David Freeze

By David Freeze

Last Saturday, mid-morning, I started getting texts from other runners. For a few weeks, many locals with lots of miles and marathons were keeping up with Bob Marchinko on his quest for not just another marathon. Long-time coach and educator, Bob fell off a roof and broke his neck last June. Words like paralysis were used, but with the grace of God, Bob was able to return to running. A strong effort at a half marathon got him thinking about the possibility of chasing the N.C. age 49 marathon record.

Bob said, “I chose Oak Island, since it was close. The weather was rough, and I did have some stomach issues, which caused me to run the whole race without taking water or GU (energy tabs). I was fortunate to be able to manage both things. I will just say God is good and I am blessed! Back in August, when I started my rehab, I had no plans on racing, I just wanted to feel normal again, so the races have just been icing on the cake.”

Bob’s time of 2:31:3, a 5:47/mile average, did get the N.C. age group record and he won the race. He expressed thanks to all his friends and family for the ongoing encouragement on his inspirational journey.

For various reasons, I was especially impressed that Bob’s average heart rate during the race was 177 beats per minute. Maximum heart rate is calculated by subtracting age from 220. In Bob’s case, his maximum heart rate, or the level at which experts say he shouldn’t exceed for long-term exercise, would be 171. For two hours and 31 minutes, Bob’s heart worked very hard.

Runners’ hearts during exercise do work very hard. But just like any other muscle, training that heart to do more provides exceptional cardiovascular benefits. Running’s impact on the heart has long been studied. In 1985, one study concluded that “Regular runners have slow resting pulse rates and a high maximal oxygen consumption.” Echocardiographic studies have also shown that distance runners have “larger, thicker left ventricles and their hearts are more efficient than those of sedentary people, pumping a larger volume per beat.” This phenomenon is called “Athlete’s Heart,” and is a result of intense cardiovascular workouts. No matter the number of miles we log each week, it all adds up to a lower resting heart rate, lower bad cholesterol in your blood and lower blood pressure.

Regardless of all these good things, there are frequent studies that analyze how much running is enough to get these benefits and there are always some that say that too much running isn’t good.

When a young and healthy runner does die while running, it’s almost always due to a genetic heart abnormality called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the walls of the heart become thickened for no known reason. This condition affects 1 in 500 people. Though deaths like these often steal headlines, the risk of such an occurrence is quite low. In fact, my very first column for the Salisbury Post was about the death of three runners in the same Detroit Marathon that I had recently competed in.

Even if you’re born without a heart condition, there’s a chance you may develop one as you age. Heart disease is a broad term that describes a range of conditions that affect the heart, including clogged arteries that can cause heart attacks and stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in America. But regardless, if heart disease does develop, nearly everyone affected will be encouraged to continue to exercise in some manner.

For my generation, one of the most famous runners in history was Jim Fixx, the author of the best book on running I ever read, The Complete Book of Running. Fixx began running in an effort to beat family history that was loaded with serious heart disease and his own heavy smoking habit. It did take Fixx’s life eventually, but not until he had lived nine more years than his dad and brother.

This past week, I wore a medical heart monitor for 48 hours. More on that later.

The Will Run for Food 5K benefitting Rowan Helping Ministries is Saturday. www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

Runners everywhere have used caffeine to their advantage for years. I was one of them. Through the 1980s and ’90s, I raced nearly every weekend, spent time doing 75-100-mile weeks and knew I had found my best sport. The quest to be good drove a lot of my competitors to extreme means to place high in the best races, with rumors including performance enhancing drugs surfacing. Racing was serious business then, with a devoted group of focused athletes often driving hundreds of miles to find a race. It was a different time!

Today, runners seldom put in the work that we did then. And if they do it for a while, the sustained effort often doesn’t last. With a few possible exceptions, the most competitive races are past us. I sometimes felt like a NASCAR driver going from track to track racing the best.

