Every so often, I just need to catch up on some small things to do with local running. This column will do that while offering good information useful over the rest of the holiday season.

One morning early this past week, I started out about 5:15 a.m. and headed up the usual long hill. I felt very good and somewhat quicker than normal. This five mile run followed an unusual non-running day. I don’t miss many days, but my legs weren’t strong the previous week and a rest day was worth a try.

The good and the bad of the rest day goes like this. The bad first. No free mental therapy on a rest day makes me a different person. I eat too much, am not as calm and not as productive. I can’t wait to get back to running again the next day to make things right. No other exercise can fill the void.

The good next. After a day off, my runs are usually rejuvenated for some unspecified period of time. For the next five days I have been running well. I wake up more alert during this time too, and seldom wait to hear the alarm.

The balance of rest days is one of the hardest things for runners to get. I explained this to a runner’s wife the other day. She couldn’t understand why he was angry and even obnoxious on rest days. Those are the facts, ma’am! And it’s the same for women too.

My favorite energy bar for 33 years is no longer available. Since 1986, Powerbar has been the single biggest selling performance bar, intended for consumption a reasonable time before a workout or race. I have eaten at least one Powerbar for over 12,000 days before my morning run and often for snacks later in the day. Peanut butter, vanilla crisp and chocolate were the last three flavors standing, but all are gone now. I ate my last one Saturday. The company’s website is still up but doesn’t seem to be live. No store, no wholesalers or Amazon have them unless at triple the old prices.

Long time runners relied on this bar and the company was a major funding source for many high profile races and triathlons. Making the shift to something else after all the successful years of running is tough. I’m working on an affordable replacement.

Shop local for some interesting runner Christmas gifts. Ralph Baker Shoes has a quality selection of running shoes, socks, replacement insoles and more. Ralph Jr. and his daughter Marissa are runners and know their shoes. What makes a real running shoe store is the knowledge behind the shoes, almost never found in the major sporting goods chains or basic shoe stores.

Another local store working hard to help runners is Back Country and Beyond. They now stock a complete line of Garmin watches, socks, energy supplements and Stinger energy products. Plus plenty more good things for outdoor enthusiasts.

There are no more running events locally until January 1 when the Resolution Run 5K kicks off the New Year at The Forum. SRR and The Forum partner on this one offering a low key way to jump start your year of wellness. Runners and walkers of all abilities are invited. There are no awards and participants get a new recycled shirt from another 2019 race. Each runner gets timed and can see their results on SRR’s website. A finish line video showing all participants will be online later that afternoon. The registration fee is $10 or $5 with three canned goods.

Online registration is now available at www.runsignup.com and a printable brochure is available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org . Mail-in and drop off registrations are accepted as well.
Other upcoming race and event information is also available at the SRR website. Stay active!