No excuses: Get moving in Charlotte

It's hard to make excuses for not getting out and exercising if you live here.

First of all, Charlotte serves up a lot of clear, sunny and pleasantly warm weather throughout much of the year (except – of course – on days when it's clear, sunny and unpleasantly humid).

Secondly, the city offers some wonderful places to get out and do that exercise. Here are a few highlights:

There are 33 miles of developed and 147 miles of undeveloped greenways in Mecklenburg County – meaning there's almost certainly a peaceful, safe, family-friendly route not too far from where you live. Info: www.parkandrec.com, search for “Greenways.” In search of people to run with? Visit your local running store and inquire about groups and clubs that fit your schedule and ability level.

Anywhere in Dilworth, the cozy section of Charlotte a few miles south of uptown. During peak times (dawn, lunchtime, dusk), the number of runners and walkers you'll cross paths with will amaze you. Park at Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd.

The Thunder Road Marathon, held every December. Not ready for 26.2 miles? There's also a half-marathon and a 5K. The one-day, three-race extravaganza annually attracts thousands of runners (4,600 in 2008). The course is hilly, but there are few better ways to get to know your city. www.runcharlotte.com

The U.S. National Whitewater Center in West Charlotte is probably the most popular place to ride in our area. It has dirt paths for beginners and gnarly single-track trails for experienced mountain bikers. Bike rentals available. www.usnwc.org

The Booty Loop, a three-mile loop in Myers Park, is the Las Vegas strip of the bicycling scene in Charlotte. Be sure to enter a team each July for the “24 Hours of Booty” fundraising event.www.24hoursofbooty.org

In outlying counties and towns. Despite all the growth in center city, there are miles and miles of quiet, open roads within a 30-minute drive of uptown – and they're particularly quiet and open on weekend mornings. Set out with a sense of adventure (and, if you have one, a GPS). Or visit your local bike shop and inquire about weekly rides.

Whether you're training for a triathlon or just trying to do a dozen laps now and then to stay fit, you can pay as you go (membership not required!) for swim sessions in the 25-yard lanes at the Marion Diehl Center (2219 Tyvola Road) or the 50-meter by 25-yard pool at Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center (800 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) www.charmeck.org

The U.S. National Whitewater Center has great biking trails, but also offers canoeing, kayaking, climbing, eco-caching, walking, hiking, running, ziplining and – of course – rafting. It's an outdoor adventurer's paradise.

Théoden Janes blogs about the local running scene at obsruntheoden.blogspot.com.

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