David Freeze

By David Freeze

As part of my annual physical, I didn’t expect any unusual results. Fortunately, nearly all my markers turn out well. The only long time issue has been a higher than normal LDL cholesterol level, even though my total cholesterol has always been good. LDL is called the bad cholesterol. My recent test showed a level of 115 mg., higher than the normal level of anything below 99.

Over at least the previous 35 years, I have been very fortunate to have regularly used only two Novant family medicine doctors. Mostly it’s been sort of boring, except for the lively change of pace when I got blood clots during or immediately following the bike rides of 2013 and 2021. All has gone well with getting rid of them and I don’t have the blood markers to continue medication full-time.

But since I have paid attention to blood tests, I have had higher levels of LDL, low density lipoproteins. That higher level has been a heredity thing as it runs in my family. Once I tried niacin, a B vitamin that was then the current rage to lower cholesterol. It had little effect and I hated the hot flashes. After that, we just checked it off to heredity and moved on.

One thing caught my attention last week. There is a 10-year risk factor for heart attack and stroke calculated based on overall cholesterol results and age. My new doctor pointed out that mine is higher than it should be based on the good readings for HDL, triglycerides, VLDL and total cholesterol. My target is now the LDL, no longer dismissing it.

My new doctor, replacing one of those long-term favorites who recently retired, pushed me to address it but she wanted me to start regularly taking a statin drug to address the LDL. I am very hesitant on medications and spent an evening researching the particular drug, specifically the side effects. I didn’t like what I read and suggested to my new doctor that I preferred to address the situation with lifestyle changes. She agreed, and we plan to retest the cholesterol levels in six months.

So what happens in those six months? I will begin to practice what I teach. As a long time running and wellness coach, I talk about certain specific risk factors that matter in your overall health and are directly linked to cholesterol levels. I don’t smoke or drink and do exercise well past the recommended amounts. Some medicines and medical conditions can raise LDL levels and I don’t have these. These things are already in my corner, but two others need some work.

Two remaining cholesterol risk factors will be the targets! The first is amount and quality of sleep. I am absolutely terrible at this and consider it as a lifelong issue. I don’t sleep enough, finally giving up my day too late and impatient to start the next one. Often the hours in the middle are interrupted by thoughts of things to do. Total sleep time nightly probably averages five hours, not nearly enough.

My diet is full of fruits and good carbs, plus decent amounts of vegetables. I don’t drink sugared drinks and usually do well on water intake. Eggs are a good thing again. My problems come with too much processed foods, a big red flag for LDL cholesterol levels. Certain things have become staples, like post run Pop Tarts every morning and packaged crackers plus a few favorites that are named Little Debbie. And those single serve pecan pies in the Food Lion deli.

Finally, cholesterol in total is a good thing. Our body has to have it and 20% of the body’s total cholesterol is needed the brain. But LDL can cause plaque buildup in the arteries leading to arteriosclerosis and other issues. I’m on a mission, have made it public and will report back later on the results.

Up next on the local racing scene is the granddaddy of them all, the 39^th Annual New Sarum Brewing Winter Flight 8K/5K and fun run on Jan. 30. Look for it and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .  

By David Freeze

We just had the shortest day of the year on Tuesday. It was a chilly day in the low 40s with just about nine hours of cloudy daylight. The perfect day to watch a movie, read a book or take a nap. All these things usually are done with lots of sitting. Many of us have jobs that are done while sitting for most of the day. It’s certainly easier to sit than keep moving around. We all need to take some time to rest and relax. Up to a point!

When we sit, we use less energy than when standing or moving. Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns. These include obesity and a cluster of conditions such as increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, deep vein thrombosis, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Too much sitting overall and prolonged periods of sitting also seem to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Researchers aren’t sure why prolonged sitting has such harmful health consequences, but one explanation is that sitting relaxes your largest muscles. When muscles relax, they take up very little glucose from the blood, raising your risk of type 2 diabetes. Relaxing the muscles for too long causes a loss of strength.

It is often common to hear people say they are in pain and struggle to get up and move around. But just as likely is that their inactivity is helping to extend the duration or severity of the pain. Inactivity tightens the hip flexors and hamstring muscles and stiffens the joints themselves. Overly tight hip flexors and hamstrings affect gait and balance, making activities like walking harder and perhaps even setting the person up for a fall. Tight hip flexors and hamstrings may contribute to lower back pain and knee stiffness, issues that many people suffer with every day.

The Mayo Clinic says that any extended sitting, such as at a desk, behind a wheel or in front of a screen, can be harmful. An analysis of 13 studies of sitting time and activity levels found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risks of dying from obesity and smoking. However, unlike some other studies, this analysis of data from more than one million people found that 60 to 75 minutes of moderately intense physical activity a day countered the effects of too much sitting. Another study found that sitting time contributed little to mortality for people who were most active.

What can you do? Find ways to move more, some you’ve heard before and a few new ones to think about.

• Take a break from sitting every 30 minutes. Set a timer. You’ll be more alert.
• Get up and do productive tasks, even making a list of things that can be done on your feet.
• Stand when you can, such as when taking or making calls, or watching portions of a sporting event.
• Walk during small meetings and or conversations.
• Count steps, still very popular, with a goal of 10,000 a day.
• And finally, exercise for up to 60 minutes a day, but any movement helps.

The impact of movement, even leisurely movement, can be profound. For starters, you’ll burn more calories. This might lead to weight loss and increased energy. Also, physical activity helps maintain muscle tone, our ability to move and our mental well-being, especially as we age.

Join us Saturday morning for the Bradshaw Financial Planning Resolution Run 5K at the Forum. Running or walking the 5K is a great way to start 2022 with a commitment to physical activity. The event benefits Rowan Helping Ministries. More info can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

Last week’s barefoot running column was a discussion starter. Those who haven’t been running 10 years or more were surprised that there was such a concept. The long-time runners of course knew about the idea, and a few had tried it, just as I had. For final thoughts, I asked Ralph Baker Jr. of Ralph Baker Shoes to chime in. As a seasoned runner and the nearest quality retailer of running shoes, I always value his opinion.

Ralph said, “In theory I think barefoot running makes perfect sense. It allows the foot ‘machine’ to move exactly as nature intended. It naturally causes you to run better. You will not overstride and heel strike when running barefoot because it will hurt. You’ll naturally shorten your stride and land mid-foot while allowing your foot to work as a shock absorber. However, I could not condone running barefoot because we simply need protection between our feet and the ground. If we lived in the Garden of Eden, it would be a different story but all the debris that could become embedded in our feet in the modern world make running barefoot a complete deal breaker for me. There is also the fact that roughly two-thirds of the population have arches that just aren’t optimal for running without some kind of structure on their feet.”

Ralph likes a “less is more” approach in his shoes, and currently runs in Altra or Topo which give many of the advantages of running barefoot while providing necessary protection. The broad toe boxes of these two brands allow the big toe to work as more of a lever during the toe-off gait phase. The big toe is actually connected to the medial arch so allowing that toe to move medially and propel you just makes the foot move more efficiently.

I started my run across the state a few years ago in another brand and a pair of Altras. I dropped the other pair pretty quickly because my feet began to hurt with the high mileage. I ended up using two pair of Altras for about 600 miles of the trip. I learned to appreciate the roomy toebox while averaging over 28 miles a day.

So what to do? Ralph continued, “Everybody wants to say this way or that way is correct in running but Brooks funded the biggest study of its kind on elite runners some years ago and found conclusively that there is no ‘one right way’ to run.”

With Ralph’s final thoughts on barefoot running, I will close out this subject. He said, “Vibram 5 Fingers took the running world by storm about 10 years ago by providing an option to run basically barefoot but still have some protection against rocks, thorns, glass and other assorted debris. In theory it was great, and they sold like crazy, but the reality is that after the dust settled it only worked for a small number of runners and there were a lot of injuries along the way. Most people don’t have the optimum foot structure to run barefoot and/or they weren’t willing to slowly retrain their feet. Either way, Vibram 5 Fingers is barely even a blip on the radar now.”

One of our annual races is the Bradshaw Financial Planning Resolution Run/Walk 5K and the newest edition will happen on Saturday, Jan. 1, at The Forum. Different from other events, this event offers runners and walkers a chance to start or continue a commitment to good cardiovascular health for 2022. Cost is minimal at $10 for those who register early and $15 for race day. Participants get an accurate course and timing with results posted later in the day.

Race director Rayna Gardner said, “We’re excited to have the 2022 kickoff event here again this year and The Forum is offering the month of January free with the purchase of a membership.”

Benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries, start time is 9 a.m. There are no age groups, but the top 10 male and females will get awards. Everyone gets a leftover new race shirt and refreshments afterward. Donations of canned goods and used running shoes will be greatly appreciated.

Look for the Resolution 5K and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

Have you heard before that it only takes a quality pair of running shoes to get started? That statement is correct, but almost every runner I know keeps an eye open for extras that might enhance the whole experience.

Here are a few things that Santa just might have in his bag for that special morning around the tree.

Beginning with shoes, Ralph Jr. at Ralph Baker Shoes has been supplying my footwear for a decade now because he knows shoe technology and what makes the best shoe. He said, “Brooks still dominates what I would call ‘hobbyist runners.’ Ghost, Adrenaline and Glycerin are going to cover most runners’ needs and then of course, Hoka is still hot. We’ve added a new brand, Topo Athletic, that should be in store within a couple of weeks.  It is owned by the inventor of Vibram 5 Fingers and looks very similar to Altra with a foot shaped toe box but most of the styles have a little heel drop instead of Altra’s zero drop.  I’m impressed with them.”

The shoe market has been stressed with the recent supply chain issues. I asked Ralph what to expect going forward. He said, “As for ‘back to normal,’ industry analysts are saying fall of 2022 before we’re back … hard to believe, I know.  The supply chain has been disrupted and just like a ship at sea, you can’t start, stop, and turn on a dime.  It will take time to get things regulated. I’m in a great position for now because I bought well ahead while I could still get them. Filling in or special ordering is almost non-existent now.  If I didn’t pre-book, I’m not going to get it.  That said, I check inventory status daily for all our major brands to scarf up inventory when or if other dealers have canceled orders.  Sometimes we can’t get a customer’s first choice, but we can almost always get them a great option without compromising their needs.  Maybe not the first color choice, but no compromises on function.”

Ralph had good stock on one of my two favorite models, and I’m set for five months. I suggest stopping by as soon as you can to fill your runner’s shoe needs because selection will continue to diminish. One other thought is recovery shoes. Ralph added, “They’re a little expensive for stocking stuffers but very popular for soothing tired feet after a run. We have shoes and sandals from Oofos, Hoka, and Topo, as well as the very popular Feetures socks.”

Back Country and Beyond has a ribbon cutting coming up on Dec. 10 and grand opening the next day. Dewitt reports specials on almost everything in the store next weekend including the complete line of Garmin watches. I’ve been running for over 40 years, and nothing has convinced me that any brand of fitness watch is more accurate than Garmin. There are styles for every type of runner, triathlete and outdoor fitness enthusiast. Solar technology in their watches seems an intriguing option.

Back Country also has Fits socks and bow Stance socks as well. Fits are the longest wearing performance sock I have worn. Stance socks are touted for every personality, even the weird ones. Dewitt added, “We also have Honey Stinger, an energy supplement, and Body Glide, for abrasion relief. For our weekend event, Traeger will be at the store demonstrating and cooking with their grills while live music will be available.

  The best full service running store nearby is Vac and Dash in Albemarle. Owner Peter Asciutto suggests checking out the Goodr sunglasses, stylish and affordable, and Turtle Towels, used for auto seat covers for sweaty athletes. He also has varied options on Dri-fit and safety clothing for any weather conditions.

  Books on running and adventure are always big hits. Check out Father and Sons Produce, Patterson Farm Market and Rowan Public Library.

  In addition, some personal choices include a race or beginning runners class entry, always available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. Nothing tops a destination weekend trip, planned around a race or running venue.

The next race locally is the 30th Annual Santa Run 5K and Bigfoot Reunion, set for Saturday at the Millbridge Ruritan building.

By David Freeze

On Sunday, Nov. 14, Salisbury Community Park was the gathering place for hundreds of girls, their families and running buddies. The fall class of Girls on the Run celebrated as most of the elementary and middle school girls on hand ran their first 5K under perfect weather. Not always the case, weather was a friend this year to the celebration with blue skies and mild temperatures. Each girl had a designated running buddy, someone who accompanied them on the course for encouragement.

Girls on the Run first brought their fall celebration to Salisbury and Catawba College in 2013. The event moved to Salisbury Community Park in 2017, preferable because the 3.1-mile course could be completed without going outside of the park and onto public roads.

