Have mud and color runs finally jumped the shark? Unlike the popular 70’s television show starring “The Fonz”, happy days, I think are here to stay for muddy and colorful events. You may not see new events cropping up at the same rate as in recent years but, the big players and events invested in the spirit of giving – events like the Special Operators Challenge and USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run – are here to stay. In fact, the USMC Ultimate Challenge has been around for longer than any of the big players like Warrior Dash who popularized obstacle course racing. So, to help you find the best race for you, we put together our 5th Annual Mud, Fun & Obstacles Issue. Be sure to check out our preview of the area’s best and biggest event and use our handy “Race Key” to find the event best for you.
If you are new to obstacle racing in the mud, you will want to read Brian Beatty’s article “Mud: Slip Slidin’ & Staying Upright”. While slipping and sliding can be a fun part of a mud event’s appeal, it can also create challenges to balance, efficiency of movement and simply staying upright. As long as nothing gets strained, slopping around can remain fun. To keep it that way, read up on Beatty’s tips on how to better prepare for a mud and obstacle race.
For those runners thinking about taking a leap into a more traditional sport we have a great article by triathlon coach Dave Williams. In “Take the Leap: Strive for the Next Challenge” Williams reviews the finer points about the challenge of triathlon, like pushing beyond current comfort levels. When you take that kind of leap it permeates into many other aspects of your life and you generally feel better about yourself and are more confident. If you haven’t yet completed a triathlon, read Williams’ article and get inspired.
Before you get too inspired and hit the road running or cycling for that matter, you’ll need a proper warm-up. But, let’s face it. Static stretching hasn’t been cool since “Happy Days” was in prime time. We hope you’re not still doing that as your warm-up! Writer D.C. Lucchesi has fun exploring the topic of proper stretching with a still infor- mative article about the topic. For a good laugh and also some valuable
As always, we deliver another amazing recipe from Brandon McDearis. This month’s recipe is a nice change of pace from traditional vegetarian bean cakes. McDearis’ Sweet Potato and Chickpea Cakes feature a delicious blend of spices in a vegetarian cake that can be, as you’ll see in my pictures, be eaten like a veggie burger. Or, you can just enjoy them as a cake topped with our Avocado Salsa because what good would any dish be these days without an Avocado? Avocados are everywhere! A big part of the reason avocados are now the darling of the produce section is their wealth of health benefits. Check out our “Amazing Avocados” article to learn more about this nutritious fruit.
While eating healthy is something that’s easy to do as a family, sometimes it’s not so easy to exercise together as a family. Running is one of the healthiest activities we know and to help kids get more of it, New Balance Raleigh-Durham is bringing the Healthy kids Running Series to Raleigh. It’s a five week running program in the spring and fall for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade. Each Race Series takes place once a week and offers age appropriate running events including the 50 yard dash, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the one mile run. Check out http://healthykids- runningseries.org for more information.
Finally be sure to check out our great core exercises, cross training articles, gear reviews, and event previews. In addition to the mud, color and obstacle race previews in this issue we feature some of North Carolina’s best triathlons and running races, too.
Inspire. Perform. Endure.
–Joe Nuss
