These folks party as hard as they run

I took up running a little less than 11 months ago. But it wasn't until after I joined a running group, in January, that I really developed the passion for running that I have today.

You start hanging around with a lot of other runners, it changes you. You begin to feed off their energy and enthusiasm, so you begin to spend progressively more time out there pounding the pavement with your new friends -- the miles just fly by faster that way. And you begin to set loftier goals, like training for (gasp!) triathlons and (GASP!) marathons.

Eventually, you also begin doing things other than running with them. Such as grabbing a beer. Or two beers. Or, in the case of the Charlotte Runners Meetup Group, many, many, many beers.

I haven't been out with these fun-loving folks before, but after getting tipped off about the group by member Jaclyn Shell (who's currently training for the Chicago Marathon), I hooked up with co-organizer Audra Hausser to get the lowdown.

Q. So what is this thing, and how does it work?

Audra Hausser: The Charlotte Runners Meetup Group is a diverse running group that is as serious about running as it is about having fun. We have 20 organizers that keep it fresh and fun for our almost 800 members.

Q. Complete this sentence: The ideal Charlotte Runners Meetup Group member is … ?

Hausser: Someone who is open-minded and easy-going. Being creative is a plus! We have members who are trying to improve their race times, increase their distance or who just don't want to run alone.

Q. So skill levels, they vary?

Absolutely! We have fast runners, runners who are still in the walk/run stage and every pace in between. We have members who've been running for years and been in many running clubs. We have members who joined to get back into running after a long hiatus or injury. We have runners who are new to the area. We have runners who are new to running. If you’re new to the sport, don’t be shy about coming out -- we love sharing our passion for running with new runners. There's no need to "work up" to running with a group, just come out and run!

Q. When/where/how often do you have group runs?

We have scheduled runs every day except Sunday. We have morning runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. We have evening runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We run in Uptown, Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, McMullen Creek Greenway and the White Water Center trails, as well as the Renaissance Park trails. Details for all runs are posted on the Calendar on the web site. We also have a Message Board where members can post to find runners to run at alternative times and locations.

Q. What do you guys do more of, running or partying??

Too tough to call, though most of our partying is preceded by a run or some sort of exercise. Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings and Saturdays mornings are the most social of our runs. Tuesday evening's run is a trail run and the group usually goes to a close bar for dinner and drinks after the run. Thursday nights tend to go on pretty late as we pack the Common Market on Commonwealth and enjoy post run refreshments. A smaller group may later move over to Thomas Street Tavern or Penguin. On at least two occasions, a small group, known as the Common Market Midnight Runners (C.M.M.R), ran the regular Thursday night run, then after hanging out at the Common Market until midnight went back out and ran the 4-mile course again. Saturday mornings the group recovers after the run with coffee from Starbucks.

The CRMG blankets the Common Market's parking lot in Plaza Midwood.

Q. Tell me about some of the "themed runs" you guys do on Thursdays…

Our themed runs generally involve running in costume. This is where we call on you to be creative and open minded! Our last themed run was a tribute to Michael Jackson where we asked runners to come dressed as the King of Pop or anyone related to him or his music. There are prizes for the best costumes which encourages participation and creativity. We also had a theme run to support a member who was diagnosed with cancer (he's cancer-free now). That run involved running with a ball as a show of support for his fight.

Q. And you do crazy stuff around certain holidays, too?

Though we've had many themed runs, our biggest have been our Halloween run, Valentine’s Day run, St. Patty’s Day Beer Mile and Cinco de Mayo run. The Halloween runs have yielded the best costumes of course. We had a girl who ran as a geisha in full makeup and a guy who came as Michael Phelps who ran in a Speedo and swim cap. For the Valentine’s Day run we tied members together in pairs at their wrists and had them race a 4-mile course. It was a great way to meet new people and run with someone who you wouldn’t normally pace with. For our St. Patty's Day Beer Mile, participants had to drink a full 12-ounce beer every quarter of a mile until they'd drank four beers and run one mile. We allowed participants to substitute root beer so that all could participate. Our themed runs draw the most people and almost everyone participates.

Q. OK! So how can someone join?

Check out our site on Meetup.com (click here) and sign up. It’s free and fun! New members can contact me through the site with any questions.

