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editor’s note
C H A R L E S T O N
OUTDOORS
E
nd of the year...time for the madness of the holidays to officially begin. Family, friends, and work around this time of year can really get stressful. My hope is that, when things start getting crazy, you will take an hour to step outside and find your balance. Even though the temperature is dropping, there are still so many great things to do here in the Lowcountry. I often ask the most passionate leaders and business owners in different fields if now is their off-season, and they always say “yes.” I then ask if they are still planning on surfing, kayaking, sailing, paddling, fishing, or whatever else they do despite the season, and to this they always say emphatically “yes.” They always tell me that their best memories or most unique experiences happen during this season. So get out, get moving, and enjoy it! “It’s cold” is not an acceptable excuse. We here at Charleston Outdoors Magazine hope all of our readers and your families have a happy and a healthy end of the year. We have some amazing things planned for 2012, so get ready!
PUBLISHER JASON KIRBY
jason@charlestonscoutdoors.com
MARKETING/SALES DIRECTOR DAVID KIRBY
david@charlestonscoutdoors.com
ART DIRECTOR GRIFFIN BLACKWELDER
griffin@charlestonscoutdoors.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JULIE SPRANKLES COVER PHOTOGRAPHER JOHN LOTTERHOS
john@indiesunday.com
WRITERS KATIE ZIMMERMAN, NICOLE PETTINELLI, CAROLINE KRAICH, JENNIFER HEISLER, JENNIFER SHELTON, SARAH REYNOLDS. PHOTOGRAPHERS JOHN LOTTERHOS, JENNIFER BRILL, JENNIFER HEISLER CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER
JAY SPRANKLES
OFFICE MANAGER/ACCOUNTING LYNN KIRBY
lynn@charlestonscoutdoors.com
~Jason Kirby
SPECIAL THANKS TO JULIE SPRANKLES, RACHEL SOLOMON, JAY SPRANKLES Published by Charleston SC Outdoors, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Charleston SC Outdoors. Jason Kirby Publisher
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Griffin Blackwelder
John Lotterhos
Art Director
Photographer
CHARLESTONOUTDOORSMAG.COM
Charleston SC Outdoors magazine does not endorse or guarantee any product, service or vendor mentioned or pictured in this magazine in editorial or advertising space.
CONTENTS
20
Turning Pedaling into a Profession
08
On the Water with Mans Best Friend
11
Whitewater Warrior
Spending the day on the water with man’s best friend. Explore the wonder of the whitewater rapids just beyond your backyard.
15
Longboarding
29
Run Baby, Run
Making short work of Lowcountry
Palmetto Endurance Sports aims to bring professional cycling to the Lowcountry
24
Holiday Gear Guide We go hands on with the season’s best gear picks.
waves.
Local coaches offer tips for beginners and advanced runners.
November December Photo By: Indie Sunday
DanielÊIsland mÊÊaÊÊrÊÊiÊÊnÊÊa
Effortless
669ÊMarinaÊDr. Charleston,ÊSCÊ29492 843Ê-Ê884Ê-Ê1000 www.danielislandmarina.com
For information contact: DAVID KIRBY, SIOR (843) 971-5983 First Commercial Partners
CALENDAR
December 3
Reindeer Run 5K, 9am, Charleston, 843-345-6906 www.reindeerrun.org
December 3
November 5
James Island Connector 10K 8am, 843-856-4206
November 10
Holiday of Lights Festival 2Mile Fun Run & Walk, 6pm www.ccprc.com
November 12
Where the Wild Things Run 5K, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 4pm-6pm, ccprc.com
November 12
Old Village 5K, Mount Pleasant, 843-856-6078
November 12
Pajama Run 5K, Charleston www.actioncarolina.com
November 14 &15
Friends of the Semper Fi Fund Lowcountry Golf Tournament, Rivertowne Country Club, 843-849-1367 infoSemperFiGolf@gmail.com
November 19
Healthy Charleston Challenge 2Mile Run, www.musc.edu/ hsc, Charleston, 8am 843-792-5757
November 24
