David Freeze

By David Freeze

Fall Beginning Runners Class, Some Humor and Reflection

  Summer has nearly flown by again, faster and faster as I get older. We had another wonderful dragonboat competition last week and our August Prediction Run is this Saturday morning, and then we are looking at September. With September comes our 21^st Annual Fall Beginning Runners Class, this year starting on September 8^th at the Salisbury Police Department, continuing our long-term relationship with the PD as they continue to host these classes.

     Fall is the best time to take these classes because the training schedule will work its way through longer runs as the weather cools and humidity improves.  Fall classes are usually smaller in number of participants, but that means more individual coaching time and typically a higher finisher percentage. Please think about joining us if you have wanted to be a runner and haven’t yet been able to make it happen. Or maybe you left running behind years ago and want to find it again.

     Each Tuesday night, we will have a classroom topic that will include a class overview, shoes and equipment, stretching and strengthening, running form, injury prevention, nutrition and safety. Then we go out to run, and the first class will run/walk a half mile. Over the first seven weeks, we will gradually increase to running 2.5 miles. Then comes graduation night with the class completing one of our local 5K courses, followed by a graduation celebration complete with quality diplomas, a band and healthy refreshments.

    With the class, each participant becomes a member of Salisbury Rowan Runners for a year, gets a training shirt and free entry into our Santa Run 5K in December. Participants also get a training schedule and coaching during and after the class. Cost of the class remains at $65, payable on runsignup.com or at the first class.

    Many of our spring class are still running together and have several out-of-town race weekends planned. Taking the class is a great way to challenge yourself, meet others with similar interests and become active in a running club with many ongoing activities, both with running and otherwise.

    My bike ride on the Katy Trail in Missouri was wonderful and just what I needed to challenge myself. With the hot weather and humidity of that week, I became focused on staying hydrated quickly. Everything seemed a little easier and more tame than my usual bicycle journeys, just as a friend pointed out last week. Some of those have lasted much longer and one topped out at 54 days. Long days on the road always had lots of humor. So did the ride on the Katy Trail. Here is the best humorous memory of that ride for me.

     Many of the small Missouri towns had few stores and most were not open on Sundays and Mondays. According to my trail information, one town had a small hostile and several stores, plus a visitor center. The temperature was hot and at first look, none of the stores were open and no one was moving. I heard some talking and maybe a little music coming from a shaded spot on a hillside. I was nearly out of water and decided to take a chance.

    I walked up a long series of stairs and found an open bar at the top. Inside, I found two operators and a group of three eating lunch with their bike helmets on. I thought that was odd, but some alcohol was involved with lots of laughing and giggling. I asked for bottled water and found it for $2.50 a bottle. I paid and began to leave when the one man in the group of eaters said, “What is that on your hip?” I said, “It’s a radio, AM-FM.” The man said, “Wow, I didn’t think they still existed, how old is it?” I said, “I bought it a couple nights ago on Amazon to listen to while riding.” A 20’s woman, also with him, said, “I can’t remember when I have seen one.” They all giggled, I grabbed my bottles and headed for my bike, never seeing them again which suited me.

    Look for the Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run in Landis on September 12. Support the Bible teachers in our local schools. More information is at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

    And finally, I will miss Dolly Parton. She never passed up a chance to make the world better. Good for us all to do!

Gotta’ Run: Fall Beginning Runners Class, some humor and reflection

By David Freeze

Historic Stagville

   Booper and I headed north from Salisbury on August 6^th in hopes of visiting NC Historic Sites at Stagville and Bennet Place. Both are in the Durham area. I read about Stagville and couldn’t wait to hear the story.

     From 1776 to 1865, the Bennehan and Cameron plantations spread across 30,000 acres of land. They had jointly invested in slavery at Stagville. The Camerons inherited complete control in 1847. Hundreds of enslaved people were the backbone of the complex of farms, workshops, mansions and mills. Those enslaved families suffered separation, violence, hard labor and disease. They resisted with varying levels of sabotage, direct action, cultural traditions and freedom seeking. In 1865, 900 people were enslaved on the plantation.

    What we found is the 165 acres that make up the Stagville State Historic Site that is one of the few plantation sites that remain in the nation that focuses on the lives, culture and labors of enslaved African Americans. We made it just in time to take the walking tour with Assistant Site Manager Adarra Blount      

    Dominating the visitor center portion of the tour was the Bennehan House, built between 1787 and 1799. It was a busy house as the center of the plantation complex. We were not able to tour the inside of the home, but heard how the enslaved people, especially those that worked inside, thought the luxury of the house was built on violence, forced labor and the sale of human beings. The house remained as the plantation centerpiece until a much grander mansion was built by the Camerons in 1847.

