Blog: Feature Stories

Opportunities in Disguise

We love us some spring running weather in the Carolinas. And if you’re new around here, you’ve probably heard this story. Whether you love or hate today’s current conditions… stick around, they’ll change soon. One thing’s for certain; as spring showers and storms come and go, they serve up plenty of opportunities for us to be better runners. Here are just five ways to help you make the most of those rainy runs!

Gear Up and Get Comfy:

First things first, gear up with the right essentials to keep you dry and comfortable. Now’s as good a time as any to Invest in a lightweight, water-resistant jacket, moisture-wicking clothes, and gear that’s designed for less-than-perfect weather. When you feel good in your gear and you’re staying dry and comfortable, you can focus more on your run and less on the rain. And it’ll make it that much easier to get out there the next time it rains.

Focus on Form and Technique:

Rainy days are perfect for fine-tuning your running form. Pay attention to your posture, stride, and arm movements. The wet surface can give you instant feedback on how you’re doing here. Running in less-than-perfect conditions forces you to focus on your footing, helping you build muscle memory, balance, and adaptability as a well-rounded runner.

Strength Train Indoors:

On those extra rainy or stormy days when outdoor running isn’t as appealing – or safe — bring the workout indoors. Strengthen your core, legs, and upper body with exercises like squats, lunges, and planks. Building strength not only boosts your running performance but also keeps your rainy-day routine exciting and effective.

Stay Positive and Present:

Running in the rain is as much a mental game as a physical one. Practice positive self-talk, visualize your goals, and stay mindful during your rainy runs. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the moment, and celebrate every step you take. Rain or shine, resilience and positivity are skills worth sharpening. 

Stay Hydrated:

Just because it’s wet or rainy outside, that doesn’t mean you’re topped off inside. Sip water before your run, and during your run if you’re going a little farther. Make sure you’re getting all the liquids afterward, too. That’ll help speed recovery and get you ready for the next workout. Make those rainy days count, and you’ll appreciate those “just right” days even more. 

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Stuff We’ll Miss About Winter Running 

Despite a few chilly mornings, it’s probably a safe bet to say winter weather is now in the rear view mirror. Granted, winter around the Charlotte area was pretty mild this year, and we’ll likely pine for some of those frosty mornings come August… but for now, we’ll be more than happy to see high temps that near the age of November’s presidential candidates. 

Naturally, there are a few things we’ll miss with the change of seasons. Here’s a six pack of stuff we’re sure to miss about winter running. Not really. 

Laundry

Loads of it, actually. Why, laundry is arguably our favorite après sport activity, and a fantastic warm-up. All the folding, sorting, and washing of all the required layers is practically a multi-sport event in its own right. Bonus points if more than one person in your household is also a runner. And wherever this missing sock purgatory is located, it has one of my gloves, too.

Wardrobe Worries 

There’s some real voodoo here, between the art, science, and luck of getting your cold weather running outfit just right. Too many layers; and you’re a cold, wet, sweaty mess, with a jacket wrapped around your waist for miles. One too few, and you’re a cold, miserable, wreck. And there’s nothing quite like that pre-run game of hide-and-seek, trying to find that pair of gloves or warmer hat.  

Frozen Fingers, Toes, and Boogers, too

As if fumbling with your door key, watch, or packet of GU isn’t trouble enough with the layers and layers of winter wear … frozen digits just make it that much more fun. On shorter mileage days, your nose may do more running than you did. And you’ll notice each and every poorly placed seam along your gloves, just trying to keep all that snot in check. 

Slippery Things

Love us some black ice and other frozen stuff underfoot. As if the short days, warm bed, and wind chill factor weren’t enough to keep you indoors… From black ice to runoff from burst pipes to layers of leaves; winter running poses any manner of ground level threats that keep you from zoning out an letting the miles melt away. A few relaxed strides? Forget it. Working the aircraft control tower required less vigilance than an early morning winter run. 

Headlamps and Batteries

It’s dark in the morning, it’s dark after work… no matter when you run in winter, it seems it’s always headlamp season. It’s just one more piece of equipment we’re trying to keep up with when it’s winter. Is there enough battery left to last through this morning’s run, and did we even remember to put it back on the charger yesterday?

Up next… getting all crabby about the pollen. First world problems, indeed. 

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Chill Out: A Runner’s Guide to Ice Baths

Picture this: you’ve just completed a punishing long run or a series of hill repeats that have left your legs feeling like lead. The mere thought of descending stairs induces grimaces, and the prospect of tomorrow’s workout seems daunting. Or let’s skip the dramatic setup. Maybe you’re just plain old curious as to whether an ice bath can actually provide the promised relief and rejuvenation. Instagram sure makes it seem that way… let’s find out, shall we? 

First up; what exactly makes ice baths potentially beneficial to runners? The answer lies in their purported ability to expedite recovery, alleviate muscle soreness, and help us bounce back faster after strenuous exercise. Science lends credence to these claims, and there are plenty of studies highlighting the physiological benefits of cold water immersion. It’s actually not just social media hype.  

“There has been science behind this for a long time,” said Dr. Keith Anderson, medical director of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, and Family Medicine and Family Medicine Sports Medicine specialist with Novant Health. “There have been many studies on this with real data supporting its benefits… this is not just a perceived benefit.” 