Our runners club and Salisbury Parks and Recreation were big players at the event, but nothing like a solid group of volunteers led by Lindsay Peiffer from GOTR. I met Lindsay for the first time this year amid her planning process of about six months. She started out as a GOTR coach back home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 2016 and completely fell in love with the program. At the time, Lindsay was working for the local YMCA and coaching for GOTR when she saw a Girls on the Run coordinator position opening with the YMCA in Wilmington. Most GOTR councils are considered independent, but Girls on the Run of Coastal Carolina is affiliated with the Y.

Lindsay said, “It was perfect. My two favorite things combined! I applied, accepted the position and made the move down to Wilmington in January of 2017. I learned so much about being a program manager and race director in my 4 1/2 years in Wilmington. Over those years my love and passion continued to grow for Girls on the Run, but I knew one day I wanted to work for an independent GOTR council. My wish and dreams came true with my position here with Girls on the Run of the Greater Piedmont working alongside an amazing group of people who share my love of the program tenfold!”

GOTR is much more than just a running program. Lindsay said, “Girls on the Run opens up a safe and empowering space for girls in grades third through eighth to tap into what makes them unique, how to activate their limitless potential and how to build the confidence they’ll need to chase their dreams now and throughout their life. Girls on the Run practices emphasize the important connection between physical and emotional health. At the end of the program, girls complete a 5K, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment, setting a confident and goal-oriented mindset into motion. We envision a world where every girl knows her worth, her power and her strength to pursue anything she wants for her life.”

From Overton Elementary, Robert Black said, “Ellie really enjoyed the camaraderie and getting into running. She’s excited to be able to continue GOTR in the future.”

Jillian Gersch from Hanford Dole Elementary said, “Girls on the Run has impacted me so much as a coach by creating positive relationships with the girls in a space where they can be their true selves.”

GOTR had solid participation in the fall 2021 season, especially with COVID still around and some schools being hesitant in hosting after-school programs. GOTR continued to utilize parks and greenways and local community sites along with the normal school sites to allow for more options for the girls in our area to participate. Participation came back this season with 303 girls served, 80% of where they were in fall of 2019. There were 31 overall teams and nine of those were from Rowan. The 2022 spring season registration opens on Feb. 1 and the season will start the week of March 14.

Local racing continues this coming Saturday with the Freeze Your Buns 5K in Spencer, part of the Winterfest festival. SRR’s popular Santa’s Run for Hunger and Bigfoot Reunion Celebration 5K follows on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Millbridge Ruritans building across from Sloan Park. Look for these and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .

By David Freeze

Christmas parades, Salisbury and South Rowan, on cool clear days. I love a parade better than most and one day I will see the Macy’s spectacular edition and all those balloons in person!

Forecasts for snow and even rain, both seem exciting. Can’t wait for an early morning run in both.

Rowan Helping Ministries, Main Street Mission, and the United Way, even better when they work together.

Bell Tower Green, and for the committee and supporters who planned it and got it paid for. What a plus for downtown Salisbury and our county!

For that matter, Salisbury Community, Dan Nicholas and Sloan parks, and all the others. We all need time in the fresh air and kids need challenges on their playgrounds.

Races and events returning, some stronger than ever. I’m hoping for the biggest ever Butterball 5K at the Forum this morning. The Butterball and January’s Winter Flight returning to their home courses where all seems right.

SEC football, Davidson basketball and my beloved Yankees. The Braves won this time, the Yanks are due!

Time on the farm, working or not. Looking around to see all the things made better by hard work, sweat and often a little blood.

The men and women in blue, the fire departments and all the other first responders. Our military, as domestic and worldwide tensions seem to increase daily. How dreadful would our world be without these brave men and women?

My first granddaughter, affectionately called the Booper by only me, but known as Monroe to everyone else. This girl is going places! My daughters and their husbands too, and yes, most of my ex-wives. Celebrating Thanksgiving with them and the rest of my family.

Time to write and read for fun, to volunteer and encourage exercise and fitness. Giving of our time is without a doubt the best gift we can give anyone.

Our newspaper, the Salisbury Post. I’m glad that I can keep abreast of the local happenings and don’t have to say as often, “I didn’t hear about that!”

A long bike journey and returning home safely each time. And the book team that includes Elizabeth Cook, Andy Mooney and Jon Lakey, all incredibly talented and good friends too!

The excitement of each new day! A new and clean slate to make our own.