    A kitchen foundation remains and is located nearby because many of the period homes kept the kitchen in a separate building safely away from the main structure. Nearby too was the foundation of the domestic slave quarters for the Bennehan House. Servants and cooks used their skills to survive, memorizing the etiquette, expectations and personalities of the Bennehan and Cameron families. The cabin was probably a small sanctuary for them away from the trials of serving the owner families. The Camerons referred to enslaved people as family but demanded a spirit of subordination.

    We also visited the Great Barn, built in 1860. A three-story structure, it has withstood the weather since then with only minor damage. Horses and mules were housed here as well as their feed and hay. The barn was bult with pegs, not nails, and is located in the section of the historic site called Horton Grove.

     Also in Horton Grove, in my opinion, is the real centerpiece of today’s historic site and the wonderful tour. A row of slave dwellings from the plantation are well preserved and we toured inside the bottom floor of one of them. Each building housed four families, one to each room. Whether the family had  three or 11 members, they still had only one room. Though the room was large, each room was heated and cooking was done from a fireplace. One of the rooms we saw was furnished, the bare basics of the place for family time after work rest and comfort area. Most notably in the chimney of the first slave quarters building were fingerprints in the bricks, originally molded from local clay. Enslaved residents of this area were field workers. One notable statement concerned the birth of a new family member who immediately became property and were subject anytime to be sent away to other holdings of the Cameron family or even sold eventually.

     The largest of the enslaved quarters is the Hart House. The Harts were a formerly enslaved family that remained on the plantation at the end of the Civil War. In April 1865, when the residents were freed, many stayed and many left. The freed people advocated for land ownership. Through overseers, discriminatory laws and Federal Troops, the Camerons were able to regain control of their land. Many people that stayed, like the Harts, lived through long decades of sharecropping and Jim Crow discrimination. They struggled for civil rights, fair work, equality and land.

    We heard harsh stories of violence and mistreatment, and several intense ones of how specific individuals fought back and occasionally won their freedom. Stagville descendants are organized and now reside around the world. Their story is often heartbreaking and incredibly powerful! This was another wonderful NC Historic Site and well worth your visit. The report on Bennett Place Historic Site will come soon.

     Remember SRR’s Prediction Run on August 29^th at City Park, beginning at 8am. And another of our beginning runners classes is just ahead and set to begin on September 8^th at the Salisbury PD. It is eight weeks of increased running distance and pertinent classes each Tuesday evening that includes subjects like shoes and equipment, stretching and strengthening, running form, nutrition, safety and injury prevention. The rate for the class, a training shirt, membership is SRR and one free race entry remains at $65. You can register at runsignup or at the first class, all of which begin at 6pm.

    Look for these and more upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Historic Stagville

By David Freeze

Bennett Place Historic Site

   James Bennett had purchased 200 acres of land along Old Hillsborough Road near Durham Station in 1846. The road connected Raleigh, the state capital, to Hillsborough and more. The Bennetts farmed and sold goods to make ends meet, including benefitting from renting enslaved labor to complete skilled jobs. Very popular was enslaved shoemaker Jacob Boreland.  They liked the land along the roadway because of easier sales to passers-by, including travelers.

    James and Nancy Bennett had lost two sons and a son-in-law during the Civil War, two of which died while in the Confederate Army. Life was hard during the war and the family faced economic uncertainty.

     After General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, many considered the war over, but large Confederate armies still existed. The largest of these armies at the time was led by General Joseph Johnston and was centered around Durham and Raleigh. Many of Lee’s soldiers did not accept the surrender and traveled to North Carolina to join with Johnston. His army had swelled to 90,000 soldiers at the time, yet Johnston believed the cause was lost. Food, clothing and ammunition were all in short supply.

     Union Major General William T. Sherman’s army had continued its path of destruction through the deep south. Johnston hoped to negotiate favorable surrender terms for his remaining soldiers. Sherman and Johnston agreed to meet along Hillsborough Road and the Bennetts were the first homeowners to let the officers and their staffs meet on their property.

       The discussions for surrender were not simple, and the first draft was not accepted by Washington government officials. After the third meeting, all held in the parlor room of the Bennett house, an agreement was reached. Most of the same terms agreed to at Appomattox were finalized. During this time, the Bennett family remained in the kitchen, a separate building as was often the custom during this time period.

