The Latest Running News and Notes in Hampton Roads from Sportswrap, Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

On The Run, Again!

My Mother called me Friday and asked me if I was running any races this past weekend. I told her my schedule was full of commitments and that I wouldn’t be at any of the races. She told me that it was “probably too miserable to be out there”.

While my Mom has been right, most of my life, there WERE races this past weekend. There were also some really impressive times as Saturday, the Chesapeake Police Foundation Inaugural Five-0 5K went well. No one named “Dan-O” or “McGarrett” won the race, but Hollie Heimer took the Ladies Title, with a strong 20:21 for the 3.1 miles. Ryan Carroll “smoked” the course in 16:20 to take the overall title.

Sunday, the Jamestown Invitational Triathlon took off from Anniversary Park. Swim 1500 Meters, Bike 24.9 Miles, and Run 6.2 Miles. That’s pretty challenging and yet with the conditions, some “hot” times, too. Congrats to Douglas Marocco with an overall winning time of 1:46:35, while the Women were led by Rachel Wigton, from Chesapeake, with a strong 1:52:43. We love our triathlon friends. This time of year, I would end up spending WAY to much time in the swimming part of the event. especially, with my floating drink holder… Seriously, “congrats” to all of you who “tri!”

Feeling Very Olympic!

Like many of you, I have been hooked on watching the U.S. Olympic Trials, in advance of the London Olympics later this month. It was great seeing Portsmouth’s Lashawn Merritt do so well, then watching Gabby Douglas, the 2004 Level 4 Virginia State Champion, secure a spot in Gymnastics. After finishing last year’s Rock & Roll Half Marathon, I got to rub shoulders with Ryan Hall, who will also be in London as he made the Olympic Marathon team. The excitement keeps building with Swimming and Track & Field standouts. The Opening Ceremonies are coming later this month to NBC.

“Flex” & Ryan Hall On the Run!

WOW! She Did It!

I have been using a computer with the old green letters and a shoebox style phone, so I just recently found out about our great “Friend on the Run”, Michelle Smith- Harden. On June 3rd, she finished the Easter Island Marathon, completing Marathons in ALL 50 States and ALL Seven Continents. We chatted with her last April. For those of you who don’t remember, here’s the interview link: On The Run with Jon “Flex” Leiding & Michelle Harden-Smith.

Just Amazing, Michelle!

Time To Go Racing!

Wednesday, claim your patriotism with the Yorktown Independence Day 8K Run and 5K Walk, or in Virginia Beach with the YMCA We Build People 5k & 1 Miler, then in the OBX, it’s the Firecracker Freedom 5k & Old Glory Mile. Hope your week sparkles…

Thanks for the feedback and input each week. I really appreciate it. Catch us weekly here on WAVY.com. Maybe I’ll catch you soon…”On The Run!”