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Oh, I also asked Jaclyn Shell to sum up her feelings about the group. Here's what she had to say: "Everybody is really cool, and I have made some really fun friends. It was a great way to meet people with similar interests. If you want a super-serious group for running, this is not the place. We are more laid-back -- but still push ourselves to do better."

Run the trails with America's best

Got some info to pass along from the race directors for the Continental Divide Trail Race, which is serving as the USATF 10K trail championship and taking place on Aug. 29 in Laurel Springs (a little more than 100 miles north of Charlotte). Here's the full text from the flier they sent to me:

Just 4 weeks to the 2009 USA 10 km Trail Championships which will take place on August 29 in Laurel Springs, N.C. The Trail Championship has USATF age group and team divisions in addition to the Overall, Masters, and North Carolina Championship categories. The early entry deadline is July 31st with an entry fee of $35. After July 31st the entry fee goes up to $45, so get in early.

The championships are being hosted by the FootRx Continental Divide Trail Run. The race site, 75 miles northeast of Winston-Salem, is on the brim of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides a magnificent setting for a championship race. The Blue Ridge presents wonderful views into the foothills below on one side and views into the heart of the mountains on the other.

The race course is a mixture of open grass fields, fireroads, wide trails and about half tight singletrack. Add in some rocks, roots, and big climbs and the course will provide a tough, trail running challenge. Those racing for places in age groups or overall can test themselves on a tough course or the casual runner can just enjoy a run on mountain trails. The multiple loop course is great for spectators to see elite racers as well as friends and family.

So come join us and be part of the National Championship experience! Please check out our race website, www.continentaldividetrailrace.com, for more information.

Adds race director Jason Bryant: "It is very exciting for us to be bringing a national championship race to the southeast, as most of the trail championships are out West. However, this race is not only for elite runners, it is open to runners of all abilities. We are hoping to get runners from all over the southeast to come for the race and perhaps stay for the weekend in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. We already have entrants from Georgia, Pennsylvania, and as far as Colorado."

9 BIG upcoming races to plan for

Do you like to plan ahead? Actually, more important question: Do you like crowds? Big ones?

Here are details on three upcoming races that I expect will attract more than 3,000 runners each in the last five months of 2009 -- followed by a list of half a dozen that should draw at least 1,000.

1. The Thunder Road Marathon, Saturday, Dec. 12. Starts and finishes uptown. This year's event will be the fifth iteration of Charlotte's new marathon, and it has grown significantly every year; in 2008, nearly 5,000 marathoners, half-marathoners and 5Kers crossed the finish line. D.C. Lucchesi of Run For Your Life says "about half of all the marathon and half-marathon participants are from out of town. That means they're sleeping, eating and shopping here, pouring a couple mil into the local economy in the weeks right before Christmas. Plus, the event has turned tens of thousands of dollars back into local charities." Link to the official site is here. Early-bird registration (through Aug. 31) is just $75 for the marathon, $50 for the half, and $25 for the 5K.

2. Charlotte Southpark Turkey Trot 8K, Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26. Traverses Southpark neighborhoods. If you're looking to burn about 500 calories before wolfing down your turkey and stuffing, this is the place to be. Just make sure to register early -- last year, more than 3,000 runners help sell out the event, while another 252 people ran the 1-miler. There's also a 5K walk. Click here to see the registration page. It's $25 for the 8K, $20 for the walk or the 1-mile run.

3. Komen Race for the Cure, Saturday, Oct. 3. In uptown Charlotte. This fundraiser for breast cancer research features a 5K competitive race, a 5K noncompetitive run/walk, and a 1-mile route. It is "a celebration of life where runners and walkers of all ages gather to honor survivors who are winning the battle against breast cancer and to remember those who have lost their lives to this devastating disease." In 2008, 1,500 people affixed chip timers to their shoes, and several thousand more ran or walked simply for the cause. Details are here. Register by Sept. 1 for $33 (competitive) or $28 (noncompetitive). Thereafter, it's $35 or $30.

Other biggies

4. Hit the Brixx 10K/5K, Saturday, Sept. 26. In uptown Charlotte. The 10K is the eighth race of the 2009 Run For Your Life Grand Prix Series. # of 2008 finishers: 10K, 678; 5K, 413; total: 1,091. Official site: Click here.

5. Dowd YMCA Run, Saturday, Nov. 7. Traverses Dilworth neighborhoods. There's a 5K, but Charlotteans flock to this event because it offers one of the city's precious-few annual half-marathons. Almost 700 completed it last year. Official site: Click here.

6. Blue Points 5K, Saturday, Aug. 8. Starts and finishes at Bank of America Stadium, where -- of course -- the Carolina Panthers play. This unique setting is what brought almost 1,000 runners uptown for it in 2008. Official site: Click here.

7. Lungstrong 15K/5K, Saturday, Oct. 17. Traverses the Lake Norman area. Another case in which an uncommon distance is the draw -- more than 400 runners did the 5K last year ... more than 500 ran the 15K. Official site: Click here.

8. Yiasou Greek Festival 5K, Saturday, Aug. 29. Traverses Dilworth neighborhoods. Four words often get tossed around when Yiasou comes up: Charlotte's. Flattest. Annual. 5K. About 850 people crossed the finish line in '08. Official site: Click here.

9. Hopebuilders 5K, Saturday, Oct. 10. Traverses Myers Park area. Why this one? Worthy beneficiary (Levine Children's Hospital) and a peek at some of the city's most beautiful residential neighborhoods. # of 2008 finishers: 820.

Want to chime in about any of these? Or add your own favorites? The floor is now yours.

Another week, another runnin' fool!

This is the seventh in an ongoing series of profiles highlighting an ardent local running enthusiast. Up today: AARON LINZ, 36, whose name has popped up on the blog several times in the past few months (including here, here, here and here).

Aaron, a software manager for Transamerica Reinsurance by day, is already known by many in our circles as the driving force behind the Charlotte Running Club, an "independent competitive" organization with a membership base that includes several of the area's top runners -- although it welcomes all abilities.

When and why did you start running? My father took me out to a 10K when I was 10 years old. I was waiting for him at the finish. My idea of "training" for a race back then was to run two miles a couple days before a race. I played lots of soccer and football every day after school so I was just a kid in good shape. In high school, I realized I could letter as a freshman (in cross country and track) and travel on the weekends to fun places, which sure beat sitting on the bench in soccer or football. Also, at the time I was 5-3 and 105 pounds ... not good for football.

What do you love about running? It requires virtually no equipment, no team and no field to participate. Nike's old slogan, "Just Do It," pretty much says it all! You can be anywhere in the world and still get a run in. You just need shorts and shoes. I am one of those strange folks who gets more exercise on vacation than when I am at home! I love to wake up on vacation and find a local place to run. You get to see the local sights and plan what you want to do for the rest of the day before most of the world even wakes up. Running is my mental health. I get a chance to reflect, think about my day, family, what I can do better. It is also the best way for me to release energy and push myself physically as far as I can. I am competitive and love to see just how much my body is capable of doing.

What do you hate about running? Injuries. It was a LONG time ago but I had a compound fracture to my right leg when I was a kid. My right leg tends to have shin splints and stress fractures as my mileage creeps over 60 miles a week so I am constantly stretching, icing, looking for cross training to strengthen my leg. About a year ago, an orthopedic doctor I visited told me I was just lucky to be able to run. He is right.

Current running shoes? Asics 2140. Love my Asics. Durable and comfortable.

Where is your favorite place to run in Charlotte? There is nothing more special than a Saturday morning summer run out of McAlpine (Creek Park, off of Monroe Road). High school cross country teams getting ready for the season, college runners training, marathoners logging miles, joggers out trying to lose weight, families walking and riding bikes. McAlpine has a soft surface, which is terrific for your legs.

Favorite annual N.C. race? (He has several.) Favorite half: Dowd Y Half Marathon probably is the best half marathon course in town and at a great time of year (early November). Great for beginners to experienced runners. Favorite 10K: Between Hit The Brixx in September or the RaceFest 10K. Both tougher courses, but good competition. Favorite 5K: Greekfest 5K -- great course, great time of year, big turnout, great competition. Favorite marathon: Thunder Road, of course! Tough course, but I love that we have a marathon right here in our own back yard! Great way to end your fall season.

Favorite distance? Mile without question. The mile and the marathon are the premier events in distance running. The best run one or the other unless you are Kara Goucher and can do both very well. ... I (also) really like the half marathon because there is time to relax and drift off some in the half. I ran it for the first time about two years ago. You don't have to put in as many training miles as the marathon and if you run a bad half, you can bounce back in a week or two to do another. ... Marathon training is different than anything I have ever done in my life. I ran cross-country and track in high school, competed for UNC-Chapel Hill in the steeplechase, but the marathon is a different beast. There are several ladies in town who I can crush at 5K and 10K but they absolutely kick my tail at the marathon! The marathon is about more than just miles of running. You have to put all the pieces of the puzzle together to run a good one ... good base mileage, hydration, nutrition, pacing, etc. If you run a bad one, you can't take a shot at another one for at least a month. Your body just won't allow it. ... I have run a 2:52, but have not broken three hours in the last two attempts despite being well on pace to break three.

PR for the mile? 4:12 (16 years ago ... about 4:34 these days!). PR for a half-marathon? 1:18:20 (this year, as a 36-year-old, at RaceFest in SouthPark ... a beautiful course but hilly, so I am confident I can do better).

What's the funniest or strangest thing that's happened to you during a race or run? Hmmm, most of my really good stories are not clean for the paper. ... Clean story: Getting lost on an out and back run. How is that possible? Yeah, has happened more than once, when you think you totally know where you are going and then on the way back, your brain must get tired too as everything seems different! I often use the force (standard guy who doesn't read directions) when I am in a new location. Every run can be a loop right?

Are you a morning or an evening runner? Ughh, definitely evening but trying REALLY hard to be morning. It is great to be done with the run before work and it guarantees you get it done. I have shared with the Charlotte Running Club that 6 a.m. is where I draw the line. I know some groups head out at 5:30 a.m. and 5:45 a.m., which is barely earlier, but mentally, pre-6 a.m. is REALLY, REALLY early for me! 6 a.m. is tough enough.

Fueling strategy during Charlotte's summers? GU Gel, lime flavor, is about the only one I can tolerate -- if I am going more than an hour; otherwise not needed. Water during the day and lots of water and Gatorade after a run. If I am running more than an hour, I try to stage water and/or Gatorade somewhere on the route. Bananas are my friend after runs, too, to help keep leg cramps away. Also, chocolate milk is great after a hard run.

Do you listen to music while you run? Nope -- just never have. I mostly run with Charlotte Running Club. The conversation of the group is what I enjoy so music is not necessary. On the days I run by myself, just taking in the scenery that I run by and reflecting on my day/week is plenty good for me.

What's next on your race calendar? The Virginia Beach Half Marathon on Labor Day weekend. I will be at the Greekfest 5K as that is a terrific local race with lots of local competition, but I am really shooting for a good time in a half marathon so my body won't be properly prepared for the speed of a 5K.

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Know of another running fool? Tell me about him or her in an e-mail to tjanes@charlotteobserver.com.

And we're off to the races ...

For runners in areas to the extreme east or south-southeast of Charlotte (or for those of you who are willing to drive a little), I've got info on a few events that should satisfy your racing jones Saturday morning. Plus, there's one option out in Belmont that'll leave you feeling very dirty ...

Anyway, read on to find out what's happening this weekend.

Go for Blood!

What: Bike tours, 5K race.

Where: Cane Creek Park, 5213 Harkey Road in Waxhaw (Union County).

When: Saturday. 63-mile and 35-mile rides depart at 7:15 and 7:30 a.m., respectively. Road race starts at 8 a.m. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

Cost: Register by Tuesday for $25. After Tuesday and on race day, it's $35 to participate. Just $10 for ages 16 and younger. T-shirts guaranteed for first 300 entrants.

Of note: This annual fund-raising event supports the American Red Cross. ... The two "cycling adventures" go through "the rolling hills" of southern Union County, and will include rest stops. ... The 5K racers will be treated to "wooded scenery," with awards given to the top three males and females. ... All participants are invited to a post-event cookout (10 a.m.-1 p.m.).

Official site: Click here.