      The original chimney still stands but the house was reconstructed, as was the kitchen and smoke house. Benefits of having a separate kitchen also included limiting pests, noise and intense heat from cooking. The smoke house was used to cure and store meat, with about 150 pounds of ham on hand during the negotiations. A small dairy house is also on the property, used for storing butter and milk, as well as other kitchen foods.

    There is also a reconstructed bandstand on the property, simply because it was moved here in the 1920’s to avoid demolition. A Unity Monument was erected in 1923 to represent national healing after the Civil War.

          There is a wonderful yet small museum on site and a short documentary movie that adds more information on the surrender. There is a nice picnic site, and cars have easy access back to I-85.

    The final surrender was signed on April 26, 1865, and about 90,000 southern soldiers laid down their arms. This historic site is well worth visiting and is not far from Stagville, one of my favorites. The Duke Homestead is also nearby, but I have not visited it yet.

     Running and racing are just around the corner, after the late summer break. Next Saturday, on August 29^th, we have the SRR Prediction Run 5K. 8am at the City Park shelter on Lake Drive in Salisbury. No watches, no phones, no timing devices can be worn or carried, and you’ll have to predict your time. The closest to their guess gets a new pair of running shoes from Ralph Baker Shoes and another pair of shoes and other door prizes will also be given. Breakfast will be served too.

    Then on September 12, it is the Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run in Landis. This race funds the Bible teachers in the South Rowan area schools and is known for its fast course. It is a fantastic event for walkers and virtual runners too, those who want to support the race but can’t do the distance on race day.

      And just ahead also is the fall Beginning Runners Class, starting September 8^th at 6pm at the Salisbury PD. The class lasts for eight weeks.

    Look for all these events and more at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Bennett Place Historic Site

By David Freeze

Bible Teacher’s 5K and more

   I caught up with Lynn Furr, treasurer for the South Rowan Bible Teachers Association and race director of the Fifth Annual Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run, set for Landis on September 12^th. She said, “Our association has only one purpose, to fund Bible teachers for those schools in the South Rowan area who want one. Currently we are supporting three teachers who work in five schools, teaching the history of the Holy Bible and with a great following. More schools have inquired about teachers.”

   Furr continued, “If you agree that it is important to teach the Bible in schools, please support our 5K and Fun Run. We are going to have a great time on race day. Since Rowan County has so many runners and almost everyone can be walkers, we’d be super happy to have you run or walk the race. The course is flat, without a real hill and has had fast times and many PR’s. Regardless of that, this is the perfect time to walk your first ever 5K or even run your first. All ages can enter the half mile fun run. There is no pressure to complete the course by a certain time. We want all participants to have fun, whether they are chasing a personal record, or doing the event for the first time or specifically to support the Bible teacher program.”

    The event also has openings for virtual runners, those who don’t actually come to run or walk, but they want to get the shirt and support the event. SRBTA loves virtual runners! Virtual runners already sign up for other races, all the while knowing that they can’t attend. Furr said, “I am fully in charge of commemorative race shirts, and you better believe that any virtual runner will be appreciated and will get their requested shirt size.”

   The race needs volunteers! To start with, the 31 course monitors who will point the runners in the right direction and help with traffic. The Town of Landis is a major partner for the race and will handle street closings, but volunteers are important too.

   Furr said, “We will have some fun with Andy and Barney of Andy Griffith show fame. Every runner, walker and volunteer will receive ice cream after the race, and we’ve got great overall and age group awards from the Trophy House and I’m working on door prizes. Through our fundraisers, we need to raise about $225,000 annually to keep Bible teachers in our schools. And we can still add sponsors and donations are accepted anytime, so please call or text me at 704-724-2819.”

     Also don’t forget SRR’s annual Prediction Run 5K on August 29^th. Free to all SRR members, you can become one by joining for $30 before race day at runsignup.com or at the event. Great prizes, including two new pairs of running shoes, one for the winner and another as a door prize, and much more will highlight the event.

     And finally, I have decided to get back on the bike for a summer trip. As many of you know, I broke my back in a farming accident in May 2024. It took many months of prayers and Dr. Eline and Novant Health’s work to put my back together again. A trip was planned for 2024, a longer trip than this one will be. I didn’t get to take it, but I answer questions constantly about those magical bicycle rides around our great country since 2013. All 50 states have been visited by my bike on solo trips, most of them multiple times.

       There were several things on my checklist to do again after the broken back. One was the May 2025’s Special Olympics Torch Run and another was the team run across 178 miles of Nevada and California mountains. Both of those were completed successfully, so now I want to add another ride.

