DC

Pushing the Safety Agenda Further 

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. It’s a theme that came up several times during this week’s Mobility Safety Forum. And runners participating and connecting through this series of safety-centered meet-ups hope that “grease” takes the form of greater interest in the issue, and more action from policymakers and constituents themselves. 

Yes, the Mobility Safety Forum is the evolution of the runner safety forum that’s worked to keep this issue front-and-center for nearly two years. The name change acknowledges that runners aren’t the only users concerned with safety on the roads, trails, sidewalks, or greenways. It aligns with the City of Charlotte’s aim to offer everyone, “safe and equitable mobility choices.” Forum organizers say it also speaks to the connections the movement is making beyond the running community. 

“Relationships are everything,” said Jesus Delatorre, who has taken a leadership role in the Forum. “It kind of proves out in our relationship with the city, to be able to widen our focus so we can work on our shared goals together.” 

Delatorre says he expects the Forum to grow its partnership with other groups like Sustain Charlotte and Vision Zero; which could bring additional resources, expertise, and connections to the effort. 

Forum organizers shared details on a pilot project to add solar-powered lights along some sections of greenway, and a meeting with Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem, Danté Anderson. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Ronald Hill reminded the dozen-plus runners in the room about personal safety, situational awareness, and the importance of calling 9-1-1 – even if they’re just suspicious of something or someone along their running route. 

“As a female runner, I feel like I’m always running ‘on guard’,” said Christine Turner. “As a coach, I want to be able to share information with my clients, and as a mom who’s raising kids who are getting into running, I want to be able to teach them some best practices, too.” 

Up next, Forum leadership will address Charlotte City Council during the public speaking portion of Council’s Monday, February 26 meeting. That meeting is at 630pm at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center. (600 E. 4^th Street) Charlotte runners and friends are asked to show their support in-person. No registration requirements or speaking; just be present.

“Everyone has a vested interest in mobility safety,” added Lisa Landrum, one of the Forum organizers. “We want to thank them (City Council) for the work they are doing to make it safer for everyone… and it’s pretty powerful when there’s a crowd of people behind those speakers.”

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5 Ways to Be Happy and Healthy in 2024 

You don’t have to run more, run longer, or run faster to be a healthier or happier this year. Granted, all of those things can lead to all sorts of personal bests, and that’s great, too. But you can make it a happier and healthier new year in some simple ways that can pay big dividends. Here are just five ways to be more healthy and happy this year. 

Treat your running like it matters. 

Quite honestly, it does. It’s tough to not feel a little guilty sometimes when there are bills to pay, chores to do, and people to see… and you want to go for a run. Heck, sometimes you really just need to run. You don’t have to shirk responsibilities to prioritize your running. Be a better steward of your time, schedule your runs when there’s less opportunity for conflict with work, school, and family. It’s a win-win.

Stretch. A lot. 

Your warm-up and cool-down routines are just as important as your run. You don’t have to be a yogi or a ballerina, but a solid stretching routine can keep you running longer and enjoying more injury-free miles. Maintaining flexibility is even more important as we get older. Trust us on this one. Establish good stretching habits now, and you’ll be ahead of the game. Not sure where to start? Try a visit with a pro at Novant Health Sports Performance.

Find your “go to” healthy meal or snack.

With our busy schedules, it can be tough to make healthy food choices when we’re tired, out time, or just plain out of groceries. You don’t have to go all Jamie Oliver every time you open the fridge. With just a little bit of planning, you can have a last-minute, in-a-hurry, “right now” kinda meal or snack that can get you through. Protein powder and frozen berries blend up for an easy fruit smoothie. An apple and nut butter, or even some packaged protein bars can fill the gap between solid meals. Just make it easy, and have the materials available. 

Get serious about your sleep. 

You’ve read it, heard it, and seen it as much as we have: recovery is the most overlooked part of most athletes’ training programs. If you’re getting up early to get that run, make sure you’re going to bed early, too. Need a day off to recover from a hard workout? Take it! Rest is where the real magic happens. It’s when our bodies repair and prepare for the next effort. Start a calming bedtime routine. Get up and go to bed at the same time every day, and make sleep a priority. 

Check in with a pro.

No one is good at everything; that’s a fact. If you’re struggling with your mental health, an unhealthy relationship with food or exercise, a nagging injury that just won’t let up, or other issues … schedule an appointment with a professional. That’s quite literally why they’re here. Ignoring the issue won’t make it go away, and suffering in silence not a sign of inner strength. Know your limits, and know that there are people out there that really want to help. 

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