Last year's Go For Blood! 5K.

YMCA Strong Communities 8K

What: 8K (5-mile) road race.

Where: Stanly County Family YMCA, 427 N. First St. in Albemarle.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday.

Cost: $15.

Of note: Peter Asciutto, owner of Vac & Dash in Albemarle, says "it's a challenging yet fair 5-mile course" through residential and downtown areas of the city. ... The top three male and female finishers get Brooks drawstring bags; the top 10 men and women get Vac & Dash "Top Finisher" towels. ... Donate canned goods and you'll be entered for a chance to win a pair of $100 running shoes courtesy of Vac & Dash.

More race info: Click here. To register: Click here.

To Shed Light on Her Darkness 5K

What: 5K road race.

Where: Dickerson Park off of Icemorlee Street in Monroe.

When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Race-day registration starts at 7:30.

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 on race day.

Of note: A very small race last year, but with a worthy beneficiary: the Turning Point of Union County domestic violence shelter clients, and their children. ... The Monroe Police Department kicks off its "National Night Out" celebration at 9:30 a.m. at the same site, so runners can stick around for food, drinks and activities.

More race info: E-mail Krystin Jacobs at kjacobs@unioncountyturningpoint.org or call her at 704-283-9150. You also can just e-mail me and I can forward you the brochure.

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I also have an e-mail out to the director of this Saturday's cool-sounding Marine Mud Challenge in Belmont. While we await his answers to my questions, here's a taste, courtesy of a recent Associated Press report:

Registration is open for the 3rd Annual Marine Mud Challenge. The race is scheduled for Aug. 1 at Belmont Abbey College. Proceeds will go to the families of wounded sailors and Marines at Camp Lejeune. The race features a 5-mile course with a variety of obstacles, including mud pits, a low crawl through a pipe and a 5-foot wall. The race is open to the public. Last year, more than 600 runners took part.

Unfortunately, the race Web site (at www.carolinamarines.org) was down this morning. Stay tuned. ...

Know of any other races happening this weekend?

My marathon training: Week 2

Week 2: Rest on Sunday; 4 easy miles on Monday; 6 miles of hills on Tuesday; rest on Wednesday; 5 easy miles on Thursday; 5 easy miles on Friday; 9-mile long run on Saturday. Total: 29 miles.

For the second week in a row, I hit all my marks on all my designated days, on the nose. I slightly kicked up the pace of my "easy" runs to about 8:41-8:42, did the hills at 8:04, and the long run at an 8:27 average clip.

Since I've got the Lake Norman Triathlon coming up, I also threw in a 26-mile ride Wednesday evening (the route included most of the LKN bike course) and 1,600 meters at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center on Thursday morning.

I was up in the Philadelphia area over the weekend, and going into it, I wasn't looking forward to Saturday's long run -- mainly because I had to do it solo, and I hate running alone when I've gotta be out there for more than an hour.

But it turned out to be the highlight of the training week. I felt better than I have in weeks (very little knee pain!), it was a challenging run (with plenty of rolling hills), and the completely-new-to-me route -- which traversed the Philly suburbs of Lansdowne, Drexel Hill, Springfield and Clifton Heights -- kept boredom at bay as I passed through interesting neighborhoods, both richer and poorer. Would have been better with friends, but it was still far more enjoyable than I could have ever imagined it would be; makes me want to see as many cities as I can this way.

Now, as for my strict adherence thus far to the Yasso training plan I'm following: While I do think some of my OCD tendencies are playing into how I'm approaching it, I don't plan to keep this up forever.

I expect to modify it soon, in fact, as I have several conflicts (vacations, races, etc.) that will cause shakeups. Plus, I'm aware that ITB issues can flare up for me at any time, so I have to be ready to hold back if I'm having pain. I guess the reason I'm trying to follow it so closely now is because the first few weeks of the plan are so (relatively) easy. Plus, I'd like to say I at least stuck with it for a little while; next month, it'll be rejiggered thanks to a trip overseas and a late tri-training push (LKN is Aug. 23).

