Runner in the Spotlight: Melissa Oyler

Where do you work?
Melissa Oyler Designs, LLC

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?
Too many good ones to choose from! I love Zink, The Melting Pot, Portofino's and the list goes on...

How long have you lived in Charlotte?
My entire life - 32 years - in the Charlotte area, except for one year in the Lowcountry of SC.

When and why did you start running?
I started running in the workout room of the newspaper where I worked right after college. I would go back there at 3am after work with a couple of coworkers, and we'd play around on the machines while everyone else was sleeping. I remember the first time I ran a mile - it was such an accomplished feeling!

What do you love about running?
I love how my legs look in the mirror when I've been training properly. I love getting some time to myself with nothing but my thoughts and my favorite music to keep me company. I love eating whatever I want.

Favorite place you've traveled and loved for running?
I tend to keep most of my running close to home, although I'm running the Marine Corps Marathon and can't wait for that. One of my first races was the Cooper River Bridge run and I absolutely loved the energy there. I love running at the beach because it's flat and breezy and scenic.

What’s the funniest/strangest/worst thing that has ever happened to you on a run?
I went to visit a friend in Athens, Ga.for a week and I realized I forgot my running shoes. Well, I couldn't go a week without exercise, and I had brought a pair of Old Navy slip-on tennis shoes. I figured I could wear those into the gym and just use the elliptical. Not a great solution, but better than no exercise. My friend was super embarassed to be seen with me wearing those shoes in the gym. "You're actually going to wear those?" he asked. Well, what choice did I have?

So we were in the gym and I was on the elliptical and he was running on the treadmill. All of a sudden he lost his footing and literally did a back flip off the back of the treadmill onto the ground! After realizing he wasn't hurt, I convulsed into laughter - "and you think people are looking at my shoes?!" Serves him right for being so worried about how he looks in the gym!

What motivates you to get out the door every day in this summer heat?
Marine Corps Marathon. I know if I don't train now, I won't be happy on race day. That is the only thing that gets me out in this heat!

Judging from your facebook updates, it seems like you’re a huge fan of blogging. Do you have any good blogging stories as they relate to running?
My favorite blog post about running was my first marathon post. I'm so glad I wrote about my experience as I will remember it through this post for years to come! You can read it here.

What's your most memorable race and why?
Hands down, it was my first marathon, Thunder Road. I wanted to take in every moment of that race. From the bands to the "smile if you need a spanking" guy, to the cheering...I loved every minute. I started crying at mile 25 because it was almost over and I didn't want it to be!

Otherwise, I'd have to say it was pretty memorable the day I ran a half marathon in the morning and a 5K in the evening. I'd signed up for the 5K first, and it was Halloween weekend in Transylvania County, so I couldn't miss it! I resigned myself to possibly having to walk it and went for it - and I ran both - the whole way! That was a lot of fun. I dressed as Rainbow Brite for the 5K.

Favorite Charlotte race?
Thunder Road, followed by the old Frosty 5K series. Someone needs to bring those back!

Where is your favorite place to run in Charlotte?
McMullen Creek. It's close to home and it's shaded and it's crowded enough that I feel safe running there alone. I usually just run from my house, though; I hate the thought of having to get in the car to go run when my feet will take me somewhere just fine!

What’s your favorite CRC group run to join?
I haven't joined any of them yet! To be determined!

Favorite distance? PR?
A surprise to me, I like the long-distance running. I've only done one marathon but based on that experience I'd say it was my favorite! My time was 4:29:37. I hope to beat that in DC!

What’s next on your race calendar?
Marine Corps Marathon, but I hope to squeeze in one more triathlon before then - just need to see what my schedule allows!

Fun fact:
The photo is from Old Mecklenburg Brewery's 1K + Beer run. I dressed as a barmaid and my brother and I crossed the finish line together for the first time ever!

Runner in the Spotlight: John Cantrell

John Cantrell leads one of the super early morning runs for the Charlotte Running Club at 5:05am every Monday. Not only does John run half marathons, but he also has completed some Ironman competitions. Enjoy the read!

