Last November, with the announcement that Bill Rodgers would close his last running store in Boston, The New York Times published an article on their opinion pages proclaiming that it signaled the beginning of the end for local running stores, which seemed doomed to be replaced by big box stores. I do agree that the closing of Rodgers’ store represents the end of an era – just not the era of local running stores. With so many adults taking up running for the first time in their lives and so many more shoe and gear choices than ever before, the local running store isn’t going anywhere. Whether you’re an adult-onset runner like me, a former elite, or maybe a one-time athlete trying to get back into shape after a career-marriage-children detour, you’ll want to read D.C. Luchessi’s article “This Ain’t Your Father’s Running Shop” to find out why local running stores are more relevant than ever.
One person who can attest to a fitness detour is former UNC third-team All-ACC honors linebacker Rick Steinbacher, who was also co-captain of the Tar Heel football team his senior year. For the first half of his life, Rick had working out down cold, but after graduating from college, career and family obligations put his workouts on the back burner – for 18 years. It took the inspiration and help of his family and friends to get Rick back on track. Writer Jennifer Kirby shares Rick’s story in this issue.
Like 5,000 other people, Rick is going to be running the Tar Heel 10 Miler Presented by CEP this year and once again the race will be the USATF North Carolina 10-mile championship. The 2013 USATF North Carolina Endurance Magazine Championship Series will kick off this year on April 6 in Greensboro at the BB&T Gate City 8k. More than $25,000 in cash awards will be available this year. To find out how to earn your share and accumulate points toward being crowned the long-distance runner of the year, check out our 2013 Championship Series guide in this issue.
The kickoff of the series is just around the corner, so if you haven’t purchased your new spring shoes, now is the time! We took a few of the most anticipated models out for thorough testing and compiled a list of shoes you will not want to miss. Be sure to read our annual spring shoe review guide to find out which ones have implemented the latest technology that’s best for you.
While many runners will be gearing up for the spring running season, some of us will be looking to take a break from a tough winter race schedule. Still others will be looking to squeeze even more training and races into an endless season of running without recovery. When we fuel up on caffeinated drinks and energy shots all day long we seem to have a bottomless well of drive to keep us going despite the body’s need to rest. It seems many of us have lost the ability to relax in our go-go-go culture of working, training, racing, and raising our children. In his article “Yin and Yang and Relaxation Tips,” Josh Stevens hopes to inspire you to allow your body time to really recover. We also provide a few tips on achieving a balance between work and life.
One area of balance we should never overlook, of course, is diet. That’s why this month we include another great recipe from our nutrition writer, Brandon McDearis of Your Way Cuisine. While working at a lodge on the Kenali River in Alaska one summer, Brandon began making smoothies a part of his daily routine. A good smoothie, as he discovered, is a great way to stay fueled when life gets busy. The high amount of fiber, protein and healthy fats, along with the high liquid content of this month’s smoothie recipe, will keep you beyond satiated for most of your busy day. Be sure to check it out! Don’t have a blender? Don’t worry! We included a few blender-buying basics just for you!
