45 Years of Running

by   November 20, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

45 Years of Running Have Seen Lots of Change

   I was one of the people glued to the ESPN 2 coverage on Sunday of the New York City Marathon, a race I was fortunate to do four times. It was also my first marathon and capped my first complete year of running 1980. While watching my very first marathon on TV, which just happened to be New York City, I quietly committed to participating in the next year’s event. All this from a guy who could then barely run a mile.

    Jim Fixx’s book, the Complete Book of Running, was a huge bestseller in 1977. Fixx is credited as a major contributor to the American fitness craze, and I was all in by 1979 after watching this first marathon. I got serious quickly, began running daily while dropping 25 pounds over the first month. I learned on my feet and by reading Fixx’s book. I was hooked immediately. So were lots of others.

    The euphoric feeling of accomplishment after a successful run makes the effort worth it as running has become an increasingly popular hobby due to its many benefits. 

    The first New York City marathon was organized by New York Road Runners in 1970. 127 runners were registered to run, but only 55 finished. Nowadays, marathon running is so popular that over 55,000 finished the recent 2025 marathon. More are casual runners who view running as a recreational activity than the competitive athletes who once dominated the sport.

     Locally, as an example, there will be more than 20 races within 2 hours drive time on Thanksgiving morning. Many will be filled with those who pay an exorbitant fee to get a participation medal and won’t pay a lot of attention to mile pace.  

   As running has become an increasingly popular activity, more people are running, but times are not becoming faster. The average marathon time has increased over the years, meaning runners are only getting slower. For most people, running has become less of a sport and more of a hobby. There are a multitude of reasons why people have begun to pick up the hobby, as there are both physical and psychological benefits to running. Running improves overall cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and burns calories. Most people also view running as a way to manage stress and boost mood.

   While we run physically, our mind is also in motion, processing various thoughts. Many people find their minds wandering in different directions. Some use running as a way to meditate, relieve stress, and provide clarity for problems in overwhelming situations. The repetitive motion of running can be both calming and grounding.

   When running, heart rate increases, breathing gets harder, and endorphins are released. Running is not only physical but psychological, and oftentimes it is more of a mental challenge than a physical one.  Our brains dictate when we should stop rather than muscle exhaustion. Therefore, running is an exercise for the mind, just as much as it is for the body, because running forces the mind to overcome its doubts. 

    Running has become a more diverse sport, where people of all ages, races and genders have taken up the hobby. At the beginning of the running craze, runners were mostly men; but today, women have started running and often outnumber men in certain events.  

    Running used to be inexpensive while requiring only a pair of running shoes and an open space to run. It is certainly more expensive now. The right running shoes have become an investment in our health and most runners have multiple pairs and types. We used to repair our one pair of shoes with Shoe Goo. Races have a rising entry fee, and many runners pay for coaching. Fueling the body with the necessary nutrients can also be costly and there are plenty of fads.  Although it is easy to participate in the basic activity without spending too much money, there are so many resources and ways for the sport to get expensive. 

    I bought my first Garmin watch for about $40 while the upper end now tops out over $1,000. Everybody wore cotton in the 80’s, and now it’s all about performance tech material. Socks have evolved nearly as much as have shoes.

    Running has become less of a competitive sport but a widely embraced lifestyle. The benefits of running, including physical and mental improvements, are appreciated by many. Running at its core remains an accessible and rewarding form of exercise.

    Next up is the Girls on the Run program hosting a graduation 5K open to community runners on Saturday, November 22nd, and the Thanksgiving Day Butterball 5K follows. Look for these and other events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Gotta’ Run: 45 years of running have seen lots of change

Old Dog

by   November 19, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Oh the stuff I am learning. How to change the water filter… how to empty the vacuum canister… how to take apart the outdoor umbrella base to empty it of water so it doesn’t freeze… All sorts of new tricks. I guess I took for granted many things David did for us; just being the man of the house. Part of it was his way of protecting me from using strength he knew I didn’t have. But mostly he just stayed in behind the stuff that I never thought about. Who knew the vacuum would eventually fill up if no one flipped that little latch so the dust would fall out? Thank the Lord I had sense enough to hold it over the trash can before I tried it. Then our water began tasting like a combination of metal and bleach. And it dawned on me. The filter needs to be changed. Kinda like the box of soda in the fridge which helps keep down odor. It’s supposed to be changed? Huh! Who knew? So I lefty-loosied the filter until my hands gave out. Then realized I had it upside down. So then I righty-tightied it until that sucker popped off and behold! Clean water was mine again! Woohoo! I am woman! Hear me roar! Or something more fitting for a woman of God.

