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Charlotte’s running club scene is huge. There’s not a day of the week – morning or evening – that you can’t catch a few miles, find community, or grab a coffee or beer with some like-minded folks. 

And it’s more than just the fitness-minded who are seeking out these groups. Folks moving to fast-growing cities like Charlotte are finding run clubs to be great ways to explore their new hometown, make new friends, and participate in a social setting that’s not a booze-soaked bar scene. There are 117 new neighbors in the Charlotte area every day. Not all of them are runners, but run clubs are an attractive, low-stakes hang for newcomers and natives alike. 

Many or even most runners may enjoy run clubs for the miles or the accountability that comes with a regularly-scheduled workout. And there’s no denying it’s easier to make a connection when you’ve got at least some sort of shared interest— like participating in the same run club every week. But can run clubs kindle the kind of sparks to fuel a romantic relationship? Like most things, it’s complicated.  

There’s lots to talk about on a 20 mile run

The pandemic brought us WFH life, remote or hybrid jobs, and arguably forever changed how we interact with each other during most of our waking (and working) hours. It also lit the fuse on a running boom that’s created unprecedented growth in running, races – and run clubs. Even while events remained on hold, were cancelled, or went virtual; running never “closed.” It was, and remains, an in-real-life opportunity to gather. 

Many runners find that social aspect of run clubs is just as rewarding as the physical benefits. Rebecca Greene is a Mad Miles run club regular and a Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador. Like others, she found running and run clubs during the pandemic.

“Joining other run clubs has taught me so much, and you meet people, which spices up your social and friend group a bit more,” Greene told us. For her, the connections made during these group runs are central to her experience. Green said she feels social media has made run clubs a new and popular option for folks looking to find more than friends. 

“People are trying to find other ways to find their ‘forever,’ and that’s OK,” she added. “But when I’m out there and I’m just trying to get in a run, I don’t want your number. I just want some Gatorade.” 

Lauren Tamberino has been active in Charlotte’s running and fitness community since 2010. Run clubs have helped her meet people and have led to some romantic opportunities. 

 “I feel like the fitness world in Charlotte is super small. You run into a lot of people,” Tamberino explained. “I’ve definitely dated a couple of people because of run clubs. Obviously, it didn’t work out, but I think it’s a great way to meet people… you have a lot of time to talk on a 20 mile run.”  

Billy Shue is a fixture in the Charlotte’s running scene. He’s seriously OG. Like, finding running and training partners on MySpace OG. For him, run clubs have been mostly about finding someone to train with. Shue is also a regular on the podium at area races. With his training schedule, it’s no surprise he’s connected with a few folks within the local running community who’ve become more than running buddies. 

“I’ve met people and I’ve dated a few that I’ve met through run clubs,” he said, emphasizing his own personal caution when it comes to dating within the running scene. “You’ve got to be careful — you don’t want to ruin the group dynamic.” 

For Shue, run groups and clubs have been a big part of his support network as a runner and his social circle. “I’ve been able to establish relationships with people I still counts among my best friends today.”

If I find someone, great… 

As you might expect, not every runner feels run clubs are an ideal setting for finding romance. That includes a runner we’ll call Mary Thornton, who agreed to our interview but didn’t want to use her real name. Thornton has been running around Charlotte for a few years, and recently added run clubs to her routine. She told us she feels dating shouldn’t be the goal of participating in run clubs, but she understand the attraction. 

“I think my generation and younger, we’re getting off the dating apps and we’re trying to find other spaces,” she said, “we’re not really drinking that much, and we’re seeking out other things to do that are more physical, like pickle ball, running, and tennis.”

Like Greene, she said social media has made run clubs and other activity-based options popular choices to meet people. She admits she’s “noticed” other runners she thought were cute, and has even asked friends if they had any scoop. It’s gone no further than casual conversation, and she’s fine with that. She’s content on letting a relationship develop on its own. 

That’s Shue’s approach now, too. “I go for the run and also the social thing, but that thought’s always in the back of my head,” he added. “You never know who you might meet.”

