Blog: Feature Stories

 

Where did the time go? Yesterday it was July and you were making sure you stayed cool on your runs. Today it’s December, it’s cold, and you’re running out of time to snag the perfect holiday gifts for the runners and walkers in your life. This happens every year, but just like last year the team here at RunCharlotte is ready to help! 

When it comes to gifts Charlotte has got the best local running stores, with the perfect deals that can satisfy even the most picky runners on your list! 

Listen Up: Aftershokz Aeropex (Rebranded as Shokz OpenRun)

The Shokz OpenRun is a great gift for the runner or walker in your life that loves to listen while they run. Add music, podcasts, or audiobooks to your workouts with this addition to your running kit.

The best part is that you’ll not only be able to hear your music, but also the world around you. Utilizing the latest in bone conductive technology, your headphones sit just in front of your ears leaving you with full awareness of your surroundings

Where to Find It:  Omega Sports has got a great deal on their whole store! ($30 off orders $120 or more AND $50 off orders of $200 or more)

https://www.omegasports.com/shokz/shokz-openrun-bone-conduction-open-ear-wireless-headphones-grey-51662

Relax Those Muscles: Theragun + Foam Rollers

Stretching might be the worst part of running, but with the right tools you can turn a chore into something you really enjoy. The Theragun is changing what it means to relax and massage sore muscles, and pairing it with a foam roller will bring your runner’s recovery to the next level.

One of the great things about going to your local running store is that you can try before you buy! If you are interested in a Theragun or foam roller head over to one of the stores to see what you think.

Where to Find It: Charlotte Running Company is your one stop shop for both the Theragun and foam roller. You can pick them up in stores or online.

https://www.charlotterunning.com/shop-shoes

Stay Hydrated: Nathan Running Water Bottle

When you are preparing for a run one of the first things you grab is your water bottle.  Good hydration can be the difference between a great run and a DNF during training and at races, so a good water bottle is key AND the perfect stocking stuffer for any runner. Nathan water bottles come in all shapes and sizes and vary in capacity, nozzle type, and color, to fit any need! 

Where to Find It: All of our local running stores carry Nathan water bottles so it really comes down to colors and the size you are looking for with this perfect gift.

 

Treat Your Feet: Feetures Socks

We all could use a few more pairs of socks. No really, no matter how many pairs of socks your favorite runner has they will always be excited for a few more pairs of Feetures socks.

Started right here in North Carolina, the Feetures brand has quickly become the premier running sock brand. With intentional design made for comfort and function as well as a lifetime guarantee of performance, Feetures are a great gift for the runners and walkers in your life. 

Where to Find It: Run For Your Life is a great place to grab your Feetures and a variety of other sock brands too. They are currently running a sale of buy 3 get 1 free on their socks! Also, ask about their Saucony Value Pack to make that deal even sweeter!

https://shop.runforyourlife.com/category/4532/Socks

 

Make a Scene: NoxGear Tracer2 Vest

The days are getting shorter and shorter and that means less light for your morning and evening runs. Visibility is key when running in low light which is why our next gift idea is all about being seen!

The Tracer2 from Nox Gear is the pinnacle of visibility in low light. With 360 degrees of visibility for up to ¼ mile, you’ll never have to worry about whether cars can see you. Also with 16+ color settings you can match your mood or match your group and you’ll never get bored. 

Where to Find It: You’ll have to head to the Nox Gear Website for this one. Use the link below!

https://www.noxgear.com/tracer2

Brighten Up Your Day: Goodr Sunglasses

We saved one of our favorites for last! Even though the sun isn’t out very long this time of year, it is never a bad time to stock up on great running sunglasses. And we think the greatest, are Goodr Sunglasses. 

Goodr sunglasses are the perfect balance of performance, that keeps them on your head during the toughest of conditions, and a price, that won’t break the bank. All you have to do to know that Goodr sunglasses are the best is ask someone that has a pair… or 10. It’s impossible to just get one with all of the styles they have! 

