Runner in the Spotlight: Michael Dudish

Thanks to Michael Dudish for providing such a great read. Best of luck to him in his future racing endeavors!

Where do you work?
I am currently employed at Lions Services, Inc. as the Quality Control Administrator. We manufacture textile products for the government, however our main task is being able to provide employment to people who are blind or visually impaired while assuring customer satisfaction with quality products and services.

As a matter of fact, when I first joined this company I was approached by one of the production employees who I now call my friend. Shannon came up to me and told me he had overheard me saying I was a runner. He wanted to join the small group I run with…now in most cases I would welcome him like anyone else, except Shannon is visually impaired and I just wanted to get my group of friends all on the same page. Here I am a couple of years later and he not only has shown me a thing or two about impairments, but he constantly has challenged me to improve my running in hopes that I can keep up with him. He is now on his second year of the Grand Prix Challenge. One day I hope to actually beat him in a race…one day…

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?
Unfortunately it burned down this past year. Big Ben’s will be sorely missed and I really do keep my fingers crossed that it will be rebuilt. Their fish and chips are the best I’ve ever had.

How long have you lived in Charlotte?
Funny story there…I originally was going to move to Peoria, IL with some friends back in 1996. But prior to the last big trip to visit there I had about 15-20 different people tell me to try the south and to visit Charlotte. Angering my friends, I decided to do just that and after staying here for three days I fell in love with it. I packed everything up and moved down two weeks later and have been here since.

When and why did you start running?
I blame my brother for this…I am not made for running like most of those jack rabbits out there. My brother was a big track and cross country star at our high school, at least in my eyes, and with a ton of medical issues growing up I never really tried running until I was in college, never taking it very far at that time. Then after college I started to be a little more serious and actually completed 4 Utica Boilermaker 15k’s until I moved down here. Then it was on again and off again until after a fight with cancer (I won that fight) I decided I needed to lose some weight. Since then it’s been pretty good with only minor stops here and there due to ankle and foot injuries.

What do you love about running?
I will never win a race due to my build. When they make a running class for the true Clydesdales, those whose weight exceeds 200 pounds and not due to height
but muscle, I might win one. That being said, I love running for several reasons. Getting into shape, and being able to relax and enjoy the run are two. However, the main reason would be I’ve met so many awesome friends that in the past several years I’ve really changed the core of who I am thanks to the conversations and debates I’ve had during and after the runs.

Favorite place you've traveled and loved for running?
Though I was only able to actually get out and do it once due to weather, the best place I’ve traveled to and able to take a moment to run was in Puyallup, Washington during a business trip. The environment was perfect for it, just had to work 14 days straight with 12 hour shifts, making it a rough time. The run was in the middle of it and it was a nice, relaxing break from the business end of things.

What’s the funniest/strangest/worst thing that has ever happened to you on a run?
It was during one of those 4 Utica Boilermaker 15k races…I was nearing the 7 mile mark and had 3 women come up and run next to me saying that I officially had the best legs of all the runners they had seen. They told me they had been following me for the last 3 miles and comparing…at the 7 mile mark it was something that got a huge grin on my face and helped me finish that one.

What motivates you to get out the door every day in this summer heat?
Knowing that when I come back in it will be to an air conditioned house. But honestly, if it’s the weekend then knowing I get to hang with my wife wins it every single day. I hope to get some bonus points on that one if she reads this.

What's your most memorable race and why?
The first YMCA Dowd half marathon I ran in. Up until that point I’d never ran anything farther than the 15k’s. The experience of running the half and completing it was truly a feeling of accomplishment.

Favorite Charlotte race?
The Greekfest 5k. Fast, somewhat flat, and close enough to Rebecca Thomason’s house that she can stand on her front porch and holler at me, inspiring me to run faster.