Tamberino echoed those sentiments, highlighting how the weight to find someone can often be self-imposed. “I think there’s pressure, especially for younger people. Society drives that pressure to find someone and settle down,” she said. Tamberino pointed out that she enjoys the community aspect of run clubs, and emphasized that she’s fine whether or not she finds a partner within the group. “If I find someone, great, but if I don’t, I’m just as happy.” 

Again, it’s complicated

Jackie Greco is a licensed mental health counselor at Sun Counseling and Wellness here in Charlotte. She regularly works with couples and others navigating the complexities of relationships and dating. 

“There’s a positive benefit to meeting through a group with some shared interest,” Greco said “when we’re talking about building connections and relationships, whether it’s for friendships or whether it’s for romantic relationships, shared interests and values are the very basis of any good, healthy relationship.”

Some runners are wary, other want no part, and others still are fully willing to embrace the possibility of finding more than friends through run clubs. After all, if you’re spending a significant amount of time (or miles) around the same people, there’s always the possibility that particular friendships could turn into something more. But again, it’s complicated. 

“There’s always the risk that a failed relationship could disrupt your participation or cause tension within the group,” Greco said. She reminded runners to be careful of their expectations and to weigh the potential fallout. 

That’s a point Tamberino touched on during our interview, too; recalling how after a brief romantic involvement with someone in run club, she felt the need to temporarily distance herself from the group. “I didn’t want to deal with it, even though no one knew about it. I just needed some space to let things settle.”

In the second part of our series, we’ll get into some success stories and cautionary tales from the Charlotte run club scene. 

# # # 

As accessible as your kitchen or the corner store, there’s probably no performance-enhancing substance more studied than caffeine. It’s pretty much the OG energy drink. Please tell us we’re not the only ones who remember the “Coffee Achievers” ad campaigns?? (We’ll wait here while you dig on this oh-so-80’s vibe.)

Regardless, we know we’re not starting the day without it, but we wanted to know if caffeine’s kick is all it’s cracked-up to be when it comes to running and endurance. We asked Dr. Ryan Stempniak, a family and sports medicine physician at Novant Health.

The Benefits of Caffeine for Runners

Caffeine is widely-recognized as an ergogenic aid, meaning it can enhance physical performance, Dr. Stempniak explains. “It can help people with decreased fatigue during their run and can improve performance even during shorter runs”. This makes caffeine an easy and popular choice for folks like runners and cyclists.

The effects of caffeine can last for some time in your system, too. “The half-life of caffeine is about 6 hours, so it stays in your system for about 6 to 12 hours,” Dr. Stempniak notes. This prolonged effect is something to keep in mind when planning your caffeine intake, especially for evening runs.

Timing Your Caffeine Intake

For optimal performance benefits, Dr. Stempniak recommends consuming caffeine, “45 minutes to an hour before running”. If you’re pressed for time, 30 minutes before your run can still be effective. However, be cautious with evening runs, as the lingering effects of caffeine might interfere with your sleep. And, caffeine can get your bowels moving, too. So plan accordingly.

How Much Caffeine Should Runners Consume?

The amount of caffeine in a typical cup of coffee ranges from 80 to 120 milligrams. Dr. Stempniak suggests that “you can do probably 2 cups of coffee, and you should be kind of around that 200 milligram dose”. This dosage has been shown to be effective for many runners.

It’s important to note that individual responses to caffeine can vary. Some runners may benefit from lower doses, while others might need more. Dr. Stempniak reminds us that you can become tolerant to caffeine, too. So if 200 milligrams isn’t working for you, it may be okay to increase to 300 milligrams. If you’re no longer getting that bump from caffeine, consider backing off a bit, then getting back on the sauce. 

Coffee vs. Energy Drinks

While both coffee and energy drinks contain caffeine, they’re not created equal. Energy drinks often contain additional ingredients like ginseng or taurine, which can have their own effects. Dr. Stempniak recommends checking the NSF website for regulated caffeine supplements if you’re considering alternatives to coffee, and advises starting “low and going slow” if you’re new to using caffeine as a performance aid.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While caffeine can boost performance, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects:

1. Dehydration: Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can increase fluid loss. Make sure you’re properly hydrated, and plan to drink fluids before/during your run. 