       I plan to drive to Machens, Missouri and ride largely on the Katy Trail from Machens to Clinton on the most famous and longest rail trail in the country. I have been hearing about the Katy Trail since I began riding when one rider who was also going cross country, left the Transamerica route to ride the Katy. The Katy has three larger towns and numerous small ones, some with no services. The Missouri River, the only major river that I have only crossed but never seen much of, will be the highlight. I do love the big rivers! The course is loaded with history, at least one that is a big mystery with a Salisbury connection. I’m hoping for about 550-600 miles total.

     The Post will again be covering my journey, and it wouldn’t seem right to do it any other way. Post readers have ridden along through the highs and lows of three cross country trips and just about every major route north and south, even all the way to Alaska. It will be my pleasure to ride with you again!

    Look for the Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run and the Prediction Run, and many more, at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Bible Teacher’s 5K and more

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

By David Freeze

Horne Creek Living Historical Farm Site

   On October 17, 1987, the Horne Creek Living Historical Farm was officially designated as a State Historic Site. On Friday, July 24^th, Booper and I headed north to visit the farm and next-door Pilot Mountain State Park.

    In 1900, there were 224,637 farms in NC, and 87% of people farmed. Today, less than 2% of North Carolinians farm. Concerns over the loss of our agricultural heritage led to the creation of the Horne Creek Living Historical Farm.

    Construction on the centerpiece farmhouse was begun by Thomas Hauser in 1875 or 1876, just [prior to his marriage to Charlotte Kreeger. The house is two-story, with a center hall and is built of logs, then covered by clapboarding (wooden weatherboards). The couple originally lived in the rear of the house as newlyweds, then added on the front of the house as the family grew. The house had four fireplaces, and the foundation of the house was available stone. The house was first painted around the turn of the century, when the exterior was remodeled with shutters, factory porch posts and banisters and connected the wellhouse to the structure. All this gave the house a more Victorian look. While there, my granddaughter retrieved a bucket of water from the 50 feet deep indoor well, all with the help of Historic Site Manager Lisa Turney. Turney made sure to tell Booper about the work duties the one small girl in the family had.

     Over two generations, 24 children lived in the house and most of them were born in it. Thomas and Charlotte had 12 of those kids, all but one were boys. The family congregated in the parents’ bedroom for conversations about the day, their work, school and their community.  

    Several generations of Hauser family farmed the land from 1830 until 1953. The family owned the land until it was sold in 1970 to become part of the Yadkin River Section of Pilot Mountain State Park. In its heyday, the Hauser farm like most of their neighbors depended on crops which had long been grown in the Piedmont—corn, wheat, oats, sorghum and flax. They also raised hogs, sheep, cattle and fowl as important food sources. They eventually added tobacco. The farm increased in size to 450 acres by 1900.

     The Hauser children and descendants provided information about the family and farm life. A wonderful quote came from Jeff Hauser. He said, “There’s ways of doing things if you have to. People talk about hard times now, they ought to go back a few times (generations). I mean you can do without a whole lot. If I had to, I could survive on a tenth of what I live on. And live good too. If you think about it, we were practically self-supporting. Of course we had to buy salt, coffee and sugar. And lamp oil. Those are the four main ingredients we had to have. With them, we ate like kings.”

     Martha Hauser Moser said, “I remember when we made eighteen pies. We had a pie shelf-I mean a pie bench. We made that many on a weekend and every one’d be gone.”

    The farm has a visitor center, a tobacco curing barn, sorghum mill, tobacco packhouse, cannery site, icehouse site, fruit house, smokehouse, dry house (for dehydrating foods like apples), chicken lot, wood lot, woodshed, outhouse, a double crib barn, cemetery and plenty of animals.

    The house is furnished in period style and is fascinating. At one time, four adults and up to 12 kids lived in the house, although some of the older boys left the farm as adults.

     Another family, the Sawyers, owned part of the land that now forms the historic site. The Sawyers were Black and although neither them nor the Hausers were famous for any reason, both families were representative of thousands of other families across the state at the turn of the 20^th century. They were common people who left an uncommonly rich legacy for our state. Plans call for recreating at least part of the Sawyer homesite in the future.

     Also on the property is the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard, established in 1997 and dedicated to preserving old apple varieties. More than 850 trees planted preserve 425 different southern apple varieties which were on the brink of extinction. Two trees are planted for each variety, one a free-standing semi-dwarf tree up to 12 feet tall and the other is a dwarf tree. The dwarf trees are about six feet and are on a supporting wire system called “espalier.”

