RunCharlotte

RunCharlotte

Blog: Feature Stories

Running on Podcasts

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Running can be a time to zone out, recharge, and reboot. A good run should leave you feeling tired, but energized (if you know, you know)! But what about those long runs or the ones where you just aren’t “feeling it”? How do you get through those? You could try running with a buddy, or listening to music, but have you ever tried listening to a podcast? A good podcast just might become your new running obsession!

Better Than Music?

Could listening to podcasts really be better for your running than listening to music? Well of course, everyone is different so it’s very subjective, and what works for us, might not work for you. However, there are definitely some benefits to listening to podcasts over your regular music playlist.

  • Pacing: Podcasts don’t have a beat that you can get swept up in, making it easier to maintain your pace
  • Tough Runs: You are unlikely to have heard the episode of the podcast before (unless you like to re-listen lol) so your attention will be focused on the story and not on a potentially difficult or boring run
  • Motivation: For those of us that need an extra reason to get out of the door for a run you can restrict your podcast listening to runs only. That way if you want to know what happens in the next episode you’ll have to get your miles in.

Podcast Recommendations

Which podcasts to listen to though???  It seems like everyone and their brother are hosting a podcast these days. Come to think of it, we have a podcast too, Running Around Charlotte Podcast. With so many options we decided to ask the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors which podcasts they like to listen to on and off the road. Here are some of the top contenders:

  • Running Around Charlotte (of course)
  • Normal Gossip
    • Normal Gossip delivers juicy, strange, funny, and utterly banal gossip about people you’ll never know and never meet. Check out S1E7 for a tale of a marathon PR that may or may not have happened.
  • The Popcast
    • A weekly podcast educating you on things that entertain, but do not matter.
  • Ali on the Run
    • Every week, Ali talks with inspiring people who are doing exciting things on the run and beyond, from the fastest runners in the world (Des! Molly! Aisha! Emma!), to the runners who make up the middle and back of the pack. Here, every runner is seen and celebrated, and we all get to pick up the pace together.
  • Morning Toast
    • Take a bite out of The Morning Toast, weekdays with Girl With No Job & Jackie O.
  • Armchair Experts
    • A podcast that celebrates the messiness of being human.
  • Jocko’s Podcast
    • Retired Navy SEAL, Jocko Willink and Director, Echo Charles discuss discipline and leadership in business, war, relationships and everyday life.
  • Bare Performance Podcast
    • The Bare Performance Podcast is a weekly show focusing on topics around fitness, nutrition, peak performance, and more.

The Wrap Up

Podcasts could be a great addition to your workout routine and your life in general! There are definitely some benefits that podcasts give, over listening to your same old running playlist. Give some of the podcasts that our ambassadors suggested a try and let us (or even better, them) know what you thought about them.

We can’t wait to see you out on a run listening to podcasts really soon!

Five Ways to Run Better This Fall

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Want to run better this fall and winter? Well, you probably wouldn’t be slogging through these summer miles if that weren’t at least part of your plan. Surviving the heat shouldn’t be the only measure of summer running success. In fact, it can downright derail the best of training plans and melt our motivation faster than a crayon on a hot sidewalk.

It’s a long way to fall, friends. But here are five things you can do right now to make it your best running season yet!

Set a goal: Yes, just getting out the door some days is a noble one, but let’s think a little more specifically. Consider registering for an event, setting a new weekly or monthly mileage goal, a new PR, or the number of days per week you’ll run. Set yourself up for success by choosing realistic long-term goals, achievable intermediate goals, and a plan to get there.

Keep it Fresh: Now’s the time to try something new. Mix up your running routine with other activities that will make you a better runner, or that take advantage of all your hard-earned aerobic fitness. Try yoga, swimming, or cycling for some low- to no-impact workouts. Hit the gym or cross-train with bodyweight workouts. You’ll come out on the other side of summer stronger and more injury-resistant.

Phone a Friend: Or text one, DM, email, or whatever works. Misery loves company, but a shared experience can make some of the worst conditions a little more bearable. Don’t have a running buddy? It’s easy to find a new one at any one of the Charlotte area run clubs.

Lock in That “You” Time: Summer’s laid-back schedule can make it tough to be consistent. Scheduling your runs makes it less likely you’ll miss one – even when you’re in between long weekends, beach trips, or shuttling kids back and forth to swim team, camp, or what have you. A little bit of planning can go a long way toward keeping the peace in a busy household and getting you some guilt-free run time.

Treat yourself: Tom and Donna had the right idea. It doesn’t have to be massages, mimosas, or fine leather goods – or even that Batman suit you’ve always wanted – but treat yourself for sticking to your plan and hitting those goals. A fall or winter marathon can seem a long way off to reap the reward of your training. But a movie ticket, pedicure, or a new running tee might be just the carrot to keep your motivation high when the humidity is, too.

Five for the Fourth

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Cheers to the long weekend! With the Fourth landing on a Monday this year, you’ve got plenty of opportunity to exercise some independence on the roads and trails around Charlotte.

Here’s a look at some of the fun runs and races around the area this weekend!

July 3

Tread, White and Blue 5k – Whitewater Center

https://center.whitewater.org/race/tread-white-blue/

This one will remain a bit of a mystery until race day. You’re for sure getting yourself into a 5k trail race at one the Whitewater Center. During registration, you’ll select the red, white, or blue course—which won’t be revealed to you until race day. This one’s a 6:30PM start.

Troutman FireCracker 5k – Troutman, NC

https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Troutman/TroutmanFireCracker5k

Billed as fast and flat with some small rollers, this first-time event in Troutman starts and finishes at the historic Town Hall. Organizers say beginners will love this course since there are no significant hills. We think that’s a double bonus, since this one starts at 4:00PM. Stroller friendly, but no dogs, please. Plus, there’s a special prize for the most patriotic outfit.

Charlotte Firecracker 5k – Charlotte

https://charlottefirecracker5k.raceroster.com

The Charlotte Firecracker 5k conjures up visuals of Caddy Day at Bushwood, with its start and finish at south Charlotte’s Windyrush Country Club. But this 5k pool party and post-race celebration is a family-friendly summer classic, benefitting the Olde Providence Elementary School Foundation. A 7:00PM start, with the Club staying open until 9:00PM.

July 4

Park National Bank American 4-Miler p/b Novant Health – Charlotte

https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Charlotte/American4Miler

Get your Fourth of July started with a bang with the Park National Bank American 4-miler presented by Novant Health. Get a jump on the day before all of the barbeque and fireworks—and well before it gets good and hot! The Park National Bank American 4-miler is a 7:30AM start at the Metropolitan in midtown Charlotte. Plenty of easy-breezy parking, a scenic Dilworth 4-mile route, a kids’ run, and a unique, stainless steel finishers’ cup. It’s event number three in the 2022 RunCharlotte 6-Pack Series of events. Benefitting RunningWorks.

Run White & Blue – Huntersville, NC

https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Huntersville/RunWhiteBlue

The Run White & Blue Events in Huntersville feature a 7.4 miler, a 7.4k, and a 1.76 mile fun run. This fifth annual event supports military veteran and first responder organizations in the Lake Norman area. Purple Heart Homes and Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund are returning beneficiaries of the event. Start and finish located within Daetwyler Plaza in Huntersville.

Bonus Round

Vac & Dash 3.6-mile Watermelon Run – Albemarle, NC

https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Albemarle/WatermelonRun?aflt_token=ulJ49HheoqxtLIpGCItJrzzVgvO57Xms

The Vac & Dash Watermelon Run at Morrow Mountain State Park is an Independence Day Stanly County tradition. There is no charge for the run, but you can buy an event tee or tank to commemorate the event’s 20thrunning. year. The beautiful scenery at the new Overlook at the top of Morrow Mountain is worth the trip; as is the ice cold post-race watermelon!

Five Must-Have Foods for Runners

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Let’s be real here. We don’t always have the time, the inclination, or the groceries, to whip-up the perfect pre- or post-run dish. But that doesn’t mean you’re relegated to the drive-through or that half pint of ice cream that’s still in the freezer.

We checked in with our man, Matt Dengler, from RxRD Nutrition and asked for a few simple staples athletes should keep on hand. Here are his suggestions fuel up for your next run without regret or empty calories.

Fruit: It’s called nature’s candy for a reason. The natural sugars in fruit provide a good source of energy to fuel your workout. Blend in a smoothie, add to oatmeal or yogurt, or top with nut butter for a delicious and energizing snack. Be mindful of higher fiber fruits and their peels pre-workout. They may be better post-run.

Nut butters: You now have a reason to spoon peanut butter from the jar. Why? Because nut butters, like peanut and almond butter, contain healthy fats which provide sustained energy needed for workouts. Top fruit, toast, or rice cakes with nut butters for a healthy snack.

Protein bars: A high-protein snack that doesn’t require any cooking? Count us in! Protein bars are a go-to when it comes to a convenient high-protein snack, and they are easy to take on the go. We like Rx bars, One bars, Quest bars, Barebells, and BUILT bars due to their high protein and low amount of added sugar.

Jerky: If you crave more savory foods, then this one’s for you! This salty snack is a great staple in an athlete’s diet. It is not only high in protein, but it contains sodium, an electrolyte lost in sweat. Jerky is also easy to grab on the go and requires zero refrigeration.

Electrolytes: Beat the heat (and the muscle cramps) by replenishing with electrolytes. Sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are all lost in sweat, but they are needed to regulate blood pressure and muscle function. Get them back with products like nuun, Skratch and LMNT.

What are some of your quick and nutritious “go-to” snacks or meals? Share them with us at ed@runcharlotte.com. If we publish your suggestion, we’ll send you some RunCharlotte swag!

Running on the Cheap

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From cereal to paper towels, potato chips to cat food; we’re getting less of it for our money these days. And please don’t get us started on gas prices. Lucky for us, running isn’t the most expensive of hobbies. But those shoes, gear, and event entries can add up. And no matter the economic state, there are plenty of ways to keep running fun – and frugal.

Register for your event as early as possible. This one’s a twofer. You’ll get in at the lowest entry price possible. Event directors will have a better headcount for ordering tee shirts and medals, That means less waste, thanks to fewer overruns.

Pass on the après-run latte and muffin. But don’t skip out on the post-run fellowship. The friendships forged over the miles in our run groups are the real deal. Brewery runs your thing? Keep it to one cold beer after the run. But still leave a proper tip.

Save on running shoes. Check into last year’s model running shoes before jumping into the latest thing. This is particularly easy if you’ve been running in the same shoe for some time. If you’re getting fitted for the first time, or getting re-fitted, ask your running specialty store if there are last year’s models that might still be in stock.

Use your running shoes JUST for running. We know, we know. When they’re so comfy and fit just right, it’s tempting to keep them on after our run. Next thing you know, you’ve logged another 10,000 steps at the home improvement store, the grocery, and every other errand. But using your running shoes solely for running will extend their utility for their intended purpose.

Stay local for races. Along with keeping the comforts of home, you’ll avoid the expenses that come with longer trips, like travel, fuel, eating out, hotel rooms, etc. Save the big trip for that bucket list event. It’ll mean that much more.

If you must go, don’t go solo. We totally get it. Sometimes you just want to get out of town. A goal race with all the trappings is quite the motivator. When you do go, double up on the hotel room, share the drive, bring car snacks instead of eating out along the way. You’ll quickly cut into the overall cost of the trip.

Be a pace team volunteer. Here’s another win-win. Not only will serving as a pace team volunteer get you into the event for free, but you’ll also be helping other runners reach their goals. New to pacing? Get some experience at smaller events before approaching those bucket list races.

Run to work. Or class, the store, a meeting, etc. OK, so this tip really doesn’t save you money on running, but could perhaps eliminate a car trip which creates a cascade of savings elsewhere. Start small, like running a package to the post office or to the store for a forgotten grocery item.

Consider homemade snacks v prepackaged (expensive) bars, gels, and goos. Yes, they’re convenient; no argument here. The interwebs are chock-full of recipes for homemade energy bars and such. If you really like a specific brand of gels, blocks, or bars and want to stick with them, buy them in bulk to save some cash.

Be your own sports drink bartender. Buy containers of powdered sports drink mixes instead of bottled. It’s much cheaper and better for the environment since you don’t have all that plastic. Plus, you can experiment with different flavor combos and mixes.

What did we miss? If you’re a runner with a penchant for saving money, let us know how you keep running on the cheap! Send us your tips to ed@runcharlotte.com If we publish your tip, we’ll send you some Run Charlotte swag. Another win-win!