Charleston Harbor Boat Parade, Viewing Begins in Mount Pleasant along the Cooper River at 5pm, 6:30pm from Downtown and Fireworks at 6:45pm
December 10
Kiawah Marathon, ½ Marathon, Kiawah Island, 8am, www.kiawahresort.com/ marathon
December 17
Jingle Jingle Run, 5K, 9am,Hilton Head 843-757-8520
Turkey Day 5K, 9am, Charleston, 843-723-9934 www.turkeydayrun.com
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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On the Water with Man’s Best Friend Photos and Story: Jennifer Shelton
K
enny Puckett admits he gets quite a bit of attention when he’s out on the water on his stand-up paddleboard, or SUP. He is accustomed to hearing cheers and applause from passing boaters. The reason? Probably the 70-pound white husky on the front of his paddleboard. Puckett started paddleboarding with his dog, Leonidas, this past summer. He admits at first 08
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Leo was a little uncomfortable with the whole thing. “But about the third time we tried, he realized that this was going to be something fun,” Puckett says. “We paddle over to the sandbar and he gets to run around freely and not worry about anything.” Puckett and Leo paddle at Folly Creek, which is close to their home on James Island, and they take plenty of precautions to make sure Leo is safe; Leo wears
a life jacket and Puckett attaches the dog’s leash to his board. He divulges that sometimes they do fall in, but he considers it part of the experience. The most challenging thing is getting Leo back on the board when they are both in the water. “Every once in awhile, I’ll just tow him behind me,” Puckett says. “He has a life jacket, and he can swim. I just keep him attached to my board because of the rip currents.”
Puckett acknowledges he doesn’t get as good of a workout when Leo joins him on the paddleboard, but thinks it’s worth it. “I always feel bad leaving him at home,” Puckett confesses. “I had to find a way to do this with him. Getting him out there is great, because I have my dog and I’m doing what I love to do.” Over on Boone Hall Creek, Peter Lempesis can often be spotted with his spaniel mix, Turk, riding on the front of his outrigger canoe. But every time they venture out, the beginning is a challenge. “The first five minutes are always terrible,” exclaims Lempesis. “He’s just too excited and acts like a puppy. Once he calms down and we’re in the flow, though, things are smooth. He just keeps his ears perked and his eyes on watch, and waits for me to give the swim command.”
Lempesis and Turk (short for Turkey) also spend some time on a SUP, but they usually stick to the rivers instead of riding waves at the beach. “Turk loves swimming in the beach surf, but he has a habit of bailing on a SUP as soon as a wave picks up,” Lempesis explains. Regardless of whether they’re on a SUP or canoeing through a creek, Lempesis loves having Turk by his side. “Turk is my best friend,” he asserts. “Being able to share the love of a sport with him is a pretty cool feeling. When he sees the SUP or the canoe getting strapped to my truck, he barks with excitement and jumps in the back seat, sometimes waiting there for another hour until I’m set to go.” Lempesis doesn’t make Turk wear a life jacket, because he is confident in his dog’s athletic ability
since Turk spends a lot of time in the water. But he recommends life jackets for beginning paddlers and those out with their dogs for the first few times. Puckett agrees, and says patience is the most important thing when trying to get out on the water with your dog for the first time. “Dogs can be scared of new things, but once they realize what they’re doing, they’ll love it,” he offers. And after a day on the water, your dog will probably love you even more. “As all dog owners know, a tired dog is a happy dog,” smiles Lempesis.
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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ADVERTISE CHARLESTON with
OUTDOORS MAGAZINE IN 2012
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NO ONE COVERS THE OUTDOORS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY THE WAY WE DO! charlestonscoutdoors chuckoutdoors
WHITEWATERWARRIOR Take your Weekend to the Next Level
Story: Caroline Kraich Photos: Jennifer Brill
P
rior to this weekend, I might have chuckled in skepticism if you told me I would be spending a Saturday afternoon rafting rapids, rock climbing, ziplining over canyons, and then finishing the evening sipping a craft beer while watching the sun set. I might have really laughed if you told me all of these activities would be accomplished within a few short hours of the Lowcountry. Most of us from the Charleston area associate a weekend getaway with habitual destinations, such as the beach, or with a day spent wandering the historic Holy City. But perhaps I’ve discovered a secret. 12
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Nestled at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, in the rolling hills of Charlotte, North Carolina, there exists a one-of-a-kind facility. Created in 2006, the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) offers a bounty of adventurous outdoor activities that are not always accessible to the general public. The USNWC lifts the veil off the mysterious thicket of wilderness that exists between the common man and nature. By far, the most popular activity among visitors is the whitewater rafting experience. The USNWC is the largest man-made whitewater rapids facility that exists worldwide. The center holds 12 million gallons of water, which are filtered continuously
throughout the day. Via two continuous re-circulating ponds, water is pumped from low to high ground and thereby creates powerful currents that have the strength to be categorized as class II, III, and IV rapids. USNWC is an official training site for Olympic whitewater racers, due to its accurate depiction of natural rapids. But if you weren’t born a natural Olympian, don’t worry; the facility offers three rafting options for everyday visitors. Options include family rafting, adventure rafting, and rodeo rafting, all of which vary in their degree of difficulty. The most popular of the three is adventure rafting, which serves as a bridge between the calmer rapids of the family
rafting and the extreme intensity of rodeo rafting. Regardless of your choice, be prepared to get wet and expect to have your adrenaline pumping. USNWC provides experienced and fun-loving guides whose commitment to your safety is of utmost importance. These professionals will ensure that your rafting experience will be unforgettable as well. Should you venture out with the eccentric “Capt’n Dan,” you will be clanking paddles and chanting his signature punch line of “Yay rafting!” in no time. If whitewater rafting doesn’t satisfy your yearning for a sensational outdoor excursion, don’t fret; USNWC offers a multitude of land sports as well. Ziplining, rock climbing, hiking, and biking all are options for the weekend warrior.
The journey begins at the top of a 46-foot Mega Tower at the summit of the facility and takes you on an exhilarating ride over the rushing Class III and IV rapids.
The most popular land activity is the Mega Zip, a zipline which runs 1,123 feet long and travels over almost the entirety of the rapids course. The journey begins at the top of a 46-foot Mega Tower at the summit of the facility and takes you on an exhilarating ride over the rushing Class III and IV rapids. A close relative of the Mega Zip is the Canyon Zip, a new course guides the visitor on a series of ziplines that cross over the South Ridge Canyon. The circuit is designed for beginners who are looking for adventure among the treetops. Mountain biking is another popular attraction at this unique site. With over 14 miles of scenic, wooded trails, it is easy to spend the majority of the day immersed in nature. Similar to the center’s rafting attraction, the trails vary in their level of difficulty to accommodate the individual skill level of visitors. From the flat terrain of the Green beginner trails to the steep twists and turns of the Black trails, the center allows all visitors to channel their inner outdoorsman and explore the path less traveled. The USNWC offers an extraordinary escape from the typical route and routine weekend plans. This remarkable attraction is the largest whitewater rafting facility in the world, and fortunately for those of us living in Charleston, it’s almost in our own backyard. If you are longing to take your weekend excursion to the next level, look no further than the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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Wellness Center
Oné (Honor) Respé (Respect) for Mind, Body & Soul Affordable Acupuncture Massage Therapy Community Yoga Workshops Now Available!
