Running Around Charlotte

Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Diego Ferradas with us. Diego is the Director of Community Engagement at The Ability Experience, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders. Diego is not just passionate about his work but also about various sports and activities. He recently participated with his team from The Ability Experience in the Around the Crown 10k. But he’s no one-hit wonder! Diego is a multi-faceted individual with interests spanning cycling, pickleball, and flag football, too! Welcome to the show, Diego!

Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte podcast! Today, we have Pauline Schwerbrock as our guest. Pauline is one of the co-founders of the Morning Run Club, Charlotte’s first women-only run club. Pauline, along with her co-founder Jordan Sosa, started the Morning Run Club earlier this year, and it has quickly grown into a thriving community of women runners. The club meets every Monday at 6:05 a.m. at the Atherton Mill Shopping Center, offering both 3- and 5-mile loops to accommodate runners of all levels. Pauline, welcome to the show!

Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte podcast! Today, we’re excited to have Rick Pryll as our guest. Rick is not only an accomplished author but also a dedicated runner who leads a run club from the unique location of Bart’s Mart, a family-owned small business on Charlotte’s eclectic eastside. Rick Pryll is an independent author with several books to his name. His literary achievements include winning second place in the 2022 Ruth Moose Flash Fiction Prize. Rick’s passion for writing is matched only by his enthusiasm for running. Rick, welcome to the program!

If you’ve done any running around Charlotte, you probably know our man, Eric Smith. We’re happy to have him back here on the Running Around Charlotte podcast! Eric is a guy to know here in the Charlotte running community, with a wealth of experience in organizing events and pacing runners to their goals. His involvement spans from leading the Charlotte Running Club to coordinating pace teams for major races – including the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon.

We’re excited to welcome Ruthie Williams to the Running Around Charlotte podcast! Ruthie is the dynamic organizer of the Latinos Run Charlotte Run Club, a group dedicated to fostering community and inclusivity in the running world. Her passion for running and community engagement has helped create a welcoming space for runners of all backgrounds.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Running Around Charlotte podcast. Today, we’ve got Jeff Fox with us. Jeff is a seasoned runner who’s about to tackle the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon for the fifth time. He’s not just a participant, though – Jeff also has the scoop on of the now iconic parties near the mile 16 mark. It’s safe to say it’s become a highlight along the back side of the race.

Kristin Neuman is the organizer of The Josh Neuman Foundation and is actively involved in the Miles for Meals campaign to support Nourish UP. Her work, and that of the foundation, is testament to their nonprofit’s namesake to do good and to live a good story. Nourish UP works every day here in the Charlotte area to create a community where everyone thrives and has consistent access to the food they need for good health and overall well-being. Courtney Oates is their events and marketing director. This year, the Josh Neuman Foundation and Nourish Up will partner on a program called “Miles for Meals” during the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Kristen Newman and Courtney Oates are our guests on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

We are BIG fans of folks getting up, getting out, and getting active. And we’re really, REALLY big fans of folks who help them do it. That’s where our new friends Angi Klick and Sarah Hays at SheTris come in. TBH, if our friend Molly Barker says these are some folks we need to meet, we already know they’re going to be good people! Here’s why: Angi and Sarah are working to make triathlon approachable for women of all ages. None of this hardcore, shark-infested waters and lava fields stuff; but fun, supportive, and short-distance events to make it easy to give triathlon a try. (Had to do it, y’all.) SheTris now hosts a handful of events throughout the year in the Carolinas. Lindsey McGee guest hosts with DC Lucchesi when we welcome Angi Klick and Sarah Hays to this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Also mentioned in this program: Episodes with Molly Barker — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/running-around-charlotte/id1466653446?i=1000655006327

Have we mentioned how much we love, love, LOVE this year’s crew of Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors? Dennis Wilson is one of the reasons why. This guy is repping at pretty much every event around town – even the less-than-exciting stuff, like plogging along East Boulevard with our pals from the Charlotte Running Club, the Charlotte Running Company, and Keep Charlotte Beautiful. (Shameless plug, but hey…) But seriously, Dennis is practically everywhere. He’s relatively new to the Charlotte area, and to running, but he’s embraced both in a big way. Sure, he still finds time to get back to New York and Connecticut to visit. And run, of course. But when you meet him, you’ll agree: he’s the kind of community-maker you want to stick around in CLT. Lindsey McGee and DC Lucchesi got a chance to hang with him for a quick 30 on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Also mentioned in this program: Episodes with Cornell Jones and Mad Miles https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/running-around-charlotte/id1466653446?i=1000549669976