Precious “God moments,” those happenings that stop me in my tracks with awe. They happen almost daily on the bike rides and serve to deepen my faith each time. A spectacular sunset, an animal encounter, walking away from what should have been a very serious accident, all strokes of his broad brush.

And finally, the readers who make this column possible. I enjoy the opportunity to learn your stories and to write about them more than I can express. Count your own blessings and have the best ever Thanksgiving Day!

By David Freeze

The holidays are fast approaching, and with them will come an uncertainty about how to survive the physical, mental and emotional challenges of the period. This six-week period has the potential to wreck all three of these challenges. Although I likely may struggle as well, here’s my list of how I plan to cope. The goal is to still feel good come Jan. 2, the time that most people hit the gym and try other methods to get back on track. Holidays are not a free pass to derail the wellness train.

• Keep track of your to-do list and plan ahead. Doing this will help you enjoy the holiday season more. Limit the surprises.

• Keep up most of your personal routine, including exercise. Exercise relieves anxiety and increases mental acuity. Make the days as normal as possible.

• Of course, there will be much to-do about eating. Practice self-control and don’t overindulge. Start the meals with regular portions of the things you really like, but don’t rush the process. Eating slowly lets you feel full naturally. Have a treat or two but don’t skip meals to save up room. Offer to bring a healthy dish as a reminder to yourself.  Studies show that half of weight gained over the holidays is never lost.

• Drink water. You’ve heard me say it dozens of times. Water is the key to your health, and nearly all of us are dehydrated on a regular basis. Every part of your body, including your organs, needs proper hydration to function at its best.

• Sleep enough! Those same people, and again that is nearly all of us, are sleep deficient too. Enough sleep helps to keep your energy level at its best and your anxiety at a lower level.

• Go sparingly on any alcohol consumption. Alcohol impedes mental faculties, impairs your memory and packs on plenty of empty calories.

• Focus on connecting with the people that you care about instead of the food and alcohol. Take time to catch up but be more of a listener than a talker. The best conversations are when you’re learning about the other person, something you won’t be when talking too much.

• Set aside me-time to recharge. Get away from others while taking a certain period to de-stress. Go for a walk, do some yoga or just read for fun. A common phrase around the fitness industry goes something like this, “You’ll be better for others if you make sure to take some time for yourself.”

• Start thinking about your plan for the new year. Challenge yourself to better fitness. Find an exercise program you like and if new to you, begin your research.

• And my own personal favorite, do something unexpected for another person. Remember that 43% of Americans are single and 27% live alone. Loneliness and grief both peak around the holiday period. I’m picking out a person a day for either a gift of time or something they need.

Pleasing everyone during the holidays is unrealistic and the pressure to do it adds more stress. Hopefully these tips make yours and my holiday season as merry and fun as possible.

Plenty of races are ahead for the holiday season. A Thanksgiving tradition for many is the Butterball 5K held at The Forum on Turkey Day. Race director Rayna Gardner promises calories burned and a quick get-away to your next Thanksgiving event. The race benefits Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.

New this year is the Freeze Your Buns 5K at Spencer’s Winterfest Festival on Dec. 4. Start time is 2 p.m. across the street from the Transportation Museum. Proceeds support the festival. 

One of our oldest races in the county is the Santa’s Run for Hunger and Bigfoot Reunion 5K held at the Millbridge Ruritan building next to Sloan Park on Dec. 11. We can almost guarantee both a Bigfoot and Santa sighting that morning. Rowan Helping Ministries gets the proceeds from this one.

All this and more can be found at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

By David Freeze

Sutton Webb began playing soccer when she was 3 in a Salisbury Parks and Rec league.

“I remember that our practices consisted of us trying to kick over as many plastic cones as possible before my teammates could get to them,” she said. “Not much soccer was involved.”

Moving up to competitive soccer at age seven, Sutton instantly fell in love with the sport, and it has been her focus since. She played with FCCA, then moved up to Lake Norman Soccer Club and finally to a massive club called Charlotte Independence. Sutton is now in her final year in that league and will conclude her soccer career this spring at Salisbury High School. Next year, Sutton will compete at the NCAA Division 1 level at the University of Georgia. An official signing will happen soon.

I had read about Sutton’s soccer success and really wasn’t surprised when she became a cross country runner during her sophomore year. Sutton said, “I was a late addition to the team. They needed another girl runner before the season started and I was recruited by Mrs. Pittman. I had minimal experience besides running up and down the soccer field every day. I ran track my eighth-grade year at Sacred Heart Catholic School but nothing like cross country.”

