By Melissa Seuster

Meet the next generation of race directors! Taylor Fenton and Emily Boland, a sophomore & freshman on the Ardrey Kell cross country team, are planning their first 5K Fundraiser to benefit the Charlotte chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

By Philip Sanford

COVID-19 has disrupted the regular schedules for many runners. Working from home cuts out regular commuting time. Gathering restrictions have canceled normal extracurricular activities or pushed meetings to virtual rooms. As our schedules have been disrupted, statistics show that time spent running for exercise increased in 2020. So how should you approach this year with your running goals and so many unknown factors related to the easement of gathering restrictions and schedules getting back to normal?

Setting goals and an accompanying schedule is a delicate balancing act, especially with changing schedules and an unknown future for in-person races. Working with a coach, prioritizing goals in running and in life, and setting a schedule that works towards those goals are critical to striking that balance.

Set a goal date and work backwards

The simplest way to approach this with your coach and training partners is the same as pre-pandemic. Set your goal (race, distance, time, or a combination of the three), set the date of the goal, and create a schedule that concludes on that date. This will provide structure and continuity to your training plan with a steady expectation of a time commitment per week. If your schedule is in flux or will be changing as pandemic restrictions change, this approach might not work for you.

Training based on availability

Instead of working backwards, your schedule might dictate that time committed to training will change week-to-week or month-to-month. If that is the case, figure out how potential running goals fit within your other goals in life and develop a schedule that way. What are your short-term and long-term goals related to your family, personal development, and career? How much time per week, month, quarter, and year will need to be dedicated to those goals? Once you figure out how much time is available to dedicate to your running goals and how those goals will be prioritized in your life, it is time to set a schedule.

Be reasonable with your goals and schedule

Once you have figured out the prioritization and time available for your running goals, set a goal and schedule that is reasonable. If your life dictates that you have time for training three or four days a week and a total of 15 to 20 miles a week, then a goal of running a marathon would not be reasonable. But if you have the same time and distance restraints, setting a schedule with the goal to significantly improve your pace and finishing time for a 5k or 10k is very reasonable with the proper workouts and active recovery.

Philip Sanford is an RRCA-Certified Running Coach who writes a weekly newsletter about all things running. Check it out HERE.

By Melissa Seuster

C.J. Langley started his fitness journey in 2014 with the goal of getting into the best shape of his life by his 35^th birthday. As a member of F3 Nation, he woke up at 5 am to attend outdoor bootcamps in the University area six days a week. Two years later and twenty-five pounds lighter, he and his F3 team ran the 2016 Blue Ridge Relay. In training for that event, he realized that cleaning up his diet would make him leaner and faster. He completed Blue Ridge, then ran three half marathons in three months before entering his first full marathon, Wrightsville Beach 2017, the day before he turned 35.

He originally intended to be a “one and done” marathoner, but C.J. missed his marathon goal by a few seconds. Anyone who has been there before knows that feeling of “unfinished business.” Even though he reached 26.2 in 3:59:53 (on his watch), he ran 26.3 miles resulting in an official finishing time of 4:00:39. That same day, he enrolled in the Charlotte Marathon and set the record straight by running a bona fide sub-4:00 eight months later.

There are lots of reasons to take up running, but C.J.’s main driver is to remain healthy as he ages. “I know there are factors out there that I can’t control, so I focus on moving every day to control what I can.” He is inspired by the vibrant community of runners in Charlotte, in particular F3 and Black Men Run, and all the people who get out there consistently with no excuses. C.J. uses Strava, Instagram and Facebook to connect with other runners virtually and continue to be inspired.

Now in the beginning of his training cycle for Grandma’s Marathon in June, C.J. has been logging miles in the Mallard Creek / Highland Creek area. He knows that his hard work and consistency will eventually pay off. “I am a big believer in the importance of continually finding obstacles to overcome. Dealing with adversity makes us better,” he says.  “Figuring out how to persevere through running setbacks has helped me also do so in other areas of life.”

Ultimately, like many marathoners, C.J. hopes to qualify for Boston. His discipline and consistency are great indicators that he will do just that, if not at Grandma’s, perhaps a few months later. Say hi to C.J. at the next CRC Black Friday Run.

 

Kevin Gingerich

John McLauchlin

Greg Henderson

Grant Wilsterman

Jason Seagle

Helen Schuda

Jacob Bransky

Janis Arrojado

Katelyn Hannivan

Justin Kennelly

Jessica Lackey

Marcia Erwin

Samuel Foutz

Madeline Romeo

Chris Raulli

Marty Steele

Matt Bush

Carol Gore

Mike Fields

Amy Cronin

Paul Getchell

Deb Rubinich

Did you get your CRC Hoodie yet? They have been very popular in these cooler months. As we move into spring, check out these soft and comfy T-shirts. Available in red or gray, both men’s and women’s cuts now available. Click HERE to order!

We are proud to announce that Charlotte Running Club together with Black Men Run recently donated $780 to our local Girls On The Run and Let Me Run youth running organizations! The money was raised during the November 27 Black Friday Run, a 12-hour running event at Freedom Park. The money was split 50/50 between the two organizations, both of which have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to all of YOU who donated or participated that day.

Girls On the Run is seeking coaches for the spring 2021 season. They are offering a variety of programs that allow coaches the flexibility to choose between in-person or virtual coaching, plus full- or part-time positions. If you want to serve as a role model and organize or supervise weekly lessons (curriculum provided), please reach out to Clarissa Finley (cfinley@girlsontherun.org) or fill out the coaching application HERE by Monday, February 22. Thank you!

Looking for a group run? Click HERE.

Just make sure to call/inquire ahead, as some are on hold until COVID-19 is under control. Connect with our social media IG & FB pages for updates @charlotterunningclub

 

Sure there are plenty of Virtual Races taking place, and many others that are “tentative” depending on what COVID decides to do over the next few weeks. Just thought we’d share with you a few events that are currently “in person” as of February 2, 2021.  Stay up-to-date with our social media @charlotterunningclub on IG & FB.

Sat 2/27 Swamp Rabbit: Half/5k: 300 S. Main St Greenville, SC

Sat 3/6 Fellowship of the Idiots: (19.7 miles): FREE event, Albemarle NC

Sun 3/14 Cane Creek Half /4-miler: (Vagabond Endurance): Waxhaw NC

Sun 3/21 Get Your Rear in Gear 5K: – McAlpine Creek Park Charlotte

Sat 4/10: Racefest Half/10K: South Park Mall Charlotte

Sat 4/17:  Wilmington Marathon/Half (Rescheduled): downtown Wilmington

Sat 5/1: Myrtle Beach Marathon/Half (Rescheduled): Broadway at the Beach

The Destination Marathons Boston Marathon Package is now available. Spacious two-room apartment-style suites with full kitchens that are ideal for sharing. Private bus to Hopkinton, pre-race dinner, post-race celebration and more. Fully refundable, plus a $50 discount for CRC members! Click HERE for more info.