Stephanie “Pezz” Pezzullo, Coach and Elite Athlete

Maybe you’ve seen our next guest running around Charlotte… if you have, she was probably a blur, anyway. Stephanie “Pezz” Pezzullo is fast. Like, Olympic Trials fast. And she wants to help you be fast, too. 

But that’s just part of the Pezz story. There’s running, there’s family trauma, there’s a dog – and more running. Stephanie, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast! 

Bill Johnston, Recover Brands

In case you missed the big news, Run Charlotte and Recover Brands are teaming-up starting this year provide runners with event tees, official merchandise, and more – with less of an environmental impact.  

Runners will see this partnership come to life with the first of our Run Charlotte events – the Novant Health Lucky Day 7k – then, all the way through the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. And that’s just part of the story.  

Bill Johnston is the founder of Recover Brands, and he’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Bill thanks for joining us! 

Jurgen Buchenau, NHCM finisher

As we have said – and heard – many times on this program, EVERYONE has their reason to run. 

We checked in with this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon participants and asked them why THEY run with us. Many of you were happy to share your stories with us, including Jurgen Buchenau, who wrote this to us:

This marathon will be the tenth time I have run this race as a long-time Charlotte resident, and my twelfth marathon overall. From my first Charlotte marathon as a 41-year-old in 2005 to this marathon, which occurs several months before my 60th birthday, I have seen this event grow into one of the most fun running events in North Carolina!

Naturally, we excited to hear MORE from Jurgen and what makes the NHCM sch a “must do.” Jurgen, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Cort Peavy, NHCM finisher

Motivation takes many forms, especially for runners. Whether we’re trying to get faster, or just get off the couch, or somewhere in between, there’s some place for every kind of runner.
Our next guest had a pretty serious wake-up call that moved him into the running ranks. And after years of smoking, he went cold turkey on the smokes and is now full-tilt on the running.
He finished the half at this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon weekend… on his quest to 50 states. He’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.
Cort – welcome to the program!

Robert Stricklin, Get Your Rear in Gear

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. and the “Get Your Rear In Gear” run is designed to raise awareness and money for area colon cancer patients and screenings.
Robert Stricklin, a colon cancer survivor from right here in Charlotte, He helps to organize the local event which is not just about running, but also making it easier for folks to talk about cancer that affects a pretty “private” part of the body.

Robert, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte podcast!

Bryan Jenkins & Eric Cone – Run Signup

As of this recording, we are just back from our annual pilgrimage to Running USA – the trade show for the running and endurance events industry. 

Yes, it’s great to catch up with folks in the business and check the greater pulse of the industry as a whole. It’s even better to bring information back that can help us bring a better experience to runners like you. 

One of the teams that keeps tabs on the big picture of the industry is our partner, Run Signup. They’ve just published their annual industry report, too. Bryan Jenkins from Run Signup is here to help us get into that data. He’s our guest here on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

Welcome to the program.


Industry Reports

Winston Watson; teacher, parent, NHCM finisher

The marathon starting line is FULL of stories about how and why people got there, and we’re always fishing for ones that will inspire, motivate, and entertain folks. 

When we asked this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon participants who’d be willing to share THEIR stories… we were flooded with responses. Our next guest on the Running Around Charlotte podcast is one of those who answered our call.

Introducing himself as THE AMAZING WINSTON WATSON – in all caps – we knew we’d have to get him on the program. Winston, thanks for joining us on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

Ronald Rule, self-discipline weight loss story, NHCM finisher

This is the time of year when many of us make resolutions or other promises to be better and do better. The numbers prove, most of us won’t make those resolutions happen. 

That doesn’t mean we’re “bad,” or that we’re “failures.” It often means we didn’t have a “why,” or a proper support system to set us up for success. 

Ronald Rule found his “why,” AND the support system to help him get healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. So before you go giving up on your plans for the new year, stick around for this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. 

Ronald, thanks for joining us on the program!

Taylor Pryde Barefoot, pastor & NHCM finisher

Everyone has their own reasons for running. Some of us keep our reasons to ourselves… others have the opportunity to share their stories, never knowing the impact they can have on other people. 

Taylor Barefoot took advantage of a unique opportunity ahead of this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, when she allowed the Charlotte Observer to tell HER story in advance of her first marathon. 

Maybe you read it? She overcame more than just the training schedule and her role as a pastor at one of Charlotte’s largest churches to make it to the start line. She’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast to tell the rest of the story in her own words. 

Taylor – thank you for joining us on the program!

Miller Yoho, Charlotte Sports Foundation

Despite the performance of some of our local teams of late, we think it’s still fair to say Charlotte is a sports town. There’s plenty to prove that; from pro teams to Division 1, 2, and 3 college sports in the area… to the busy fields, gyms, pools, and races. 

Sports is big business, too. Generating MILLIONS of dollars in direct spending and local economic impact. And don’t get us started on the impact sports plays in the nonprofit space. 

One of the drivers behind some of that impact is The Charlotte Sports Foundation. They’re the mind and muscle behind the Duke’s Mayo Classic, the Jumpman Invitational, and others. 

Miller Yoho is Director of Communications and Marketing for the Charlotte Sports Foundation. He’s a runner, too… Miller welcome to the show!