The Latest Running News and Notes in the “757″ with Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

Boy, Did I Miss You Guys!

I took a little vacation for a week and SO much always happens! Even though it was a thrill to run the mountains while I was away, I kept the running routes in Hampton Roads on my mind. It’s always cool to look back before we move on. My son told me even though we weren’t home, he missed the Military Challenge at the Sportsplex with all the obstacles. Last year, he carried a Virginia Destroyers Flag through the event and finished by giving the cheerleaders a high five at the finish. I remember getting to interview Ann Hupp, who always puts on challenging events. Love her “out of the box” thinking!

Portsmouth’s Ryan Carroll duplicated his winning effort, this time in 19:14 for the challenging and muddy course. Georgette Mink took the Ladies title with a 24:04. Congrats to all the finishers!

Taking the action indoors, Lynnhaven Mall hosted the Mall-A-Thon 5k walk on the 28th to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer folks and Relay for Life. Walkers get some “love” here “On The Run!”

This past week featured some “cool runs” in the Summer Sun. Norfolk Botanical Gardens hosted the Tidewater striders Memorial Scholarship 5K, won by Caleb Doan with a swift 15:27. Caleb is not only fast but, as a fan of bright colors when I run, he stands out with his eye catching gear. I heard once wearing bright colors makes you just a bit faster. Must be working for him!

The 24th annual Coast Guard 5K on the Peninsula this past weekend boasted an age group, course record run for overall winner, 47 year old speedster, John Piggott, a good friend of our blog, just missing a sub 17 performance in the humid conditions with a 17:02. The women were led by Mercedes Castillo D’Amico, whom we’ve mentioned here before, with a strong 20:35.

Let’s Go Racin’!

Tuesday, the Peninsula Track Club offers some mid-week fun with the Tom Ray “Predict your time 5 Miler” at Lake Matoaka. This usually means, no watches! It’s also a good way to run by “feel”, meaning finding a consistent pace you know you can run.

While the Summer Olympics wind down this weekend, you can crank it up this Saturday. Good Running friend, Brian Sagedy heads up the always popular ASYMCA Mud Run at Little Creek, while up road, The Vineyards of Williamsburg 5K Run hits the road again. Sunday, the Virginia Beach Field House has some good times on tap with VBFH Splash & Dash Family Fun Run. Be warned- there are water guns, sprinklers and a slip and slide to navigate. Soap and a towel are not provided…

Speaking of water fun, just two weeks until the Norfolk Sprint Triathlon in Ocean View, combining a 4-500 yard swim, 12 mile bike ride, then a tough 5K run on the beach. Here’s a big “Good Luck” to those of you in training for this.

Feeling Very Olympic!

I have been locked into WAVY TV and NBC for the Olympics, like most of you. Some great moments(Michael Phelps), emotional moments(Oscar Pistorius), some local joys(Gabby Douglas), along with pains(Get Well soon, LaShawn!). One event that was pointed out to me was the Women’s 400m Hurdles race. I have seen falls on a few of the races but, had to feel somewhat “pre-destined” for Bulgaria’s Vania Stambolova. Guess what happened at the first hurdle? You guessed it. Coincidence?

Time to Bolt

Faster than the 100 meter race, I’m out to keep up with all of you who inspire. Look for our Running Blog weekly here on WAVY.com. Thanks for the fantastic feedback. Keep the good story ideas coming as well. We’ll have our camera out for the next few weeks at some great runs and races. Maybe, I’ll catch you…”On The Run!”

“On the Run” with Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding