For me, a simple change in weather is reason enough to go out for a run. When I noticed the beautiful red, orange and yellow leaves on Rainwater Drive in Raleigh, I parked my car on a side street and ran the hilly golf course neighborhood. Cold inclement weather isn’t a deterrent, but a reason, for me to run. I love bundling up and running on a cold winter day and often promise myself a hot cup of coffee or bowl of soup when I’m finished and thoroughly chilled.
For those who appreciate the winter season as much as me, we’ve got a great “Getting Started” article for you this month: snowshoe racing! We recently became aware that the North Carolina’s Beech Mountain Resort is hosting the Inaugural North Carolina State Snowshoe Championships on January 7th. In addition to Beech Mountain, there a number of ski resorts in the western part of the State that offer great snow for this winter sport. The event is open to beginners, too, and will offer loaner snow shoes for those looking to try it out.
Like snowshoeing, cycling can be an intimidating sport to start, as I’ve heard from many women who have participated in the Ramblin’ Rose triathlon series (now open for registration!). Cycling coach and announcer Chad Andrews, founder of TotalCyclist in Charlotte, has heard the same thing. So now, in addition to training programs for his typical pro clientele (including golfers and motocross racers) Andrews has developed a highly successful cycling camp for women. NBC Sports and CycleSport Magazine writer JoE Silva wrote this month’s cover story on Andrews and how he got started in his coaching career.
While the Ramblin’ Rose and TotalCyclist’s Diva Camp cater to our female audience, Endurance Magazine’s Fifth Annual Wells Fargo Tar Heel 10 Miler presented by CEP Compression Sportwear featuring the Fleet Feet Sports 4+ Mile Run has the men covered. If you love changes in weather, the Tar Heel 10 Miler offers the best spring-time course on the east coast while the beautiful Dogwoods are in bloom throughout Chapel Hill. New for 2012 is the SPORToften RUNNING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP where Running Clubs from across the region will compete to establish themselves as the 2012 SPORToften Running Club Champion. In addition, clubs with the largest number of registrants will receive great prizes!
Whether embarking on your first adventure in snowshoeing, cycling, or gearing up for the 2012 Tar Heel 10 Miler, you’ll certainly welcome a nice hot bowl of soup during these winter training months. As always, chef Brandon McDearis provides another amazing dish and cold-weather staple for this issue. Check out his recipe for Curry Tomato Soup and don’t forget the grilled cheese!
