Charleston James Island Connector Run

JIC run 2013

This past November, I ran the Charleston James Island Connector Run as a race ambassador with my family, Shanna, and Shannon. It was such a well organized event and benefits a great cause, the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation. It's a partnership of local Charleston sponsors with CofC, CSU, The Citadel, TTC, and the Art Institute to provide scholarships to students with disabilities. As a rehabilitation counselor, you know this is near and dear to my heart and is important for me be involved with in my community. I plan on running it again this year and I've been looking forward to it literally since I finished the race last year!

As an ambassador, I was able to meet the recipients of last year's GKF scholarship and speak with each student individually about their plans for college. The kids blew me away! I had a chance to talk with a few families of these brilliant students, two parents in particular who were lighting up the entire room with their smiles. I knew immediately who their son was in the group of 13 recipients. He was smiling even bigger than they were, and it was so contagious I found myself grinning ear to ear! They talked about how proud they were of him, how smart he was, and what he wanted to do when he graduated college. This was a BIG deal for them. For several students with disabilities, the cost of medical equipment and disability management is an issue. This foundation extends the opportunity for a college education to students who may otherwise not have the funds. I don't run the race to break records (because Lord know I'm slow as molasses). I run the race for these kids! The 6 hills are just an added bonus ;-)

There's a 5k and 10k run/walk option, as well as a 10k bike before the runners start. The race features stunning views of the Charleston peninsula via the James Island Connector, normally not a bridge pedestrians are allowed to run on! The race itself is big enough that you feel this inspiring sense of community, yet small enough that the crowd isn't overwhelming (unlike other bridge runs *ahem*) 

Use discount code: Melissa14 at checkout for 20% off

If you don't want to run/walk, but still want to be involved, volunteers are needed to fill lots of roles before, during, and after the race! Sign up here to volunteer!

(No, I did not mean to rhyme)

Charleston Paddler

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?? With the new warmer temperatures, it is the perfect time of year to get out in the sun and try something new. May I introduce to you, Charleston Paddler

Find them on Facebook here

Located on Shem Creek right in Mt. Pleasant, Charleston Paddler offers Paddleboard and kayak rentals and tours, mini boat rentals, and surf lessons. They also offer boat tours/charters where you can visit the little islands surrounding the peninsula, view the historic sites near the battery, go on a bar hop booze cruise, or hop on board an inshore fishing charter. Have I mentioned their prices are excellent?! 

The closest I've ever come to a headstand on water

I met the owner, Harry, last Summer when I was looking up places to do SUP (stand up paddle) yoga. He was super nice and it was so much fun trying this new "sport" out.

A SUP yoga class is $25 and includes a 2 hour paddleboard rental (only $10 if you BYOB...board, not beer. Although Harry might be open that as form as payment hehe), where you paddle out to a dock, there's a short yoga class on the dock led by one of the fabulous instructors, then paddling back in for a flow session on the board.

My favorite part of the class might just be the sunset yoga class on the dock. Sooo relaxing after a stressful day at work!

The SUP yoga classes are every day at 6pm (except on Saturdays), as well as Wednesdays and Fridays at noon! The classes are all levels so if you have never tried yoga, this is a really neat way to start your practice.

Paddleboard and kayak rentals are always available so if you're not into yoga, it's OK you can still enjoy padding around. And no shame if you have to paddle from a seated or kneeling position!

The views once the sun begins to set are breathtaking

If you haven't seen Charleston from a Paddleboard yet, you're missing out 

Give Charleston Paddler a call!

Sunday Fundays at Holy City Brewing

There are 3 things I'm loving about my Sundays lately: yoga, beer, and brunch!

If you didn't brunch, did Sunday even happen?

Check out her Facebook here

Beth, one of my favorite yogis and founder of Bendy Brewski Yoga, teaches at various locations around the Charleston area. She's teamed up with local breweries to bring yoga to beer lovers! Every Sunday at 11am, Beth comes out to Holy City Brewing an hour before they open to the public, to teach a class and share in a 4 flight beer tasting. It's a 45 minute all levels class, so if you've never done yoga before, this is a great class to start...then reward yourself with beer :-)

A few of my favorites have been Graveyard Shiftee, Doppelbock, and Pie face.

The staff at Holy City is friendly and knowledgeable, and the brews are excellent!

Check out their Facebook here

They have specials during the week, live music and a food truck every Friday evening, cornhole, darts, 

and a pool table!

Obligatory selfie while I beat one of the regulars
(jk, I've lost every single game I've ever played here)

There's always a different food truck and the past 2 weeks have been so good.
If not for the yoga and the beer (as if that wouldn't ALREADY be convincing enough), come for the food!

This weeks food cart, Pep Rolls (yum, in more ways than one). Find them on Facebook here

See you there next Sunday!