On June 15, 2012, the gun will sound for the start of this year’s race.  Participants will be expected to carry all required and any non-specified gear with them throughout the race. The race directors and race volunteers will not provide water, food, or encouragement during the race but actually push participants to quit.  Though there is a stated start time, this may be ignored and/or modified by the race director.  In addition the participant’s will continue from task to task without knowing when the race will actually finish again, decided upon by the race director.

Steve began his training a few days after the 2011 race. “I knew about the Death Race but it took me a couple of years to build up the courage to actually sign up,” states Steve.  To prepare for the race, I requested the assistance of the coaches/trainers at Forged Fitness – Raleigh NC.

“I asked Jason and Melissa Culbreth, owners of Forged Fitness, as well as the entire staff of the gym, to get me into the most ludicrous and insane shape anyone has ever been in.  I guess I should have been nervous because of the evil smiles on all of their faces and a resounding, “We can do that.”

Watching videos of previous Death Races always produces the same question in people’s minds, ‘Why do this race?’

“I still ask myself that same question, especially on long training days. For me, the reason I am doing the race is simply for the multiple physical and mental challenges.  I feel that I passed the first challenge by just signing up for the race.  My next challenge is to make it through the training that my coaches are putting me through.  The final challenge: actually complete the race. I have always had the mind set to break myself out of my comfort zone and to always try new adventures.  I think this is what keeps people young and full of life.”

What kind of training does someone undergo to prepare for such an adventure?  Unsure of what obstacles and challenges will happen in the race, Steve’s training encompasses everything from long hikes, carrying-pushing-pulling-dragging all kinds of weight for miles to mind boggling brain teasers and puzzles – which he is tasked to complete during a workout.

Here is an excerpt from the daily journal that Steve is keeping:
Though Saturday’s workout did not seem like much when it was described, I quickly realized how grueling this was going to be.  Within 3 minutes of carrying the 40lb slosh pipe (slosh pipe = a 10’ pvc pipe filled ½ with water) and wearing the weighted vest (50lb), everything from the waist up was in pain.  Regardless of how I positioned the pipe there were going to be muscles that would feel it, and suffer.  After another 10 minutes, my shoulders were numb but I was still moving and getting some very strange looks from people passing by me.  Rounding the corner at the end of my first mile, I got a sense of renewed energy and my pace increased.  This excitement was slowly extinguished as I began my second mile with the slosh pipe.  The second mile was more challenging because I now knew how long it was going to take to finish it.   Arriving back at Forged Fitness after my 2 miles (40 minutes), I was met by an empty and very large wheelbarrow.  At this time, I figured that the hard part was behind me……I was sorely mistaken. My next task was to load rocks that are scattered throughout the woods behind the gym into the wheelbarrow.  I began to pick up rocks that were easy targets and close to my wheelbarrow.  This source did not last and I was forced to pull out partially buried rocks of varying weights and awkward sizes…..first round loaded and ready to be moved.  You don’t realize how steep even subtle slopes seem in a driveway until you are pushing a wheelbarrow full of rocks.  I made it to the 300m mark without incident and dumped my first load or rocks……4 more to go.  My second load of rocks was ready to be relocated.  I made it almost hallway and the load shifted…or I passed out for a brief moment….and the barrow dumped on its side.  Once it starts to go, there is no stopping it.  Reload it again.  Loaded and dumped the 3rd, 4th, and 5th barrow of rocks.  Now sat 5 loads of rocks and 100 m to go.  Unfortunately I was relieved of the use of the wheelbarrow, as I was required to move all the rocks by hand.  I started out carrying 1 rock at a time, which seemed like a good idea but was painfully demoralizing The pile of rocks seemed to grow and grow each time that I headed back  the 100m even though I was removing rocks.  I began to carry 2-3 rocks at a time.  This method was just as demanding.  The visual aspect of the pile did not change and now each rock seemed to gain weight with each step.  Regardless of what you do, eventually pain will develop if you do it long enough.  With each lap, my calves and feet were beginning to send signals to my brain that it was time to stop this nonsense and my shoulders agreed that enough was enough with this weighted vest.  I was experiencing an internal mutiny and it was total chaos.  I looked around for the support and cheering that had kept me going to the first 2 hours but it was no longer there.  The doors were closed and I think I actually heard a ‘click’ which strangely sounded like someone had locked the door.  At this point, I did not like my rocks.  I hated my rocks.  They were now the enemy that was keeping from having a drink of water, a bite to eat, and removal of that damned vest.  Everyone has a breaking point and most think they know where and when that is, but, in reality, it’s a moving target and can be chosen at any moment. Mine would not be today.  Not by these rocks.  I kept moving and argued with my internal conflicts with words and phrases that would shock most.  The pain began to subside, numbness I assume, but everything was on the same page and had the same goal: finish.  After 3.5 hours, I tossed the last rock into its original location.  Until next time my rocky friends.

