Don't Forget To Shop Local

Small Business Saturday is in November, but you don't have to wait until one special day to support local businesses. Today while buying my morning coffee, I realized I was basically a small-business billboard today. Almost everything I was wearing was purchased locally and I myself am the owner of a small business. It's easy to be lured to the big box stores or the online giants, but small business is a vital part of the local economy. Many small business invest back into the local community. Be sure to check out Team Smiley Apparel, Threshold Athletic, Mindful Supply, Green Bean Golden Gate, Omega Sports and of course RunnerDude's Fitness

Team Smiley Apparel is a family run, community based, and fitness driven apparel company established in 2017 in Burlington, NC. In 2007, the family moved from the Miami Valley of Southwestern Ohio to the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, where they live today. "Team Smiley" started as a name they had given themselves. Something that united and bonded them in the adventure of living in a new state, outside of their comfort zones. With every passing year and every new sports endeavor, their bond as a "Team" grew. As they referred to themselves as "Team Smiley," other members of their fitness community would inquire what it would take to belong to the "Team Smiley" family. What they have provided through their family unit is for individuals to feel a part of something larger and bigger than themselves. "Team Smiley" provides an individual encouragement to achieve their personal goals both inside and outside of their fitness endeavors. Each purchase of a "Team Smiley" apparel item enables Team Smiley to reinvest back into the community. Be sure to check out the Team Smiley products at https://theteamsmiley.com/

Threshold Athletic was born out of their love of activity, fitness & sportswear. They are passionate

about being active, sharing experiences and motivating other individuals to achieve the best version of themselves possible. Therefore, they wanted to develop and produce products that support their customer’s experiences. Whether it’s hitting the road, hitting the trails, or hitting the gym, Threshold Athletic is dedicated to providing effective & quality products that exceed the expectations of their customers. Threshold Athletic Products are Sold and Distributed exclusively by Genesis Textiles, LLC in Gibsonville, NC. Be sure to check them out at  https://thresholdathletic.com/

Omega Sports began when two friends who dreamed of creating a new kind of sporting goods store 

founded Omega Sports in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1978. Since the very beginning, Omega has been a family-run company committed to local community, quality gear, and outstanding customer service. They are still a family-run company, and their foundational values are as important to them today as they were in 1978. Omega has grown steadily, and they are now part of 14 communities across North Carolina. They’ve helped two to three generations of North Carolinian’s. Be sure to check them out at one of their area stores and online at https://www.omegasports.com/

The Green Bean opened their doors in 2002. Now owned by Joe Van Gogh, they are still an 

awesome part of the local Greensboro community with their café at Golden Gate Shopping Center on Cornwallis Dr. and their downtown coffee shop on S. Elm St.  I’m a frequent customer at both, but I bet if you go to the Golden Gate location and ask anyone who works their if they know Thad, they’ll probably say, "He’s the Green Bean Bowl guy, right?"  If you haven’t had it, man, you need to get there quick! Delish! Be sure to check them out at http://www.gsobean.coffee/#home

The Mindful Supply Co slogan is “From Dirt to Shirt.” That’s because they literally are involved from the growing of the cotton to the finished product sold in their store or online.  The cotton for their shirts is gown in Stanley County in Richfield. The cotton is ginned in New London, it’s spun into yarn in Thomasville, and knitted into fabric in Lumberton.  Those are all NC towns!  The fabric is finished in Gaffney, SC and cut and sewn in Hemingway, SC. The graphics are created by the Mindful Supply Co owners Derek Glass and David Grubbs. TS designs in Burlington, NC take care of the dying and printing. Every step of the production process happens in NC and SC businesses employing over 700 people. Be sure to check them out at their store front location at 335 S. Davie St. in Greensboro, nc as well as online at https://www.mindfulsupply.com/