2. Jitters or Palpitations: Some people may experience nervousness or rapid heartbeat with high caffeine intake. Dr. Stempniak’s advice on starting with lower dosages makes good sense. 

3. Digestive Issues: Caffeine can stimulate the bowels, which might be inconvenient during your run or race. Plan accordingly. 

Charlotte Runners’ Caffeine Strategies

Of course, we had to crowdsource some local runners about their own caffeine strategies. We tapped into our Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors for the intel:

– Jeniece Jamison, training for the Charlotte Half Marathon, opts for “a full cup of coffee with fish collagen” on race day. 

– Kayla Corbin, preparing for the Novant Health Marathon relay, avoids caffeine before races but looks forward to her post-race coffee.

– Ameya Datey, gearing up for several half marathons, prefers “a shot of espresso before heading out to the race (if possible) or a small black coffee.”

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or caffeine-cautious, understanding how caffeine affects your running can help you get the most out of it as a performance enhancer. Being smart about it can also help limit any negatives you could experience from caffeine use. Listen to your body; and if you have questions, consult with a healthcare professional like the pros at Novant Health. 

# # # 

Charlotte area runners didn’t waste time finding ways to help after Helene cut its path across western North Carolina. While the videos and stories filled our social media feeds, local runners were busy filling trucks and emptying shelves of supplies that would be headed to some of the areas hardest hit by the storm. 

As of this edition, Governor Roy Cooper’s office reported more than 40-plus deaths attributed to the weather, hundreds of thousands of folks still without power, and hundreds of roads closed – or no longer in existence – across 25 North Carolina counties. 

While relief agencies, news crews, and volunteers set up shop in that part of the state, runners rushed to help, too. 

“Like anyone else in Charlotte, we’ve been waiting and watching patiently to figure out how to best help our neighbors up the mountain,” said Around the Crown 10k’s Brian Mister.  

That “how” took the form of a supply drive that drew dozens of local runners, and mustered a truckload of water, non-perishables, cleaning supplies, pet food, and other necessities that would be headed west. 

Mattie’s Diner Run Club was one of the many area run clubs that turned its regularly-scheduled gathering into an opportunity to pitch in. Jessica Castaneda helps organize the club’s weekly runs from the diner’s Plaza-Midwood location. She said bringing the group together for a greater good is the right thing to do.

“We wholeheartedly believe in the power of community,” Castaneda told us. “Collectively, we knew we needed to spring into action and stand behind our ideals.” 

Like other run clubs, Castaneda said the collections at Mattie’s Diner Run Club would continue. She encouraged runners to keep up with them on social media to stay in the loop. 

Mattie’s Diner Run Club was one of the many area run clubs that turned its regularly-scheduled gathering into an opportunity to pitch in. Jessica Castaneda helps organize the club’s weekly runs from the diner’s Plaza-Midwood location. She said bringing the group together for a greater good is the right thing to do.

“We wholeheartedly believe in the power of community,” Castaneda told us. “Collectively, we knew we needed to spring into action and stand behind our ideals.” 

Like other run clubs, Castaneda said the collections at Mattie’s Diner Run Club would continue. She encouraged runners to keep up with them on social media to stay in the loop. 

With its headquarters located in that part of the state, the effort is personal for Recover Brands. The apparel company released a limited edition, print-on-demand tee that will fund disaster relief efforts. 

“This hurricane reminds us  just how interconnected we are,” Recover Brands founder Bill Johnston said in a statement announcing the project. “Moments like these reinforce our commitment to resilience, not just as a business but as a community.” 

Tuesday of this week, Nourish Up sent more than 10,000 pounds of food and necessities to the Asheville area. Courtney Oates is marketing and events director for the Charlotte-based nonprofit. She said that need will only grow as folks displaced from the storm relocate here.

“We know to anticipate those increased numbers,” said Oates. “Our need will be greater as we will supply groceries and meals to those who need it. So our need for food and monetary donations will be even greater.”

With its headquarters located in that part of the state, the effort is personal for Recover Brands. The apparel company released a limited edition, print-on-demand tee that will fund disaster relief efforts. 

“This hurricane reminds us  just how interconnected we are,” Recover Brands founder Bill Johnston said in a statement announcing the project. “Moments like these reinforce our commitment to resilience, not just as a business but as a community.” 

Tuesday of this week, Nourish Up sent more than 10,000 pounds of food and necessities to the Asheville area. Courtney Oates is marketing and events director for the Charlotte-based nonprofit. She said that need will only grow as folks displaced from the storm relocate here.

“We know to anticipate those increased numbers,” said Oates. “Our need will be greater as we will supply groceries and meals to those who need it. So our need for food and monetary donations will be even greater.”

Nourish Up and the Josh Neuman Foundation hope runners and friends can offset that need through a project called “Miles for Meals.” They’re aiming to raise $50,000 during this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Runners can set up a fundraising team, or simply donate directly to the effort.   

“The response from run clubs and their members has been selfless and humbling,” added Mister. “We know that this will not be a one day or one week run, and we’re here for the long haul.”

Want to help? 

Recover Brands Western NC Strong tee https://recoverbrands.com/products/western-north-carolina-strong

Nourish Up https://nourishup.org

Josh Neuman Foundation “Miles for Meals” https://joshneumanfoundation.org/campaign/jnf-miles-for-meals-charlotte-marathon/

Additional Donation Resources (Axios CLT) https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/29/helene-flooding-north-carolina-donations-help

Nourish Up and the Josh Neuman Foundation hope runners and friends can offset that need through a project called “Miles for Meals.” They’re aiming to raise $50,000 during this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Runners can set up a fundraising team, or simply donate directly to the effort.   

“The response from run clubs and their members has been selfless and humbling,” added Mister. “We know that this will not be a one day or one week run, and we’re here for the long haul.”

Looking for ways to help? 

Recover Brands Western NC Strong tee https://recoverbrands.com/products/western-north-carolina-strong

Nourish Up https://nourishup.org

Josh Neuman Foundation “Miles for Meals” https://joshneumanfoundation.org/campaign/jnf-miles-for-meals-charlotte-marathon/

Donation Resources (Axios CLT) https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/29/helene-flooding-north-carolina-donations-help

I come from the cereal generation. A time when Trix really was for kids, Smacks were still sugared, and the Honeycomb Hideout was a dream house that would make Barbie want to put her estate on the market. Interest rates be damned. Yeah, when cereal was good, if not necessarily good for you.  

It’s not that my folks didn’t cook; far from it. Just about everyone in my family did – and can – cook well. But even with a complete and generally balanced breakfast readily accessible and available, it was hard for a kid to resist the siren’s cry of sugar-sweetened, Technicolor bliss that was cereal. Still is. Especially when every spoonful of this pre-adolescent awesomeness is awash in a sea of (gasp!) whole milk. 

Good old days, indeed. 

But things change, tastes change, and what you learn about fueling your body changes, too. Even logging 40 or 50 miles a week probably isn’t enough to offset the refined sugars and other ultra-processed ingredients you’ll find in any given box of the good stuff. So you look for a healthier, more grownup substitute. Enter, oatmeal. Which may be the most flavorless descriptor of a provision that shares its heritage with porridges, gruels, hasty puddings, and other dubiously-named dishes. 

Let’s cut it really real. Without a cartoon-covered box, prizes inside, or flavor of any sort, oatmeal doesn’t do much to sell itself. Is oatmeal that self-assured that it doesn’t need to participate in some superficial beauty contest, and believes consumers like me will appreciate it for what’s on the inside instead? Apparently, it is and we do. Oatmeal is a near $6 billion dollar global market – most of it being sold in the US – and is forecast to continue with strong sales.  

And on the subject of what’s inside: I feel the contents of just one of those cardboard cylinders is enough oatmeal to last somewhere between an era and epoch. Although the cardboard cylinder may have a touch more flavor, the oatmeal is healthier, of course. You can tell, because it tastes the way it does. Or doesn’t. 