Massage Therapy $30-$40 for 30min $40-$69 for 60min $60-$80 for 90min
Oné Respé Massage Therapy for Wellness 79 Spring Street Charleston, SC 29403 843.724.9807 www.onerespecharleston.com
preSeNted By
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LONGBOARDING MAKING SHORT WORK OF LOWCOUNTRY WAVES Story & Photos by Jennifer Heisler
L
ongboarding conjures up memories of classic black and white photos of surfers riding the waves from days gone by...and while longboarding may be a thing of the past for many beach communities, the art of riding a longboard is alive and well in Charleston. It seems to fit our waves and our Charleston attitude. Not the biggest waves, not with the famous breaks—just laid back, classic, consistent. It’s what living on the Lowcountry coast is all about. “The waves in Charleston, especially at Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s, are conducive to longboarding,” explains Dave Clifford, owner of Charleston Watersport. It’s easier to surf the smaller waves with a longboard—surfers get into them earlier and ride them longer, which means more time on the water. Longboarding allows Steve Fletcher to catch a lot of waves; he says he surfs “pretty much all the time,” except when he is at his job at the VA Hospital. “It’s the vibe you get out on those waves, harnessing what Mother Nature provides us with,” says Clifford. “There’s no motor; there’s no mechanism that drives you along. It’s just you and the board.” Longboarding fosters a family-friendly culture and has become a multi-generational sport, with
parents and their children on the waves alongside seasoned veterans with decades of time on the water. “You’ve got both the weekend warrior and the guy who’s chasing the swell up the coast. It’s a good healthy mix of guys who have been surfing for 50 years and guys who have only been surfing for a couple of years,” states Clifford, a longboarder and father himself. “The longboard culture here in Charleston is great,” agrees Stu Schuck, owner of Ocean Fitness at Isle of Palms Marina. “It’s really progressed and it’s nice seeing a lot of the younger kids getting into it. My son has really gotten into it at a young age, which is kind of unique. Most young kids gravitate to short boards.” Stu began surfing during his days at College of Charleston and you can still find him on a board today. “It’s a totally healthy sport as you get older,” he emphasizes. “The exercise is phenomenal—you can CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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always find something to work on, something to improve.� Perhaps the art of the longboard really does imitate life in Charleston. Longboarding offers something for everyone, no matter how old or experienced. It evokes images of the classic style of decades past and yet it remains perfectly modern. What’s more Charleston than that?
Seventh Annual
Waves & Wishes 5K Run/Walk RAISE MONEY AND WIN A PRIZE!!! This year, participants are encouraged to set up their own website to collect pledges from family and friends to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of SC. It’s quick and very easy to do. To create your website go to http://friends.wish.org/034000/ and click on the link to the right that says Register for your account.
wavesandwishes.org
The person who raises the most money will win a gift certificate to a local restaurant...GOOD LUCK!
Saturday, November 19th, 2011 at the base of the Edwin S. Taylor fishing pier on Folly Beach
Whether you tie em or buy em... Full service fly shop, charters, apparel, and sunglasses. Gear by Sage, Nautilis, Scott, Hardy, Tibor, Smith, Fishpond and new products by Hatch Reels plus much much more! Call or stop by the shop for tying and casting class schedules
www.lowcountryflyshop.com
Open Daily! 2 8 0 W. C o l e m a n B l v d . S u i t e E 8 4 3 3 8 8 5 3 3 7
Whirlin’ Waters goes to the Dogs 3rd Annual Dog Day Afternoon Hosts over 900 Dogs story by CCPRC / photos by Griffin Blackwelder
Last September, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark was literally invaded by dogs. They doggy-paddled through the wave pool. They waded in the lazy river. Little pooches chilled out in the kiddie pools. And humans? They were there, but this event was all for the dogs! For one day at the end of each summer, North Charleston’s Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark reopens for dogs only. This year, the waterpark closed to the public on September 5, but our four-legged friends returned for Dog Day Afternoon on September 11, with nearly 1,000 dogs in attendance. Larger dogs played in the Big Kahuna wave pool and the lazy river, while the Otter Bay kiddie pool area was open for their smaller counterparts. To maximize the canine camaraderie, humans were not allowed in the
water. For safety’s sake, all dogs were required to be up-to-date on their vaccinations. Modeled after similar events at waterparks in Greenville County and elsewhere throughout the country, Dog Day Afternoon first came to Charleston in 2009. The event has since grown, expanding from 600 dogs and 800 people in its first year to 991 dogs and 1748 people in 2011. Matt Rosebrock, event manager for the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC), played a key role in the event’s creation. “Obviously the event is unique, and because this kind of event is not produced on a regular basis, I feel that that it provides a truly special experience for dogs and their owners,” says Rosebrock. In addition to Dog Day Afternoon, CCPRC makes an effort to host a multitude of events for dogs and their owners; from live music in the James Island dog park to educational programs by behavioral therapists and trainers, the county parks offer something for every dog owner in the area. Mark your canine’s calendar—next year’s Dog Day Afternoon will be Sunday, September 9.