I'm not saying it's gonna be easy to divert from the guidelines. But as a new running buddy, Allen, wisely reminded me last week: "Everybody responds to training differently, and to perform at your best, you have to find what really works for you. ... Don't fall into the 'I-must-follow-this-plan-exactly-no-matter-what' -- I made that mistake last marathon and got hurt (was very sore on my long day and felt like I had to complete the full 16 miles on that day because that's what my plan said to do). Be flexible."

I'll be trying my best to do so. Hope you will, too.

Thoughts or advice regarding my training? Want to share stories about how your own plan is going? Fire away!

Run 5.5+ miles in a Marine's shoes

If you and three tough friends are up for a little punishment and a whole lotta mud this weekend, you might be interested in a different kind of race going next Saturday morning out at Belmont Abbey College.

It's the third annual Marine Mud Challenge, and it's ... well, let's just let event director Aaron Harper explain.

Q. What is this thing, Aaron, in a nutshell?

5.5-plus miles of on- and off-road running with 30-plus obstacles and physical challenges -- and, of course, a 700-foot-long mud pit. The event is open to the public for teams of four to compete; teams can also participate in a noncompetitive "fun run." [Note: No single runners can participate; you must have a team of four.]

Q. Tell me about all the obstacles. What's the toughest one to get over/under/around?

The obstacles are different types of walls that the runners will have to get over -- the highest being the A-Frame wall, which is about eight feet tall, and we have a ladder wall that is about the same height, except it's in the mud pit. The physical challenges range from push-ups to mountain climbers to duck walks.

Q. What do you recommend participants wear?

Whatever they know can be trashed as soon as the race is over. Some of the back woods trails are one person wide and there are a lot of pricker bushes back there. And, of course, the mud pit isn't 100 percent mud and water. There are small rocks that make their way into the mud, which can tear clothing. We've had plenty of teams run in shorts and shirts, and we've had military and law enforcement teams run in cammies and boots.

Q. How muddy could someone potentially wind up?

Completely -- and thoroughly -- muddy. Red clay mud, at that.


Q. What's a respectable finishing time?

It's hard to say. Each year we've held the event -- this being our third -- we've made the course longer and tougher. If I had to guess, maybe 45 minutes to an hour.

Q. Can you give me a little history? Who came up with the idea for this race?

Marines have been doing mud runs since there were Marines. The idea of this event and our other events is to educate the public about what it takes to physically be a Marine. What most people don't understand is that an event like this is similar to what Marines do several times a week. A number of years ago, some Marines at Camp Pendleton, Calif., decided to organize a mud run that was open to the public. ... They sell out every year for two weekends in a row. There are really that many people out there who want to see what it takes to train like Marines. How it came here: About three years ago, we -- retired, former, reserve and active Marines -- decided to form a coordinating council, Carolina Marines, that would organize events like mud runs, buddy challenges, and ultimate team challenges as a way of raising funds and awareness for combat-injured Marines. Our first mud run was in 2007. [Note: Last year, more than 600 runners took part.] Most of the participants signed up this year are previous runners -- they want to be yelled at and get muddy. There are a number of Marine Mud Runs across the country, including a great one in Columbia, S.C., and another in Roanoke, Va. Next year, there will be a Marine mud run in Winston-Salem. We have a blast putting them together and the runners have a great time -- all for a great cause of course.

Q. What makes Belmont Abbey a good place to host the race?

Belmont Abbey has an incredibly beautiful campus, but they also have a good amount of wooded areas between Exits 26 and 27 off I-85. The college also doesn't have a problem with us digging a mud pit on their property, which most people do since it's kind of messy. The campus staff and the Monks have been very supportive of our endeavors there, and it gives them some great exposure as well.

Q. How exactly will the proceeds from the race be used?

100 percent of funds raised -- meaning no staff get paid -- are used to help the families of Marines and Sailors injured in the line of duty. We also use some of the funds to help the families of local Marines through their family services coordinator.

Q. Will there be Marines out there participating and volunteering?

We will have Marines running in the race, but most will be volunteering to yell at -- a.k.a. motivate -- the participants.

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Interested? Many, many more details are available on the Web site: Click here to check it out. Cost is $25 per team member or $100 total, although if you're military, in public service, in college, or on a youth team, it's $20 each or $80 total. Registration closes at 8 p.m. Thursday. The registration page can be accessed here.