RunnerDude’s Fitness is a running coaching and fitness studio in Greensboro, NC. After I was laid off from a career in educational publishing for 
13 years back during the Great Recession in 2009, I had to reinvent myself. Being held to a non-compete contract, I was not able to work in my field for 18 months. I know, crazy, huh? So, instead of trying to fight it, I decided to pursue my passion—fitness and running--and I went back to school. I got my RRCA running coach certification, my USATF running coach certification, my American College of Sports Medicine certification, and completed a 500hr diploma program at the National Personal Training Institute in Raleigh as well as competing 100hrs of nutrition education. Then on blind faith, I opened RunnerDude’s Fitness. Almost 10 years later, I’ve worked with hundreds of runners from beginning running to ultra marathons. I’ve also worked with hundreds of clients improving their personal fitness levels. I’ve also had the awesome opportunity to work in corporate fitness, providing running and fitness classes to VF Corp, Syngenta, and Volvo Group. If you’re looking for customized fitness and/or running plans, boot camps, other group fitness classes, a in-depth video running stride analysis, running related workshops, personal training, small-group personal training, and more, be sure to check us out at http://runnerdudesfitness.com.

Running Shorts Interviews RunnerDude

I'm usually the one doing the interview, but turnabout is fair play. This week, Eddie Wooten, the senior sports editor of the News and Record and host of the running blog, Running Shorts interviewed me for the anniversary of the blogs 5th year of the Runners Profile series where Eddie features a different local runner. Over the past 5 years, Eddie's featured 263 runners! It was great taking time to chat with another fellow runner. Eddie's blog, Running Shorts has become a great center point for the Triad's running community, be sure to check it out! Blow is Eddie's interview with me as featured on the News & Record Running Shorts Blog.

THAD McLAURIN

Age

52

Residence

Greensboro

Day job

Owner, RunnerDude's Fitness

Click Here to See Video Interview

Why I run

"Growing up, I was never into team sports. ... I was overweight, very inactive. I did play some team sports, but I just never really cared for it. The summer before high school, I decided to lose weight and lost about 40 pounds. Started to feel better about myself, what I could do, my abilities, but I still never really did anything. Back then, there wasn't much athletics that wasn't team-oriented. I just didn't have the confidence. But when I was a freshman at State, I started running on my own. Did my first 10K (Great Raleigh Road Race, 1984). I remember sitting there after the race, on the wall, and just looking at all the different people and different sizes, ages, and it was like, 'I can do this.' That's when I started getting into doing more races on my own. ..

"But it wasn't until about 10 years later, '96, '97, I got the bug into distance. I trained for my first full, New York, in '97. Got hooked from then on. Did one or two a year pretty much ever since ... I just realized that I could run for myself, I could compete with myself. In a race you might end up competing with somebody you don't know, that person in front of you you want to peg and try to get beyond. I really liked that vs. the team aspect. ...

"When we moved here in '98, I wasn't didn't know Greensboro too well. I ran around my neighborhood. I found Country Park. I found Military Park. Back then, you couldn't Google 'Greenways.' I didn't know where anything was. I remember the day I realized there was a cut-through from Military to Country Park, and I was so excited because I had a 5-mile loop. The second marathon I ran, which was also New York, I trained running in Military Park. That gets old after a while.

"Then Rick King, who started the Blueliners, ... kept bugging me to come with this group. I didn't know who they were. Finally, I thought, 'I'll go so he'll leave me alone.' That first day we ran 9 miles on the greenway; I never knew the greenway was there. ... I joined the Blueliners then and ran with them up until the time I started RunnerDude's Fitness. ... He's the reason I was able to run different areas around here and meet other people and understand about the running community."

When Thad McLaurin first joined a group of other runners,
the Blueliners welcomed him.

A typical week

"When I'm not injured (Achilles), it's hard to get in 'me' runs. I do a lot of running with clients, so there's a lot of miles in there, but they're not necessarily 'me' miles. When I get a 'me' run, it's a treat. I try to get in at least two 'me' runs and a long run on the weekends (Sundays). ... When race training season kicks in, 50, 60 miles a week (includes runs with clients). When it's not, 25 to 30."

