’s energy levels. Energy, or Qi, is responsible for life and can become stagnant or too excited. If it’s stagnant, it needs be tonified, or sped up. If it’s too excited, it needs to be sedated, or slowed down. Different diseases or dysfunctions in our bodies may be caused by these different states of energy. Acupuncture helps to establish a balance in our Qi.

Dry needling is a form of myofascial release, with similar effects as massage, Active Release Technique (ART), Graston Technique, or cupping. The goal of dry needling is to release a tight muscle or trigger point and promote blood flow which can assist in the healing process. It does not necessarily correct the cause of muscle tightness (which can be discussed in a separate conversation) but can be a powerful tool in providing relief for over worked, tight, sore muscles.

3. When is dry needling used v acupuncture?

We recommend acupuncture when a patient is suffering from a systemic issue, such as insomnia, stress, anxiety, allergies, etc. We use dry needling more for musculoskeletal conditions like sprains, strains, muscle pain, tightness, trigger points, etc.

Acupuncture and dry needling may stimulate the same spot on the body with the same needle, but the reason to stick the needle there is different. Dry needling is driven by symptoms and more modern exam finding. Dry needling practitioners will also manipulate the needle during the treatment by either twisting the needle in the muscle or “pistoning” the needle up and down to get more stimulation to the area.

4. Are there any risks associated with this type of therapy?

There is very little risk when acupuncture and dry needling are applied appropriately by a skilled provider. Knowing the anatomy and using the right length of needle is important, as is using a sterile needles to minimize the risk of infection at the site. Some patients may experience some bruising, which typically subsides in just a few days.

5. What does it feel like to undergo one of these therapies?

There is very little, if any, pain with these treatments. The anticipation of needles being used is typically the worst part. When you do feel anything, it is usually a small pinch when the needle is set in the skin. When the needle is pushed deep into the muscle there can be an achy sensation. When a therapeutic point is stimulated, there can be a twitch response or a small spam of the muscle.

Yeah, we know running has more to do with perseverance and grit, or sometimes just getting out of the house and taking those first few steps. But even if you’re a master of motivation and self-discipline, there’s life, injury, illness, or other issues and distractions that can keep you from getting in those miles. We’ve all been there. And when you’re in that groove, your playlist hits that perfect song, and the breeze is at your back… you know you’re lucky to be a runner.

This year’s class of Novant Heath Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors is one lucky group, too. Arguably, this Team sure have the right perspective on their running.

Mike Cooke
I’m lucky to be a runner because injury took it away from me for 3 months. It’s a gift being able to head out the door with just your legs to carry you, no matter how much “better” I wish it was, it’s better than not being able to run at all. Too many people take it for granted. @CLTNATIVEAGAIN

Sandy Johnson
As a runner, I see our city from a different perspective (literally). Being on foot, I get to see a lot of the little things that can go unnoticed as they flash by when inside a car. The world seems a more calm and human place when you have the time to look around and connect with nature. You can go down paths that drivers don’t even know exist. I’m lucky because running feels like a key to a secret garden I didn’t know I needed, and would never have found otherwise.  @dagr8sandarina

Deanna Nichole
Running has its ebbs and flows, for me when I’m feeling a struggle I remind myself I’m lucky to have my legs to run. #traumasurvivor @deannanichole78

Tracy Dean
I’m lucky to be a runner and a healthy female. Running out in nature gives me a sense of gratitude. Running is not for everyone but for me it allows me to gain so much energy and focus.  There is nothing like the feeling you get when you complete a run whether it be long or short, crossing the finish line or gaining yet another medal.  @tracy_dean76

Josh Rhodes
I’m lucky to be a runner because it has taught me self-discipline, dedication and accountability. Now that I have been a dedicated runner, these traits have transferred over to my professional work life and personal life as well, too. Very lucky for that @cruisinmountainrhodes

Tia Smith
I’m lucky to be a runner because I still have the ability to move my body and push it to the limits. I know so many people wish they could, and I never want to take this for granted. @tiasmith_tri

David Small
I’m lucky to be a runner because there are plenty of people that don’t have the ability to walk let alone run! Running gives me the opportunity to push my body to its limit and in the process motivate others to move more and explore new heights in regards to their own physical fitness. @davidbanter

Alex Nikoukary
I’m lucky to be a runner because it takes me to new destinations. I am able to explore Charlotte and meet lots of new people! @anikoukary3