For more information on Dog Day Afternoon or any CCPRC event, call 843-795-4386 or visit ccprc.com. 18
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TEAM SEMPER FI Back in 2006, Charleston resident Duane Perry ran the Marine Corps Marathon. As he pounded the pavement, the retired Marine realized he wanted to run with a purpose. That purpose became the Semper Fi fund, for which he is now the outreach coordinator in Charleston. Team Semper Fi, part of the Semper Fi Fund, consists of injured servicemen and women who are on the road to recovery. These inspirational athletes receive coaches and specialized training, as well as the opportunity to compete in some pretty prestigious athletic events. This includes marathons, biathlons, cycling and swimming events, and even triathlons. “I have made it my personal mission to bring Team Semper Fi to Charleston,” Perry says. “We’ll be a charity partner of the 2012 Cooper River
by :Jennifer Shelton
Bridge Run, during which we’ll be one of 12 charities helping with water stations and safety points. It’s all about procreating the mission.” One way to help the organization is to participate in its first annual Friends of the Semper Fi Fund Lowcountry Golf Tournament at Rivertowne Country Club. Originally scheduled for October, the event was postponed due to inclement weather and will now be held November 14 and 15. For those who want to contribute but aren’t keen on swinging a golf club, a dinner and silent auction will be offered on the evening of November 14. “I think people look for ways to leave a legacy or for ways to get involved in their communities,” states Perry. “This is a great way to get involved and help support our troops.”
First annual Friends of the Semper Fi Fund Lowcountry Golf Tournament November 14-15 Rivertowne Country Club 3 hole-in-one challenges Prizes include a Mercedes, a Corvette, and a Motorcraft
To sign up, call (843) 849-1367 “We want to make this a repeatable, sustainable event, and hopefully it will become as big as the Cooper River Bridge Run,” Perry says. CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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Turning Peddling into a Profession Palmetto Endurance Sports Aims to Bring Professional Cycling to the Lowcountry Story by Jennifer Heisler Photos by Indie Sunday
T
he idea was hatched on a car ride, one of the hundreds of conversations these three friends have had on similar long drives nearly every weekend for several years in pursuit of their passion. Cycling handlebar tape was the proximate cause, or perhaps it was more about paying for the best handlebar tape. The professional cyclists don’t have to worry about things like that. Brooks Bostick, Luke Correale, and Brian Arne, founders of Palmetto Endurance Sports, hope to be able to turn their passion for peddling into a profession. There are plenty of cycling clubs in the Lowcountry—and a dedicated cadre of talented racers. Some teams even have sponsorship. But there aren’t any top tier professional cycling teams registered in South Carolina. With Palmetto Endurance Sports, these college friends want to change that. Their road to this point was quick, they admit, but that’s part of reason they formed Palmetto Endurance Sports. They didn’t discover cycling until they met at the College of Charleston, years behind other kids on the typical path to cycling stardom. But they quickly developed a passion for training, racing, and its eventual outcome—winning. Although many only know cycling through Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France, the average cycling event in the United States is a bit different. A typical weekend has three different races that challenge both individual and team skills. The road race, which
most people recognize, may be anywhere from 16 to 100 miles in length and uses the team’s cohesion, training, and strategy to the fullest extent. The criterium (they call it a “crit”) is a fast, short race around in circles, similar to a NASCAR race. Finally, the time trial is just the cyclist against the clock. “There is no teammate, no drafting,” says Bostick. “It’s just you going as hard as you can for 12 to 20 miles.” Close friends Bostick, Correale, and Arne currently race every weekend at the same events. “You have to be friends with everybody you’re riding with because you have to ask your teammates to do things they wouldn’t even do for themselves,” Correale says. Their goal, though, is to be part of the same pro team; they believe that, if they can make it work here in Charleston, they can make it work anywhere. There is a lot of camaraderie within cycling, but there are also intense rivalries—the solution to which can be found in the strong bonds of teamwork. Bostick, Correale, and Arne currently have five guys who are set to race with them, and they want to add three more. Each member has his specific strengths but—as a team—they all excel. Bostick shines at the sprint to the finish, for example. Brian is a really good rider in the mountains, so he’ll set up to finish a steep hill; the other team members will protect him, making sure no riders get away from the group and keeping him fresh for the hill finish.