Where to Find It: You can find Goodrs at any of your local running stores! Check out some of the styles on the Goodr website below.

https://goodr.com/collections/all-models

 

As you work to get your holiday shopping done we at RunCharlotte are over the moon that you are choosing to support Charlotte local businesses. The Charlotte running community is as strong as it is in part because of the local stores that support it. So when you can, try and give them a little bit of support right back. Happy Holidays and we hope this article has helped you find the perfect gifts for the runners in your life!

We’re thinking about it. You’re thinking about it. Heck, we’re all probably looking back at 2022 and wondering where it went – and how we can make 2023 even better. Setting goals is a great way to step into the new year with confidence and hope. Check out these tips to get started now!

Own it.

Make sure they’re YOUR goals, not what others are doing or what society or social media says you “should” do. If your goals are aligned with your personal values, you’re more likely to stick with them.

Plan for it.

If your goal is to run a marathon, learn a foreign language, or travel more, etc., know what it will take to get there. And act on it now. Will you need a coach, a tutor, or a savings plan to do that? Now’s the time to set yourself up for success.

Grant yourself some grace.

Remember, you make the rules around your own goal setting. Don’t be so rigid that any missteps or backslides contribute to negative self-talk or abandoning your goal. Remind yourself it’s OK to re-start or begin again.

Incentivize yourself.

Pair your goals with something behaviorally rewarding or incentivize yourself with something behaviorally rewarding. If your goal is to fold the laundry the day you pull it out of the dryer, maybe save your favorite podcast to listen to on those laundry days!

Create accountability.

Not everyone’s a self-starter or can stay motivated for the long-haul. Find a group, a partner, a running buddy, a journal, an app, etc., to help you stay the course.

Thanks, as always, to our friend Juliet Kuehnle, MS, NCC, LCMHCS, at Sun Counseling and Wellness for the inspiration and insight for this article.

Charlotte —  More runners, more partners, and more ways to contribute added up to an even bigger check from this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Event organizers, partners, and friends presented Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital with a check for $102,150 – the largest so far!

Media from today’s check presentation at the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/epf7il66jui4ymo/AAAKemmc4sHssSlOGnAOaDnKa?dl=0

“We’ve always aimed for this event to be about so much more than running,” said Tim Rhodes, RunCharlotte president and Race Director of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “Our runners, our sponsors and partners prove that every year.”

“Part of our mission with the marathon has always been to connect participants, sponsors, and partners with something larger than a single-day event,” said Mark Richardson, partner in the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “As we’ve grown, so has their role in creating a lasting impact on the lives of the families and community served through Hemby Children’s Hospital.”

Along with partner and sponsor contributions, the event introduced Team Hemby for 2022. This new opportunity made it easier for individuals and teams to raise direct donations for Novant Hemby Children’s Hospital.

“The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon continues to unite, inspire and serve the greater Charlotte community we call home,” said Katie Spizzirri, chief philanthropy officer, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation. “Since our partnership began in 2014, participants and donors have generously contributed to fund key projects that support, encourage and treat our youngest patients at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. As a parent, I’m continually reminded that this purpose-driven marathon provides a truly life-changing investment in the health of our patients and their families.”

Nearly 6,000 participants took to Charlotte’s streets for the November 12 running of the marathon, half marathon, 5k, rucking, and relay events. Rhodes says this return to pre-pandemic registration levels points to the growing enthusiasm for the event.

“We’re humbled and grateful for the opportunity to make this presentation,” added Rhodes. “This check represents the contributions made by many in both time and dollars.”

The 2023 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, November 4. Registration is open for all events at:  https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Charlotte/CharlotteMarathon

 About RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

RunCharlotte is Charlotte’s home for the resources, inspiration, and experiences to guide you along your running journey, with more than 25 years of experience producing, promoting, timing, and scoring events of all types. Since 2005, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has capped the local road racing season. The event, its participants and partners have contributed nearly than $350,000 to support programs at Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital.