Where do you work?
At H.B. Cantrell & Co Insurance, I work with family owned and closely held businesses on workers comp and business insurance issues, and help middle and upper income individuals have the proper coverage for auto, homeowners and life insurance at the most competitive rates in the marketplace.

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?

Hawthorne’s Pizza on E. 7th St

How long have you lived in Charlotte?

39 years and going strong!

When and why did you start running?
My father had double bypass 10 years ago. In 2005, I decided I needed to shift to a more aerobic based program, from playing hoops and lifting weights to running. The 4 Mile Shamrock run in Ballantyne was my first race in 2005. I gradually kept extending my distance, ultimately to an Ironman in 2008.

What do you love about running?

When you’re done! I also love how it helps me manage stress throughout the day.

Favorite place you've traveled and loved for running?

Marine Corp Marathon, Washington , DC

What’s the funniest/strangest/worst thing that has ever happened to you on a run?

I have been attacked twice by owls. Once on Morehead St, and once on Lexington Ave. On Lexington, I shooed it away. Then as it sat on the speed limit sign and stared me down while I began to run again, it chased me again!!!

What motivates you to get out the door every day in this summer heat?

The SWEAT you get to feel! The endorphins when finished! The sense of peace all day!

What's your most memorable race and why?

It is either 2008 Disney Marathon because I had a grueling cramp for the entire run/walk around Epcot. The weather was 70 degrees at the 5am race start time and I failed to follow my target heart rate by 10bpm. The other would be Ironman Wisconsin 2008 that I completed as a result of the great learning experience in Disney.

Favorite Charlotte race?

YMCA ½ Marathon because right when you finish, you can conveniently shower and clean up just a block from the finish! How nice!

Where is your favorite place to run in Charlotte?

I love running on the 6 mile Booty loop starting at the Dowd Y.

What’s your favorite CRC group run to join?

I lead the 5am Monday run from the Dowd YMCA. There are about 2-3 other runners in the group.

Favorite distance? PR?

½ Marathon 1:45:00

What’s next on your race calendar?

½ Ironman – Patriots in Williamsburg in September 2010

What do you love most about the Charlotte Running Club?

The flexibility provided to find group runs wherever you are and at whatever pace you are or want to run.

Fun Fact:

I went from being a non-runner to an Ironman in 3 years!

Gear is Here! - New Singlets In

Club Members and Club Friends,

We just got in a new order of CRC Singlets. Several of you had requested them so go get them at the RFYL Dilworth location while they last. The RFYL 4 miler is (July 24th) Saturday am so that is a great time to pick them up. If you want to represent at races and look legit, then a CRC singlet is a must purchase.

We also have CRC technical T-Shirts available at RFYL for purchase. Maybe singlets are not your thing. No problem, grab a nice Mizuno technical T to wear at races or on runs.

CRC socks are available at Inside Out Sports. They are really comfortable and thin which is great in this super hot weather.

Anyone need a CRC head band? Our head band stock is about out but if there is enough interest, we will place another order. Headbands are terrific to combat the sweat on these hot and humid days. Plus they look cool! If you are interested in a head band, send an email to: run.charlotte@gmail.com

- Happy Running

Runner in the Spotlight: John Compton

John Compton is one of Charlotte's fastest males, usually giving Jordan Kinley a run for his money. A Wake Forest graduate of 2008, he now teaches history at Providence Day High School, a long time friend / athlete of Ben Hovis. John is best known for his storytelling abilities, his track/XC records at PDS, and his good heart. PS, ladies, he is single.

Where do you work?
I teach History and coach XC /Track at Providence Day School.

How long have you lived in Charlotte?
All my life, though much of it was technically spent in the lovely town of Matthews.

