Finding Motivation through N.C. Summer Heat

While runners in most parts of the country hit their weather snag during the dead of winter, runners of Central North Carolina suffer through the summer. It’s bad enough to run in 95-plus degree temps every day. Add 90 percent humidity, and you’re bound to feel more like you're swimming through the air than slicing it.

How do runners stay motivated during these ‘dog-days’? How do we stay active (without living in the air-conditioning) so we won’t find ourselves at ground-zero fitness level for those longer fall races? 

I could give you the answer I typically give my children when they are whining about their oppressive lives: “Suck it up, Bill.” But somehow I doubt you would appreciate my flippantness anymore than they do. Besides, I’m struggling to stay motivated, too, and the “suck it up” advice just ain’t cuttin’ it.

Instead, I’ve been inspired by my triathlon friends. This summer, I’m going to tri’ and race my way into North Carolina summer motivation. Luckily, for those of us living in the Fayetteville area, weekend 5K’s and sprint triathlons are in abundance throughout Central Carolina. 

Just in case you’d care to join me in some short distance summer fun, I’ve generated a list of upcoming 5Ks and sprint-triathlons (the shortest distance) all within 1-2 hours driving distance from Fort Bragg.

July:

9: Denny’s Challenge 5K, Cary

23: Buckner Mission Man Triathlon, Burlington

24: Iron-Kids Triathlon, Raleigh

24: Swim For Smiles Family Triathlon, Chapel Hill

30: Bringing Home a Pearl, 5K, Fayetteville

August:

6: Run for the Red, Fayetteville

6: Goldsboro YMCA Sprint Triathlon, Goldsboro

13: Run with Heart 5K, Morrisville (near Cary)

20: Run Wild 5K Run/Walk, Asheboro Zoo, Asheboro

21: Rex Wellness Sprint Triathlon, Raleigh

27: Raleigh 8000 (8K), Raleigh

27: Run For Life, Cary

27: True Vine Ministries 5K for Sickle Cell Anemia, Fayetteville

Here’s another idea: Why not make staying active this summer a family affair? Kids can run 5Ks—sure, they may have to take some walk breaks, but what an accomplishment! And with the advent of triathlons geared for kids and families (Iron-Kids and Swim for Smiles. Oops, to the race directors for making them the same day, though!), there are plenty of individual and family goal opportunities to keep those legs—and arms—swimming and slicing through this NC summer heat.