    The Horne Creek Historical Farm is a “Don’t Miss” in my opinion! We saw it in the drizzle and light rain and had the special benefit of having Historic Site Manager Lisa Turney as the tour guide. I missed it on the day about two years ago when I explored Pilot Mountain because the farm is closed, just like most NC Historic Sites, on Sunday and Monday. The biggest day of the year at Horne Creek is set for October 17^th with the 33^rd Annual Cornshucking Frolic event.

    The land around the farm is protected by the state park acreage, so modern development cannot encroach on it. The farm is less than seven miles from U.S. 52 and nearby towns of Pilot Mountain and King are within 25 miles of the farm. Just over 70 minutes’ drive from Salisbury, combine the farm and the state park for a spectacular and low-cost day of fun!

Gotta’ Run: Horne Creek Living Historical Farm Site

By David Freeze

A Visit to Reed Gold Mine

   In 1799, 12- year-old Conrad Reed found a 17-pound gold nugget in Little Meadow Creek on his family’s farm. Nobody knew what it was, and it remained a door stop for three years in the house of his father, John Reed. This was the first documented gold discovery in the United States. Once identified, the family sold the gold nugget for $3,50, about the same as a laborer would earn in a month on their farm. Valued at $3,500, John Reed realized his mistake and went looking for more.

     North Carolina led the nation in gold production as the fever spread to many neighboring counties and then other southern states. During peak years, gold mining was second only to farming for income in North Carolina.

     My granddaughter and I visited another North Carolina Historic Site at today’s Reed Gold Mine off Highway 200 near Midland on Friday, July 17^th. The day was hot, but I knew that we would likely tour the mine and be well underground where temperatures would be more comfortable. The visitor center is free with numerous exhibits concerning mining techniques and the history of mining in general.

   We first tried our hand at gold panning. Children under eight can’t have their own pan for some reason, but Booper and I agreed to share the $5 pan about half filled with dirt. I am a frequent viewer of Gold Rush on Discovery where the mine owners occasionally do their own panning when in hopes of finding profitable ground. Booper took over the pan mostly and did a good job of shaking it, dumping out water and getting more, as she tried to shake the heavier gold to the bottom of the pan. We threw rocks bigger than a thumbnail back into the sluice and gradually got the pan down to the small rocks and sand. None of ours were gold, which we were assured can easily be seen in the pans when successful.

    Next came a look around the gift shop and we took time to watch a nine-minute orientation film. Then we were off to the mine tour itself. In the mid-90s and very humid on the trail, the tour leader led about 25 people to the site where Conrad Reed’s gold nugget was found. Just a small and unimposing quiet creek, still I heard one man say, “Can we go over and pan in the creek?” He was told, “No, not today!”

    We walked past some old mining equipment and stopped just before the mine entrance for some instructions which included the need to stay together and to keep an eye out for bats. The mine itself was designated a NC Historic Site in 1977. As we entered the mine, almost immediately the air temperature dropped to 60-65 degrees, a level of coolness that was at first uncomfortable but quickly became very present.

   Immediately, we saw a bat and the kids in the group were amazed as it wiggled while hanging above us in a mine shaft. The old shafts here were short and often not flat. We saw the openings braced with wood and heard how mining went on almost every day in these shafts from the 1830s. Miners were free to keep their gold once they paid Reed a royalty on what was found. The guide speculated that probably as much gold was stolen as was reported to the Reed family. We also learned that we were only about 50 feet underground and mine shafts occasionally hit tree roots.

    Placer mining, the method of extracting gold from the loose sediments of creek or stream beds, was successful at Reed Gold Mine, but the underground shaft mining never proved profitable long term. Miners underground followed quartz veins and tried to extract gold from those veins.

    The largest nugget ever found at Reed Gold Mine was 28 pounds and caused controversy. All the miners working together usually shared profits equally, but in this case, one of the regular miners was sick and sent his son to fill in. With the exceptional payout of this large nugget, a lawsuit developed over whether the young boy should share equally with the experienced miners. The lawsuit took years until the boy’s family eventually did share in the proceeds.

    In 1966, Reed Gold Mine was also designated a National Historic Landmark. There are several walking trails around the property, which now includes 70 acres. The Reed family sold the mine to the Kelly family in the early 1900’s, but mining eventually played out and the site was closed. In 1971, the Kelly family sold the rest of the 760 acres but donated 70 to the historic Reed Gold Mine project.

    More NC Historic Sites are ahead. Upcoming races and our fall beginning runners class have current information available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org And who knows, there might just be a bike ride ahead too!

Gotta’ Run: A visit to Reed Gold Mine

By David Freeze

Summer Expectations including NC Historical Sites

  After this weekend, our Rowan County running events are on hiatus until August 29^th, and that one is a different sort of event with the word racing not likely to be uttered once in association. The SRR Prediction 5K must be done without watches or any other time, pace or distance device. Most people run or walk it at a reduced pace, trying to calculate in their head how to be closest to their predicted goal.