I can’t drink coffee though friends have often tried to get me to. But during this racing period, I loved Mountain Dew and an occasional Diet Coke. In the beginning, I didn’t know why but I soon found out that either gave me a certain boost on race day. On the drive to just about any race, I started with a 2-liter bottle of diet Mountain Dew, mixed half and half with water, and one of my favorite snacks. My goal was to arrive at the race well-hydrated and with a caffeine buzz. This mixture worked for some amazing race times.

But how does caffeine enhance performance? The International Society of Sports Nutrition says caffeine increases calcium availability, which helps your muscles contract more forcefully and delays muscle fatigue. It also increases exercise metabolism and the availability of glucose and glycogen, which will allow you to run longer without having to slow down. Most importantly, caffeine stimulates your central nervous system (CNS), which has a number of effects on your body, including pain suppression.

Some studies have also shown that caffeine may modulate the release of dopamine into your bloodstream as well, which can impact alertness, pain, motivation and effort. The group’s findings also support a certain placebo effect, meaning that your mind expects to run well and you do.

I watched some of the best racers for years drink a cup or two of coffee within the hour before a race. In fact, there is an old photo of a pair of running shoes with a Styrofoam coffee cup in each shoe, both items supposedly ready to go to work.

There are many ways to get caffeine today besides drinking coffee or soft drinks. Currently, energy gels, shots and drinks, plus mouth rinses, chewing gum and pills all can provide the caffeine boost.

What are the side effects and how much is too much? The Olympics and the NCAA both banned caffeine in excessive levels but that level is almost impossible to reach without excessive pill use. Studies say that past a certain level, any kind of performance enhancement levels off and likely will even decrease. Turns out that the two regular cups of coffee are about right for the average individual, but not for all.

Coffee and energy drinkers sometimes drink too much caffeine, and where that tipping point is depends largely on the individual. Negative side effects include tachycardia, heart palpitations and anxiety, and the ISSN paper highlights that 50% of elite athletes face mental health problems at some point in their careers. High levels of caffeine consumption could potentially make the problem worse.

Caffeine’s impact on sleep is perhaps the most significant negative side effect of the drug when it comes to physical performance. Some athletes’ sleep is less affected by caffeine than others’, and the paper explains that this has more to do with genetics than anything. My own feeling is that sleep and hydration are the most important performance factors and must be done right, so weigh the above information with your own judgement.

The Will Run for Food 5K at Centenary Methodist is just ahead on Feb. 27. This and other upcoming events, including the spring Beginning Runners Class, are listed at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.

By David Freeze

Runners and walkers are nice people, almost always. But once in a while, one of them will forget their ethics and manners. After participation as a runner or volunteer in 1,500 races over 44 years, I thought I had seen it all and sometimes have said just that.

A brain low on oxygen must be the excuse for something that happened recently at Winter Flight and also at the Santa Run. One of the top runners cut the course at the Santa Run and did it not far from the finish. Then, at least two more people did it at Winter Flight and a blatant occurrence happened at a race in Statesville last weekend. For sure, stay on the designated course. And if there are turnaround cones, go all the way around the cone. Cheating the course will be a guaranteed immediate disqualification in future local races. The last disqualification occurred a few years back when the race leader cut across the grass to shave off seconds on an asphalt course at Salisbury Community Park.

If the race brochure or website states that no dogs are allowed in the event, don’t bring yours to run. And if its not stated, make sure you call ahead to see if dogs can be allowed by starting in the back of the pack. All registration sites have a phone number or email to ask these questions. Numerous accidents with dogs and especially their leashes prompted these rules.

Regardless of the situation, whether your best friend or wife or sister couldn’t make it, don’t run the race under someone else’s name using their bib number. The mass confusion that this causes with tabulating the results is a surprise to most who do it. Especially when every single race held in Rowan County will gladly help transfer a registration to another person because of sickness or for just about any other reason. We want you in the event, just go to the trouble to do it right.

And even worse, don’t run in a race without registering. There isn’t a good enough reason to do that. Recently, we’ve had parents that wanted to run with their child just to accompany them. Rowan County races have safe courses and registration fees that are half of Mecklenburg County races and remain very affordable, especially considering the value of the shirt, refreshments, awards, door prizes and that a local charity is the beneficiary of the proceeds.