Lest we need reminding; oats are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and even a decent amount of protein, considering it is a plant-based food, offered Chef Rhonda Stewart, a senior instructor at Johnson & Wales University here in Charlotte. Oats are fairly low in calories yet high in volume so they keep you feeling fuller longer. “Just don’t load them with extra sugar!” 

Well, where’s the fun in that? 

Matt Dengler is a dietician and owner of RxRD Nutrition. He piled on the guilt and these tips to make oatmeal taste better than the container it comes in: You can make your bowl of oatmeal even more nutritious by adding things like peanut butter, fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butter, and spices. For an extra protein boost, try mixing in protein powder. 

“Overnight oats have become increasingly popular,” added Dengler. “To make a quick and nutritious breakfast, you can prepare them the night before with ingredients like milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, peanut butter, and fresh fruit.”

I’ve tried to find my brand or style or place in the oatmeal world; experimenting with oats in their many and not-so-splendored forms: old fashioned, rolled, steel cut, instant – even Irish. Differing textures, extrapolated cooking times, and all the TikTok meal prep recipes in production can’t change the fact that oatmeal is utterly bereft of flavor without some type of planning, and an array of accessories.

Since I’m now a little too tall to stand upright in the old Hideout; overnight oats with hemp hearts, nuts, and berries are a begrudging breakfast staple of mine these days. But I’ll still lean in hard to big bowl of Honeycomb every now and again. I figure an occasional bowl of nostalgia never hurt anyone. Or maybe that’s just the sugar talking… 

# # #

For the 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, in partnership with the Novant Health Foundation, you will see Meaningful Miles along the race route. Miles 2, 11, 12, 13, and 26 are all “Meaningful Miles” – a way for sponsors and supporters to cheer for the kids of Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. 

Hemby Children’s Hospital has a team of experts dedicated to providing the highest level of care that addresses each family’s needs. Our Meaningful Mile sponsors & supporters are helping us advance clinical care and research, while helping every kid have the chance to become the strongest in their class! 

Meet our Meaningful Miles Patients 

For this year’s marathon, we are honoring five patients of Hemby Children’s Hospital. Each of these patients represent all of the kids that the Hemby Children’s Hospital team supports each and every day. When you run the Novant Heath Charlotte Marathon events and for Team Hemby, you are running for Crosby, Jimmy, Luke, KamiSoko, and Sophie. 

Crosby. Age 5. NICU Graduate. 

Crosby was born prematurely at 29 weeks and 3 days. He spent three months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. His family was able to take him home three days before his due date. Crosby is now thriving, and he dreams of becoming a police officer. 

Jimmy. Age 10. Diabetes Thriver. 

In the fall of 2023, Jimmy was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. For the next week, Hemby Children’s Hospital was not only home, but also an educational institution for Jimmy’s family. As an active athlete on football, basketball, and golf teams, he dreams of being an example to other kids with Type 1 Diabetes that they can achieve anything.

Luke. Age 6. Lymphoma Survivor. 

Luke was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma one month after he turned 3 years old. Luke is now 5 years old and he is in remission. He loves Legos, basketball, golf, trains, and music. Luke’s family recalls that the Hemby Children’s Hospital team became their lifeline. Through their toughest days of chemotherapy and the long nights of uncertainty, Hemby was their sanctuary.

KamiSoko. Age 2. Leukemia Hero. 

KamiSoko was diagnosed with leukemia in October of 2022 at the age of 6 months. KamiSoko is now 2 years old and he loves dance, music, and his brothers. KamiSoko’s mother said that she couldn’t have made it through without the love and support of the Hemby Children’s Hospital team. 

Sophie. Age 11. Kidney Cancer Overcomer. 

Right after turning 5 years old, Sophie and her family found out that she had a Wilms tumor – a rare form of kidney cancer. She went through surgery, chemotherapy, and related treatment over the course of 19 weeks. Sophie is now cancer-free, and she loves to dance, sing, play soccer, and play the guitar. Sophie wore her Wonder Woman outfit when she rang the bell, signifying the end of her cancer treatment in 2019. 

Make your miles even more meaningful at this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Run with Team Hemby and support kids like these, and all those being cared for at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital.