Heel Dragging Thru Summer

It's been a few weeks since the last post, mostly due to being out and about and, to be frank, tired of running in the heat and humidity.  If you think it's hot on your runs, check out Matt Jenkins, who's running across North Carolina for charity - barefoot.  I caught up with him up near Union Grove earlier this week.

There aren't very many local races this weekend, but if you're jonesin' for one then head over to Kannapolis for the Mountaineer 5k.  Yes, it's the same Mountaineers as found at Appalachian State University, no ASU isn't in Kannapolis but in Boone.  The connection is that ASU is a participating school of the Kannapolis-based North Carolina Research Campus.

Finally, here's a gratuitous shot taken this morning after my slow run from downtown Davidson to Fleet Feet and back, about 11 miles roundtrip.  There are a couple of adirondack chairs on the Green and shade aplenty for relaxation.

Happy Running!

Chad R.

Davidson Area Running Team

Race Recap: Trenton Guy Sr. Summer Track Series in Charlotte

DARTer Bobby Aswell regularly participates in the summer track series held by the Charlotte Track & Triathlon Club.  Below is Bobby's recap.

"One of the longest running traditions in Charlotte is the Summer Track series held each Tuesday in June by the Charlotte Track Club. This family fun event kicks off at 6:00 pm with the kids' 50 meter dash followed by the 100 m, 1 mile, 400 m, 800 m, 4x100 m relay, 200 m, and capping off with the 2 mile.

For those looking to set a new PR in the 5K, you won’t get a better chance than the last meet in June when the 2 mile is replaced by 12 ½ fun-filled laps around the track! And the price can’t be beat: $2 for the first 2 events and $1 for each additional event (except for the 5K which is $5).  The marquee event of each meet is the 1 mile where runners of all ages show up to see how fast they can run for 4 laps around the track. Some are hoping to relive the glory days while others are just getting started in their running careers.

The highlight of the series is the Championship Mile held on the last Tuesday in June. This event is broken down into separate heats for the top 10 overall male, female, and masters runners with the top qualifying times. In addition, all other runners have one last shot at the mile following the master’s mile.
Whether you’re a sprinter looking to challenge Usain Bolt, or a miler looking to see what you can
do, the Summer Track series has something for everyone.

It’s a great time so hope to see you there next year!"

Upcoming Races in Early July

After a brief respite the summer doldrums are now upon us in full force.  Despite that, there are a few local races worth checking out, as well as a free trail running seminar (did I mention free?).

• Tuesday, July 6th
• Trail Running Next Steps at the Charlotte REI store.  This FREE trail running seminar will be conducted by Doug Gray.  Be sure to register before going.
• Saturday, July 10th
• Carolina Rock-N-Race Trail Run:  U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte.  The last in a series of races by the 2010 Carolina Trail Run Series, there are two separate events, an 8k and a 20k.  Since the races are held on trails, the distances are approximate.
• James K Polk 5K:  Bell Johnston Park in Pineville, NC.  Benefits the Charlotte Children's Choir.  James Polk, the 11th President of the United States, was born in Mecklenburg County in 1795.
• Grandfather Mountain Marathon:  Boone, NC.  This marathon is one of the tougher races and finishes at the base of Grandfather Mountain during the Highland Games, which is one of the largest Scottish games in the United States.  If you haven't signed up yet then you're out of luck for this year, as it's full.

Happy Running!