So, how might we describe our next guest? How about, “the fun, silent type?” Joshua Hanson probably isn’t the loudest guy in the bunch, but he’s sure as heck one of the most fun we’ve had on the program. Joshua played hooky from his day job as an industrial designer to talk running – and his company’s BIG team headed to this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. (Yay, Team Hoover!) He may have one of the most unusual run club streaks we’ve ever heard of. We’ll get into that, we’ll talk about his training for his first full marathon, and what’s the deal with all the little spoons. Yes, little spoons. It all comes together and surprisingly makes sense, when Lindsey McGee and DC Lucchesi welcome Joshua Hanson to this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Also mentioned in this program: Interested in learning more about starting a team at your work or business? Email [email protected] Episodes with Kim Kreuzman — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/running-around-charlotte/id1466653446?i=1000661104484

No argument here. Runners are pretty incredible people, in our opinion. It takes a certain amount of self-will, motivation – or whatever you want to call it – to get up, get out there, and log those miles every day. Or even when you don’t run every day. And while running might feel like a personal, sometimes selfish pursuit, we meet runners all the time who are making their miles meaningful by raising money and awareness for great causes. Smitta Warrier is one of those runners. We got the chance to talk with her about a once-in-a-lifetime challenge and her very personal purpose. Here she is, on this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

We are thrilled to welcome our dear friend Tom Perri to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Tom is not just an extraordinary runner but an incredible inspiration to everyone who knows him. He has run the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon ten times and has paced runners in marathons all over the world. Despite battling stage 4 prostate cancer, Tom continues to lace up, stay positive, and help people all over the world reach their running goals – and then some. Tom, welcome back to the show!

If you’ve been running around Charlotte at all, you’ve probably rubbed elbows with some of the 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Ambassadors. This year’s team is easily our best squad yet. Not only is the Ambassador team TWICE AS LARGE as years past, it’s also even more diverse, and with members spread far and wide around the area. Sarah Hodges is a member of this year’s Ambassador team. And we’re excited to introduce her to you all on this episode of the Running Around Charlotte podcast. Sarah, welcome to the show!

We’re excited to kick off this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast with our good friend Brian Mister! As the race director and co-founder of the Around The Crown 10K, Brian has become a guy to know in the Charlotte running community. His passion for running and commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all participants makes Charlotte a running community that helps even more folks see and feel that they belong.

As you can imagine, we get a LOT of emails about the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. Folks have all kinds of questions, and lots of them are the same. Hence the term, “frequently asked questions,” right? A few months ago, we got a question we’ve NEVER gotten before. Mike Lopez emailed asking whether or not the map for this year’s event was finalized – and not for the reasons you might think. You see, Mike has a very cool and probably unusual marathon hobby. But we’ll let him tell you all about it. He’s our guest today on The Running Around Charlotte podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Our 2024 Novant Health Ambassador squad is bigger and arguably the best we’ve ever had. That’s no shade on previous year’s groups, at all. That’s just our excitement about this bigger, more diverse, and exciting crew that’s out there repping at EVERY event, race, and run club in the area. If you’ve not run into one of these 50 folks, you’ve probably been on some kind of extended sabbatical. Or maybe you’re one of the 100-something people who move here every day. Not to worry—you’ll see them soon! Arianna Shahin is part of this year’s new and exciting crew, and she’s our guest today on The Running Around Charlotte podcast. Arianna, welcome to the show!

Head to the start line of most any event, pop into most any running shop, or join in on more and more run clubs and you’ll see more faces, and paces, sizes, colors and shapes of runners than ever before. That’s a beautiful thing for the running community, and for runners themselves. Running has never been a more diverse universe. And there’s plenty of room to grow. People of color make up an amazing 40 percent of runners in the fast-growing 18-24 age group. That’s an exciting trend for running, of course, but also for folks who can now SEE that the running community is for them, too. Like us, our next guest on the show, has seen that change first-hand here in Charlotte and the local running scene. And he’s helping welcome new runners into the community as a Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador.

Based on the article, here’s an introduction and some questions you could use for your podcast interview with Derek Lindstrom: Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Today, we have an incredible guest who embodies the spirit of perseverance and the power of the human heart. Quite literally… Derek Lindstrom, a man who ran 114 marathons with his original heart, received a heart transplant in 2023, and now dreams of running another marathon with his new heart. Derek’s story is one of courage, determination, and the miraculous intersection of medical science and the human spirit. Derek, welcome to the show!