Where is your favorite place to run in Charlotte?
So many…the park in Pineville, the Booty Loop, and the Thursday night Dilworth run routes all ring true.
What’s your favorite CRC group run to join?
I need to go out and try some more…slow as I am…the Thursday night crew at the Dilworth Neighborhood Grill rock have been the best to hang with. They’ve pushed me many a time when I needed it.
Favorite distance? PR?
My favorite distance is the 10k’s and 15k’s. Though I can sprint really fast and enjoy the 5k’s, those are the ones that I can just let go and just run at my pace. Knowing that there is no way you will come in at any great number in a race makes it a nice time to just enjoy the run. My PR on those is a 58:34 and a 1:32:01, like I said…I am not a runner made to run those fast speeds for very long.

What’s next on your race calendar?
My awesome wife kind of felt burned out from all the running and training we did from last year’s Dowd half marathon…so this year we decided to take it easy and just pick and chose some nice races. The Greekfest is one I’ve been looking forward to, but with a recent bunch of medical issues seems doubtful to make. The other nice one I really enjoy is the DOWD Half and 5k. Gunning for the 5k would be a nice way to at least get one actual race in the year where it’s been tough to make any.

What do you love most about the Charlotte Running Club?
The people I’ve met and gotten to chat with have all been friendly. Rebecca Thomason and Chris Cummins got on my case to join up since they said it doesn’t matter the type of runner just that you enjoy running and the CRC has been just that!

If you were the President of the CRC, what would you try to change / make happen in the club?
Everything so far that I have experienced has been awesome. I miss the pasta socials…more pasta socials! Pasta for everyone!

Anything else interesting you want to add?
Thanks to CRC a whole bunch…Speed is a nice thing…but the passion for running and hanging out with people who share that passion is even better. I also wanted to share the picture below. A little bit of humor in regard to trying to put my thoughts of not running for a bit versus a bear learning from his bee buddies that there is no honey. It's one of the things that is helping me to get through the recovery period and to not focus on any injuries or weaknesses.

Runner Stretch and Strength Videos

Hey All,

I am not much of an actor, but Mark Kane and I caught up a few weeks ago and made our attempt at a Ryan Hall/Terrance Mahon inspired video that we saw online and thought was pretty cool. Short videos so hopefully we do not bore you too much. We picked a few stretches that should be helpful to runners. Mark is fantastic and has done wonders to help me back from and prevent injuries. We have lots of great medical and strength training professionals in town so if you are one and want some plugs or have some content to share, please shoot us a note (run.charlotte@gmail.com).

- Aaron Linz (club prez)

Ankle Mobility

Deep Squat Assessment

Mark Kane has worked with several of our club members and has been highly recommended by each of them who have had the opportunity to work with Mark. Mark is a terrific professional resource that is available to our local running community. He can really help you prevent injury, stregthen weaknesses, and rehab you after an injury. Learn more at his website: www.kanetraining.com or email him at mark@kanetraining.com. Mark Kane holds a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy. He is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) and personal trainer (CPT). Additionally, Mark is a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Certified Specialist and certified by the Titleist Performance Institute.

Runner in the Spotlight: Lauren Bryant

Lauren Bryant started running a year and a half ago, starting first by incorporating jogs into her walks. Soon, she was on to completing races throughout the region! Running has changed her life and she hopes that this spotlight will bring others encouragement. Best of luck to Lauren at her first marathon this fall!

Where do you work?
South Park Mall. I am a makeup artist for Laura Mercier.

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?
I love Mexican food so Zapata's is a favorite of mine. Bentley's is also delicious and the view of the city is amazing!

How long have you lived in Charlotte?
6 years

When and why did you start running?
I started running about a year and a half ago. It was not at all planned. I was walking one day and thought I would jog a little bit...never really having jogged a day in my life. I made it about 30 seconds and had to stop. Since then I have completed two 5k's, one 10k and two half marathons. All while losing over 50 lbs.

Do you use the popular run / walk method in your races? What do you like most about using this method?
My one personal goal during my training and races is to not stop and walk. I'd rather run at a more comfortable pace and make it through the distance.

What do you love about running?
I love pushing myself and testing my limits. It's amazing to see what you can train your body to do. I love how it has transformed me into someone that I had no idea I could be.