When and why did you start running?
After years of playing baseball, basketball, and a bit of soccer, I realized that my only contribution to such sports was either getting hit by a pitch and then eventually stealing second base or running up and down the field/court and simply getting in the way of the other team. Also, as 5th grader I dominated capture the flag, which isn’t exactly a sport you can pursue competitively in high school or college. In 6th grade I went out for XC as a last attempt to prove that I had some athletic ability (side note: I wore jean shorts to the first practice, not one of my finer moments).

Was Ben Hovis your coach? Do you duel it out now in races?
Yep, he coached me from 8th grade all through high school. After a 10 year losing streak to Ben, I’ve finally won a few races against him recently, but once his Achilles heals up the battles are sure to return.

What do you love most about running?
I love just getting out on the road or a trail and shutting my brain off and letting my imagination wander while I move along. It is one of the best parts of the day, and sometimes it’s the only part of the day that I really have to think about work. Also, I don’t have to try and catch a ball.

What is your most memorable race?
One of my few wins for WF in college was a 5k at the Armory in NYC. The atmosphere there is just incredible, so pulling off the victory in front of a lot of people with a big PR just felt amazing.

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?
Zeda Janes off Central has the best breakfast in town…but recently I’ve spent a lot of time at Cabo Fish Taco, fantastic!

What's your favorite place to run in CLT?
I’ve spent the past 13 years or so doing the majority of my runs at McAlpine, so while that may be my home away from home, lately I’ve really enjoyed running uptown and in the Dilworth area. My body doesn’t handle extensive mileage on the roads very well, so I still hit up McAlpine several times a week, however.

Favorite distance and PR?
Probably the 5k: 14:45 on the track. Now that college running is over, I’m starting to get into longer races. I had a blast running the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile (53:29) with Ben and Dan Matena earlier this year, so I bet that a longer distance like that will soon become a favorite.

What are your plans for the summer since you have the vacation?
I just finished teaching summer school for a couple of weeks, so now I have about 6 weeks to relax. I’m going to the beach with my family and I’m flying out to LA to see my best friend from high school. Otherwise, I’ll just be hanging out around here for most of it. I just bought a grill so there will be a lot of freshly cooked food, a lot of books read by other people’s pools, and, as long as I stay healthy, a lot of running.

Is it safe to assume that you and fellow CRC member Caitlin Chrisman are the fastest roommates in Charlotte?
I suppose so, but then again, I’m not exactly an expert on the living situations of all of Charlotte’s runners. Perhaps this is another summer project, but I fear it might involve some stalking with questionable legal ramifications…

What's the weirdest or funniest thing that's ever happened to you on a run?
I had the opportunity to spend about a month one summer in college studying in London. I use to run at the Hampstead Heath (an expansive, beautiful park outside the heart of the city) before class most mornings. If I ran early enough I often had much of the park to myself. One of these mornings just after dawn I was rolling along at a descent clip when I rounded a bend in the trail and saw five or six young women, aged roughly 18-22, dressed as fairies (and I mean decked out: the real deal complete with wings, crowns and wands) skipping along. While this may sound like a 20-year-old’s dream come true, it was far too bizarre (and early) to be exciting and I was actually a bit alarmed. When they saw me they began asking if they could, amongst other things, “grant my wishes”. I politely declined, unsure if I should laugh at them or be afraid of them, and explained that I really had to keep going. At this point they became very angry, began waving their wands and proceeded to chase me while putting a variety of “spells” and “hexes” on me. I probably ran the fastest 800 of my life after that. So far I’ve yet to turn into a frog or grow a third arm, but whenever something bad happens, I blame it on them.

How'd you feel after that CRC Cinco de Mayo run?
It’s a great tradition that I will never, ever, ever participate in again, although it did remind me why I swore off tequila several years ago.

Runner in the Spotlight: Sarah Neumann

Sarah Neumann is a Registered Dietitian in the Charlotte Area. Despite having been hit by a car once while running and then again while driving, Sarah continues to bounce right back into the running or triathlon spheres. Enjoy the read!

Where do you work?
I work as a Registered Dietitian at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, SC. I wear a lot of hats there--I do inpatient work, counsel cardiac rehab patients and provide outpatient nutrition counseling. I noticed lately that I really enjoy working with the overweight children that come in to see me.