Lest you think I’m a total dingbat, [too late, you say?] I’ve always been in charge of the finances. David never looked at our money or worried about our lack thereof. He knew I’d manage it. Occasionally he’d say, “Stay off Amazon for a while. I might have bought something I’d like to be a surprise.” So I would. I wouldn’t even check my emails until he’d tell me his package had been delivered. He loved surprising me.

There are some things however that can’t be learned, or fixed so far. There was a supermoon a week or so ago. David and I used to step out on the back deck once the moon was above the trees just to enjoy the beauty of it together. He’d gather me in front of him, wrap his big ol’ arms around me and we’d just gaze into the heavens at the Lord’s beautiful handiwork. Eventually he’d kiss me on the head and we’d silently go back inside. I never imagined grieving over checking on the moon by myself. I’m afraid this Christmas will not be the most wonderful time of the year. If I’m being honest, I almost dread it. But then I’m reminded. If he had not loved me so well, I wouldn’t miss him so much.

Fifty three years together. Two years dating plus fifty one married. All that love in exchange for the grief that is mine for now. Not a bad trade-off when I think of it that way. Especially in light of the fact that I’ll see him again in the not too distant future. What a wonderful day that will be! Even better than Christmas.

Too Many Thanksgivings

by   November 16, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

Divorce, death of a loved one, relocation, and having to work on holidays. Many seasons of life can transform holiday gatherings. I remember as young parents, the logistical gymnastics it took to get three boys ages five and under to multiple Thanksgiving dinners. His dad’s side, his mom’s side, my side, usually within about 24-36 hours! I often stressed at the thought of making it to each place intact with any amount of appetite left to receive the endeavors of the cook graciously. Then, there was balancing multiple plates while discouraging little hands from touching all the biscuits and rolls (because, let’s face it, that is all they wanted, regardless of how much effort went into the turkey and dressing). Don’t even get me started on getting through it all with no naps. But over the years, due to changes in the seasons of life, gatherings may be fewer in attendance, and some have even completely dissolved over time (who wants to take over hosting now that Grandma has passed?). 

Time brings more transitions, and again, we find ourselves with multiple gatherings to attend. This year is probably record-setting for us with five: a Friendsgiving begins our festivities, followed by three consecutive family gatherings, and topped off by a church family celebration. I no longer have to balance multiple plates, and the loss of loved ones over the years brings a new appreciation for the numerous gatherings, even if my introverted spirit will need a week to recover afterwards. 

“Won’t you get tired of the same meal repeated five times?!” you may be asking. Actually, a traditional Thanksgiving meal is probably my favorite menu. Yes, each of the gatherings will likely have several vegetable sides (both green and starches like sweet potato casserole), stuffing or dressing (there is a difference, and I prefer the latter if given the choice), rolls, a turkey, of course, a few other miscellaneous sides, and a full dessert table (which, depending on the household, may include sweet potato casserole if not considered a vegetable). 

You likely have similar tables and multiple gatherings, but that is where the similarities in the gatherings end. The reflections of gratitude, abundance, and grace will vary at each location. One place may be filled with fun and games, laughter, and the joy of the time together, unwinding with the people you feel most comfortable with. Though gratitude is not expressed in words, there is a common understanding of what you have been through together. Another stop may reflect getting through tough times – want and need, loss of various kinds, working through grief or other sorrow. It may be quieter and more awkward, but a different measure of grace is present. You may be blessed with a gathering that is straightforward and intentional with expressing praise to the Creator and Provider through testimony, writing it out on a placemat or leaves for a gratitude tree, or casually sharing stories of sustenance over the past year. Not every place is easy, though, is it? You may be gathering where the focus is the meal, not the people, nor the Great Provider. Tensions are strained. You wonder why you even show up. Perhaps the grace is what comes after leaving and realizing the gift of the solace, though imperfect it may be, of the home you have built away from where you grew up.

I’m not sure how many feasts are on your schedule. Whether you approach them with reluctance or with eagerness, there is room for grace and gratitude in as much variety as the sides that accompany the turkey. Just be looking for it. 