One of the MANY great things about the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is how this event continues to give back to the community. In case you didn’t know, the event has contributed nearly half a million bucks to its beneficiary, the Novant Health Hemby Children’s hospital. One of the folks that helps us make that connection between the runners and the community and our charitable partner… is Betsy Zarzour. Betsy has been the champion, head cheerleader, and captain of Team Hemby since its start, and she’s our guest today on The Running Around Charlotte podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics.

Passionate and nuanced. Those are just two of the many adjectives the CLT Symphony Orchestra uses to describe resident conductor, Christopher Lees. We’ll add fast, quick-witted, and full of energy to the list. Chris was gracious enough to sprint from morning run club and all the way into the studio to join us on this show. Which, we’re certain was a grand departure from what we can only assume are much more high-brow interviews! All kidding aside, Chris had us cracking up. From the cheese jokes, to the REAL reason he only ran one season of cross country … to accidentally learning he’s a pretty dang fast runner! Lindsey McGee co-hosts with DC Lucchesi as we welcome Chris Lees to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

A wild and precious life. Yeah, I think we’d all like to live one of those… Kim Kreuzman dropped that little chestnut on us close to the end of this episode, and it was well worth the wait. I’ve called her to the podium on more than one occasion, too. So yes – she’s fast, insightful, and funny, too. There’s probably no other way to describe a local real estate transaction that lands you on the main drag of Christmastown, USA other than “funny.” We had a blast with her, for sure. Kim is one of our Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors, a mom, coach, and a regular at the Charlotte run club scene. Lindsey McGee co-hosts with DC Lucchesi as we welcome Kim Kruezman to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

It’s totally fair to say that the CLT running community is full of characters. Our guest today certainly fits into that category. And, quite frankly, we can’t believe it’s been this long before we invited Paul Martino to the program. A longtime runner, a 50 states and DC finisher, and former executive director of the Let Me Run program, Paul has been a recurring character, if you will, in the CLT running scene. Paul’s done his own share of running, too, and he has a pretty special milestone on the horizon. He’ll get into that, and share some other gems – like his high school race walking team – as we (finally) get him in the studio with us. Lindsey McGee co-hosts with DC Lucchesi as we welcome Paul Martino to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

The idea of running as fast or as far as you can without stopping is often enough to keep some folks from ever starting. But getting into running – and actually getting better at it – doesn’t have to be “all gas, no brakes.” (That’s brakes as in BRAKES.) Our friend Kristin Smith wants everyone to know how walking breaks have made her a better, healthier runner. Not only is she improving her finish times, she’s having a GREAT time doing it. And, she’s found the running community that’s just as fun and supportive as she is. We love having folks like her as part of our Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador team – and as guests here on the show. Lindsey McGee co-hosts with DC Lucchesi as we welcome Kristen Smith to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

No runner’s journey is the same. For some of us, building up to a couple of miles is the most we’ll ever want to do. For others, it may be to see how fast or far our legs can take us. For others still, it’s a particular event or distance that serves as our goal. Or… somewhere in between. Either way, we may never know how far running can take us. Rebecca Green made quick work of finding out how far she was willing to go. In a year, she went from “new runner” to “ultra runner.” And she didn’t let the weather, or an event cancellation get in her way. We love having runners like Rebecca as part of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador team! We think you’ll get a kick out of meeting her, too, on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Yeah, this show is called The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, but we’ve literally got listeners all over the world. (Apparently both of our listeners do a ton of traveling? Seriously though, it’s great to have listeners and friends and running buddies all over the place. It makes running in a new place that much better when you’re with someone who knows the area, knows the best routes — and knows where all the secret bathroom stops are located. Just in case. Erin Vinson is THAT kind of person. She’s more than just one of our out-of-town Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors. She’s a great ambassador for the sport of running, and the community that you can create with it. Fair warning, though: you have to get up pretty early to catch her! We got her to slow down long enough to join us on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Ever heard of a “backyard ultra?” It’s actually a real thing. It’s not a forever-long session of chores in the lawn, but an actual event format. It’s kind of like a “last one standing” race, where competitors must consecutively run the distance of 4.167 miles (6.706 kilometers) in less than one hour. There’s no predetermined distance or time in a backyard ultra, so rest and fueling are also a big part of the game. On this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, presented by Novant Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we’ve got the scoop on just such an event in the works here in the Charlotte area. John Lytton is in the studio with DC and guest host Lindsey McGee to explain how it works, and why former NFL star DeAngelo Williams is part of this whole thing!