Favorite place you've traveled and loved for running?
My hometown, Columbia, SC.

What’s the funniest/strangest/worst thing that has ever happened to you on a run?
On my first long run I started laughing to myself when I thought of the things people didn't warn me about. The first one being that running a long distance will cause you to be hot and sweaty with chills all at the same time. The second...chaffing will occur so use Vaseline.

What motivates you to get out the door every day in this summer heat?
I think of how good I will feel after my run, how relaxed I will be and how energized I will feel for the rest of the day.

What's your most memorable race and why?
The Palmetto Half Marathon in Columbia, SC. It went through my parents neighborhood which is the neighborhood that I lived in growing up. They met me on the course and took this picture of me. If you had told me back then that I would be running 13 miles down those same streets I never would have believed you.

Favorite Charlotte race?
Dowd YMCA Half Marathon. Love the hills!

Where is your favorite place to run in Charlotte?
I love running McMullen Creek Greenway for a shaded, scenic route. However Ballantyne Commons Parkway is awesome for hill work!

What’s your favorite CRC group run to join?
I am a new member and haven't been able to met up for a group run yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

Favorite distance? PR?
Half marathon - 2:14:10. I shaved 30 minutes off my time in 3 months!

What’s next on your race calendar?
Spinx RaceFest in Greenville, SC on October 30th. It will be my first marathon.

What do you love most about the Charlotte Running Club?
It keeps me motivated! I love to see all of the updates on the races members have run.

Runner in the Spotlight: Michelle Brzycki

Where do you work?
I am a Relationship Manager for The Matlen Silver Group!

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?
It's a close tie between Arooji's and Ilios Noche

How long have you lived in Charlotte?
I've been in Charlotte now for 8 years.

When and why did you start running?
Four years ago my close friend had another friend starting a running group so we thought we'd give it a try.

What do you love about running?
Running helps me stay fit and allows me to meet new people.

Favorite place you've traveled and loved for running?
Fiji Islands...nice and flat with beautiful scenery!

What motivates you to get out the door every day in this summer heat?
I find it difficult but I can keep it going because of my awesome training partner!


Judging from your facebook updates, it seems like you’re a huge fan of triathlons. Do you have any good running stories from triathlons?
Recently I was a mentor during a mock tri and it was fun encouraging the newbies on their weakest event. It was awesome to see their satisfaction and accomplishment when they completed their run!

What's your most memorable race and why?
Disneyworld 1/2 Marathon in 2008 because I didn't know that I had it in me to go that far!!

Favorite Charlotte race?
Waxhaw 5k, very small and quaint race...you should run it sometime!

Where is your favorite place to run in Charlotte?
McMullen Greenway for sure!

What’s your favorite CRC group run to join?
Friday mornings at McMullen Greenway

Favorite distance? PR?
10ks...I swear I will get under an hour soon...1:00:59 last race! Kinda difficult to do that at the Cooper Bridge run!!

What’s next on your race calendar?
Disneyland 1/2 Marathon September 2010

What do you love most about the Charlotte Running Club?
The interaction with members of all different skill levels.

If you were the President of the CRC, what would you try to change / make happen in the club?
More social activities...but that seems to be happening more and more lately!

Anything else interesting you want to add?
Love the rabbits but I'm proud to be a TURTLE!!

Runner in the Spotlight: Meagan Nedlo

Meagan Nedlo broke into the Charlotte road racing scene earlier this year with her win at the Great Harvest 5k. Even though she was running competitively for Queens University for the first half of this year (which forced her out of some races), she's one of the top five women in the Grand Prix Series and has been a dominant force on the roads since. Meagan is best known in the club for being Jordan Kinley's girlfriend, having an awesome blog, and her everlasting love for breakfast food. Also worthy to note: Meagan recently became a cat person when she saw her cat Weezy drink water from a cup by dipping her paw into the water, pulling her paw out, and licking the water from her paw.