Ashlie Miller will be giving thanks in Cabarrus and Rowan County. Nothing could be finer! You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

Turning 100

by   November 15, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Turning 100

            We took a trip home to see my mother-in-law over the weekend. We had a nice drive up. While I was up there I got the chance to see my sister and her family. We enjoyed a long walk on a warm afternoon, which included a few moments standing out by the Chesapeake Bay. The water was almost like glass and the beauty of the day was captivating. The drive back to North Carolina was cold and windy and included snow flurries as we arrived home. It was a full weekend.

            If you met my mother-in-law you would never know she was 100. Her mother lived to be 107, so her genes must be good. The only hint of age comes from her using a walker, which only serves to steady her on her feet. In the kitchen, her favorite place, she doesn’t use the walker. Her face is smooth and free of wrinkles, though her eyes are a little weak after a hundred years of service. Conversations are pleasant when she wears her hearing aids, and her outlook on life seems positive, even though she worries about her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

            I asked about her childhood and she told me that she lived through the Great Depression and World War II. She talked about the rationing and its impact on daily life. She grew up in Georgia where people like their tea to be sweet. The sugar rationing had a big impact on the sweet tea. She talked about growing up in a large family and the rationing of shoes meant that her father had to re-sole their shoes because they couldn’t get new pairs.  

            I asked about food during those difficult times. She said she grew up on a farm where they always had enough food to eat. She said they had chickens, cows, hogs, sheep, and goats. She remembered sheering the sheep and preparing an animal for a meal. Animals were not thought of as pets, they were food. She talked about all the work that had to be done on the farm and how each family member had chores to do. She told me that her dad, who was also a blacksmith, had a big farm and had to hire men to help get all the work done.

            She told me that her dad’s farm came from her grandfather. She had aunts and uncles who also had farms around them. They would help each other get the work done when it was sheep shearing time or when the corn harvest was ready. It took everyone working together to get all the work done. It brought a smile to her face to remember how people came together to help each other out.

            She told me about graduating from high school in a class of twelve. She remembered that most of the people she knew graduated from high school in her community. After high school she went to work for the telephone company in Savannah. She was young and the supervisors were strict. She worked at the phone company for more than 15 years and had several promotions.

            She reflected on other areas of her life, including stories of her children. There were hard times and good times. She has told me a couple of times how she met my father-in-law, who passed a few years ago. It is a great story filled with love. She told me that she strongly believes that her faith in God throughout her life has made all the difference.

            She told me that everyone needs to repent of their sins and turn to the Father for grace, mercy, and love. She believes in the power of prayer and she firmly believes that we can hear the voice of God in our spirits to help guide us through life. She shared some specific examples of how God spoke to her, guiding her through her choices. She wants everyone to have a relationship with Jesus so they can go to heaven.

            At 100 years old, she is excited to go to her heavenly home. She knows there are streets of gold and beauty beyond compare. She knows her family is waiting for her to complete her journey and join them for a glorious family reunion. We have had many conversations in recent years about what heaven will be like when we get there someday. She is at peace about her final destination and prays fervently that all will join her.

            I want to encourage you to turn your hearts over to Jesus. Trust Him. This world and all its craziness will one day pass away and we will be with our Savior and Heavenly Father for all eternity. No one knows their day or hour; my mother-in-law just wants everyone to be ready. Between now and then, she hopes people can learn to work together, much like her family did on their farm.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

He Answered

by   November 14, 2025 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

  • There is a seeking that we must reach for; a real earnestness of wanting to hear from Him.
  • God does answer! 
  • And He will deliver regardless of what our situation is or who we are, He does answer and delivers.

Prayer:  I praiseYou this day Lord, because You are a God that not only hears but answers.  I seek You with all my heart continually because You are my God and there is no one like You.  I bless Your holy name.  Amen. 

Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Katie Efird Shines!

by   November 13, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Katie Efird Shines at Kona Ironman Championships

    Katie Efird has been running since she was a child, encouraged by her dad, a runner himself. Katie said, “I have always just loved it and felt most alive when running.”

   Then in 2021, her husband, Caleb, completed the Smiley Sprint Triathlon in Clemmons. Katie brought the kids and cheered him on, thinking it looked like fun. At the time, Katie didn’t own a bike and didn’t know how to put her head under water to freestyle swim.