Do you find it difficult to find the time to train and work a full time job?
Yes, but I find a way to still squeeze it in! In the spring and fall months I've been taking graduate classes so that adds even more chaos. Right now I have no class so I work out in the morning before work and then again after work. It's my biggest social activity so without it my social life would be dull!

What's your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?
It's not really a restaurant per se but Earth Fare is a place I frequent a lot. I also really love Flying Biscuit and Toast in Davidson after a long hard workout.

How long have you lived in Charlotte?
I will have been here for 4 years in August. Best decision I ever made was to move here because there are so many fun things to get into and I've made so many great friends!

When and why did you start running?
I started running in the 8th grade. I joined the track team because all my friends were doing it and it sounded cool. The first day of practice I was the first girl to finish the one mile warm-up...I think right from that moment on I knew I'd be a distance girl. I competed in the mile and two mile throughout high school and loved it (even though we distance people weren't as popular as those sprinters!).

What do you love about running?
I love challenging myself to try and accomplish things that I haven't done before. My self-confidence has grown enormously through the years of training and competing. I also love feeling as a part of a community of runners who have the same love as I do. I think runners are some of the best people I know!

You do triathlons as well. What inspired you to take up your first triathlon?
I took up triathlons after an injury during the Boston Marathon in 2009. I fractured my lower back and swimming was the only activity I could do for awhile. After a few months of being stuck indoors and going stir crazy, I started noticing how much fun my roommate was having going out for long bike rides. It was a little intimidating to even think of trying out the biking thing since I knew nothing about it. Finally one day I decided it was time to take the dive and I bought a bike. I had no idea what I was looking for but as long as it had two wheels I was good to go (and l LOVE my bike by the way). I did my first triathlon a few months later and my life became much more exciting from that point on!

Favorite place you've traveled and loved for running?
I haven't traveled a whole lot but my favorite places to run are in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the scenery at the top of some of the mountains there are beautiful. One summer I bought a hiking guide and each weekend I'd drive there to run some of the trails. I really love Black Balsam and Tenet mountains for the 360 degree views at the top. Once I ran up the Mount Mitchell trails just for "fun" :)

What’s the funniest/strangest/worst thing that has ever happened to you on a run?
Ahh...the worst thing that comes to mind was getting hit by a car (and yes I am accident prone!). Somehow I survived a 30 foot airborne flight into the middle of an intersection with only a few road rash burns and broken bones. Really these days it's nothing out of the ordinary for me...

What's your most memorable race and why?
My most memorable race was the Boston Marathon in 2007. It was the day of days for me and I'd been training my butt off for months not knowing what to expect. It was the biggest race I had ever done and having so many spectators along the whole entire course cheering was just amazing. With a Nor' Easter sweeping through the city that day I still managed to pull off a PR in 3:16. Best. Day. Ever.

Favorite Charlotte race?
Thunder Road holds a special place in my heart because it was my first ever marathon and my first Boston Qualifier.

Where is your favorite place to run in Charlotte?
My favorite place would have to be Renaissance park. I am a trail junkie so any patch of quiet dirt trails with trees hovering over you equals paradise to me. Just down the road from us is Anne Springs which is also paradise.

What’s your favorite CRC group run to join?
I am in limbo with running right now, but for a period of time during the winter months I did the 6am run from the Dowd.

Favorite distance? PR?
Once upon a time my favorite distance was the Marathon (it's been awhile since I've done one). My PR from Boston still stands at 3:16.

What’s next on your race calendar?
My next big race is in August--my first ever Half Iron Man in New Hampshire with a bunch of my awesome triathlon/CRC friends. I am excited just for the fun and friends more than anything else!

What do you love most about the Charlotte Running Club?
I love that it is a great networking tool. I think it has created and provided an awesome community and camaraderie. We all have the same passion and it's great that we have a club that supports this. I don't know that many other cities have such a great athletic community as ours!