    As I have done in the past, summer remains a good time to travel. My long-distance cycling has always been done in the summer and so have many of my own personal travel adventures. Included in these travels have so far been all 100 NC county seats and all state parks in NC. Both were tremendous fun and I learned to love my state even more. Another NC adventure was the run/walk across the state from Murphy to Manteo.

    The next challenge on the horizon is continuing my visits to all the currently open North Carolina Historic Sites. Some I have already visited were often due to their proximity to state parks. Here is the short list of those already checked off the list. There are 27 NC Historic Sites, but at present two are not open. Those visited and reported on previously in the Post include–

The CSS Neuse Memorial, a Civil War ironclad near Kinston

Fort Fisher, the coastal Civil War fort near Kure Beach

Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo

Somerset Place, an antebellum plantation near Creswell.

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial house in Asheville

The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer.

Historic Bath and Historic Edenton. 

   That leaves 19 to visit, minus the two currently not open including at the House in the Horseshoe, an American Revolution home near Sanford, and Shallow Ford, used to cross the Yadkin River near Lewisville. Shallow Ford is a new project and set to open later this year.

   The first of the remaining 17 sites is Fort Dobbs, which my granddaughter and I visited on Wednesday, 7/15. In 2026, Fort Dobbs opened a new, purpose-built visitor center to serve the public. At nearly 3,700 square feet, the new facility is more than five times larger than the site’s previous visitor center, which was housed in a 1940s log cabin. The new center has a contemporary exhibit gallery, modern restrooms, and paved parking, and has an expanded gift shop, lobby area, and office spaces for staff.

   Fort Dobbs was the only permanent frontier provincial fort in the colony of North Carolina. Construction began in late 1755 and was completed one year later.  It served as the military headquarters for a frontier company (approximately fifty men) as well as a safe-haven for settlers during what was called the French and Indian War.

    The fort was attacked on the night of February 27, 1760, when more than sixty Cherokees were repelled. The garrison suffered two men wounded, as well as having one colonial boy killed. One of the wounded soldiers died a month later. The Cherokee were reported to have lost 10-12 men killed and wounded. Local settlers who had camped near the fort were taken inside until the Cherokee left the area.

   By the end of 1761, the British had essentially won the war and only thirty troops remained at the fort. Colonial leaders disbanded the troops and removed all the supplies of the garrison as settlement moved far west of the fort. The neglected fort was in ruins by 1766 and abandoned.

  Rebuilding the fort lasted from 2016 to 2019. An interesting documentary of the construction plays continually in the visitor center and describes how                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        the project was based on historical knowledge of the fort. It was built of huge white oak logs, at least 600 of them, and the sawing was done on site. The first floor has 18-inch thick walls while                                                                                                                                   the second floor walls are twelve inches thick with the third floor dropping to 6 inches thick. Each floor has 100 firing ports.                                                                                                                                              

    Part of the original defensive ditch remains, a place where riflemen could lie behind a dirt mound and fire at attackers. Called the Bend at Fourth Creek, the fort’s location is on top of a hill and the ten square miles surrounding the fort were home to about 35 settler families which in 1754 was considered the edge of civilization.

   Inside the rebuilt fort, soldier’s living and fighting quarters are tight with two to a bed for enlisted men and officers having their own bed. Sleeping soldiers used a bedpan for overnight bathroom needs, with the pans being emptied first thing by the lowest ranking enlisted men. Six men formed a mess and were responsible for making their own meals. The nearest food supply point was in Salisbury, about 50 miles away. Weapons were stacked and ready at all times. Two small cannons are mounted in windows. Soldiers’ jackets and beds were available to try on or lie upon.

   The small cabin, built in the 1940’s by the Daughters of the American Revolution, was once the visitor center. The grounds are well-kept, and several major events happen each year. An America250 event is set for November 14^th with re-enactors and living history demonstrations.

     Fort Dobbs Historical Site was outstanding and has me excited for more visits ahead It is located close to NC 21 and I-40!

    Look for news on local running and walking events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Summer expectations including NC Historical Sites

By David Freeze

Your Morning Routine! Huh?

   I spent several days this past week discussing morning routine with others and what it means to have one. We all know people who sleep till the last minute, jump in the bathroom and clothes and then make the mad dash out the door with a honey bun and Sundrop. They haven’t made their own bed in years and there is no plan to make the best of the morning.