The reality of it is, muscle soreness is often an inevitable companion to intense training sessions, longer distances, or tougher workouts. When we push our bodies beyond their comfort zone, microscopic tears occur within muscle fibers, triggering inflammation and discomfort. Here’s where the magic of ice baths comes into play. By constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling, the frigid waters work to soothe that soreness and speed the repair process. All good things. 

And it’s not just the physical benefits that make ice baths beneficial post-run therapy. There’s a psychological component at work here, too. The sensation of hitting that icy water can spark a mental reset and that rejuvenated feeling that can only come from being cold and wet. 

As with any therapeutic intervention, ice baths are not without their warnings. Dr. Anderson stresses the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before incorporating ice baths into your post-run routine, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions. 

We’ll give it to you, TikTok. There’s enough science behind this trend for us to get on board. But, like anything else, you can get too much of a good thing. Experts say the water for your ice bath should be in the 50F – 60F, and no longer than 10-15 minutes. If you’re new to the ice bath thing, slightly warmer and shorter sessions are a great way to start. 

Does this mean you need to run out and invest in one of those outdoor, ice bath dunk tanks? Probably not; unless money is no object, and you just absolutely have to own the latest any and everything. (Looking at you, triathletes. Haha!) A bathtub of cold water will do the trick. Add bags of ice as you gain tolerance, and keep an eye on the clock. 

Enjoy! 

7 Reasons to Run the Novant Health Lucky Day 7k 

If you’re paying any kind of attention at all, you’ve probably seen we’re launching a brand-new, spring-flavored event this year, called the Novant Health Lucky Day 7k. If this is the first time, you’re hearing about it… that’s cool, too. Either way, we’d love to have you make a little history with us on Saturday, March 16^th! 

If you’re looking for reasons beyond just an invitation, here are seven reasons we think you’ll love about running the new Novant Health Lucky Day 7k! 

This PR is on lock. Chances are pretty darned good most of us haven’t run a 7k. So, whether this is your first race ever, or you’re a veteran of the local road running scene, you’ll probably have a “best day ever” at this unique distance! 

Lots of FREE parking. No pun intended. OK, it was a layup. In a fast-growing city like Charlotte, event parking can be a drag. Brixham Park in Ballantyne is surrounded by plentiful parking. Plus, getting in and out of the area is easy, too. 

Brixham Park, photo courtesy: GoBallantyne

Recover Brands event tees! For real, we are so excited about this new partnership with the folks at Recover Brands! The Novant Health Lucky Day 7k will be the first 2024 event where this one comes to life via Recover Brands event tees. Stay tuned for more year-round opportunities to support sustainable running events, and create some community!

Lucky Charms eating contest. Yep, that’s going to be a real thing. Select entrants will get the chance to house an entire box of this magically delicious cereal. The fastest finisher will walk away with some actual green. It’s one interesting way to earn $100, that’s for sure!

Lawn games and giveaways. Come out for the run, stay for the fun! We’ve got all kinds of activities planned for after the 7k run. Lawn games and contests, galore. With plenty of green space to spread out in Ballantyne’s Brixham Park, too. Plus, we’ll be dropping that trivia for your chance to win some of these $25 Run For Your Life gift cards! 

We’re making history together. No joke! It’s not every Saturday you get to make running history. Run this one with us, and you’ll do just that! You’ll be part of this first-ever event, and can wistfully look back and say, “I was there!” Good for you! 

Beer. Yep. We’re having that, too. Because nothing says breakfast like Lucky Charms and beer. But maybe that was just at our house? haha! For real, though. We have an exciting new partnership with the folks at Adams Beverage and Anheuser-Busch. They’ll have an all-new lineup of adult beverages and all-ages offerings, too. 

And, as luck would have it; you’ve still got a little time to register for this one! The Novant Health Lucky Day 7k is Saturday, March 16. We’ll see you then and there.

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Safety Conversation Continues 

At a Charlotte City Council meeting chambers packed with people, chants, and tensions over the situation in the Middle East; a group of local runners filled the rows of an upper balcony waiting for a singular voice to share their concerns about safety.

In the public session before the Council’s official business agenda, Jesus Delatorre represented some area runners in their effort to make sure everyone has the opportunity to run or walk outside. 

For his two minutes, Delatorre thanked council members and public safety for increased signage and police patrols along popular running routes. He also reminded them of local and national stories that highlight the work needed to help everyone feel safer outside. A Georgia nursing student’s murder just a week prior was a stark reminder of the dangers some runners face – particularly female runners and people of color. 

“It’s important to show that this issue is not important to just one person,” Delatorre told us. “We felt as though having more people there can show the council members that their constituents in the community feel like this is an important issue.”

Tammy Brown McClellon was one of those runners in the balcony. She said it’s important to show up for meetings like this, because there’s power in numbers. 

“I also believe it’s important to show up and represent for causes that you’re passionate about,” she added. “I am a person of color and a woman, so I feel like I have to be uber cautious when exercising outside. Any measures that can be put in place to make runners feel safe, I will gladly advocate for.”

And the opportunity in front of councilmembers was more than just a one-time presentation. Delatorre says he was able to connect with representatives from Charlotte Department of Transportation because of the meeting. He plans to sit down with them, and invite them to upcoming open safety forums and continue to push for mobility safety. 

Prior safety forums have featured guests from Charlotte-Meckleburg Police, Sustain Charlotte, Vision Zero, and other pedestrian and people-focuses programs. Organizers are planning the next mobility safety forum now. If you’re interested in finding our more, you can follow @runcltrun on their social media platforms. 

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