Where do you work?
At Run For Your Life in Dilworth. I'm also finishing up a graduate degree in communication so I've considered that to be somewhat of an occupation for the past year and a half.

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?
I could do an entire interview about food! But to be brief, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, so I'm partial to Flying Biscuit. On a completely different note, I also dig Selwyn Pub's fried pickles.

How long have you lived in Charlotte?
I moved here in January 2009 for graduate school. However I wasn't here from May until August of last year, so I guess that totals just under a year and a half.

When and why did you start running?
I started running in middle school because it was one of the million sports I played. In 7th grade track I was undefeated in the unlikely combo of 100-meter hurdles and the mile, and I also ran on the 4x100 meter relay. As you can imagine, my fast-twitch muscle fibers worked quite a bit better then than they do now. I joined the cross-county team my freshman year of high school and continued to run xc and track until I graduated. I was pretty good for small town East Texas, but I didn't attract much attention from college coaches. I went on to attend Texas Christian University (Go Frogs!) on an academic scholarship and didn't give collegiate running a second thought over the next four years.

What do you love about running?
Didn't you read my answer to the food question?? I run so I can eat flapjacks and fried pickles! (But not together.) I also love being able to spend time with important people in my life--friends, my boyfriend and my dad--while doing something we enjoy.

You were an All American for Queens in both the 10k and the 5k. Can you share a little bit about that experience?
So, to pick off where we left off with my nonexistent collegiate career, in 2008 I was living in Atlanta and being coached for a marathon by Jeff Gaudette, a friend and former teammate of my boyfriend. At the time Jeff was the assistant coach at Queens University, a small school in Charlotte that I'd never heard of before. In the course of writing my workouts he realized that a) I wasn't terrible; and b) I still had NCAA eligibility, so one day he called me out of the blue and asked if I wanted to quit my job and move to Charlotte and let Queens pay for my graduate degree. It was such a surprising and unexpected offer that I thought, "Why not?" A few months later my bags were packed and I was off to the Queen City.

With that said, my first track season at Queens was pretty unremarkable. I ran 17:27 and 36:11 but then hurt my foot and, to add insult to injury, was the second person cut from qualifying for Nationals in the 10k. After that I vowed that this year would be different. In my first indoor race at the Armory in NYC I ran a new 5k PR of 16:54 and qualified for Indoor Nationals, then ended up placing 5th at Nationals a month later (top 8 make All-American). In my first outdoor 10k I shattered my PR from last year and ran 34:38, which at the time was the fastest D2 mark in the country (that is, until my teammate Tanya destroyed that time and very nearly took down the all-time D2 record six weeks later). I also qualified for Nationals in the 5k, but going in I knew that the 10k was my top priority. I ended up placing 3rd in the 10k and 6th in the 5k, due in no small part to the attendance and support of many of my CRC friends! (editor's note: 15 CRC members showed up to cheer Meagan on!)

Rumor has it that you helped Ben Hovis put together a solid women’s team (Megan Hovis, Tanya Zeferjan, Stephanie Pezzullo, Caitlin Chrisman, Kelly Fillnow, Jenna Scott and yourself) for the USA Club XC Championships that are being held at McAlpine in December. What are your goals for that race both individually and as a team?
Shhhh! I don't want the competition to know our entire roster! But seriously, I think with that lineup we have a chance to place top 3 as a team. Since I essentially forfeited my entire 2009 xc season due to injury, I'm super excited about this race. I'd love to place top 10 individually, but I'm definitely going into it hoping that our team will put CRC on the map as a force to be reckoned with.

Théoden Janes posted on his facebook page that you and Jordan Kinley are now the fastest couple in Charlotte after the two of you won the Great Harvest 5k. How do the two of you plan to build upon this title?
We plan to host a couples' race in which we compete against the Hovises in a series of events: 5k, potato sack race, javelin throw and long jump. Bonus points for juggling while doing any of the above. At that point the winning couple can truly solidify their standing as the fastest couple in Charlotte.

