Columns

By David Freeze

Finding a “wow” moment is pretty simple, self-explanatory and always memorable.

Somehow during my life, I have become addicted to those events and more appreciative of them.  Often, they are very small things, yet sometimes huge and involved. But I count each “wow” moment as a huge blessing.

As a long time athlete, I am very tired of virtual anything but especially running events. One of my clients told me the other day that she had just received notice that the October Marine Corps Marathon in Washington had gone virtual, meaning that no actual race would be run. The participants who had already paid a huge fee for entry were told to run the distance anywhere and anytime and they would get a medal and shirt. About the same time, the New York City Marathon was canceled, not made virtual but done for the year. The Boston Marathon had already gone virtual after a postponement from the original starting date in April. Only New York gave the option to transfer entry into any of the next three year’s events coming up. Maybe then, something memorable will happen.

Having been around this running game and life in general for a long time, I am tired of another word: “experts.” During the virus, there have been so many experts with wild claims all across the board, leaving me unsure of what to believe and just what it takes to be considered “expert.” I’ve not seen a one who even suggests that those most susceptible to the virus should think about getting in better physical shape. Doing so starts with just the first day of exercise and a better diet, boosting more enjoyable times for the remaining days we have on earth.

While this boost could take various forms, why not work to increase cardiovascular health, claimed by most “experts” as the best weapon besides youth for quickly surviving the virus.

I often laugh with other older runners, the grizzled veterans, about what we’ve learned along the way in our life’s journey, the only one we’ll get. I’m writing this on Friday morning for Sunday’s Post and several events prompted my subject matter. Sunrises and sunsets are often “wow” moments and from one beautiful spot on my farm, there have been some spectacular ones this last week.

One runner that I often see before the sunrise said today, “At least we’ve had plenty of beautiful sunrises lately!” To which I replied, “And sunsets too!”

Sunsets really mean that another day of our lives is about to end, and I always question whether I made it a good one, a day that counted for something.

Another runner expressed some indecision about whether to run the Shiloh Mission 5K that was held Saturday or to work. Having had more than my share of “wow” moments, I explained what I meant by the term. Sometimes just getting the opportunity takes effort, such as Salisbury policeman Isaac Miller who ran his first 5K after losing nearly 50 pounds following a heart attack.

He’ll never forget that day and his own “wow” moment.

Lasting “wow” moments have included spectacular fireworks seen from a boat at Disney World, a thrilling nighttime meteor show seen from the backyard of a friend, and a few of the races I’ve won or even participated in, yet there’s been nothing better than the birth of my first granddaughter.

Make things happen or be there when they do! Just go out and actively participate instead of waiting on the next round of gloom and doom from the news.

I’ve found myself cynical about the virus. I can only encourage an effort at better health. And a request to seek your own “wow” moments. With so many events and normal practices on hold or not happening at all, I’m searching for more of them myself.

That bike ride in Hawaii and the completion of my 50th state seems so long ago, having just ended in March.

I’m going somewhere again soon if for no other reason to meet good, down to earth Americans and therefore complete more “wow” moments.

I’m ready!

Look for upcoming events at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org .     

By David Freeze

Usually spring and early summer in Rowan County are filled with weekend running events. Faith is always busy during the week leading to the Fourth of July with the town’s long running festival.

While most of the festival was cancelled, the Shiloh Missions 5K broke a four-month dry period for local road racing on Saturday with pleasantly cool conditions and the always challenging but rewarding course. 

Craige Farmer, 53, of Salisbury, ran his fastest 5K yet as the overall winner at 18 minutes and 19 seconds. Meredith Bonner, 16, of Rockwell, ran a sizzling time of 21 minutes and seven seconds to pace the women. Bonner has taken three minutes off her time from last year’s Rowan County High School Cross Country Meet. 

Race director Luann Fesperman was ecstatic with the support from the town of Faith as 64 runners crossed the finish line of the two loop course.

“I was happy to have so many from the running community come out and support our Mission 5K with all proceeds going to our mission teams at Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith,” Fesperman said. “I had many of the runners say that they were so glad just to have a race to attend. We couldn’t do this without the town of Faith and the police department.”