If you’ve been running around Charlotte at all – and particularly at events in and around town – you’ve probably run into some of our Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors. They’re you’re ticket to discounts on events all year long, of course, and there’s more to it than that. They want you make you welcome to the greater running community. The program’s been such a bonus, we’ve DOUBLED the ranks for 2024. Lindsey McGee is leading up the progam for us this year… and she’s our guest on this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

Our next guest on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast says she has lived – and continues to live – a big, unapologetic life. Wow! Wouldn’t we all love to say the same. She’s an author, speaker, motivator, LISTENER, new grandmother, and more. She’s an activist, a firebrand – in the best sense of the word, and a beautiful friend. And she’s also the founder of Girls on the Run. I am over the moon to welcome Molly Barker to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

One of the most exciting things happening in running these days is that we see more and more diversity in the sport. And that’s a beautiful thing. Look around at the starting line of an event… take a run on a local greenway… and you’ll see more and more people that look like the melting pot that is our community. And, more and more of these under-represented runners are showing their peers that they, too, have a place in the larger running community. Our next guest on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast is one of those runners who’s helping runners like herself see they belong. Verna Volker is founder of Native Women Running, and is our guest on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

We talk a lot here on the program about giving your miles meaning – and we talk to a LOT of runners who do just that. Jimmy Coleman is one of those runners. He tackled a 50-mile route that took him to five Catholic churches here in Charlotte for what he described as his “Adoration Ultra.” He said in one interview that he’d been looking for a way to fuse his faith and his fitness journey… and if you ask us, he seems to have found a way. Jimmy, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

One of the MANY things we love about running around Charlotte, is that you don’t have to look too far to find someone who’ll join you. There seems to be a run club or meet-up every day of the week, in most any part of town! We’re happy to introduce you to a new-to-us running club called, Charlotte Runners United. Their first run together was just over a year ago, and they’re still at it! Phill Reed is the name and face you’ll see often on the Club’s Instagram. And he’s our guest today on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

One of the things we LOVE about running around Charlotte is how clean the city is. Bring someone in from out of town, and it’s generally one of the things they notice. That, and how many people seem to be running in this town… But with more than 100 people moving here every day, that means a little more trash every day, too. And it starts to add up. Runners being runners, you know we’re going to figure out a way to fix that – and get a couple of miles in along the way. Rebeca Ehrnrooth is our guest here on the Running Around Charlotte podcast to tell us about a little good clean fun planned for later this month!

As we’ve said before on the program, for every runner joining us at the start of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon… there’s a backstory they carry along with them. Our guest today on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast is one of those runners — and he has one of those stories. Jeffrey Hudnall told us he got into running because he wanted to be better tomorrow than he is today. And once you hear the rest of his story, we think you’ll agree—he really is!

As we have said many times on this program, for every one of the THOUSANDS who run with us at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon… there are thousands of reasons “why.” Taylor Christie is one of the runners who shared their “why” with us, and graciously agreed to share that story with us here on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Taylor and Taylor, thanks for being on the program!

Our next guest on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast is a name some OG Charlotte runners may remember. Quite honestly, we’re surprised we’re just now getting him on the program! Jay Holder is the Executive Director of Running USA—a relatively new role for him. He’s the former VP of the Atlanta Track Club, a former professional journalist, and collegiate runner. And, another item he can add to that LinedIn profile: guest on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast! Jay welcome to the show!

Maybe you’ve seen our next guest running around Charlotte… if you have, she was probably a blur, anyway. Stephanie “Pezz” Pezzullo is fast. Like, Olympic Trials fast. And she wants to help you be fast, too. But that’s just part of the Pezz story. There’s running, there’s family trauma, there’s a dog – and more running. Stephanie, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

In case you missed the big news, Run Charlotte and Recover Brands are teaming-up starting this year provide runners with event tees, official merchandise, and more – with less of an environmental impact. Runners will see this partnership come to life with the first of our Run Charlotte events – the Novant Health Lucky Day 7k – then, all the way through the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. And that’s just part of the story. Bill Johnston is the founder of Recover Brands, and he’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Bill thanks for joining us!

