Welcome back to another episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Today, we’re talking about those weighted vests everyone’s wearing —and rucking—with our man, Michael Sweeting. He’s an active member of the Lake Norman Rucking Club, and he has “rucked” at numerous events, including tackling the half marathon at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. With rucking gaining popularity and having its own category at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, we’re excited to hear why people are trading shoes for boots, and why walking with weighted vests is becoming so trendy.

A lot can change in a year. And for Arianna Shahin, that meant getting faster and fitter than she was just 365 days ago. She credits consistency, accountability, and trusting her coach. But it’s not all workouts all the time for this former dancer turned runner. On this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, Arianna explains other positive changes she’s made since last year.

Karyn Mendoza is a math teacher, mom, triathlete, former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, and one of this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors. Yes, she’s just as enthusiastic as you’d expect a cheerleader to be – and in the best kind of way. On this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, she tells us how she got from the sidelines to the classroom to the starting line at nearly every kind of distance … and what her students said when they found out she was a pro cheerleader!

On this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, we’re talking with Cara Hackett. She’s a 2025 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador. Once you listen in here, you’re going to want to join her on the run! Her story is one of pure belief in self, dogged determination – and loads of laughs! Find out what all the fuss is about, and why she had us quite literally laughing out loud!

Devin Martin is clearly a man of action. When his “closest” run clubs were more than 30 minutes away from his house, he started his own. As it turns out, he wasn’t the only one in the neighborhood looking for running partners.

It’s great having a “get it done” kinda guy on the Novant Health Charlotte Ambassador squad. And it was just as much fun having him as our guest on the program!

Lindsey McGee guest hosts with DC Lucchesi on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast! Today, we’re excited to welcome Alexander Valdovinos Garcia, known as @alxx.gar on Instagram. Alexander is a passionate runner and an active member of the Charlotte running community who brings energy, dedication, and a fresh perspective to the sport. Whether training for personal bests or connecting with fellow runners, Alexander’s journey is inspiring and full of valuable insights for runners of all levels.

Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast! Today we’re excited to chat with Rachel Holloway, known as @Glamamazonian on Instagram. Rachel is a dynamic presence in the Charlotte running community and a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment. With a background in communications, marketing, and leadership roles in both the nonprofit and corporate worlds, Rachel brings a unique perspective to everything she does. Whether she’s inspiring others online, supporting local causes, or chasing her own running goals, Rachel is all about building connections and lifting others up.

Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast! Today we’re joined by Lauren Speck—known to many as @laurennspeck on Instagram. Lauren is a biomedical engineering graduate, life sciences consultant, and passionate Charlotte runner. She’s inspired by her family’s health journey and brings a unique scientific perspective to her training, wellness, and community involvement. Whether she’s leading in the workplace, running local routes, or sharing her story online, Lauren is a positive force in both the running and professional worlds.

Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast! Today, we’ve got a special guest who embodies the spirit of Charlotte’s running community—Jeff Hudnall. Jeff is not only a dedicated runner and proud dad, but also a Masters athlete who recently crushed his sub-3 hour marathon goal. He’s passionate about the benefits of coaching, the joys of running in the Charlotte area, and building community through the Runners of Clover club in Clover, South Carolina. Whether he’s logging “junk miles” for the sheer love of running or inspiring others to pursue their own goals, Jeff’s story is sure to motivate runners of all backgrounds. 

Welcome back to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast! On the program with us today is Erin Vinson, a Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador, relay enthusiast, and ultra-distance runner. Erin’s running journey has taken her from the Dam to Dam, Ville to Ville, and Blue Ridge Relay courses, all the way to taking on the Blackbeard 100-mile run. She’s also known for her humor and honesty about the realities of running and her passion for how running can transform individuals and communities. Erin is a champion for mental health, breaking down diet culture, and she never misses a chance to shout out her “Marathon Enablers” and the “Cougar Run Club” for their support.