Favorite place to run

"Downtown. I love our greenways, I love that we have so many greenways, and I run them a lot with my runners. But as far as a 'me' run, particularly a long run, I call 'em undetermined runs. I'll leave from here or my house and I'll just head downtown. I know the total mileage I want. From the Run the Boro runs, dealing with multiple routes, I've learned downtown pretty well. I can figure out in my brain as I'm running where I need to go to get the mileage. I like the diversity. I love looking at the architecture and the different neighborhoods. It keeps my mind occupied. The beauty of the greenway on the long run is great, but it's pretty much the same view. Trees, trees, maybe a lake, then some more trees. I like the terrain, it's a mix of hills and flat."

Faster, higher, stronger

"My favorite speed workout is called 90-60s (90 seconds hard, 60 seconds easy). You can do it outside, you can do it on the treadmill. It's a no-excuse speed workout. You don't have to have a track. A lot of them are time-based, some of them are distance-based. It's got two intervals, so you can program it in your watch or use an interval timer. And it doesn't take long. You can do a 1-mile warmup, two rounds of the 90-60s and a 1-mile cooldown, and you're finished in about 40 minutes."

Other athletic pursuits

"I don't have a lot of time for me for that kind of stuff. I do a lot fitness-type stuff, Tabata circuits, that kind of stuff."

Other life pursuits

"I love writing (author of Full-Body Fitness for Runners). That's how the blog started. As a career, I was a writer – more technical kind of writing, educational – editor, book development manager for 13 years with the Education Center. ... I love to read."

I love running when ...

"It's for me, because that's rare. I love it when it's a purposeless run. I'm just able to go out and run. It's freeing; that's when I do a lot of brainstorming and thinking, things come to my mind that don't at other times."

But I don't love running when ...

"I'm injured."

A key piece of gear

"My orthotics. My legs are great, my aerobic fitness is great, but my feet hurt a lot. I have metatarsal issues. The Achilles thing is new, and I know why that happened. I ran very little in December and January because of my dad passing, and my mom has Alzheimer's and we're dealing with that. So I was out of commission. When I got back, I did the Massacre Marathon Relay, and I was the first one on my team to do the leg and busted out like crazy. Felt good, but then you have to stop. That's when I strained my Achilles. ... I don't know that I can do many more relay races because of the stop-and-start. Once I start, I have to keep going."

A favorite event

Thad McLaurin at the 2007
ChicagoMarathon

"Locally, the relay races that we've done, Doggettville and Massacre. At Doggettville, we're there all day long and it's just fun. We had a bunch of teams there. Some of them are somewhat competitive, but we mainly go just to have fun and celebrate running and see how many laps we can get in. The Doggetts are great, it's very relaxed, there's food, the route is pretty. ... Personally, as far as a race, Chicago (Marathon, 2007) was my favorite – and my worst. I ran it the year they had the heat wave and they shut it down. I was trying to qualify for Boston, but I got heat exhaustion. I PR'd; it was a 3:40 or something. I was on track until about Mile 18 and just fell apart because the heat was so bad. It was still an awesome experience."

Look what I did

"Grandfather Mountain (2015). I did it in 4 1/2 hours, and that was on the tail of doing two other marathons right prior to that. That was a great experience. It was challenging, but I never felt like I did in Chicago. It felt doable. I knew it was going to be an experience run. ... There wasn't a lot of stress as far as trying to beat a previous time because I knew it was a completely different animal. Our family is Scottish heritage, so when you come in there to the Highland Games, that's pretty cool. There were some families there that I had grown up with who go to the Highland Games every year, and they yelled out my name when I passed through, so that was pretty neat. That's one of my most nondescript, plainest medals, but it probably means the most."

Thad McLaurin finishing the Grandfather Mountain Marathon at the
Highland Games.