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To get here, each member of the team has committed to an intense training regimen. Training is almost a full-time job, and the 25 hours they log each week is time spent on the bike; it doesn’t include time stretching and recovering, cross training, and working out. Monday is a rest day and Friday they spend in the car. Every other day, they’re on their bikes training to compete in 70 or 80 days of racing per season. Keeping up their intensity all year long takes a toll on their bodies and equipment, but races are won in the off-season. “You have to have a good base,” explains Correale, “and putting miles in over the winter adds to your base in season.” “The races we compete in have a lot of professionals—guys who are getting paid to do all this and have everything supplied to them,” says Bostick. Organizing their professional team and getting their NRC, or national racing calendar, license will open doors for them and give them the exposure they need to excel. “Part of being a professional is having that experience and getting the results,” states Bostick. “If you’re not exposed to those races, you’ll never get that experience. You cannot train to do some of these races; you just 22
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have to do it.” It’s easier to do it if you have a team, according to Bostick. One aspect of a professional team they agree on—and they agree on just about everything— is that finding the right sponsorships is key. “We have a promising bike company that wants to come on board with us…our first sponsor,” Correale smiles. Others will come as they build momentum, but the work is hard. They’re really just a bunch of normal guys with normal jobs trying to get paid to do something they love. That’s why they’re filming a documentary about their journey; it adds something else to the team besides writing resumes and submitting business plans. “If it works out as we plan, it’ll be life changing. It’s much more than a group of guys racing on the weekends,” iterates Bostick. “You don’t have to be some super athlete from birth; you just need to be driven.” Bostick, Correale, Arne, and their teammates have drive; that much is certain. They’re not content to follow the masses or wait around for the future…they’re forming their own cycling team to make their future happen.
2011 HOLIDAY GEAR GUIDE
BY: NICOLE PETTINELLI
W
e’ve taken a look at the best of the best and made some recommendations for the perfect gift-giving ideas for the female runner and manly skier on your list. With the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to beat the rush and start shopping for the active, outdoorcraving loved ones in your life. Heck, we think you’ll like this gear so much you might just buy yourself something while you’re at it too. These gifts will be sure to please! Arc’teryx Stingray Jacket Upgraded with lightly insulated GORE-TEX Soft Shell textile that is both pliable and extremely durable, this highly technical waterproof, stormproof jacket is designed to withstand the toughest conditions you throw at it. $499 www.halfmoonoutfitters.com (843) 881- 9472
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SKI TRIP
1 Arc’teryx Snowdome Toque Beanie The stylish Snowdome is a comfortable, longer length, 50/50% wool and acrylic toque that has a relaxed fit and style. $35
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2 Arc’teryx Phase SL Crew Long Sleeve Engineered for optimal moisture management, this super-light base layer aids temperature regulation during active phases, then broadly disperses moisture to evaporate quickly during rest periods. www.halfmoonoutfitters.com 3 Arc’teryx Phase AR Bottoms With many of the same features as the Phase SL line, the AR or All Round base layer adds a light insulation to increase warmth and keep you going all day. www.halfmoonoutfitters.com
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4 Arc’teryx Atom Jacket Designed as an insulation layer, this jacket features amazingly lightweight and compressible Coreloft insulation in the torso, arms, and hood. $179 5 Sorel Falcon Ridge Slippers The Sorel Falcon Ridge Slipper combines a wool blend lining with a supportive EVA footbed and a natural rubber outsole. $60
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MEN
6 Arc’teryx Stingray Pant Newly designed and lightly insulated with GORE-TEX Soft Shell, the Arc’teryx Stingray Pant features side vents to improve ventilation and ensure comfort. $375 7 Smith Goggles The new Scope Pro goggles seamlessly integrate performance and style for eyeglass and optical insert users. 8 Marmot Powerstretch Glove Grip Zone fingertips, a reinforced palm, and stretch fit make this classic cool-weather glove comfortable for wear during a wide range of activities. $28 9 Marmot Spring Glove Worn without a liner, this versatile lightweight glove is well suited for spring or mild ski conditions. $60
