DC

Keep Running Fun and (Mentally) Healthy 

Athletes, actors, and other celebrities coming forward with their own mental health struggles have made it easier for more of us to speak up when we’re not ok. But not all of us are willing to open up that much. And as runners, that release, reset, or retreat is often found in lacing up and hitting the road, trail, or treadmill. While that’s great, it isn’t always enough. And sometimes, it’s too much. 

Juliet Lam Kuehnle, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor here in Charlotte. You may have seen her on TV, heard her podcast, or even read her book. (Good on you!) She’s an athlete, a parent, spouse, boss, and business owner, too. She knows personally and professionally that running is not just about physical activity; it’s also a powerful coping mechanism that can significantly boost mental well-being.

“Exercise is absolutely a top coping skill for runners,” Kuehnle emphasizes. “It boosts feel-good hormones and positively impacts mental health through improved physical well-being.” 

So yeah; running isn’t just about logging miles. It’s also about nurturing mental wellness. And, Kuehnle says it’s important to find the joy and purpose in our running, and not just the fodder for our Strava account. 

“The most crucial aspect for runners is to find movement that aligns with their values and brings joy,” she advises, “it’s about personal enjoyment, not external pressures.” 

We should prioritize activities that resonate with our passions and beliefs, rather than fears or society pressures. For runners, the experience of running should feel restorative, recharging, and nurturing. Kuehnle warns against turning running into a stressful or punitive activity. If it becomes punishing or stressful, it’s moving away from self-care. 

Top tips to keep running fun and healthy: 

• “Exercise is absolutely a top coping skill for runners. It boosts feel-good hormones and positively impacts mental health through improved physical well-being.”
• “The most crucial aspect for runners is to find movement that aligns with their values and brings joy. It’s about personal enjoyment, not external pressures.”
• “Running should feel restorative, recharging, and nurturing. If it becomes punishing or stressful, it’s moving away from self-care.”
• “Remaining flexible in your running routine is key. Listen to your body and adjust intensity and type of runs based on daily needs.”

Kuehnle suggests we all remain flexible in our running routines. Listen to your body and adjust intensity and type of runs based on daily needs, how you feel, etc. Sometimes a rest day is what we really need, regardless of what the training calendar suggests. This adaptive approach not only prevents burnout and potential injury, but also promotes sustainability and long-term enjoying running for the long term. We can all feel pretty good about that. 

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Spring Running Success Starts Here

Spring’s here; with its unpredictable weather, jam-packed weekends, longer days, and loads of opportunity to run. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re seasoned like grandma’s cast iron skillet, we all want the same thing: an easy-breezy, injury-free spring that rolls right into summer and fall. Here’s how to bring you’re “A” game to early-season running! 

Get Your Warm-Up and Cool-Down Game On Lock

Before you hit the tarmac or the trail, take a few minutes to warm up. Stretch it out, get those muscles awake and ready. And hey, don’t forget the cool down after your run. Even a nice, leisurely post-run walk can help set you up for tomorrow’s workout. 

Slow Your Roll 

When the weather is fantastic – and the pollen count is low — the urge to run every single day is real. But if daily running isn’t your norm, strive for consistency versus a streak. An every other day routine is a great place to start, build your stamina, and make running a habit you can stick with. And, one that won’t lead to overuse injuries and setbacks. 

No Need to Stay Thirsty

As you clock in more miles, your body’s gonna need that hydration boost. Drink up before and after your runs. Keep sipping throughout the day, especially when the heat cranks up. And it will. Staying hydrated keeps your engine cool and helps you recover faster. 

Gear Check 

Been a while since you treated your feet to new kicks? Spring’s the perfect time. Your old shoes might be begging for retirement after winter’s wear and tear, even if they were just your “walking around” shoes. Fresh shoes not only feel amazing, they juice your running game, too. Hit up a specialty running store for expert advice and the right shoe for you. 

Set Goals You Can Really Rock

Keep ’em real, keep ’em achievable. Don’t compare yourself to others or push too hard, too soon. Celebrate those small wins and running milestones; they’re the foundation for future running successes. Want to up your pace, go longer, or just enjoy the outdoors more? Balance is the key. Add strength training, swimming, or other workouts that will compliment your running. If you need a hand figuring it all out, ask a more experienced runner, or find a running coach—we’ve got some great ones around in Charlotte. 

You got this! We’re confident you’re ready to breeze through spring running like a champ this year. 

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April 25, 2024 

Charlotte —  RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon announce an all-new partnership with Charlotte-based Keffer Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (Keffer Jeep). Keffer Jeep joins the event as Official Auto Partner. 

RunCharlotte owns and produces six of Charlotte’s most well-known running events, including the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, which celebrates its 20^th anniversary this fall. Keffer Jeep is a market leader in diverse vehicle inventory, customer service, and community involvement. This new partnership allows both brands to act on a shared mission to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.  

“We’ve had a long relationship with Jim Keffer and the Keffer brand over the years,” said Tim Rhodes, RunCharlotte President and Managing Partner of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “This partnership with Keffer Jeep takes it to the next level, bringing a brand that’s synonymous with adventure and fun, and connecting it to the unique experience here at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon.”

Runners can expect to see Keffer Jeep plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) leading the November 16th Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. RunCharlotte and Keffer Jeep will partner on other opportunities throughout the year. 

“We at Keffer Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM are thrilled to be the Official Auto Partner of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon,” said Rick Trinkl, Keffer Jeep General Manager. “Celebrating 50 years in business, we’re driven to inspire and support every runner’s journey, mirroring their endurance and determination with our dedication to excellence in automotive service. Together, we’re running towards a brighter, more connected community.”

About RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon 

RunCharlotte is Charlotte’s home for the resources, inspiration, and experiences to guide runners of all paces. Since 2005, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has capped the local road racing season. The event, its participants, and partners have contributed nearly $500,000 to support programs at Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital. November 16, 2024 marks the 20^thanniversary running of The Novant Health Registration is open for all events at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Charlotte/CharlotteMarathon

About Keffer Jeep  
Keffer Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (Keffer Jeep) is a prominent dealership in Charlotte, NC, celebrated for its 50 years of dedicated service and commitment to integrity and customer satisfaction. This family-run dealership prioritizes honesty, transparency, and respect, ensuring a straightforward car-buying experience with their Price Beat Guarantee. Keffer Jeep positions itself as more than just a dealership; it’s a part of the community, emphasizing southern hospitality and treating every visitor like family. Whether customers are in search of a rugged RAM 1500 or the iconic Jeep Wrangler, Keffer offers a wide selection of vehicles to meet diverse needs. Promising a warm welcome with a smile and a handshake, Keffer Jeep aims to make every customer a lifelong friend, reflecting their ethos of “The Family Store” in every aspect of their operations.

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

Spring Fuel is (Finally) Here

If abs really are built in the kitchen, we’re quite tired of this construction project that’s made of sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and hothouse tomatoes. Bring on the spring fruits and vegetables, already! 

Eating what’s “in season” means you’re buying and consuming produce pretty close to the time that it was harvested. That, of course, means the produce is at its peak in both freshness, flavor, and nutrition. All good things; especially given the cost of groceries these days. 

“Like us, traveling can make these perishable products, weary and weak,” adds Chef Rhonda Stewart from Johnson & Wales University. “The shortest drive to the market will yield the best-looking and tasting produce. Better yet, you can go to some of the farms and pick them yourself!”

With our grocery stores so well-equipped with just about any fruit or vegetable available during any month of the year, it’s really hard for consumers to know what is actually fresh and right now. And, Chef Stewart has a fix for that conundrum, too.  

“Look at the Visit NC Farms website. Visit NC Farms Today  You’ll find this a great resource for activities, farmers markets and which fruit, vegetables, fish, and seafood are locally fresh right now.”

Through May, Stewart says we can expect to find asparagus, radishes, green peas, turnips, broccoli, and romaine lettuce. Strawberries are just starting to ripen at our local you-pick farms, with blueberries coming soon. 

Related, most area grocery stores are pretty proud of the fact they carry local produce. Local farmers markets are usually excellent sources of produce that’s been grown close to home.  

So what should we create with these delicious findings? Stewart suggests a Risotto Primavera with local peas, broccoli, and asparagus.  Add a crisp salad with Romaine lettuce, radishes, and a lemony vinaigrette.  And for dessert?  Fresh strawberries; naked.  

“If they are truly fresh, they don’t need any help to taste delicious!” 

We can get behind that idea. Enjoy! 

PS: Here’s a Risotto Primavera recipe we’ve actually put to the test. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10086/risotto-primavera/

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Keep it Clean Out There 

Charlotte is arguably one of the cleanest cities we’ve ever lived in. Spend any time running around Charlotte, compare it to most other places, and you’ll probably agree. Whenever we spend a few days out of town, we’re reminded of just how good we feel we’ve got it. 

But keeping it clean out there doesn’t happen magically. Yes, the City’s trash and recycling folks do the bulk of the lifting, but it’s not a perfect system. And that’s where we can jump in and make a difference. 

The Charlotte Running Club, Recover Brands, Sustain Charlotte, well-run media and friends are partnering to organize and promote a plogging event along the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon course. 

The Basics:

What: Clean the Course Plogging Event 

When: Sunday, April 21 – 11am 

Where: Meet at Cordelia Park, (600 E. 24^th Street, CLT 28205) 

What’s plogging anyway? 

Glad you asked! Simply put, it’s a casual mix of running or walking at any pace, and picking up trash along the way. 

“It’s a mix between a social and a running event,” Charlotte Running Club’s Rebeca Ehrnrooth told us. “Most of the Charlotte Running Club events are targeted for runners, we also like events where you can include your family and your dog, too.”

Coincidentally, Ehrnrooth is from Sweden, which is ground zero for the whole plogging movement. It’s nice to have a pro on board. 

Do I need special gear or equipment for plogging? 

Nope. Bring your kids, friends, family, and all that. This Clean the Course plogging event is open to everyone; all ages and all paces. And, the folks at Keep Charlotte Beautiful are supplying the gloves, safety vests, trash grabbers, and bags. Doesn’t get any easier than that. 

We’ll cover roughly a mile in about an hour and a half, so it’s not a huge commitment. And, as Ehrnrooth pointed out, it’s late enough in the morning so it won’t wreck your schedule if you’re an early runner. And the shared experience won’t make it seem like a chore. 

“It’s often easier to jump into a group effort because there’s a shared sense of purpose,” said Sustain Charlotte’s Meg Fencil. “Even if we didn’t directly contribute to the problem, we’re most effective as individual changemakers when we combine forces to remind each other of the importance of why we’re doing this.”

Recover Brands’ Adam Bratton told us he’ll share the experience with his kids. Seriously. This will be easy, fun and family-friendly. 

“Most people know about “curb appeal” in their neighborhoods, but let’s not forget about “course appeal” for our favorite hometown marathon!” 

Can’t argue with that, Adam. 

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