Up next

"I think I'll be able to do one (marathon) in the fall. I'm registered for Savannah (Rock 'n' Roll Marathon). We have a big group going to the Flying Pig (Cincinnati, May 7). I'm going to do the half."

Most people don't know

"I started out thinking I wanted to be an artist. I used to do a lot of drawing: pen-and-ink, color pencil, that kind of stuff. But I never really had the confidence to do that. I never took any art classes in high school. But I did a lot of drawing. ... Just like my teaching experience, then my writing experience and my art, the little bit I had, I use it all now, whether it's on the web site or the blog or the book or just creating a video for runners. I get to use a lot of those skills."

Words to the wise

"Set realistic goals. You'd be surprised how many people come and we'll have a consultation about race training. They want to do a marathon. So my next question is, 'Which one?' 'It's two months away.' 'How much running are you doing?' 'I'm not.' That's just an injury waiting to happen. ... Rest is equally as important as a speed workout. That's hard, particularly for the more competitive runners. They think that it's a weakness if they have to take a rest, but they're just setting themselves up for injury, too. You've got to be able to recover. And the older you get, you need a little more recovery."

Final thoughts

"I truly love what I do. I love being part of the running community. I love contributing to the running community, and what they give back is twofold."

Thad McLaurin's RunTheBoro series will return starting May 6.

Holiday Gifts and New Year Resolutions

There's no better gift than the gift of health. Whether you're treating yourself or treating at friend, family
member or loved one, providing a gift that promotes fitness can have so many wonderful benefits. Not only will you or your gift recipient embark on a new fitness journey, you'll also make new friends, discover things about yourself you never new you could do, and become that healthy person you've dreamed of being.

RunnerDude's Fitness offers personal and small-group fitness training services and a variety of running coaching services from beginning running to marathon training. We would love nothing better than to be a part of your fitness quest.

If you're in the Triad area of North Carolina and you're looking for a fitness program or running group that's focused on you and your fitness needs, then check out the various programs below.

Beginning Running 
The Beginning Running Group uses a run/walk format that will have you running 30 minutes (about the distance of a 5K) with no walking by the end of the 12-week program. The program's design helps you gradually build muscular and aerobic endurance as you ease into running.

The RunnerDude's Fitness Beginning Running Program is perfect for beginning runners of all ages! So far the oldest graduate is 73 and the youngest is 12. All you need is a desire to want to run.

While this is a group program, participants are not expected to run as a pack. Everyone follows the same incremental run/walk program each week, but each person is encouraged to run his/her own level. Building Endurance and Proper Running Form is the focus of the Beginning Running Group, not pace or distance. Participants will not feel left behind nor held back.

The next program begins Sunday January 5th and meets Sundays/Tuesdays/Thursdays at 5:30pm for 12 weeks.
Cost: $120
Includes:
      -GYMBOSS Interval Timer (a $20 value!)
      -Online access to the 12-week training plan and tips on nutrition, good running form & a lot more!
      - Instruction on Proper Running Form, Breathing, Stretching, Hydration, & Fueling
      - Up to 3-weekly group runs (see days/times below) along the new stretch of the A&Y Greenway
      - RunnerDude's Fitness Technical T-shirt (1 free T-shirt w/initial service or package)

Intermediate Running 
Running at least 3-5 miles and feel like you're ready for the next level, but not sure what the next level is?
Feel like your running's stagnated? Looking for ways to spice up your running?

Then the Intermediate Running Group is just for you! During this 12-week program, you'll explore different types of running workouts (fartleks, tempo runs, intervals, hill workouts, etc.), pre- and post-running stretching, and core and upper-body exercises (key for strong efficient running).

Most runners have the lower-body muscular endurance but aren't aware of the importance
of core and upper-body muscular endurance. Running is about 50% lower-body and 50%
upper-body. Each workout begins with a 10-12 exercise med-ball workout designed to
increase the muscular endurance of your core and upper body.