BRIDGE RUN 1
1 Petzl Tikkina 2 Headlamp With two lighting levels, this is perfect for everyday uses including increased safety during low light athletic pursuits. $19.95
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2 Arcteryx Women’s Phase SL Crew This super-light, silky soft base layer is designed for optimal moisture management during stop-and-go activities. www.halfmoonoutfitters.com 3 Moving Comfort Charity Sports Bra in White This high impact sports bra is perfect for a hard day’s run. The airy liner provides modesty, support, and shape. $36 4 Salomon Swift Hoody This versatile piece offers breathable exterior fabric and a plush pill-free interior combined with extensive pockets and features. $110 5 The North Face Etip Glove These cozy stretch-knit gloves are ingeniously designed with X-Static material at the thumbs and index fingers that allow you to easily use touch-screen technology. $40
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6 Salomon XA Windstopper Tight Built for fast-paced performance, the Salomon XA tights utilize WindStopper on the front to block chilling wind and ventilation panels on the back to increase breathability. $110 7 VIVOBAREFOOT - Lucy Lite These impeccably designed beauties feature a light 3mm outsole for a solid stride and a boost in proprioception. Available at The Foot Store - Mt. Pleasant www.footstore.com. (843) 849-1108 8 Suunto M4 Watch Suunto M4 provides an ideal weekly workout schedule and adapts to your progress to help achieve your goals. $169 9 Salomon XR Crossmax Neutral This Neutral trail-running shoe is ideal for high-mileage runners. The nylon mesh uppers feature Sensifit synthetic leather overlays that wrap and secure insteps for a precise fit. $130 10 Smartwool PhD Running Ultra Light Micro These ultra light-cushioned sneakers are perfect for short jaunts or lower impact runs. $12.95
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WOMEN
Why Do You Bike?
By Katie Zimmerman
Do you think most bicyclists in Charleston do so as a regular part of their daily routines, such as commuting to and from work? I asked my Facebook friends this question recently. Not the most scientific process, I’ll admit, especially considering the immediate bias that comes with who might be using Facebook. Plus, most of my respondents are white females in their 30s who enjoy an occasional bike ride, like me. All of my friends providing answers are physically active, though not all are bicyclists. Bias and demographic information aside, the answers were varied and interesting. Half of the respondents replied that bicycling in Charleston is more of a recreational activity. Separately, two avid bicyclists agreed that riding out of necessity is less common because Charleston is “too dangerous” or “not bicycle friendly.” Bicycling intent and motivation depend on the location and time of day: In North Charleston--“…I see more people that are probably using a bike out of necessity than as part of their daily routine to get from point A to point B.” In Mount Pleasant—“….the ones I see out by me appear to be more training-focused.” While downtown—“Most of the people I see while riding are doing so to get to a friend’s house, or a bar, or simply for pleasure. That’s probably because I ride after work and on weekends.”
The perception matters. A Mount Pleasant respondent thinks “we vastly underestimate the number of people who ride out of necessity, because those people aren’t privileged enough to be vocal about it.” A downtown respondent points out that “’commuting’ for bars and friends is a pretty good ‘commute,’ no?” The City of Charleston’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Charleston Moves, and the Coastal Conservation League would like to determine the most accurate answer to this question and others related to bicycle and pedestrian accessibility in the Charleston area. Even by my little survey, it is clear that —regardless of one’s reason for bicycling —we lack adequate infrastructure. Also pivotal is education to all users of the roads and sidewalks on legal uses and how to share. You can help by taking the following surveys and forwarding them to your friends in the Charleston area. Of course, these surveys won’t just be online—be on the lookout for hardcopy opportunities. To support a safe Ashley River bike/pedestrian crossing
http://www.charlestonmoves.org
In North Charleston-
“…I see more people that are probably using a bike out of necessity an as part of their daily routine to get from point A to point B.”