Worst case of the above is a runner that intentionally comes to the race to “bandit” the course. In other words, they let the race start and then jump in at the first curve, turn or congested spot. Then, they test themselves against the real participants, before sometimes but not always getting off the course just before the finish. And the lowest of the bandits work their way through the refreshment area before slinking to their car. No, the road is not free during a race!

And finally, once you’ve finished the course as a properly registered runner, go enjoy the refreshments and any vendors or entertainment. But do not head for the area where the results are being tabulated, either by manual or chip timing, and then start asking questions of those hard at work. They don’t have time to look you up! When left alone, they will very likely have those results by the time you’ve enjoyed the other amenities.

Bottom line, yes, these events are competitive. But do your racing honestly on the course and honor those that work hard to provide the races and the charities that receive the proceeds! Don’t do the above things. A runner who doesn’t follow the rules or demands special attention because of poor manners means you didn’t act as a you should on race day.

Don’t be the runner that volunteers, participants and spectators go home talking about with a frown on their face!

The next race is one of our best, the Will Run for Food 5K and fun run at Centenary Methodist on Feb. 27. For more information, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

The average American child between the ages of 8 and 12 spends 1,200 hours a year in front of screens, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. That’s about four hours a day of being sedentary and glassy-eyed. And while screens aren’t all bad, too much screen time can lead to less sleep, reading, physical activity and time outdoors. Screens, in other words, often rob children of the things that help them thrive and stay healthy.

Add to this the fact that even before the pandemic, youth sports participation has been declining, down from 45% to 38% since 2008. Organized sports provide the benefits of exercise and learning how to be part of a team. And according to the Aspen Institute, 30% of those kids who previously played are less interested now.

As the Zoom-classroom marathons drag on for kids amid questionable success, finding the outdoors again just as parents and grandparents did before, might be the solution to all of this.

If team sports continue to fade away, how will we get children moving again so that they can still enjoy the benefits of regular exercise? The answer, if we can capitalize on the recent promising trends, is to focus on the growing interest in outdoor activities.

Research by the Harris Poll in October found that 69% of Americans reported a heightened appreciation for outdoor spaces during the pandemic, while 65% said that they try to get outside the house as much as possible. Younger people too! A survey by Civic Science found that Gen Zers and Millennials (those between 13 and 34 years old) were the most likely to say that they planned to do more outdoor activities as a result of COVID-19 related shutdowns.

“If those numbers are right, it would be the most significant increase in people getting outside for their health and well-being that we’ve ever seen, which would be remarkable,” says Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation.

Were you one of those adults who decided to buy a bike this year or who tried regular walking, running, climbing or hiking as a way to beat the mental stress or added weight from staying at home more than ever? Bike and running stores struggled to keep up. This year, bicycling became the third most popular sport for kids (up from 16th), according to the Aspen Institute. Yellowstone saw more visitors in July 2020 than it did the previous year. State parks have seen a surge, too, as more families got outdoors but stayed closer to home to do so. Some parks even ballooned past capacity and had to turn people away or issue warnings and direct visitors to lesser-known sites.

According to numbers from L.L. Bean, sales of kayaks and family tents jumped 128% and 53% this year, respectively. Nationwide sales of camping supplies saw a 31-percent increase from the year before. Snowshoe sales at L.L. Bean were up 40%, and REI expanded its inventory of winter gear in anticipation of all-time highs in consumer demand.

Groups like the Outdoor Foundation and other organizations want to sustain the momentum. Aangeenbrug said, “When you think about what makes new habits, it’s to repeat and reinforce the experiences. If you couldn’t stand to be in the house one more minute, and you kept going outside and you kept having good experiences with your family and your kids and you did it enough, the likelihood is higher that it’s something that’s going to be a part of your life.” In other words, if your kids love getting outside to hike, run, camp or climb, make sure you continue to provide those opportunities even after the pandemic has subsided.

As adults, we should be interested in bringing even more people into the activities we tend to take for granted. By doing this, I think we not only can reverse the decline in team sports but foster more well-rounded and confident kids by building on the outdoors momentum of 2020. Youth leagues should start again soon, teaching life lessons and providing competition.

I’ve had a surge in requests on how to get kids started in running the right way. Our next beginning runners class starts on March 16. Attentive kids, 10 and up, can register for the class with a registered adult. www.salisburyrowanrunners.org . 

By David Freeze

A different location still brought out a crowd of 292 participants for Rowan’s best known race. The dairy cows lined up to watch the runners as many of them made rare visits to the rural countryside. Here are some of my own special memories from last week’s 38^th annual event.

A total of 55 volunteers worked the event while participants came from five states.

Hope Julian, 11, from China Grove, won the women’s 5K with a sizzling 22 minutes and 5 seconds.

Molly Nunn, from Clemmons, has won the women’s 8K multiple times and did again at 30:17, the same time as last year. She won $125, a portion of which she donated back to the race and plans to use the rest to help purchase a new pair of shoes for her training partner from Winston-Salem.

Lisa Deaton of Charleston, S.C., shows off her age group medal and hoodie from last Sunday’s Winter Flight. Deaton and friend, Michael Liebowitz, flew to the race. Submitted photo.

Matthew Martin, another China Grove finisher, beat his brother Jonathan by 5 seconds to win the 8K in 24:55. Those finishes were special enough but both Martins got a memorable treat. Matthew said, “Our grandma is Anna Martin and her memory has gotten pretty bad plus she physically can’t get around very well. But she is pretty healthy. Our dad brought her with the intention of getting as close to the finish line as possible so that she could see us finish the race. The plan was also to leave her in the car while keeping her away from folks due to COVID. It worked out perfectly that she got to see us finish from the comforts of my dad’s car. We are extremely thankful for the firemen/volunteers that they were able to clear a spot for her to spectate. We’re glad she got to come because it’s been a while since she has seen us race. We always enjoy Winter Flight and we’ll be back next year!”

Mrs. Martin and her son arrived a little late to the race after the road was blocked by the firefighters because the runners would finish a short distance away. Those Locke firefighters found out about Mrs. Martin just as someone moved their car from a spot at the finish line. They made a way to get her car to that perfect spot just as her grandsons finished in front of her while winning the race. West Rowan Fire Department also worked the event.

As the area’s best runners, the Martin brothers are training hard to beat the course record at the Myrtle Beach Marathon on March 6.

Lisa Deaton and her friend Michael Liebowitz of Charleston, S.C., fly to a race on as many weekends as possible. Last Sunday, they landed at the Mid Carolina Regional Airport and took a loaner car to the race site on Sloan Road. We talked on Tuesday morning as Lisa shared her report on the race and much more.

Lisa knows her stuff because she directs the Race the Landing 5K in Charleston and has for eight years. Lisa also is an excellent runner, winning her 5K age group Sunday in 23:05 at age 56. But as one serious runner and race director to another, I was focused on her words as she described her first Winter Flight experience. Both Lisa and Michael are pilots and Michael owns the plane, a Cirrus SR22 that’s special because the plane has its own parachute. Lisa said, “We love coming to N.C. better than any other state. I have family in Statesville and our favorites are the Outer Banks and this area. I’m a flatlander so the hills were tough but well worth the great course. Where did you get all those smiling, gracious and kind volunteers? And the race was COVID perfect! We just liked everything about the appealing race including the cows and the little colored dots on the race bib signifying our wave start.”

It takes a while to put this event to bed for another year, just as it takes months of planning to have it. Rowan Helping Ministries will receive a check for more than $10,000 and the runners, walkers and volunteers went home with a great experience.

The next race is the always well-organized event at Centenary Methodist Church’s Will Run for Food 5K on Feb. 27. Look for it and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

A few years back, I heard from a former running client about her involvement with Ainsley’s Angels. Allison Tuck’s son is handicapped and couldn’t run but he loved the environment around race day. Allison wanted to know if we would allow wheelchairs, specifically a special kind of racing chair, in the event.

We liked the idea so much that the one chair grew to as many as six in our races and even more in some others the Angels have attended locally.

Ainsley’s Angels of America was founded by retired U.S. Marine Major Kim “Rooster” Rossiter, Ainsley’s dad. He noticed that when she went for her first jog during a local road race in 2008, she gave a radiant wind-induced smile that anyone would envy. In an instant, running provided the family with a therapeutic means to fight the devastation associated with learning and trying to live with the fact that sweet Ainsley had a terminal illness that would eventually take her to heaven in February 2016. Today, her incredible legacy lives on, and Ainsley’s Angels of America has grown to over 70 cities and 33 states.

Local Ambassador Lauren Bruce said, “In the Triad, we roll with nearly 50 Angel riders, 22 racing chairs and 70 Angel runners of all ages, paces, and backgrounds now celebrating three years of inclusion, education and advocacy. We aim to ensure everyone can experience endurance events and build awareness about America’s special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life. Our Angel riders are our purpose and inspiration, and I like to say that we take riders from the sidelines to across finish lines. On race day, we fit each rider for a specialized racing chair and pair them with runners who volunteer to lend their legs so they may roll with the wind. Our runners and riders meet as strangers but leave as family.”

Lauren has recently assumed Ambassador responsibility for the Triad Angels, which includes the Rowan County area. She said, “I have always been an avid runner, and I first saw Ainsley’s Angels at a race in Jacksonville, N.C., about five years ago. I was instantly intrigued. When I moved to the area, I heard that the Triad was just getting started, so I immediately signed on to help however I could. Since my very first race, I have had the honor of being pulled by our Angel riders in multiple distances from 5K to marathon, and even in the 2019 Marine Corps Marathon as an official charity partner with Ainsley’s Angels. I stepped into the role of local ambassador in 2020 and am absolutely thrilled and excited to continue building our community and sharing the pure mission of Ainsley’s Angels. You don’t have to be an elite runner to join our family, or even a runner at all. We welcome all gifts and talents from race day logistics and setup to community outreach and more.”

Four Angel teams, always named for the rider, will compete today. Team Logan is a father and son duo, hailing from the Catawba Valley with multiple Boston Marathon qualifications and hopefully a 26.2-mile journey there in 2022. Team Ethan recently completed a marathon in honor of his fellow Special Olympics North Carolina athletes. You know he is enjoying the race when he is relaxed enough to comfortably sleep in his chair, “Blaze.” Team Gabe is a first-time team, and we cannot wait to see them roll with the wind. Team Matthew will be one of our fastest teams on the course, so keep an eye out for them.

For 2021, Lauren’s goals are to keep rolling safely and continue growing the Angel family with new riders, runners and guardian angels. She said, “We cannot wait for the safe return of more races and events. We hope to see you roll with us. Visit ainsleysangels.org or email nctriad@ainsleysangels.org to join our family.”

About 300 runners of all ages and abilities will also compete this afternoon, benefitting Rowan Helping Ministries, in the 38^th Annual New Sarum Brewing Winter Flight 8K/5K and Fun Run at the Millbridge Ruritan Building at 690 Sloan Road, Mt. Ulla. Race day registration is available from noon to 1:45 p.m.

For more information on today’s race and others upcoming, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

Salisbury and Rowan’s biggest race, the 38^th Annual Winter Flight, is back with its 2021 version, with the race date set for Jan. 17. Normally the last Sunday in January, the date change isn’t the only thing that will be different. But first, we’ll cover the things that stay the same.

New Sarum Brewing is the title sponsor again and will continue for four more years. There are still the 8K (4.97 miles), 5K (3.1 miles) and a fun run (1/2 mile). All the race proceeds will go to Rowan Helping Ministries. Meredith Abramson’s very popular hoodie is back for all 8K, 5K and wheelchair participants. Ainsley’s Angels will again provide able-bodied runners to push physically challenged kids in wheelchairs to kick off the 8K/5K races.