Event website: https://thecharlottemarathon.com

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

Running truly is a gift. (Ask any runner who’s been forced to take some time off, right?) In Charlotte, there are a number of ways to pay that gift forward. Here’s our updated list, starting with programs for local youth.

Your Local Public School’s Athletic Program

Your local school likely has underfunded cross-country and track programs, and you need your dollars to share the sport with marginalized kids. Simply contact the school of choice and ask about a booster club or foundation for the athletic department!

CMS Athletics site (with schools): CMS Athletics – Charlotte

Girls on the Run

The earlier we can teach girls to be active and healthy, the more likely they are to make good habits that last a lifetime. Girls on the Run, founded in Charlotte, became a national phenomenon based on this premise. The popular afterschool program offers the opportunity and encouragement girls need to learn about inner strength, confidence, and their own health and fitness at a crucial age. GOTR teaches skills of character, care, and self-reliance through running.

To give: https://www.gotrgreaterclt.org/Support-Us

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2022/05/03/gotr-2022/

Let Me Run

If you’ve heard of Girls on the Run, you may know there is a similar group for boys called Let Me Run. A new, reformulated-for-the-times curriculum addresses boys’ emotional needs brought on by the pandemic, in addition to its traditional format of challenging the “Boy Code.” The non-profit program, also founded in Charlotte and growing nationwide, encourages boys in 4th through 8th grade to be healthy, build relationships, and live active lifestyles with skills learned through running and positive communication.

To give: Let Me Run Donations | LetMeRun.org

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2022/11/22/jesse-smith/

Cross Country for Youth

Cross Country for Youth introduces young people to cross-country and character-building concepts with twice-a-week training. The non-profit for 9- to 14- year-olds (4^th – 8^th grades) teaches endurance, flexibility, and character development through group runs, stretching, and focused talks about Integrity, Respect, Sportsmanship, Responsibility, Perseverance, Teamwork, Commitment, Courage, Discipline and Leadership.

To Give: Cross-Country For Youth

More Than Miles

Founded by our friends at Mad Miles, this new nonprofit 501(c)(3) aims to build and strengthen community. Their three pillars of focus are to provide resources to the community, promote educational advancement, and encourage acts of service.

Their More Than Miles scholarship was created to provide collegiate students the opportunity to develop professionally and socially while highlighting the importance of community in building successful networks.

To Give: https://www.madmilesrunclub.com/morethanmiles

Running Works

Running can have a transformative effect on people’s lives, and RunningWorks proves this where the rubber – pardon the pun – meets the road. This nonprofit continues to adjust its programs to give Charlotte’s homeless population an avenue to take control of their lives, with life skills learned through mentoring and the health and wellness of running. They can always use volunteers and donations!

To give: https://runningworks.org/donate/

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/11/02/matt-sharp-2/

Samaritan’s Feet

Samaritan’s Feet believes that a new pair of shoes can provide a tangible foundation of hope, and decrease the possibility of getting a foot-borne disease. Since its founding in 2003, this Charlotte-based non-profit and partners have distributed over 8 million pairs of shoes in 108 countries and over 440 U.S. cities.

To Give: Samaritans Feet

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2020/11/17/tracie-ohonme/

Black Men Run

Black Men Run is about more than just getting in the miles. This program aims to reverse negative health trends and increased health risks that plague Black males, by offering support and camaraderie through running. The organization’s mission is to encourage African American males to get out and be active. The Charlotte chapter of this national organization is active and open to all!

To give: Black Men Run: Home

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/11/09/gregory-washington/

Black Girls Run

Black Girls Run was launched in 2009 to encourage and motivate Black women to practice a healthy lifestyle, and to battle what the nonprofit calls the “growing obesity epidemic” in the African American community. The group is a fitness resources to get ALL women moving — regardless of race — and lower the number of women with chronic diseases associated with an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.