   Katie wanted to do a triathlon herself and said, “The following summer of 2022, we did the Smiley Tri together. A few months later Caleb completed the NC 70.3 in Wilmington. Again, I thought it looked like fun, so I signed up, and we completed that same tri together the following year. In September of 2023, he did the Chattanooga full Ironman. You’ve probably noticed a pattern here.”

    The following year, September 2024, both Efird’s completed Ironman Chattanooga together. Unfortunately, Hurricane Helen came through that weekend, and the swim portion of the race was cancelled. The bike and run are Katie’s two stronger legs, so it being a bike/run race worked in her favor. Katie said, “I never expected to qualify for Kona, so it was never really a goal. But I managed to come in 3rd in my age group at Chattanooga which had five Kona World Championship slots. I was honestly conflicted on whether or not to even accept the slot, but everyone I spoke to told me it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that I absolutely needed to accept it. Since the swim was cancelled at Chattanooga, I really wanted to do a “full” Ironman where I could compete in all three disciplines. So why not do it in Kona?”

    Katie spent the past 22 weeks training for the October 11th event in Kona. She was most nervous about the 2.4-mile ocean swim, so she signed on with a swim coach. After teaching herself how to swim for the Smiley Tri, Katie knew her technique had a lot of room for improvement. She said, “I worked really hard on that this summer. My training block went well. Many of my weeks, I spent between 17-19 hours training. That training included four 100-mile bike rides. I did most of my swim training at the YMCA, my long rides in western Rowan/Iredell County, and my runs around Salisbury and China Grove. I felt so incredibly supported by friends and family going into this race!” 

   Katie’s main goal in Kona was to just finish but she hoped to beat 12 hours. She was very happy with a finish time of 11 hours and 53 minutes. Katie’s initial thoughts on the world-famous course were that it was absolutely beautiful, but also very challenging. Katie said, “The ocean water was very choppy which made it difficult to see her best route because of the waves. The bike segment was windy and hot, and the run was also hot. I say that just to highlight the difficulty of the course, not to complain about my experience. I did double up on my usual water intake during the event.”

    This year’s Ironman Championship in Kona was the women’s only race. The Men’s World Championship was in Nice, France two weeks before. Next year, both male and female championships will return to Kona. Katie added, “It was an incredible experience with the beautiful scenery, the amazing volunteers and knowing I was out on the course with the best triathletes from all over the world! I was so inspired by the other women and their speed, grit, and determination. There were several para-athletes, and also an 80-year-old woman who finished and set a record as the oldest woman to complete an Ironman.” 

   Katie is a 38-year-old stay at home mom who homeschools their two kids, ages 6 and 8. Caleb works at Food Lion. Close friend Hannah traveled to the Big Island with them to support the couple. They left the Big Island on Tuesday and flew to Oahu for a few days before returning home.

   Katie said, “We wanted to make sure to maximize our time in Hawaii and see as many National Parks, state parks and monuments as possible while soaking in as much of the scenery, history, and culture as we could. We returned to Salisbury on Friday. I’m not sure what’s next yet, but I know my main goal is to glorify God in whatever I do, whether that’s racing again or stepping into something new.”

    Next weekend has the St. Matthews 5K on Saturday morning and Spooky Sprint 5K on Sunday afternoon. Look for more on both races and other events ahead at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

Time to Dance

by   November 12, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

From the book of Ecclesiastes come these beautiful words:

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.”

The writer, King Solomon, son of David goes on to say this. “God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.”

As you know, currently I am in a season of grief. Having lost my beloved David to cancer this summer, I couldn’t imagine ever dancing again. However. I’ve been trying to walk outside around the house in an effort to build up my strength. Yesterday when I finished and came back in to rest, I felt something crawling on my neck. A stink bug was tangled in my hair but just loose enough to explore the outer reaches of its new home. Turns out, it was a time to dance. Darlin’ this granny can move! Even in my dotage, I was able to get back out the door and shake him from my fuzzy head. I’m just glad I didn’t fall and break a hip. Dang stink bug. Apparently one can experience several seasons at once.

I like Solomon’s conclusion. Let’s be intentional to enjoy the life the Lord has blessed us with while we can. It’s full of wonderful joys and as David and I learned rather quickly; it can be gone in an instant. Let’s love while we can, and dance every chance we get.

Saving a What?

by   November 11, 2025 with No Comments

Steve Hartman tells the story of a little girl who wanted to save a research lab that lost its government funding. How can a 6 year old kid make a difference? You have to watch and see. ENJOY!!!!

1 … 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 … 214