The 8K will again be nationally certified through the United States Association of Track and Field (USATF). A dynamic sound system will be in place to enhance race announcements and Neal Wilkinson’s stirring pre-race national anthem while also providing pre-race and finish line music. The race will again be chip timed by Agape Timing of Concord.

Here are the differences. For the first time in 38 years, the race will not be held in Salisbury. All races will start and finish at the Millbridge Ruritans building across from Sloan Park. The race location is at 490 Sloan Road. Instead of city streets, the race will be run entirely in a rural, low-traffic environment with two rolling hills and lots of flat stretches. Locke and West Rowan fire departments will handle the safety on the courses with various volunteers, including many from Rowan Helping Ministries, supporting them. The western Rowan area around Sloan Park and Kerr Mill is one of the prettiest road race courses in the county. It’s dairy country and you’ll see way more cows than cars.

All races will follow Road Runners Club of America and North Carolina coronavirus guidelines. Masks are required when not racing and wave starts will be used. The event will not include an indoor gathering and all participants are encouraged to practice proper distancing.

Now for more of the usual good things that make this event one of the best in the Southeast. The 5K run/walk encourages walkers to participate and they can win age group awards. There remains a 90-minute course limit for the 8K. All race participants will have a chance to earn about 180 awards provided by the Trophy House.

We expect another highly competitive race with top local runners, Matthew and Jonathan Martin, in the lead pack. The twins finished 1-2 last year. On the women’s side, Rebecca Parker will again return to chase another win in the 5K. Multi-time winner Molly Nunn from Clemmons returns in the 8K. There are cash payouts for a new 8K course record which can be won by beating the Salisbury course best times. Other 8K cash payouts go to the first male and female to the mile and first Rowan County male and female finisher and first male and female overall finisher. This race usually draws participants from five or six states.

The men’s course record is a sizzling 23:07, set in 2015 by Kenyan Eliud Ngetich. Olympian and Carrboro resident Joan Nesbit set the long-standing women’s record of 26:48 in 1992. In its long history, the 8K has hosted many Olympic hopefuls.

Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Grubb said, “This year has been about protocols, partnerships, prayers and pivoting. Planning for Winter Flight and how our partners have re-imaged and overcome barriers to ensure a fun and safe run has all of these components. Winter Flight will provide much-needed funds to our agency and give our community a healthy, fun, and safe opportunity to participate in this longstanding tradition.”

Top sponsors at press time in addition to title sponsor New Sarum Brewing are the Millbridge Ruritans, the Trophy House, Dr. Robert Glassgow, David Post and Catawba College, even though the event will not begin and end on their campus as usual.

A packet pickup and late registration will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, at Ralph Baker Shoes, 428 N. Main Street in Salisbury.

Online registration continues at runsignup.com and a printable race brochure with more information available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

  In the past week, I’ve lost two women who meant the world to me. Two women who have touched my life in many different ways. But although they didn’t know each other, they both worked off the same script. They taught me a lesson that’s worth sharing today. The second funeral is tomorrow, and they are both on my mind tonight.

   Ollie McKnight was 90 and had lived across the road from me since I bought our farm. Well over 30 years ago, I moved in with a wife and five blended kids. Our farm needed a lot of tender loving care and that included a house built in 1900. Most of it looked bad. My own mother passed away shortly afterwards, and Mrs. M took over. I didn’t think I needed scolding much, but she sometimes did. I grew to love her just like my own mother. Thankfully, we had a nice conversation the evening before she went to the hospital for the last time.

    Patsy McBride, only 73 at her passing, came later. I didn’t know Patsy until I made my first cross country bicycle trip in 2013. I began to get short supportive texts from her along the way from Anacortes, Oregon to Myrtle Beach. Over 4200 miles and 54 days, I wondered how Patsy knew when I was struggling because she always seemed to send a message when I needed positive thoughts. Patsy was a talented musician who had lived in lots of places, even including a stint in Hawaii. I finally met her in person when our local newspaper hosted a reception following the completion of that bike ride. A brief interview with the editor got Patsy mentioned in the Salisbury Post the next day. She gave me a crocheted angel that has ridden along on every single long-distance ride since, now totaling well over 20,000 miles.