Each participant will need to bring a medicine ball (6-8lbs) and an exercise mat to each
workout. The exercises will vary over the 12 weeks, so in addition to the 12+-running
workouts you'll learn, you'll leave the program with a nice variety of core exercises to
continue doing on your own.

Price: $120
Includes:
      - 2 weekly group runs (Monday/Thursday @6:00PM)
      - Over 12 different running workouts
     - 10-exercise core workout before each run
      - A pre- and post-program 1.5-mile run test
      - Access to online running information and videos just for
     -  participants of the group with information on everything from
      - hydration, to proper fueling, to stretching, to injury prevention.
      - RunnerDude's Fitness Technical T-shirt

Year-Round Running with the RUNegades!

 The RUNegades program is for anyone who...
-wants to learn different running workouts to take his/her running to the next level
-wants a weekly full-body workout designed for runners
-wants a weekly routine of running with others of all levels to keep motivated
 -wants to become a more efficient runner
-wants have fun getting & staying fit!

What Does it Cost?
6-Month Commitment = $360 (Less than $15 a week for 3 sessions!)
Save 10% When You Commit to 12 Months! = $648!

When does The RUNegades group begin?
You can join The RUNegades program at any time during the year. Your 6-month or
12-month commitment begins the day you register.

Where does The RUNegades group meet?
       Monday's Full-Body Circuit Workout—RunnerDude's Fitness Studio @ 6:45pm
       Tuesday's Group Run—the Greenway by RunnerDude's Fitness @ 6:45pm
       Thursday's Group Speed Workout Run—Location varies week to week depending on the type of workout.

Race Training
Which Races Can I Train For?
It's easy, just pick your race (any race), back up 14 weeks (half marathon), or 18 weeks (full marathon) from the race date, and that's when your training begins. You'll get to train with runners doing lots of different races including your own.

What Does It Include? 
        -Custom Training Plan
        -Individual Support:
        -30-minute consultation: A time to discuss your           running/racing experience and racing goals
        -Training Support Info: Online access (for race training clients only) to a wealth of training materials
        -Group Runs: 2 Weekly Group Runs (Wednesdays 6:45PM and Saturdays 7:30AM)
        -Ongoing Group and Individual Communication:
        -RunnerDude's Fitness Technical T-shirt (with first RunnerDude's Fitness service or program)

What's Does Group Training Cost?
     (Half-Marathon) $120 plus two 24-bottle flats of water
     (Full Marathon) $145 plus two 24-bottle flats of water

Running Stride Video Analysis
Curious about your running stride?  RunnerDude's running stride video analysis will give you not only feedback on your running stride but actual video, still shots, and slow-motion footage of your running. Foot landing, foot-strike, cadence, upper-body posture, gait, and arm swing will be evaluated. The Analysis includes a session to collect the video footage, a video presentation with the feedback included on the video for you to view at home and an follow-up session where you'll be able to sit down with RunnerDude and discuss your analysis and any possible next steps or corrective measures, if needed.
Cost: $75

Fitness Assessment
Perfect for evaluating your current level of fitness before starting that New Year's resolution for a fitter you! During this 1.5 hour-long assessment, a complete a health questionnaire will be completed and then various fitness areas will be assessed such as vitals (blood pressure and resting heart rate), body composition (body fat %, circumference measurements, waist/hip ratio), flexibility and balance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. The assessment also includes an aerobic fitness test to evaluate your VO2max (how well your body utilizes oxygen at maximum effort). If you're a runner the VO2max test will consist of a 1.5-mile run test. If you're not a runner and/or you're new to fitness, a 3-minute step test or 1-mile walk test well be used.
Cost: $75

Running Form Session with RunnerDude
A 1-hour one-on-one session focused on good running form to help prevent injury as well as to help make you a faster more efficient runner.
Cost: $55

Click Here for Gift Certificates (not accessible on mobile devices, please use laptop or desktop to access this link.)