As we have said – and heard – many times on this program, EVERYONE has their reason to run. We checked in with this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon participants and asked them why THEY run with us. Many of you were happy to share your stories with us, including Jurgen Buchenau, who wrote this to us: This marathon will be the tenth time I have run this race as a long-time Charlotte resident, and my twelfth marathon overall. From my first Charlotte marathon as a 41-year-old in 2005 to this marathon, which occurs several months before my 60th birthday, I have seen this event grow into one of the most fun running events in North Carolina! Naturally, we excited to hear MORE from Jurgen and what makes the NHCM sch a “must do.” Jurgen, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Motivation takes many forms, especially for runners. Whether we’re trying to get faster, or just get off the couch, or somewhere in between, there’s some place for every kind of runner. Our next guest had a pretty serious wake-up call that moved him into the running ranks. And after years of smoking, he went cold turkey on the smokes and is now full-tilt on the running. He finished the half at this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon weekend… on his quest to 50 states. He’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Cort – welcome to the program!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. and the “Get Your Rear In Gear” run is designed to raise awareness and money for area colon cancer patients and screenings. Robert Stricklin, a colon cancer survivor from right here in Charlotte, He helps to organize the local event which is not just about running, but also making it easier for folks to talk about cancer that affects a pretty “private” part of the body. Robert, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte podcast!

As of this recording, we are just back from our annual pilgrimage to Running USA – the trade show for the running and endurance events industry. Yes, it’s great to catch up with folks in the business and check the greater pulse of the industry as a whole. It’s even better to bring information back that can help us bring a better experience to runners like you. One of the teams that keeps tabs on the big picture of the industry is our partner, Run Signup. They’ve just published their annual industry report, too. Bryan Jenkins from Run Signup is here to help us get into that data. He’s our guest here on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Welcome to the program. https://info.runsignup.com/knowledge-base/racetrends/

The marathon starting line is FULL of stories about how and why people got there, and we’re always fishing for ones that will inspire, motivate, and entertain folks. When we asked this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon participants who’d be willing to share THEIR stories… we were flooded with responses. Our next guest on the Running Around Charlotte podcast is one of those who answered our call. Introducing himself as THE AMAZING WINSTON WATSON – in all caps – we knew we’d have to get him on the program. Winston, thanks for joining us on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

This is the time of year when many of us make resolutions or other promises to be better and do better. The numbers prove, most of us won’t make those resolutions happen. That doesn’t mean we’re “bad,” or that we’re “failures.” It often means we didn’t have a “why,” or a proper support system to set us up for success. Ronald Rule found his “why,” AND the support system to help him get healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. So before you go giving up on your plans for the new year, stick around for this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Ronald, thanks for joining us on the program!

Everyone has their own reasons for running. Some of us keep our reasons to ourselves… others have the opportunity to share their stories, never knowing the impact they can have on other people. Taylor Barefoot took advantage of a unique opportunity ahead of this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, when she allowed the Charlotte Observer to tell HER story in advance of her first marathon. Maybe you read it? She overcame more than just the training schedule and her role as a pastor at one of Charlotte’s largest churches to make it to the start line. She’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast to tell the rest of the story in her own words. Taylor – thank you for joining us on the program!

Despite the performance of some of our local teams of late, we think it’s still fair to say Charlotte is a sports town. There’s plenty to prove that; from pro teams to Division 1, 2, and 3 college sports in the area… to the busy fields, gyms, pools, and races. Sports is big business, too. Generating MILLIONS of dollars in direct spending and local economic impact. And don’t get us started on the impact sports plays in the nonprofit space. One of the drivers behind some of that impact is The Charlotte Sports Foundation. They’re the mind and muscle behind the Duke’s Mayo Classic, the Jumpman Invitational, and others. Miller Yoho is Director of Communications and Marketing for the Charlotte Sports Foundation. He’s a runner, too… Miller welcome to the show!

The Charlotte running community continues to evolve. And with it, so do the many area events, run clubs, retailers, and so on who serve that community. The Charlotte Running Club is changing, too. Not only has the Club grown along with the community, it’s finding more ways to be a PART of that community. Another change is at the top of the club, where Philip Sanford is the new president. Philip, welcome to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

The Charlotte running store scene is changing again. Maybe you’ve even noticed a new sign there on Providence Road at the site of the former UltraRunning Company. Our next guest on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast has the scoop on that… Brett Albers is the operating partner for Fleet Feet here in Charlotte and Fort Mill. Brett welcome to the show.

There’s nothing like running in your own hometown. Waking up in your own bed. Enjoying breakfast in your own kitchen. Coming home to crash on your own couch… you get it. It’s also pretty cool to run an out-of-town event, and traveling to someplace you’ve never been, and experiencing everything that “different” place has to offer. But there is, of course, the headaches that come with all of that “unknown territory.” And that’s where Mark Janik saw an opportunity. Mark, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

We’ve talked to many a guest here on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast who’ve shared stories about how running helped them meet new people. Our next guest is on the program has a little bit of that to her story… and she’s also paying it forward, helping folks AND their dogs make new friends. Lindsey McGee has managed to mix a few things she’s very passionate about, and turn them into an award-winning new business. Lindsey welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!