To give: BGR! Foundation

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/04/13/black-girls-run/

Para Guides

Running a marathon or taking part in other sports is a big enough challenge for most anyone. Now imagine you are training or competing with a visual impairment that doesn’t let you see the crowd or bumps in the road as clearly as the other athletes. Para Guides allows athletes with visual disabilities to train and compete in swimming, cycling, running, or group activities by pairing them with another athlete or coach who guides their way, even providing transportation if they have none.

To give: Blind Running | Para Guide | United States

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2019/09/03/shannon-houlihan/

Speed for Need

This nonprofit was created with inclusiveness in mind. Trained drivers (runners) share races with their special needs Track Commanders (riders) by pushing them in customized racing wheelchairs. Speed for Need has a mission to raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a special need, supported by the men of F3 Nation.

To Give: Speed for Need | Who Pushes Who?

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2019/07/23/kevin-young/

Hemby Foundation

The Hemby Foundation is the charitable entity that supports the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, beneficiaries of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. While not technically a running nonprofit, they work daily to protect and preserve the health of our children so they can grow strong and run someday!

To give: Support Hemby Children’s Hospital

To listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2022/08/02/betsy-zarzour-team-hemby/

‘Tis the season for giving thanks! With all of the stress and spending that comes with the holidays, it can be easy to forget what they are actually about. During the holiday season, we should spend time with friends and family, eat good food, and show appreciation for the things we are thankful for. Runners have got a lot to be thankful for, so we thought we’d help jumpstart your list with 7 Things Runners Are Thankful For.

New Pairs of Shoes

There’s nothing that can brighten up a day, or a run, like new shoes. When you lace up a pair for the first time you can feel every bit of the science that went into making them. It’s like the engineers from Hoka or Brooks (or your shoe brand) are pushing you forward with every step. If you’ve gotten new shoes this year you definitely have something to be thankful for. (Multiply thanks by # of shoes)

Signing up For Races

Who wouldn’t be thankful for the opportunity to show off the results of their training? Weeks and months of hard work, all for one day to give it everything you have. They also come with the added bonus of seeing friends and members of your running community, and probably a new t-shirt too!

Gaining and Maintaining Discipline

Running gives us a lot, including the discipline to accomplish tasks that aren’t easy. Finding the discipline to follow any running plan, especially for a long-distance race, is an achievement. This year runners can be thankful for the discipline they have gained through numerous easy runs, speed workouts, and long runs.

Making New Friends

When you need to clear your head a good solo run is perfect, but for your other runs grab a partner and attack the miles together. Better yet, join a run club and meet someone new that shares your love of the sport. Runners are grateful for the running partners they have as well as the new friends the sport has given them. Be sure to share this article with your running buddies!

Staying in Shape

Be thankful you’ve found a way to stay in shape and that you actually like! Your health is essential and being able to work towards and maintain a healthy body is absolutely something to be thankful for. Creating healthy habits can increase not only your quality of life but also extend your years. Be thankful for the health that comes from practicing the sport you love!

Getting to Push Limits

Running gives us the opportunity to push past what we thought was possible, which in turn helps us dream bigger. The only limits we have are those that we set for ourselves; but, running is a great way to break through those limits and set yourself free. If you continue to push your training in hopes of big results in the future, then we think you’ve got something to be thankful for.

A Great Sport To Love

Of course, we had to save the best for last, and it is pretty obvious… runners should be thankful for the ability to run. Beyond the PRs, new shoes, and anything else, just being able to put one foot in front of the other and move is something to be thankful for. Running is a great sport, it will challenge you, help you create healthy habits, and can also foster lifelong friendships. Just being able to run is quite a lot to be thankful for!

It’s the season of giving thanks and now that you’ve seen our list of things runners are thankful for, we challenge you to make your own. If you do, be sure to share it with us on social media by tagging @runcharlotte_ on Instagram and RunCharlotte on Facebook. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!