When June 17, 2012 rolls around, hopefully the end of the Death Race will be in site for the individuals that are still participating.  

What does a tired and beat-up participant hope to gain from the experience?  “I hope to have a big smile on my face and a great sense of accomplishment.  I am sure that I will go through every emotion while I am in the race and my body will, at some point, decide to have a war with my brain, but I think that is part of life’s challenges.  A person will inevitably doubt themselves during such an event, but to beat and silence that negative internal voice will only help to become mentally and physically stronger for other challenges in life.”

It’s not superficial or vain to want to be in shape and to want to achieve.  I can’t stand it when I hear a guy or girl talk about someone that works hard towards a goal gripe when that person won’t date them or doesn’t show an interest in them.  Helloooo! It’s more than likely for a reason.  Have you evaluated yourself lately?  Do you take care of yourself?  Do you work at all?  Or do you mooch off of trust funds or others instead?  I don’t mean to offend or make someone feel bad about their current situation.  However, I do want people to see the light of day.  

Another strong point that goes with all of this higher-standard-of-living talk is that there are bound to be more discrepancies than similarities if one person has goals while the other doesn’t have any.  How one chooses to live his or her life also determines how they prioritize and how they divide their time amongst people, activities, and careers.  If two people don’t have similar interest, then the relationship is more than likely dead before it even started.  How can people relate if they are on different paths?

Think about who you are, what kind of person you want to be, and how you currently live your life.  If you are happy where you are at in life, then that is great!  However, if you are not, then take the time to better yourself first.  Then later, concentrate on finding a significant other if you don’t already have one.  Or, if you are in a relationship, and start to notice that there are significant differences between the two of you, then talk it out to each other.  Maybe a compromise can be met that includes a partnership as well as goal setting for one or both individuals in the relationship like going to the gym together, helping each other find work, or starting school.  Couples don’t need to work towards the same goal, but it helps to work together to achieve personal as well as partnership goals.  I hope that those who were less motivated before looking at this article can find a reason to achieve ambitions or to set higher standards for themselves after reading these words.  It’s a new year, make it count!

Keeping fun light jackets on hand is a great way to change a look and keep warm when it’s chilly on your way to work. Go casual with an interestingly colored leather jacket or ultra-chic in faux fur, like the Olsen twins who can always be seen looking sleek and stylish in layered looks. Cropped jackets are also a fun way to inject menswear-inspired fashion with everyday feminine flair.

Tights are another great way to get away with wearing your favorite dress All year long. Black is classic but, if you feel adventurous, try sporting brightly colored or even patterned tights. Color blocking is a huge trend for Spring this year so transition to the warmer weather with solid-colored boxy-mod dresses and wild neon tights. As a rule of thumb, avoid wearing white tights unless you’re a candy striper or under the age of 12. They’re generally not very flattering and they’re just not very fun.

Accessories are probably the most obvious way to change up your look while simultaneously boosting your style. Scarves are a great and easy way to amp up your style and stave off the winter weather. Try interesting textures and colors or go with lightweight scarves that will translate well to spring.

What is Black, White, and Red All Over?  The Answer Is: Style.  A new virtual boutique based in Raleigh, NC is now available to fashionistas and wine lovers, nation-wide.  Black, White & Red all over, LLC’s vision is to bring fashion from across the United States to each contemporary, independent, stylish woman – regardless of the city in which you reside.  They offer women’s tops, dresses, jewelry, accessories, and wine items in neutral color palettes and with the occasional splash of red.  They recently unveiled their new online store in November 2011 at www.blackwhiteandredallover.com.

The new online shopping area has a full checkout system, accepting all major credit cards and displays a categorized changing inventory of tops, dresses, skirts, wine items and other accessories. It also features frequent sale items and promotional discount codes during special events.

The style is yours: Professional, Casual, Neutral, Urban, Trendy, Comfortable, Free-Spirited, Social; Black, White, and Red all over, LLC has something for every woman out there.  The key is to showcase quality fabrics, and unique jewelry made from precious metals but keeping the price point affordable for the everyday woman.  For example, the store carries a bracelet designed and made by Andy Lifschutz from Brooklyn, NY that features coins fashioned from origins as old as 250 B.C.E.  They also offer t-shirts made by LUVD in which a portion of the sales goes to help charities across the globe.  This Spring, the trends include floral, 20’s sequins, sporty influences.  A mixture of styles and color palettes will bring excitement and a potpourri of fashion as the tulips emerge.  The Black,White, and Red all over, LLC virtual boutique is already working with designers to establish new Spring apparel on the website.

