A Charleston native, Coleen Strasburger moved to Columbia 25 years ago. For 24 of those years, she has owned and operated Turning Pointe dancewear store on Forest Drive – a business that has since expanded to a second location in Strasburger’s hometown.
After volunteering for several years with the Ray Tanner Home Run, Strasburger this year serves as its co-director. The Home Run, in its 10th year, is an annual running and walking event that raises funds to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and their families through the Ray Tanner Foundation. Since it was launched in 2006, the Home Run has contributed more than $140,000 to the Columbia community.
This year, the event – set for Saturday, Oct. 24 at Carolina Stadium – is raising money for victims of the devastating floods in Columbia earlier this month.
In addition to her work with the Home Run, Strasburger is a board member for Artists for Africa, a Columbia organization in which local artists give their time and talents to help support Anno’s Africa, a nonprofit group that brings art classes to poverty-stricken children of Kenya.
EAT: You will always find me Friday nights at Devine Foods, fueling for my Saturday run. I love Bistro 116, Cellar on Greene, and of course, Starbucks in Five Points is a must after a Saturday run.
DRINK: My favorite drink is Tiramisu Tini at 116 (Espresso and Wine Bar). I also love to go to Pizza Joint for a pint and a slice and Henry’s (Restaurant and Bar).
PLAY: I enjoy running all over Columbia. My running group hits the streets early Saturday mornings, so we enjoy the pre-rush quiet before the city wakes up. Columbia is also home to many road races, ranging from 5Ks to a full marathon. Participating as a volunteer (and this year as co-director) for the Ray Tanner Home Run, it’s a special treat to be at Carolina Stadium once a year watching runners of all abilities cross home plate when they finish the race. I am also a regular at Yoga Masala on Bluff Road. Yoga is a key to my being active and continuing to run injury-free.
LISTEN: I was so excited that Paul McCartney came this year to the Colonial Life Arena. It was a concert I was not going to miss. Three hours of Sir Paul, no breaks, and so many guitar changes.
SEE: Running before sunrise allows for a few beautiful sights around the city (such as) coming up on the Gervais Street bridge with the sun rising and the fog on the water. I see so much while putting in my long miles, including all kinds of wildlife. I once saw an owl getting his breakfast, and I have moved a few turtles out of the road. We live in a great city for sights such as these.
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