    I’m proud of my morning routine, one that has developed over the years to bring me to what I hope is my best self in the morning, “before the world starts asking for pieces of you!” That is a famous celebrity quote about morning routines. I am a firm believer that mornings shape the day. But just as people are different, so are and should be morning routines.

     A good morning routine is one that fits your schedule, energy and goals. It helps start the day with clarity and control. You don’t need a 10-step routine, nor do you need to be the earliest riser. What I have found is that many have no routine and don’t want one, but those who care about their body and mind functioning at their best have developed at least some form of routine. Part of the early discussions most fitness trainers will address with clients are about their morning practices.

    Although many morning routines fail for various reasons, the first and possibly most important thing is to set the wake-up time correctly. This will probably adjust with success. Routines should start with positives that you are already doing. Coffee, water, bathroom, nourishment, exercise. Some morning rituals need momentum and energy, some need calm. Music might work here, and possibly news and weather. Most experts say that as the routine develops, the orderliness of the morning eases worries about the day and other anxieties. Estimate the time that each of your segments should last, add the total and see if it works for you. Know always that more segments likely will require an earlier wake time.

    If you don’t have a routine yet, there are many things worth considering for a portion of the valuable morning time. Consider more options like making your bed, opening curtains, listing intentions and goals for the day, brushing your teeth, prayers, journaling, reading your Bible or devotions. Start small and then add as desired, with the goal of developing a sequence and priority.

     I read that experts suggest a 15-25 minute minimum for beginners, 30-50 minutes as a moderate time, and an extended routine of 60 minutes or more for those with time available. Morning exercises would generally fall into the extended time routine. As you proceed, track what is working and what’s not. Adjust with deference to the wake-up time. Develop a consistent rhythm and make the morning routine a habit. Weekends might be different too, a time that is possibly longer and more relaxed, and therefore even more productive.

      I am totally addicted to my morning routine, and on the rare day that I overslept, I am out of sorts at least in the beginning, as I have to delete or shorten segments. I want my list done by the time my feet first hit the pavement, usually between 5:20 and 5:30am. If so, I know that my morning is off to a successful start.

     On tap for next week is the 29^th Annual Run for the Greenway at Overton Elementary School. Race day is July 18^th and start time is 8am.  The race is sponsored by City of Salisbury Parks and Recreation and all proceeds with help with Greenway expenses. Look for great awards, commemorative shirts and Steve Clark’s collection of big-time refreshments.

    We now know much more about the only other July/August event remaining locally. The SRR Prediction Run on August 29^th will have a pair of new shoes for the winner and a pair of Topo’s, one of the hottest shoes on the current market, and six pair of Feetures socks as door prizes. SRR will also include a drawing for free races and the September beginning runners class.

    Look for these events and others upcoming at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: Your morning routine! Huh?

By David Freeze

Gotta’ Run

When Everyone Talks Heat!

   No doubt about it, the first words that outdoor exercisers discuss with each other these days are about the heat. We don’t have many days near a hundred degrees in a normal summer, but when they come, hard exercise and outdoor training take a step back. Your muscles feel weak, breathing is difficult and motivation is lacking.

   I check the weather multiple times a day year-round and have my most trusted sources. I also have my trusted and proven ways to survive these most challenging extreme heat days. Here they are, listed in order of importance for me.

   More than anything else, this is the time to focus intently on proper hydration. We are a society that doesn’t worry enough about hydration, but we have to for better warm weather exercise. Lots of different sources relate how to achieve proper hydration and here are my favorites. Good hydration is round the clock, not just before running, walking etc. Don’t skimp for most of the day and then try to drink just ahead of exercise. Half your body weight in ounces, 90 ounces minimum for a 180-pound person, has to be a focus. Resolve yourself to keep your pee clear, there is no better indicator.

   Slow the pace and don’t expect your best training day. If one comes, that is a bonus, but seldom does your body rise about the warm temperatures and humidity to provide an exceptional fast paced workout. Save your interval training for another day.

    Beat the heat by rising early. Days are already getting shorter so early morning darkness lingers a little more each day. That suits me just fine, so I try to get my run done ahead of sunrise or at least the sun climbing above the treetops. If exercising during the day, be OK with finding the shade. Evenings are OK too, but expect lingering high temperatures.

    Take a walking day or even a walking break during an especially challenging run. Cut back a little in distance and be OK with it. Maybe spend some time walking to warm up or then pay attention to your pace for the distance of the walk or run. Pick it up if you feel good in the last mile.