You will find both emerging and established designers featured in the virtual boutique.  The collection will continue to change based on trends, demand, and the flavors of new designs entering the marketplace.  Currently, Black, White & Red all over, LLC features TART, Donna Morgan, LUVD, Juliet & Company jewelry, Andy Lifschutz jewelry, and a variety of others.  Our present designers are established in New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles.  However, there is a continuing search for local designers within the Raleigh-Durham area so we may promote North Carolina businesses.

In addition to being a virtual boutique that showcases beautiful, quality apparel and accessories, Black, White & Red all over, LLC is utilizing Facebook and Twitter to keep fans/followers up to date on the latest fashion trends, events, and promotions.  A Fashion Blog and future exhibitions at local shows, events are in the works, too.
Visit www.blackwhiteandredallover.com to begin your connection with style!

Nick Campbell’s prolific career has allowed him to work with some great musicians but he’s also made some great music on his own. We got a chance to sit down with him to talk about what he’s done, what he’s doing and what the future holds!

SM: How long have you been making music? How did you get into it?

NC: I’ve been playing drums for 26 years and have been performing and recording in bands for about 22 years. As far as how I “got into it”, music kind of got in me. I have early memories of wanting to play drums. I had no family that were musicians and at that age, no friends that played instruments. Still, I had this interest so it must’ve been from God. My grandfather bought me a small, junior drum set and I beat it down in short order. It wasn’t until I was 13 (after many years of asking) that I convinced my father to buy me a “real” 5pc. drum set to learn on; itdidn’t even have cymbals for the first 6 months I played! However, I played everyday, added cymbals and more drums and started learning songs that I liked. I’ve played and practiced almost daily ever since.

SM: Who are your favorite musicians you’ve worked with? What about them made it a memorable experience?

NC: Although I’ve worked with quite a few musicians playing fill-in gigs, sessions and short-lived groups, I’m going to have to go with people I performed and recorded with for many years. Chris Hill and Leah Kirby from “Jam Pain Society” and Bo Boyd, Dave Pitts and Jon Boisvert from “Scotch Gravy” (formerly “Sexual Harris”).
Working with Chris and Leah in “JPS” was memorable because they are, to this day, the only people I’ve worked with who are like me in that they are completely dedicated to original music and would hit the road in a second if given the chance. They are also highly skilled at their talents and hone them relentlessly. Being able to be in a “band” with them for over 14 years was an awesome learning experience. IT was also a lot of hard work but was possible because they are great people. Artistically it just wasn’t the “right” fit and I had to close that artistic door about two years ago to find another.
Working with Bo, Dave and Jon in “Scotch Gravy” was memorable because we all had an ethereal and elusive natural musical connection. I have never had it like that with any other group of artists. We performed (rarely) and recorded (off and on) for about 12 years in the spare time we had. Being able to be in a band with them for that length of time was possible because the music was so good to me and like Chris and Leah, Bo, Dave and Jon are awesome people. Unfortunately, I had to leave this band recently because we developed very strong disagreements on how to do almost everything, except create music! I’m going to miss snatching drum parts from the ether with Bo’s riffs for sure.

SM: Who are your biggest inspirations? Who would you compare your sound to?

NC: The people who inspired me the most are Gary Robinson and Paul Riddle. Gary is a symphonic percussionist in the “Greenville Symphony Orchestra” and taught me for two years at the “Fine Arts Center” in Greenville, SC. Paul is the founding drummer for “The Marshall Tucker Band” and I studied privately with him in Spartanburg,SC for about a year after high school. Those guys taught me more in three years than I could have ever discovered on my own in a lifetime.
I would say my sound (if I even have one) is a mish-mash of Neil Peart (“Rush”), Phil Rudd (“AC/DC”), Carter Beauford (“Dave Matthews Band”), Steve Jordan (everybody, most recently John Mayer), Danny Carey (“Tool”), Mike D. (“The Beastie Boys”), Stewart Copeland (“The Police”), Matt Cameron (“Soundgarden”) and JoJo Mayer (“Nerve”). You know, if the MUSIC calls for a very dense rhythmic part I will create that but if the MUSIC calls for a very sparse groove I will lay that down, and I ain’t afraid to mix digital percussion into the acoustic kit either!

SM: If you could play with any band, past or present, who would it be and why?