     Both these women had health issues that I discovered but seldom learned directly from them. They didn’t dwell on those things and always kept forging ahead. Ollie had heart, knee, kidney and other issues. She spent several years on dialysis until she was awarded a kidney much later in life than most can hope for. Patsy battled cancer since the time I met her. I remember that she could only stay a few minutes the night that she attended that first reception. Doctors kept finding ways to treat the cancers and Patsy fought right along with them.

      The world that knew these women as Ollie and Patsy didn’t hear complaints from them. What they saw was an incredible spirit and an intense desire to keep living life no matter the physical issues. Ollie kept the road hot in her car and truck. Church, grange, weddings, funerals and visiting plenty of friends. Patsy kept playing the organ and directing the handbell group at Shiloh Reformed Church, even when she told me that she could hardly feel the piano keys. She was on so many treatments that her days were a struggle, yet she said often, “I’m playing Sunday.” And she usually did.

      While my memories of these women are chocked full of so many things, it is easy to say that they inspired me. Inspiration comes in many ways, and I’ve already mentioned how they were steadfast in continuing their activities as long as possible. They lived and loved life.

      I realized over the last week that they both had a special skill that I’m determined to learn. One that few of us do well but some, just like these two women, have made into a world class trait. I haven’t documented anywhere near all the physical issues these women dealt with daily. I don’t know their complete list of struggles and here’s why. They hardly discussed them! I was fortunate to have long talks with both and regular discussions on numerous topics, those topics chosen because they didn’t want to burden others.  

      Here’s just a little sample of how our conversations went. I often knew something about the trials they faced, but most of the facts came from other sources. So, after just a brief description of their issues, both were gifted at shifting the focus to me or whoever else they spoke to. They genuinely didn’t want to linger over trials but quickly lifted the conversation to positive things and plenty of the how, when, why and what they genuinely wanted to learn about others. I didn’t realize it at the time, but they were pros at lifting spirits. I always felt better after talking to them! Help me Lord to learn from Ollie and Patsy!

By David Freeze

I listened to Jerry Kanipe talking one morning, just before the Ed Dupree 5K was about to start. He told Luann Fesperman why he needed to run and I thought his answers seemed much like mine, and probably similar to a lot of other long time runners. Jerry is 74 and a fixture around local racing. I wanted to know more about his history and got some great information this week.

Jerry said, “I started running in the ’70s. I was a smoker back then and decided to quit and become more fit. I found out that when I ran, I got the same relaxed feeling that smoking had given me, so I chose to continue running.” He has had periods of injuries and illnesses when he couldn’t run, including hernia surgery a few years back and a recent kidney stone episode. Plantar fasciitis kept him from running for two years, and about the time that was under control, Jerry was diagnosed with A-Fib, which various medications did not help. Two heart procedures, both in 2018, have kept it under control.

After that long absence from running, Jerry found that he had to start over from scratch. He said, “I was overweight and short of breath. Running got me back on the right track. I still have aches and pains now and then at my age and have to take short breaks, but try to run as often as I can. I have discovered during these interruptions that running is just as important for my mental health as my physical health. When I don’t get to run, I can get “down in the dumps” and antsy. My wife calls it irritable!”

Jerry says that one of the most enjoyable parts of running is going to the races. He continued, “Not because I like to compete, but for other reasons.  First, the races are a fundraiser for a good cause and I enjoy being around a group of like-minded people. No one has to explain why they are there and why they are running — everyone has their own reasons why they like to run. I especially like to watch the faces of the kids in the fun runs.”

While his only goals in running these days are to stay injury free and just to keep going, Jerry looks deeper for why running works for him. He said, “I am not a fast runner, but I feel very blessed and grateful to be able to put on my running shoes and spend time out in nature. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, I head to the East Rowan Y to the indoor running track. I have a grandson who is active in high school sports and he occasionally runs with me, which is a joy in itself.”

