Coast

Everyone, we’re convinced, has at least one thing that will motivate them to move — it’s just a matter of discovering it. Some get hooked on the endorphin rush of running. Others prefer the slower, more scenic rewards of a hike. While still others like more … esoteric pursuits.

Like Bubble Soccer.

Bubble Soccer, as we’ve recently learned thanks to the folks at What’s On Wilmington, involves encasing oneself in a big plastic bubble (picture a team of blueberried Violet Beauregardes)  and playing full-contact soccer —

You think we’re making this up, don’t you?

See for yourself on Saturday when the Port City Bubbleheads (not making them up, either) host Bubble Soccer Demo Day & Launch Party at the Easton Soccer Fields in Wilmington. Your chance to get your bubble on for winter and spring league play. Or just to bounce off a bunch of other people.

Logistics: Bubble Soccer Demo Day & Launch Party, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2-4 p.m., Eaton Soccer Fields, Wilmington. Free. Note from organizers: “Due to the size of our bubbles participants must be 14 or older!” More info here.

Saturday forecast: Sunny, high of 60 (perfect Bubble Soccer weather).

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Looking ahead: Run for Ray Trail Run, Brunswick Nature Park in Winnabow, Feb. 20 (gives you time to train). Routes on pine-straw trail of 3, 9 and 18 miles. Proceeds benefit the Ray Underhill Foundation. More info here.

Piedmont

Check out North Carolina’s newest state park and go behind the curtain, all  in one hike! That hike, at Carvers Creek State Park in Spring Lake, would be Saturday morning’s “3 Mile History Hike,” during which, the park reports, “we will be entering areas that are normally off limits to the public.” See the park and the park behind the park. Despite the event title, the hike may even be more than 3 miles.

Logistics: Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m., Carvers Creek State Park, Spring Lake. More info here.

Saturday forecast: Sunny, high of 58.

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Looking ahead: Race 13.1 Durham, half marathon, 10k and 5k, Dec. 12. More info here.

Mountains

What makes a 5K a 5K? A good course helps, reliable timing, too. But what really makes a race is the ambience: pulsing music, enthusiastic volunteers, stuff along the way to distract your attention from that PR pace you’re trying to set.

That’s why we like Saturday night’s Night of Light 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk in downtown Morganton. The course is through a downtown lit for the season, carolers will be caroling along the way and there will be homemade treats, hot chocolate, apple cider and more. And, it’s at night (the 5K starts at 6 p.m.)

Logistics: Saturday, Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton. $20-$25. On-site registration begins at 4:30 p.m. More info here.

Saturday evening forecast: Clear skies, 6 p.m. temperature of 46.

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Looking ahead: Start planning your New Year’s Day activities by checking out the list of First Day hikes at your local North Carolina State Park, here.

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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.

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