The forecast calls for record heat, in the Piedmont at least, this weekend. So … stock up on that dry ice they’re selling now at the Teeter.
Coast
Is there a more appropriate way to celebrate our nation’s 236th birthday than by running 3.1 miles? Probably. But it’s certainly a good way to celebrate our independence, which is no doubt what the people of Southport thought when they decided to include the Freedom Run as part of their North Carolina 4th of July Festival. And deciding to hold it five days before the Fourth of July was no doubt inspired by the desire to be able to walk again come Independence Day.read more
Tour North Carolina’s Central Park, indulge in a three-day mountain sports orgy in Asheville, run a 5K at the coast wearing a life jacket. Talk about options this weekend
Coast
We’re gullible for a good gimmick, especially if the gimmick is for a good cause. Saturday’s Run Around the BLOCK Safe Boating 5K at Fort Macon State Park, for instance. The BLOCK in question is the Coast Guard’s Block Island near Atlantic Beach. There’s two gimmicks here, actually: One, after the race you get to tour the Coast Guard base. Two, runners are encouraged to run in a PFD a k a personal flotation device a k a life vest. (You know, to promote safe boating?) Oh, and it’s a really flat course.read more
A year ago today, I wrote about all the things I planned to do in my 55th year. 55 things, in fact, all tied to the number 55. My inspiration came in large part from a National Institutes of Health report noting that men generally start dropping weight and, the report added, start falling apart at 55. If that’s the case, I thought, then I need to start working extra hard.read more
Nicholas Sparks with some guys enjoying his track.
A run with romance! A walk/run/bike for a cause, a wild hike for wildflowers highlight the action in North Carolina this weekend.
Coast
Did you know that before Nicholas Sparks was making women and girls misty-eyed with his tales of romance he ran track at Notre Dame? Surprised by that plot twist? That being the case, though, it shouldn’t surprise you that a 5K and 1-mile Fun Run are part of his Nicholas Sparks Celebrity Family Weekend starting Friday in New Bern? The 5K travels through roadkill-flat New Bern and ends on the state-of-the art track Sparks donated to New Bern High School. The 1-mile Fun Run is entirely on the track.read more
The view from the Appalachian Trail bridge over the Nantahala River at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
A 5K/10K kicks off the Azalea Festival in Wilmington, there’s a ride with lunch in the Triangle and at the Nantahala Outdoor Center they’ll be celebrating hiking and long trails. A good cross-section of sweaty fun this weekend in North Carolina.
