Columns

By David Freeze

What I’m thankful for:

Salisbury being designated a national Runner Friendly Community again. First awarded in 2018, Salisbury is one of only 45 cities in the nation to be recognized.

A new pair of running shoes and the excitement each new pair brings. From a guy who is also thankful to have worn out well over 250 pairs.

The opportunity to volunteer. For what volunteers put in, they get a lot more back. Thanks to Rowan Helping Ministries, the United Way, Salvation Army and so many more for providing these opportunities.

Children, God’s treasures and grandchildren, the most delightful and cherished gift ever.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library where Dolly sends each child a book a month and has for over 25 years. The most recent was “Ten Ways to Hear the Snow.” Not just good for kids.

David Whisenant and his years of reporting on local news, betting he will find other ways to make a difference in his retirement.

Newer Salisbury Post columnists like Ashley Miller, along with all the regulars. Mike London for keeping up with all the sports happenings, while mixing in plenty of local history along the way. And Andy Mooney for making the paper look good each day.

All 100 North Carolina county seats visited during 2023 for a better understanding of North Carolina. I still have a list of a dozen or so worth a second visit.

Our list of local races, all benefiting worthy charities. My thanks to all runners and walkers who have participated this year, especially those that got their Thanksgiving Day off to a great start at The Forum’s Butterball 5K with proceeds headed to Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.

The ability to see America by bicycle or on foot and the Post and Elizabeth Cook who decided back in 2013 these ventures were worthy of coverage. All the readers, especially those that thought enough of the adventure to chip in with information and to follow along. Plus all the new friends made along the way.

The South Rowan Y Service Club and their lifetime ice cream support on these cycling adventures.

Christmas parades, good for all ages. I try not to miss one locally and always get to see people I don’t see often enough.

Law enforcement and fire departments all around the surrounding area, and all other first responders, especially those working on Thanksgiving. Our military branches, always ready.

Few regrets! Visualize yourself looking back at the end of your life. What do you wish you would have done? Make plans to go do that! Don’t leave it to would’ve, could’ve and should’ve.

Those who can find focus not on what they have lost but what they still have. We all have loss, but we have no choice but to keep going. Like a bicycle, we have to keep moving to stay balanced.

The Hatman, Charles Sloop, and all the mystery about his hats hanging on the dairy farm fence. Where have the hats and the thoughtful spelled-out sayings gone?

Hebrews 13-3 and all those who love and encourage one another.

My daughters, their husbands, granddaughter, the large group of friends and family I have been blessed with. And most of all, the Lord Thy God who has provided so many other blessings that we all have received. Don’t forget to count and share them today!

By David Freeze

Out on the farm, we had three mornings with lows in the 20s this past week. I’m sure we will still get some more warm early mornings but it’s time to be prepared for running in the cold.

If you run early or late, there is plenty of darkness now. Regardless of the temperature, start off with reflective shirts, jackets and shoes. Always make sure to be seen, especially now with the increasing darkness.

Everybody is different, so some experimentation is in order. Most people worry about keeping their hands, feet and ears warm, and there are different thicknesses of gloves and toboggans. I prefer light gloves when in the 40s and then I shift to mittens in the 30s and below. In mittens, the fingers touching will keep us warmer than gloves with fingers insulated from each other. I use Hot Hands from the mid-20s on down. Twenty or below, I have been known to put a light sheen of Vaseline on my fingers for additional warmth.

Socks are the next big thing. On a cold morning or evening, I suggest wearing wool blend socks. I find the wool keeps my toes warm in 25 degrees or colder conditions, about as cold as we ever get here. Regular quality dri-fit socks work fine otherwise.

For above the waist, layers are the key. On coldest mornings, I go with two dri-fit layers topped with a slightly thicker dri-fit jacket. There is going to be some sweat no matter how cold unless the wind is stout in your face. Those two dri-fit layers will wick the sweat away from your skin as needed.

Although tempted on very cold mornings, I never wear long pants. I do have some wool underwear for under my shorts on those mornings, but legs for most people get warm quickly. They are after all working the hardest.

My headwear is a moderate thickness toboggan in just about any cold weather setting under 35 degrees. With a rain possibility, I put a dri-fit ballcap under the toboggan.

Stay away from pure cotton, otherwise your sweat will get trapped either against the skin or hanging wet in the first layer. All of the above works fine with a rain-repellant layer. And remember to dress for 20 degrees warmer than it is, because your body will warm up. It won’t take long to figure out what works for your comfort.

Upcoming races include the Butterball 5K on Thanksgiving morning. Remember to arrive early so you have plenty of time to check in at The Forum and get ready, including your bathroom stop. Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before the 8:30 start time. This race benefits Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.

December has two of my favorite races. The Freeze Your Buns 5K is set for 2 p.m. on Dec. 2 in Spencer as part of Winterfest. And Dec. 9 is the Santa Run, benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries. New this year is the location change to the Country Life Museum in Sloan Park. Highlights include breakfast biscuits and plenty of other morning food, possibly Bigfoot and certainly Santa. Since we’re in farming country, Santa has been offered a tractor to drive to lead the race, weather permitting.

Salisbury has again been awarded national recognition as a Runner Friendly Community. First awarded this recognition by the Road Runners Club of America, the initial application was submitted by Parks and Recreation and the Salisbury Rowan Runners five years ago. Steve Clark, VP of SRR and a recreation staff member for parks and rec, applied for the renewal. Signage has been in place at the major entrances to the city since 2018 and will be updated early in 2024. Salisbury was the first North Carolina city awarded this designation. Since then, Lumberton, Winston-Salem and Greensboro have also earned the honor. Only 45 towns or cities nationwide are currently recognized as Runner Friendly Communities.

For more about upcoming events and information about the Salisbury Rowan Runners, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.