In Mount Pleasant-
“….the ones I see out by me appear to be more training-focused.”
While Downtown-
“Most of the people I see while riding are doing so to get to a friend’s house, or a bar, or simply for pleasure. That’s probably because I ride after work and on weekends.” CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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Blazing Trails for Runners
T
ired of road races? Get off the pavement and on to scenic nature trails at your county parks! The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is now offering off-road 5K races on the unpaved trails at various parks. Experience an entirely different type of race as you twist and turn through challenging terrain on these trails. Next up is the Where the Wild Things Run on Nov. 12. Grab your trail-running shoes and hit the paths of Caw Caw Interpretive Center during this inaugural 5K. Runners will get a little slice of heaven as they explore the park’s beloved trails during this premiere event. Runners in the Where the Wild Things Run will be rewarded with beautiful vistas and, hopefully, a wildlife sighting or two. Located at 5200 Savannah Highway in Ravenel, Caw Caw Interpretive Center is a 654-acre park rich in natural, cultural, and historical resources. The site features over seven miles of trails with trailside exhibits, elevated boardwalks through wetlands, historic rice fields, a former tea farm, wildlife habitats, and more. The Where the Wild Things Run is an addition to a new series of trail runs offered this year by CCPRC. The success of the agency’s other race efforts, including October’s annual Folly Beach Challenge triathlon and the Mullet Haul 5K Run held in March at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, prompted CCPRC to offer additional “adventure” races. Last summer, organizers also introduced themed evening 5K trail runs at North Charleston’s Wannamaker County Park. So, hit the trails! The Where the Wild Things Run begins at 4 p.m. on Nov. 12. The race is for ages 10 and up; ages 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Online registration is open now through Nov. 11. Registration and packet pickup will also be available on race day from 2 – 4 p.m. Registration is $30. Advance registration for Charleston County residents is $24.
Story & Photos by CCPRC
To sign up for the Where the Wild Things Run, for more information, or for a list of upcoming races at your county parks, call 843-795-4386 or visit ccprc.com.
TRAIL GUIDE
BEST PLACES
TO RUN IN CHARLESTON
West Ashley Greenway
Run Baby, Run
I’on Trail in Mt. Pleasant
by Jennifer Shelton
Local Coaches Offer Tips for Beginners and Advanced Runners Since Charleston is a relatively flat city, running is a popular pastime amongst locals. While some simply run to enjoy the outdoors and to get some exercise, others are more serious, competing in races and constantly training to improve their times. According to Charleston Southern track coach Tim Langford and distance coach Ryan Thompson, there are always things you can do to get better while pounding the pavement. For beginners, Langford and Thompson suggest simply running consistently, day after day. In addition, beginners can incorporate short segments of fast running into their normal runs a couple of times a week.
AVERAGE 1 MILE TIME
8:15
More advanced runners, though, should hit the track. “Your mile, or even your 5K time, will improve by incorporating track intervals,” Thompson explains. “For example, try intervals of running
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a lap—or 400 meters—faster than your normal running pace, followed by a 2-4 minute rest, and do so multiple times.” Thompson adds that you should try to keep your faster lap times consistent in order to build your endurance. And back to beginners…Thompson says you can get started by simply walking out your front door. “The number one problem beginners face is setting aside the time and actually making it out the door,” Thompson states. “Don’t worry about the distance; just try to set aside 20 to 30 minutes each day for a run/walk combination. This will get you started.” After all, many beginners become disgruntled at first and give up. “People can get turned off from running because—on an infrequent basis—it does hurt and can feel uncomfortable,” Thompson elaborates. “But the more frequently you run, the easier it will be and the better it will feel.”
NO. OF WEEKS YOU SHOULD
TRAIN FOR A HALF MARATHON
Wambaw Cycle Trail at the Francis Marion National Forest Marrington Plantation Trail on the Naval Weapons Station Base Cooper River Bridge (the only hill in town!) Every beach down here is a perfect place to train and build strength
5:30 PM MT. PLEASANT TOWN HALL ADVANCED RUNNERS MEET BEHIND HERE EVERY TUESDAY CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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FINAL SHOT
MORRIS ISLAND