NC: Really it would be most any band that creates a new style because in that environment you can be truly creative. Ones that come to mind for me are “Led Zepplin”, “AC/DC”, “Dave Matthews”, “Primus”, “Run DMC”, “Rush”, “Pink Floyd”, “Nirvana”, ect. You know, bands that generate tons of “copycat” groups because their sound is so moving.

SM: What are you doing now with your music? How do you stay active in the local scene? How would you like to grow?

NC: Right now I’m just recording ideas in my home studio and woodshedding, although I am looking for a band to join. I want to find a group of artists who create something very unique and where I can contribute to that fresh, new sound. It would be great to be able to get into something already established on some level.
Honestly, in the last couple of years I haven’t been too active in the local scene. It was a real life changer to quit “JPS” and the job I held for almost 10 years (at Sam Ash and previously Mars Music). I am planning to get out to more local shows in the near future to hear what’s going on.
[I would like to grow] Financially! But by pursuing original art it’s difficult.

SM: What are your plans for 2012? What are you looking forward to in the coming year and beyond, in terms of your music career?

NC: So far, my plans are to do my job (drum teching for Michael Cartellone of “Lynyrd Skynyrd”/”Damn Yankees”) to the best of my abilities, try to land a gig in a professional, established, original music band and possibly make a move to Nashville, TN…in order to pursue that elusive band.
Beyond a year, well, let’s hope it’s creating art with a group of dedicated artists, professionally.

It’s that time of year again! What gal doesn’t want to shed a few pounds after two months of all-you-can-eat pies, cakes and cookies? But making and keeping your New Year’s Resolutions can be one of the most daunting tasks on your post-holiday checklist. So let these fun styles and simple tips help you stay on track and look great while your burn those Christmas calories.

From compression tights that bear it all to comfy pants that provide a little more coverage, there are lots of options when trying to stay warm and stay stylish all while staying active in the winter months.

Compression tights are a staple for those who enjoy cold weather workouts because they stay close to the body and help wick moisture away from the skin keeping you warm and dry. If you’re not ready to lay it all out there you can layer your tights with a pair of running shorts for added coverage.

Yoga pants are a great go-to for any outdoor or indoor activity. They fit close to the body so they don’t chafe but the shape is flattering enough to wear on a casual coffee date with girlfriends, after your trip to the gym, of course!

Sweat pants are perfect if your body isn’t quite where your want it to be yet. Go for a pair made with lightweight fabric so your don’t overheat during your uphill treadmill set but is still warm enough for a jog in the park on a cool February day.

Athletic apparel used to be a bland “one-size-fits-all” model with little variety and few stylish options, but now there are more and more brands focused on fashionable and functional sportswear for women of all shapes and sizes.

Athletic tanks are a necessity and can be worn alone or as a supportive base layer. Flirty shapes and fun colors make these too cute to just buy one so stock up and wear them with everything.

Today’s tee shirts are nothing like the heavy 100% cotton one’s that we wore in the 90’s. Cutting edge technology applied to textiles have created a whole new line of fabrics that support and sculpt your body in ways you never thought possible. Try a few long-sleeved ones that your can wear throughout the winter and spring as well as short-sleeved styles for the gym and summer months.  

A lightweight jacket can make or break a morning run. If you get too cold, you may be less motivated to go the extra mile (or 2, or 3!). So when your lacing up your trainers don’t forget to throw on this essential winter accessory, too! Look for one with reflective tape, especially if you’re an early bird!

After spending the entire month of October in Los Angeles, CA playing solo acoustic shows, and teaming up new LA-based management in Bill McCoy of Nocturnal Entertainment,  Jason has returned to Raleigh,  excited about recording a new album for the next two weeks with The Jason Adamo Band, here in Raleigh at Mark Mckee’s K House Recording studio.  

John Briggs, producer of “Transistor”, The Jason Adamo Band’s 2010 album, (which included the song “Raleigh Nights”, which can be heard  at most Carolina Hurricanes home games) has returned to produce this follow up EP which will consist of 6 all new songs from the band.

This will mark the second collaboration between, Adamo and Briggs, as well as JAB lead guitarist Doug Casteen.  Jason and Doug have been hard at work writing new material for the EP, having recently spent a week in Nashville, TN writing songs and putting together demos for the new record.

Over the next month, the JAB will be hard at work recording and mixing their new record during the day and playing shows in and around Raleigh at night, including a Monday night Residency at The Pour House Music Hall as they prepare to head back out to Los Angeles to perform at the 2012 NAMM Show. (Their third year in a row performing at this music industry conference) While in LA, the band will not only be performing on the Marriott Stage Thursday January 19th in Anaheim for NAMM, but will also be performing an industry showcase in LA while in town.

Stay tuned for some exciting things to come in 2012 from The Jason Adamo Band, and keep a look out for the new record to drop this spring!  
And for more info on The Jason Adamo Band please visit www.jasonadamomusic.com

SM: How did you enjoy your time in LA?

JA: Living out in LA for the month of October was a great experience.  Though I’ve travelled to LA quite a bit since playing my first show there back in 2004, this was the first time spending more than a week there at one time.
I played some very cool shows, in some great venues from Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach to The House of Blues on the sunset strip. I got the chance to share the stage with some great LA-based musicians including Lindsay Harper, Brett Young, Chris Mouch and many more.
Also by the end of October I had accomplished one of the things I set out to do while in LA, which was landing new management in Bill McCoy of Nocturnal Entertainment.

SM: How does the music scene there compare to the music scene in Raleigh?  

JA: LA is much more saturated with musicians and bands attempting to take their careers to the next level.  Being the entertainment capital of the world there is a greater concentration of professional musicians working in literally thousands of music venues in the LA area.  At the same time however, I found that LA was very similar to Raleigh in the fact that most musicians playing professionally know one another, and It is a relatively tight knit community.

SM: Describe the feel of your new EP. How has it progressed from your previous work? What is similar?

JA: I’m going to let producer John Briggs, who also produced my last album, take this question:  

JB: The last record Transistor was Jason’s rock record. We set out from the very beginning to make a rock record, but with tinges of blues, country, and folk. With this record, we didn’t come in with a set idea in mind, and just sort of let the songs breathe and go in whatever direction they wanted to. Most of the personnel on the two records are the same, so stylistically there will be some similarities, but at the same time Transistor was two years ago so we’ve all grown since then. However, I was playing drums on Transistor and Shedrick Williams is playing drums on this record, so if nothing else, the drumming will be a whole lot better.

SM: What do you love about Raleigh?  

JA: Raleigh is a great place to live. It seems like it would be a great place to raise a family one day.  I love my friends and “fans” who come to the shows in Raleigh.  I do also love that the traffic here in Raleigh, even on its worst day is nothing compared to the traffic out in LA.  

SM: Where is your favorite place (here in town) to perform?  

JA: I’d have to say the Pour House Music Hall is my favorite place to play here in Raleigh.  After playing shows in pretty much every music venue Raleigh has to offer, The Pour House feels more like home.

SM: What can we expect from JAB in the coming year?  

JA: Big things hopefully, we’ll have to wait and see DEFINITELY a new JAB record in early 2012!

December is full of fun and festivity but you don’t want to get caught in the wrong look at the wrong soiree. And while wearing the same dress to all of your holiday gatherings may be economical, it can get a little boring. There’s no need to buy a totally different outfit for each occasion, just find a few multitaskers and follow these simple tips.
1. Less is More
While it’s fun to add a little holiday sparkle to your look, you don’t want to be mistaken for the tinsel-covered tree. Try toning down the disco ball dresses by going sans-jewelry or by wearing a nude shoe. Minimizing distracting details will brighten your ensemble without blinding your coworkers at the annual holiday mixer.
2. Jewel Tones are a Girl’s Best Friend
Red and Green are the official colors of December but that doesn’t mean it should be your uniform. It may be fun to geek out at a tacky Christmas sweater party but when you are ready to class it up go for jewel tones. Not only do they flatter almost every skin tone, but these rich, saturated colors like emerald, amethyst, sapphire and ruby are luxurious and add an air of sophistication.
3. Play with Proportions
A skin-tight dress on New Year’s Eve may seem like the ideal outfit for a midnight kiss but sometimes a piece that’s a little more forgiving and requires 1 or 2 fewer pairs of Spanx will do the trick just as well. Try a structured top with a full flirty skirt for a seductive but still comfortable look. Another great option is a slightly high-waisted wide leg pant in a dark wash with a fitted blazer.

Wear it Everywhere: Splurge on a few pieces that you can dress up or down but will never get boring.

1. A Sparkly Top
A sequined tank or blouse can add a touch of excitement to a basic pantsuit but can also spice up your night out on the town when paired with a short skirt and ankle boots. Gold and silver are great shades that go well with lots of other colors, making them perfect multitaskers.

2. A Pencil Skirt
While the classic pencil skirt is often reserved for the boardroom, it can also be dressed down with stacked heels and a neon or printed top.

3. Nude Heels
A good pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. Nude heels elongate the leg and can be worn with almost anything. Try a stacked heel, for comfort, or a stiletto for a sexy night out.