Anthony Cortina
I’m lucky to be a runner because it has opened me up to a great community of people from all parts of the city I live in!  @aj2cortina

Lili Haus
I’m lucky to be a runner because it allows me to connect with a supportive and welcoming community no matter where I am. @lilizards_

Brooke Shepard
I’m lucky to be a runner because it’s brought so many opportunities. The connection with the running community has been all great experiences. Most importantly running helps me take care of my health! @runnerbnc21

Jessica Carranti
I’m lucky to be a runner because I have an able body. I see patients daily that wish they could just STAND UP or WALK! Mobility and strength is a gift from God, and it should not be taken for granted. @jessica_carranti

Jonathan Landi
I’m lucky to be a runner because after getting hit by a car I didn’t think it would happen again. But here we are, still a work in progress but enjoying every step of the way. @corredor.champloo

Meg Taylor
Every time I run, I feel so incredibly fortunate to be able to move my body in this way.

As far as prevention goes, running is pretty good medicine. Study after study shows runners are at less likely to die from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, and cancer. But just because you’re logging the minutes and the miles isn’t a guarantee you’ll enjoy a lifetime of optimal health. Granted, it sure ups your odds, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on routine screenings that can go even further toward that whole goal of long term good health.

Yes, that includes screening for colorectal cancer and that dreaded colonoscopy. More on that in a minute…

Philip Sanford was in high school when his mom was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. She was just 41. As a grown-up, a runner, and an advocate, Sanford’s picked up the cause his mother was unable to continue. He’s been to Capitol Hill to lobby for better outcomes. He’s also the local director for Charlotte’s colon cancer awareness run, the “Get Your Rear in Gear” 5k.

“There’s a reluctance to getting screened,” Sanford told John Carter on WBTV. There are still gaps in insurance as to who can be screened at what age – and that’s one of the biggest things we do at the local level, is to get people in front of a doctor and get a colonoscopy or a non-invasive FIT test.”

Bottom line, no pun intended, testing for colorectal cancers saves lives. Judy Caswell is proof of that. Before her diagnosis, she ignored the signals her body was trying to share. She waited nearly four years before she finally went to the doctor. Thankfully, it wasn’t too late.

“If your body feels ‘off,’ cramping, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, bleeding… DO NOT attribute it to just running or working out too hard,” warns Caswell. “Colorectal cancer shows up in young people! Get it checked out!”

Yes, there are factors that raise your risk for colorectal cancers, like family history, or certain digestive disorders, like Crohn’s Disease. Obesity, diets high in red meat and processed foods and lower in fruits and vegetables, and smoking and drinking are also contributors.

African Americans are also disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, they’re about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer, and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other racial or ethnic groups.

But to Caswell’s point; age, lifestyle, and activity level don’t automatically exclude you from the risk group.

The good news and bad news about screening

The overall mortality rate for colorectal cancer continues to drop. Through awareness, events, messaging, and people’s openness to talking about their own diagnosis; more people are being screened. Technology continues to improve that catches and removes smaller, potentially precancerous polyps earlier. And when colorectal cancers are caught earlier, the survival rate is near 90%.*

The bad news is only about 4 out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage. And, let’s be brutally honest here. Most people are still reluctant to jump right into a procedure that involves such a personal space—even if it could save their lives. And everyone has heard the horror stories of colonoscopy prep.

But take heart. Mercifully, this part of the process has improved, too.

And what about running and my risk for colorectal cancer?

The web is chock-full of articles, studies, and citations that confirm what your doctor, your gym teacher, and your mom, have always said: exercise is just good plain good for you.

And you don’t have to be an Olympian to reap the cancer-fighting benefits of regular running. “Any amount of running,” as at least one study concluded, “even just once a week, is better than no running**”

But Sanford is quick to remind us, that doesn’t mean runners are bulletproof.

“The main thing I wish runners knew is that colorectal cancer is what I’d call an equal opportunity cancer,” he added. “You can be young, in great shape, and still get it. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor and encourage a referral to a gastroenterologist.”

*Source: American Cancer Society

** Pedisic Z, Shrestha N, Kovalchik S, Stamatakis E, Liangruenrom N, Grgic J, Titze S, Biddle SJ, Bauman AE, Oja P. Is running associated with a lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality, and is the more the better? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2020 Aug;54(15):898-905. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100493. Epub 2019 Nov 4. PMID: 31685526.