What’s the funniest/strangest/worst thing that has ever happened to you on a run?
I'm glad you asked. Earlier this month I was finishing up a run with John Compton, a fellow CRC Runner in the Spotlight. We were crossing the street in front of his apartment complex when he stepped in a hole, face planted and skidded across the grass slip 'n slide style. Once I ascertained that he wasn't seriously injured I couldn't stop laughing. I'm sure all the passing motorists shared my sentiments.

What's your most memorable race and why?
The 10k at Nationals, but not for the reason you'd think. It's pretty much burned in my memory because with 600 meters to go I was in second place with a chance of catching the leader (my teammate Tanya), but after what can only be described as a crazy last lap I wound up in third. I've replayed that scenario in my head at least 50 times since then.

Favorite Charlotte race?
I'm just now beginning to do Charlotte road races since I've run out of collegiate eligibility. So, ask me again in a year. But I will say that the aprons, chefs hats, fresh-baked cookies and loaves of bread that Jordan and I picked up for winning the Great Harvest 5k were pretty sweet.

Favorite distance? PR?
On the track, the 5k. 16:35.

What’s next on your race calendar?
I'm doing the Grand Prix series so I'll line up for the Blue Points 5k.

How did you get involved with the Charlotte Running Club?
CRC Vice President Caitlin Chrisman realized how awesome I am and kept begging me to join until I finally acquiesced.

What’s your favorite CRC group run to join?
Apparently it's turning into the 5:45am Wednesday morning workout at McAlpine. I've also been known to turn up at a 6am Dowd run on occasion.

What do you love most about the Charlotte Running Club?
Mostly the social events involving food and alcohol. Oh, and the people are pretty cool too.

Fort Mill Running Options with Jamie Dodge

Aaron recently caught up with club member Jamie Dodge. You can learn more about Jamie and her coaching services at her website.

Here is a short Q and A with her.

Did you grow up in the Charlotte area? If not, where did you grow up?
No, we have lived here for just over 2 years. My husband and I were both born and raised in Michigan. We married and moved to Seattle, WA where we lived from 10 years before moving to Charlotte.

What is your favorite thing about running? What is your least favorite?
There are so many thing that I loved about running that is would be too hard to pick one thing. But I would say my favorite distance is the Marathon. There isn't anything I do not like about running but I do not like racing 5Ks.

Favorite place to run in Charlotte area?
McMullen

Favorite race in Charlotte?
Thunder Road Half Marathon

Favorite race ever?
Virginia Beach Marathon or Marine Corps Marathon

Why did you start a running group in Fort Mill?
As a runner and coach, I would have people asking for advice and input on their training. Additionally I have had lots of people say to me that they wanted to start running but didn't know how to start or that every time they would run they would get hurt. I wanted to create a group that I could provide coaching and guidance for all levels. Beginners work toward running with a walk/run approach, while experienced runners do workouts designed to increase speed, stamina and endurance. In addition I envisioned a social aspect to it where runners could gather and chat about their races and training.

What do folks get out of joining?
Weekly group run, supplemental exercises, injury prevention exercises, learn proper form and have access to coach for advice and guidance.

What types of paces may participate?
All levels are welcome.

Do you all do the same route/different routes?
We all do the same route and workouts. I have map out a 1 mile loop each week. Beginners do a couple loops using a run/walk approach and experienced runners do the loop several times with a variation of workout such a fartleks, tempos and intervals. This allows for the groups to start and end together. The group always does a post run stretch together.

What are 2 good running routes in Fort Mill?
I live and run mostly in Baxter. One my favorite routes is leaving Baxter from Stratford Run and tahn take New Grey Rock Rd to Dam Rd and circling back to Baxter. This is a 6 mile loop that if you reverse it, you get a mega hill to climb. You can also run Baxter to Tega Cay via 160 but this is not a great route as it along a busy road and you are on sidewalk for the entire run.

What is something about Fort Mill that folks might not know?
That is has a large runner and tri-athlete community. On any given AM you will find runners scattered along 160.