Fesperman heads up the church’s high school and adult mission teams.

Dual race starts, one for men and another for women, were used to separate the crowd, and plenty of room was available for social distancing. Though runners said they simply enjoyed being back in their environment.

Steve Staley, of Charlotte, said after over 1,400 races total, Saturday’s was one of his top five.

“What a fun morning I had in the small town of Faith, N.C. Make no mistake about it, my address may be in Charlotte, but my heart and soul were in Faith this morning,” Staley said. “These hard-working, true Americans shined a light on me today. I was amazed at the number of American flags I saw while leaving your great town.  Lots to be proud of there.”

Top sponsors included Salcoa Contracting, Inc., Teresa Courtney, F&M Bank and McCombs and Company. The Salisbury Rowan Runners timed the event. Complete results can be found at salisburyrowanrunners.org.

By David Freeze

Last week’s column about my struggle with dehydration during heat and humidity generated considerable response. This issue can derail nearly everything we do including overall health. The very worst dehydration issues for regular exercisers are increased by heat and humidity. So, what can we do to keep exercise going from May through early September? 

With summer in full effect, I have noticed my runs have begun to feel different. What should be an easy pace now sometimes feels like running in mud and working harder to get nowhere fast. The warmer the weather, the harder your body has to work to keep cool. Your heart rate will be higher and breathing more difficult. The reason why is your body is directing blood to the skin to cool you off through sweating. That means there’s less blood available to transport oxygen to your muscles. What would usually be an easy-paced run often feels more like a max all-out effort.

Just this last week had two extremes for summer running. We had more of the previous week’s heat and humidity, and we have a couple of strangely cool days with rain. My own running results followed the temperature, but with higher temps the humidity becomes the culprit too. 

Here are a few things we can do, garnered from 40 years of experience, to make outside exercise a little bit more comfortable during the next few months. Most of us have had enough of being inside already. 

Morning temperatures are usually the coolest during the summer. It also will give you a break from the strongest hours of sunlight. The humidity can sometimes be high in the morning, but at least you won’t see the blazing sun. And you may even get the treat of a gorgeous sunrise. You want to be sure to avoid the middle part of the day, which will be the hottest. Some science supports that strong sunshine cuts time to exhaustion by half. 

Wear as little clothing as legally possible. If you are the sports bra only or shirtless kind of person, do that. Stick to light-colored, loose, wicking materials. Now is not the time for wearing all black or cotton. No matter what fabric you are wearing, Body Glide works for preventing chafing.

 Some runners use sunscreen even for early runs or late runs since the summer days are brighter early. Just be sure it’s sweat proof, avoiding the pain of sunscreen and sweat in their eyes. A hat or visor will not only protect your skin from the sun, but it will also help to keep your face shaded while making a rainy run more fun. Soaking the hat or visor in cold water before heading out the door can help to lower body temps to feel cooler.

We should start off slower than during the cool days. You’ll want to gradually increase your heart rate rather than starting out too fast. Same thing for the end of the run. Consider a gradual slow-down that includes some time for a moderate walk. It will help regulate your heart rate and cool your body a bit. With most of my individual running clients, we include a relaxing and contemplative walk at the end of the workout. 

A short revisit to hydration includes a couple things I should have added last week. Hydration is one of my favorite subjects with lots of theories on how much water we need. My all-time favorite is a simple one; half the body weight daily in ounces. For a person who weighs 150 pounds, they need a minimum of 75 ounces of water daily, not counting how much you add for exercise. Drink up until thirst disappears afterward. Start your exercise hydrated, because another rule of thumb says you will never catch up while working out. 

The American College of Sports Medicine says any high intensity sporting event with a temperature above 82 degrees should be canceled so it’s OK to back off a little. 

Your outside exercise results will change as a function of how hot and humid it is, your degree of effort, and how you’re dressed. But highest among all of these remains hydration. Get it right and summer exercise can be done!

Get updated information on upcoming events including Saturday’s Shiloh Missions 5K in Faith at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org.