Usually, a new runner doesn’t achieve immediate success, but Sutton broke that mold by quickly becoming a factor against more seasoned runners. She said, “With the little experience that I had running, I was surprised with my success to some extent, especially since it came pretty quickly. Having played sports my whole life, I am a very competitive individual who is always looking to be successful. Knowing that I was new to cross country, I decided to push myself every day to become the best runner I could possibly be. I believe this year that my work has finally paid off.”

Sutton’s best moments in cross country have included qualifying for the state meet as a junior and then being named county and conference runner of the year, finishing second in the region and running a 5K personal best of 20:51, all during her senior season. She raced at the state meet in Kernersville on Saturday, posting a time of 21:29.07 for 27th place in the 2A division.

Sutton continued, “Soccer, track, and cross-country complement each other as they each allow me to continue to improve and be successful in the other. Cross country keeps my stamina at its best for soccer, especially important since I have been recruited to play wingback in college which requires playing both offense and defense on the field. Track, on the other hand, has helped improve my sudden bursts of speed that are used constantly on the soccer field. Running has helped keep me in shape and although I am not motivated to run at times, I know it is shaping me into a better athlete. Besides the fitness piece, running has also helped me create lifelong friendships in which I am extremely thankful for.”

Sutton’s other main interest is working out. Early this year, she joined the Ultimate Athlete gym in Charlotte, where she can likely be found when not on the soccer field or running. Sutton enjoys spending free time with family and friends.

Thankful for each of her family members, Sutton says each of them have been always involved with her athletics. She said, “My dad is John Webb, a local dentist, and he will occasionally run with me. Jamie Webb, my mom, is a patient care coordinator at Hearing Solutions in Salisbury. She is always there cheering me on from the sidelines. My brother Lucas is twelve years old and also very involved in sports. He plays soccer, basketball, and track and field and is a stud in all three. I strive to be the best role model I can be for him every day.”

Already, the Rowan County Female Athlete of the Year as a junior, the future is very bright for Sutton Webb. Spring sports are just ahead where she will balance both track and soccer with the cooperation of her coaches. In track, she’ll run the 100 meter, 800 meter, 1600 meter races and multiple relays. Not bad for a girl who first began running to fill out SHS’s cross country team.

The Clean Water 5K will take place at Grace Lutheran Church on Saturday, and the Girls on the Run graduation celebration 5K is set for Sunday. Find these and other upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

By David Freeze

As most of you know, I’m a big fan of going on challenging adventures. Having just returned from the most recent cycling journey on Sept. 4, I’ve had a very busy last two months. In some ways, the weeks at home are harder than the actual journey itself. There are lots of projects to resume and some new ones to get going. Huge on the list is another book to write!

The next book, “Crossing America, One Convenience Store at a Time,” is complete and scheduled for printing and shipment. Farm and other projects are in good shape, so I had time this past week to go on yet another adventure.

I’m an avid reader, so much so that I couldn’t wait to get started on another book. No real reading for anything but bike ride information since mid-July had especially whet my appetite to wrap my thoughts up into another book.

I’m also a big Appalachian Trail fan, especially over the last year. I started reading about it two springs ago. Nothing concrete has been scheduled and it may never be, but still I read and research what the experience would be like. The folks at the Rowan Public Library have helped me find good reading material for years and when a new book arrives that they think might interest me, someone will often let me know. Such was the case when last week “2,000 Miles Together” arrived. I had just spent a few days at the beach doing the final proofing of “Crossing America” and also completed David Baldacci’s “A Gambling Man.”

When the South Branch of RPL called and said they had another book for me, I rushed through my work for the day and dropped in to get it just ahead of closing. I looked it over in the parking lot and came home with plans to start reading that night. “2,000 Miles Together” is about a family of eight, ages 2 to 18, that chose to hike the trail together. If they made it, they would be the largest family to complete the trail together and their 7-year-old would be the youngest ever to complete the trail. That’s nearly 2,200 miles over 5-6 months, battling weather and terrain. Mom and dad had cycled across country and the whole family runs marathons together. They fuel on Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies and finished the trail in Altra running shoes. All relatable to me.

All family members finished, but not without some severe trials and doubts along the way. For two and a half days, I couldn’t put the book down, effectively controlling my life. Why? I envisioned myself walking and sometimes running with them. Immersed in the book, I had yet another adventure!

Why does reading matter so much? I constantly hear people say that they don’t read. Yet they follow Facebook, Twitter and Price is Right. Here are some reasons why real reading matters:

• Mental stimulation and memory improvement, which we all need to stay sharp.
• Stress reduction — nothing calms me like reading a good book.
• Increased knowledge. Learn about virtually anything.
• Vocabulary expansion, improved focus and concentration. You won’t just be sharper, others will realize it, too.
• Improved writing skills — something sorely needed, especially in our young people.
• Escape. Just as I did with “2,000 Miles Together,” go away on your own adventure! When I finish a good book, I often pump my fist just like after a good athletic achievement. I sit and savor the experience and am willing to admit that I often experience various emotions while reading a good book.

And finally, passing on the skill of reading to a young person is a wonderful gift. Studies show that children who read can be better stimulated mentally, become more fluent in language and can better communicate with people of all ages. Their academic success can be tied directly to their ability to read and comprehend.

Today’s Spooky Sprint 5K and fun run start at Catawba College at 2 p.m. It’s Salisbury’s first race in 18 months. Next Saturday’s Clean Water 5K is at Grace Lutheran Church. Look for both and plenty more at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .    

By David Freeze

Everybody around Salisbury knows David Whisenant. I can’t remember when we met, but it was a long time ago and probably at a race. David is a good runner who often attends the local races. Here are the facts about how he got started and what keeps him running today, more than 40 years after he started.

David began running as a sophomore at Salisbury High. He said, “I really wanted a letter jacket and figured the only sport I had a chance to earn a letter in was track. I ran the 880 and mile and did get my letter with the winged foot symbol in the middle of the S.”

He continued, “I now run 3-4 times a week, 4-5 miles each time. I have a route that goes through my neighborhood, the Salisbury Greenway, the Crescent, Catawba College near the softball field and Newman Park, and back home. I also run the occasional 5K. I run because it’s a nice way to shake off the stresses of the work week, it’s a time to be alone with God, and it gives me a good feeling of accomplishment. I feel guilty if I miss a run, so I’m pretty dedicated to it. I’m not fast, but I’m consistent.”

David’s most memorable race was the International Widow’s Day 5K in June 2013 in London. The race wound through Hyde Park, the largest of four royal parks in London. He said, “I ran by the Diana Memorial, the Serpentine, and other points of history. That was a thrill. When the race was over, I got to speak with Cherie Blair, the wife of the former Prime Minister Tony Blair. It was a charity race, and she was there in support of The Loomba Foundation that sponsored the race. We were in London on vacation, and I just thought it would be fun to try to get a race there. That was one of the highlights of that vacation. I’d love to run another race or two in a foreign country, but no trips are planned right now.”

David’s wife is Jtan, after they met at ASU. They have a son, Kyle, and his wife, Anna. David said, “We’ve been blessed with two granddaughters, Ava, 8, and Maisie, 5. I have a sister, Pam, who lives in Maui with her family.”

Anna runs occasionally, and she joined David for a 5K at the Salisbury VA. He added, “I’ve tried on many occasions to get my wife Jtan to take up running with me, but she always says that the only time anyone will see her running is if she’s being chased!”

David graduated from Salisbury High School in 1979 and from Appalachian State in 1983. Salisbury has always been his home. He said, “I’m a news reporter with WBTV in Charlotte and in my 30th year on the job. I cover local news in Rowan, Cabarrus, Iredell and Mecklenburg counties. My job can be difficult and stressful, but also fun and rewarding. I feel like it’s where God wanted me, and I’m blessed to be able to do it.”

When asked about other interests, David said, “I spend a lot of time at church. I teach Sunday school and am the deacon chairman at First Baptist Church. I also read quite a bit, mainly British history. I follow sports like NASCAR and Formula 1 racing, the Washington Football Team, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Premier League soccer and of course, App State.”

As for running in the future, David said, “My only running goal is to keep running. I do try to improve my times but I’m realistic enough to know that can only go so far. I just want to be able to keep putting one foot in front of the other at a pace that’s faster than walking.”

Next Sunday is the Rotary’s Spooky Sprint 5K at Catawba College at 2 p.m. Look for it and plenty of other upcoming races at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. You Might Like