Month: January 2022

We know running can be good for a lot of things at any age — health and fitness, our minds, and our confidence, to name a few. So when a running program for girls spread like wildfire across the nation, one of their coaches here in Charlotte thought something similar would be good for boys.

Working on a degree in Sports Science opened Ashley Armistead’s eyes to the role mental and emotional health play in overall wellness. As a running coach and mom of two boys, she was aware of the “Boy Code” that sometimes stifles boys’ feelings and emotions. The result of Ashley’s efforts was Let Me Run, a running program for boys that also lets them know it’s okay to have feelings and lean on each other for support. Ashley joins us now to bring us up to date on a refreshed, post-pandemic Let Me Run program – which just finished its first post-pandemic 5k. Welcome!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:43 — 15.6MB)

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One of the best-known charity fundraisers in Charlotte rides in circles every July in Myers Park. And this year, the 24 Hours of Booty celebrates 20 years of rounding the famous Booty Loop to raise money for cancer navigation services at Atrium Health.

If you know of the 24 Hours of Booty, you probably know its founder, Spencer Lueders. But did you know he’s also an engineer, attorney, entrepreneur, business owner, and former D-1 soccer player? There’s a lot to Spencer, and we’re honored to have him here on the Running Around Charlotte podcast to tell us what he’s up to next.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:11 — 15.9MB)

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You’ve heard us say it before – it was really nice to be back under the sunshine and crisp fall air of the Carolinas at our in-person Novant Health Charlotte Marathon this year. We had a great turnout for the marathon, half-marathon, and 5k … and our women’s winner was a name that should be familiar to runners across the Carolinas.

Mimi Smith was first over the line at 2 hours and 48 minutes, and if her name sounds familiar, it’s because she ran cross-country and track for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons for 4 years. Now she’s over at Duke University and joins us here on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast to let us get to know her a little better.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:39 — 14.9MB)

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We hear some incredible stories in the running community about the life-altering effects of running, but this one will blow you away! Jason Gardner was always the “big kid” — you know, a little extra hefty. At his heaviest, about 10 years ago, he was 426 pounds! He decided to make a change. It started with diet and exercise… and now includes running. We’ll let him tell you how he did it — and where he ended up in his “1 man, 1 year, 150” personal goal.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:03 — 16.5MB)

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