    Fuel your tank.Your body uses glycogen (stored carbohydrates) as the main energy source when running or walking. If you haven’t eaten properly in the hours leading up to or if you’re running a long distance without refueling, your reserves deplete. You are making the hot weather situation worse, and I am always amazed at those who exercise without prior fueling.

     Get your sleep, 7-9 hours per night. Pay attention to other stressors.

    And finally, the first days of extreme heat and humidity combined make for tough training, no matter what we do. Last week with a few early morning temps in the mid-50’s didn’t get us ready for mid-70s and high humidity.

  Heat fatigue is a common challenge in running, but you can do your part. It’s a signal your body sends you. By paying attention to your preparation (nutrition, hydration, warm-up), your pace, and your overall recovery (sleep, rest), you can significantly improve your endurance and enjoy more pleasant runs. Implement these tips gradually, and you’ll see how your legs and mind thank you! And you will likely find yourself with stronger legs when the heat says goodbye.

    Our next race locally is the Run for the 29^th Annual Greenway 5K and Fun Run at Overton Elementary on July 18^th at 8 am. Proceeds are used to help fund the greenway system. This is Salisbury and Rowan’s second oldest race. Contact race director Steve Clark at 704-202-6601.

     We have just added the August 29^th SRR Prediction Run 5K at the City Park Shelter on Lake Drive to the calendar. A prediction run consists of runners and walkers predicting their time ahead of the run and then not using any timing device to meet their prediction. There will be door prizes, awards and great refreshments for those who compete. Any pace works for us on the 3.1-mile course.

    Look for these events and a full fall slate at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: When everyone talks heat!

By David Freeze

South YMCA Offers New Speed and Agility Clinic

    I made my weekly visit to Facebook and a few days ago noticed that the J. Fred Corriher South Rowan YMCA was offering a new and interesting class. Perfect for runners of any age, I thought, and quickly decided to find out more.

     Pfeiffer University athlete Andrew Huffman will graduate there in May 2027 with an Exercise Science Degree. Huffman is an award-winning athlete in indoor and outdoor track, a NCAA track MVP and NC State Champion who also competes in cross country. He has a passion for helping runners learn the mechanics and skills needed to become the fastest runner they can be.

   The Speed and Agility Clinic is a 4-week program that will meet twice a week for one-hour sessions.  The program is aimed to help athletes of all ages improve speed, coordination, confidence and athletic performance to become faster and more explosive for any sport.

     Ashley Pethel, South Rowan Branch Health and Wellness Coordinator, said, “Andrew was recently hired as a personal trainer here at the South Y and in talking with him we discovered he has a passion for helping others; runners specifically.  As a runner himself, Andrew has seen the results with his running when given the proper tools and techniques. These tools helped him excel in his sports and he wanted to share that passion with others.  Since there is a large population of young athletes in our area who will soon if not already begin serious cross-country training, we thought that a clinic to help these runners learn +would be the perfect fit for everyone involved. Since running for adults is also very popular in our area and with the competitive fall season just ahead, the program is open to anyone. We are excited to offer this program to members and potential members to help prepare athletes for their upcoming sports seasons.  It will be a great chance to keep athletes conditioned and ready for fall sports as well as to learn new skills to improve overall performance.”

     Cost for Y members is free and for potential members, the rate is $160.00. Classes will begin on July 7^th. Contact Ashley Pethel at apethel@rocabymca.org or at 704-857-7011.

     About 10 days ago, the London Marathon announced officially that for the first time, there will be dual marathons. One running on Saturday, one on Sunday on the same April weekend, at approximately 50,000 runners per day. For many years, the London and New York City Marathons have battled for the largest number of runners competing. In 2006, I competed in the London Marathon, fulfilling a long-wanted bucket list dream. I gave blood two days before flying all night to London by way of Berlin, reached my accommodation in a London YMCA on Saturday morning and ran the 26.2 mile marathon on Sunday morning. I made mistake after mistake, ending with a very poor finish time.

      I love London and saw all the tourist things and more but would love to visit again. The marathon is basically flat and much of the race is along the Thames River, finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. Historic locations dot the race course, but because of its tremendous field, the 1000-year-old narrow streets can’t always handle the volume. Three times we stopped dead still and from about halfway, most of the water stops had none. Still, I would do it all again.

      Rowan only has one race in July, one of our oldest, the Run for the Greenway 5K and Fun Run on July 18^th. Overton School will again be the host venue for this City of Salisbury Parks and Recreation event. Known for his race’s large selection of post-race refreshments, race director and SRR Senior VP Steve Clark said, “Just like me, a lot of the runners and walkers show up for the food! They won’t be disappointed!”

    Look for upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: South YMCA offers new speed and agility clinic