And finally, maybe the best reason of all, Jerry said, “I also receive a lot of encouragement and support from my wife Linda, who likes me better when I’m able to run!”

A lot has happened recently with upcoming races. The Resolution 5K is now set for Salisbury Community Park at 9 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 1. The race benefits Rowan Helping Ministries, but it is also a great low-cost way to challenge yourself declare that 2021 will be better new year. Entry is just $10 or $5 and 3 canned goods. With that, all runners and walkers will get an accurate course, a recorded time and results posted online. There will be plenty of refreshments and everybody gets a left over, but still new, race T-shirt. Come challenge yourself, then go home with a jump start on the year.

The 2021 New Sarum Brewing 38th Annual Winter Flight 8K/5K and Fun Run is going to happen, but at press time, it looks like one of the Southeast’s best known races is headed for Millbridge Ruritans/Sloan Park area. Meredith Abramson’s fabulous hoodie already has people excited and we hope for another fantastic year for the oldest and largest race in the area, also benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries. Find for more information at salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

It’s been about a month since I took a day off from running. That isn’t much to a guy that once went four years between days off. Ed Dupree did 21 years of streaking, another term for not missing a day. Over the last few years, I’ve taken a day off from running about once every 2 to 3 weeks. Nearly always this comes after I have a couple of lackluster runs back to back.

Just recently, I have tried something new that is causing a boost to my morning runs. Vac and Dash is a running/vacuum store from Albemarle and is the printer for all of SRR’s race shirts. The store started a “Werking through the Holidays Challenge” early in November, not something that I usually would do. But this one caught my eye and now with six weeks complete, I wanted to share the positive results.

My mornings are usually hectic and always start with a run by about 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. That means getting up before 5, 4:40 a.m. to be exact. I’m not advocating that early start, but mornings are my thing! I cram the early morning full and didn’t think I could find time to add more exercise.

In October, I had already added a prayer walk that starts when the run’s finished at my driveway and continues for about five minutes. This works well unless its bitter cold or raining steadily, then those prayers take place in the house. Running and prayers just as the new dawn always get my day off to the best start.

Additionally, the “werking challenge” has been just that. Back in the house, I head upstairs for pushups, planks and then downstairs for situps. November called for at least 20 pushups and 20 situps, plus two minutes of planks. December pushed the minimum to 30 pushups and situps, with three minutes of planks, the very popular exercise when the clock hand barely moves.

It’s getting easier every day to do all this and amazingly, I can do the complete run plus workout comfortably in about 65 minutes. The final piece is two cinnamon Pop Tarts as I reflect on the effort and relish any soreness. The “werking challenge strengthens the core, the middle area of our bodies including the abdomen and lower back. The core, in my opinion, is the key to strength and balance. Mine is significantly stronger and usually a little sore after just six weeks, a good thing. Sore means that muscles are being tested and strengthened. And my average run is just a little faster and stronger too.

This challenge ends for me officially on Jan. 1, but I don’t plan to stop. A neighbor, Brian Jones, helped put the new Christmas lights on my farm’s windmill on Monday and he told me about mixing bunches of crunches, a two-mile walk and some upper body twists as his early morning workout. He’s building his core too.

Resolution time is just around the corner. Getting a head start on all your friends and neighbors with some sort of core workout should make you happy. Do it more than seven days and you just might have a new habit and be on the way to better health.

The next two races are the Resolution 5K on Jan. 1 and the 38^th Annual Winter Flight, Salisbury’s premier participatory sporting event. On Thursday, SRR and The Forum confirmed that the Resolution event will be held at Salisbury Community Park at 9 a.m. This run/walk is like no other race all year. Entry is just $10 or $5 with three canned goods. Everything benefits Rowan Helping Ministries. Participants get a posted time and a leftover but still new race shirt. They also get refreshments following a low cost fitness challenge to start the year.

We’re still hoping to have Winter Flight at Catawba College with the date changed to Sunday, Jan. 17. This event also benefits Rowan Helping Ministries.

Look for more updated info at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .