More bad news for fans of the United Football League.
Today, two key members of the league’s front office gave up, the league’s media director, and more importantly Commissioner Michael Huyghue.
Huyghue admits the owners have a lot of financial problems; the league has lost more than $150 million dollars over the past three years.
Last year, the UFL’s four teams, including the Virginia Destroyers, played only four games with no national television contract.
The owners says they are not ready to give up yet, hoping to add two more teams, get a TV deal, and play a fall schedule starting in September.
I know this is tough news for those of you that went to Destroyers games, supported the team and are looking for another season at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.
There are indications that people who worked for the Destroyers here in Hampton Roads were not paid what was owed them, we also don’t know if coach Marty Schottenheimer or his staff received their entire salary.
My guess is, the league owners will give it a few more months with hopes of paying off their bills and getting new investments–and if that doesn’t work out, they will fold their tents.
Stay tuned.

Alright fans, time to start thinking about this Sunday’s Super Bowl.

First things first. For all of you that will be calling me this week as you plan your Super Bowl parties, the game is expected to kick-off Sunday at about 6:25pm. But the good stuff actually begins at 6pm. So 5pm is a good time to start asking folks to come over. If you want to make a day of it, Super Bowl coverage will actually begin at noon here on WAVY-TV 10.

Keep in mind, the game will run over three hours, with at least another half hour for the post game show, so if you start your party off at 5pm, expect to have a crowd until at least 10pm.

Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding, with the Latest Running News in Hampton Roads

"Flex" is On The Run!

On Your Mark…

With Summer unofficially her, there have been a lighter offering on the local Race Menu. Lee’s Run on the Wild Side 5K at the Norfolk Zoo was a great time for Chesapeake’s Jeffrey Ball, winning in 17:27. Sika Henry, of Norfolk was the Ladies Champ in a swift 19:57. At Mount Trashmore, the Girls on the Run 5K was captured by Nicole Dewey in a blazing 19:25.

Congrats also to our Triathlon friends. The Breezy Point Triathlon had to be postponed because of the lightning and crazy weather from June 5th, but they were rewarded this weekend with the Xterra East Championship Triathlon Sunday in Richmond, while the day before, the Commonwealth Sports Medicine Kids Triathlon was a big success in Glen Allen. We give Triathletes plenty of respect here. As Runners, biking and swimming are cross training on off days. For them, it’s part of the routine.

This past weekend, the action was on the Southside for the OK 5K at Virginia Weslyan. Virginia Beach’s Tommy Holland broke the tape in 16:05, while young Inessa Corney continues to shine with the Ladies Title in a nice 19:50. In it’s second year, this looks to be a good race for your future schedules.

AAU Back in Action!

Speaking of the future, I always remark that we certainly our share of talented runners in this area. Over the weekend, I got to check out the AAU District Qualifier meet at Landstown High School. All I can saw is “Wow!” I was impressed, not only by the amount of athletes, their efforts, and times, but by the sea of families, groups and organizations involved. Track and Field groups from Hampton, Churchland, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, along with so many others produced a great competition for the youth. The Regional Qualifier will be held the weekend of July 1-3 at Hampton High School. Those who excel there will qualify for this year’s AAU Junior Olympics in New Orleans. Last year, it was held in Norfolk at the Norfolk State University. Congratulations to all on your accomplishments and “Good Luck” at the next level!

Simply Amazing!

The North Face Endurance 50 Mile Challenge in Washington ran back on June 4-5 and locally, our “Friend On the Run”, Steve Speirs served up another dose of his personal best, logging Fifty miles in 7:34. That’s Seven and a Half Hours! As fast as he is, he is also well received in the Running community as it seems everyone knows his name. If you see him at the next race, say “hello”. Running is one of the few sports where you could line up next to an elite runner, or end up afterwards chatting with someone who just set a course record. For those of your that “Go Long”, we salute you here….”On The Run!”

Feedback? Yeah, We Got That!

Each post, we seem to be reaching someone new. I hope you share these posts with your Running Friends. I got response from Peninsula standouts, Todd Kessler and Karen Terry, two names we mention here as overall winners. They wanted us to know they appreciated the coverage. I’m happy to share the efforts from ALL our Runners in the “757″.

Racing…Anyone?

This week, the Running world focuses on Norfolk with the CHKD 8K Run, starting and finishing at Town Point Park. The Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters has touched so many families in Hampton Roads over their Fifty years . WAVY, TV 10 and Fox 43 are Major Sponsors, so you might just see some of your favorite Personalities at this event. There is also a Two Mile Walk for the Kids and a One Mile Fun Run. You can still register for this event by visiting tidewaterstriders.com, or runwalkforthekids.org. We’ll see you there!

Time to Go!

You can always email me a story idea or send me some feedback here on WAVY.com or at astrovp@yahoo.com. If you missed a blogpost, you can find my archived posts at ontherunwithflex.wordpress.com. Thanks to all of you who for your efforts, one stride at a time. I’ll catch you soon…”On The Run!”

On The Run Again!

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

The Latest Running News and info from Sportwrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

We're On The Run Again!

Newport News was the setting for some swift action as Dylan Sydnor raced off with a win the Chick-Fil-A 5K, in a speedy 16:59. Newport News’, Karen Terry was the Top Female in a fast 19:24.

Memorial Day, the Yorktown Freedom 5K race was memorable as 22 year old, Austin Mearns broke the tape in 16:01. Ryan Carroll, who won the event last year, finished second in 16:10. Masters standout, John Piggott was third overall. This isn’t a misprint- Karen Terry was the Fastest Female for the second time in three days, in another quick time of 19:34.

Racing Down Crawford Street!

The Elizabeth River 10K Run raced through the Streets in Portsmouth and featured over 1000 best runners in Hampton Roads. Fittingly, Portsmouth’s Ryan Carroll captured his Sixth ERR title in 32:55. Mollie Turner was Ladies Champion 40:37. This race had almost all the big names we write about, along with some great characters along the way. It was good to see former Champions like Dave McDonald and Pete Gibson out there doing what they do best. Up and Comers, Caleb Doan and Drew Midland dotted the landscape, along with standout veterans like Joel Bell, John Piggott, Steve Patterson, Robert Dinterman, Tommy Neeson, and Steve Speirs. The Ladies field was just as strong with so many great efforts to mention, including Masters Sensation, Betty Bothers I have enjoyed running this race the last five years and the final stretch down Crawford Street signals the finish line in sight and the start of Summer! Hope you got a chance to get out and “Lace ‘Em Up!”

New Friends on The Run!

The Colonial Road Runners in Williamsburg have some of the best Runners in Virginia. I got a chance to catch up with Club President, Rick Platt, whose passion for his team and what his organization is about is unmatched. He’s also a great Masters Runner, now in his 60′s. He even gets a plug in for the Icelandic 8K Race this week. Check my interview with my NEW Friend “On The Run“, Rick Platt:

Thanks Rick! I’m sure we’ll have him on again soon…

Short Week Means Races are Near!

The Icelandic 8K is a Saturday afternoon event on the Peninsula, as Rick Platt mentioned in the interview. If you like the Zoo, Lee’s Friends Run on the Wild Side roars in the streets early Saturday morning. You might even hear an elephant cheer as you leave the starting line. Mount Trashmore offers the Girls on the Run 5K the same day and Sunday, our Triathlon friends get to show their stuff at Breezy Point Triathlon. As always, check out kalerunning.com, tidewaterstriders.com, colonialroadrunners.org, or peninsulatrackclub.com to learn more or get registered.

Feedback, Then Time to Fly!

We always appreciate the kind words. We especially like when you leave us a comment. The ONLY thing we cannot change in the Running Community is the weather conditions we encounter. I do keep asking our friends in the WAVY Weather Center each week for good conditions. They make no promises, but it was worth a try!

A reminder- you can always find my archived Blogposts at ontherunwithflex.wordpress.com and weekly here at WAVY.com.

See You "On The Run!"

The Latest Running News in the “757″ from Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

Away We Go!

Speeding Through the Streets!

Wow! There were SO many races this past weekend, I started getting dizzy just reading some of the results! Saturday, the Tread at the Ted 5K, in Norfolk, proved for some good times for Men’s winner, Justin Turner in 16:07, along with Women’s Champ, 15 year old, Megan Dister in a quick 20:17.

At the Oceanfront, Chris Bradley ran away with the Capernaum 5K title, while good friend of the ‘blog, Elizabeth Campos, was the Fastest Female in 21:58. A few weeks ago, I accidentally stepped on her feet twice at the starting line in Sandbridge and she was in the Top Three. This time, she didn’t need my “help”.

In Newport News, Course Records were being served up at the Lytle Law 5K. Both Women’s Winner, Karen Terry, along with Portsmouth’s Ryan Carroll, the Overall Winner on the 3.1 mile course, erased the records set last year. Ryan crossed the tape in 16:17, while Karen posted a swift 19:29.

Back at the Beach on Sunday, Ryan Carroll captured his second win of the weekend at the Beacon of Hope 5K in 16:10. Another strong effort for the Ladies Winner, Amy Nesbitt, who rocked the course in 21:19.

Big Races in the ‘burg!

In what could have been the largest Running event in Williamsburg’s history, the Run for an Achievable Dream Masters 8K and Half Marathon sprinted through Colonial Williamsburg and even a trip out the Colonial Parkway. Over 4000 runners partook in the weekend’s events. Saturday, the Masters 8K Championships was won in course record time by Mbarek Hussein in an amazing 24:40! Williamsburg’s Masters Standout, Stephen Chantry,56, was the speediest from the “757″ with a Top 25 finish in 28:35. Masters Runners are considered anyone age 40 and above. This is one time where revealing your “true age” is okay!

Sunday, I was lucky enough to take on the very challenging Half Marathon course. Matt Krotech was the Men’s Winner in 1:09:28, while Kristin Herring took the Ladies Title in 1:28:06. Those of you who ran this one were able to see some of the race unfold between miles six and ten as the hills of Colonial Parkway provided some great scenery along the “out and back” area of the course.

After sweating the 13.1 miles in Williamsburg, it was time to get down to business. I had arranged a quick interview with Race Director Dave McGillivray. He’s also the Race Director of almost everyone’s dream race, the Boston Marathon. He was kind to chat with me for a moment and even discuss how the qualifying times are changing for that race and how he got involved in what I think will be a Race that will be on the yearly “must do” races. Here’s the interview:

Thanks to Dave and Walter Segaloff for hosting a fantastic event!

And, We’re Moving….

This weekend, all eyes will be on Portsmouth for the Elizabeth River 10K Run. Expect some great times and warm temperatures, according to Don Slater, in the WAVY Weather Center. In Newport News, the Chick-fil-A 5K will highlight the Peninsula action and Monday, the Yorktown Freedom Run 5K in Grafton will be loaded with talent. I’ll try to keep you informed. for our friends in the “Tri” world, the BRATS Salute to the Military Sprint Triathlon gets rolling in Vint Hill, VA.
As always, to learn more, check out colonial roadrunners.org, tidewaterstriders.com, peninsulatrackclub.com, or kalerunning.com.

Quick Hits and Then I’m Gone!

I saw the legendary Sportswriter, Jim Ducibella up in Williamsburg interviewing the Half Marathon Winner, Matt Krotech. To me, he’s one of the reasons I picked up the newspaper and read his thousands of articles. I may have to get him to chat with us sometime. Time will tell. Speaking of time, be on the lookout for my interview with Rick Platt, President of the Colonial Road Runners Club. I like his passion for the sport and will tell you more about some great races in the future.

We love your Feedback! It keeps this Blog going and the positive comments are very reassuring. Wherever your training takes you, be on the lookout! I might just catch you….”On The Run!” You can always find my archived blogposts at ontherunwithflex.wordpress.com, or weekly here at WAVY.com.

See you "On The Run!"

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

The Latest Running News around Hampton Roads from Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

On The Run, Again!

Short Week!

With alot of you gearing up towards the Summer events, most of the action was out of town. There were some very cool local races that get “the love” from all of us here in the “757“. The Bull Island Four Miler in Poquoson was good for Shelia Earnst, the Top Female Finisher with a strong 27:42, while Craig Hymes was the Overall winner in 23:49. Yorktown’s Henry Gleisberg, 54 was just ten seconds behind. Those of you planning on being in Portsmouth for the Elizabeth River Run may see this Masters standout in two weeks. Also this past weekend, the JCC Preschool 5K was a success as well. Results were unavailable at this time but Congrats to All of you who decided to race any events recently. Part of the fun of Running is getting the opportunity to see how well we can do at a specific distance or speed. What I mean to say is that “It’s really cool to see how fast we can go”.

Congratulations!

RunWashington.com ranks Runners in Virginia and Maryland, based on the Winter performances,as we have said before, Running in Hampton Roads is Big! Applause to Female Standouts in the Top Five in their Age categories, 19 year old, Hannah Lefew, Dolores Ware, Margaret Taylor, D’Ellen Parter, Cindy White, and ageless standout, Betty Brothers. All these Virginia Beach Ladies were near the Top in rankings, while two other “Beach Girls” were ranked Number One; Stephanie Olansen-Smith and big “Friend of the Blog“, Renee High. The Men’s rankings are like a “Who’s Who in the 757″, with exceptional performances from Norfolk’s Mel Williams, John Lomogda, Chris Catoe, Virginia Beach’s Bill Hart and Steve Speirs, Chesapeake’s Tom Purcell (also our expert for Fitness On the Run),Portsmouth’s Ryan Carroll and John Piggott, along with Rick Platt, Stephen Chantry,all from Williamsburg. With all this “Running Fire Power”, expect some strong races over the next few weeks. You’ll probably see theirs names here soon. What a fantastic accomplishment!

Now that’s More Like It!

This weekend promises plenty of action on BOTH sides of the water, including four races on the Peninsula and five on the Southside. Let’s start with the Capernaum 5K, Saturday at the Oceanfront on 31st Street, then down the Road for the Equi-Kids 5K Cross Country Run, just off Sandbridge Road at Heritage Park. Back on Campus, the Tread at The Ted 5K takes off on Hampton Boulevard by ODU.

The Peninsula scene is “On The Run” as well, featuring the Lytle Law 5K from Oyster Point and the Down by the River One Miler in Chickahominy. Also, the Masters USATF 8K sprints through Colonial Williamsburg as part of the Run for an Achievable Dream Series. Dave McGillivray, Race Director for the Boston Marathon, also heads up this series.

A Day of Rest? Not So Much…

Sunday, The Race for an Achievable Dream has it’s Half Marathon, racing all over Williamsburg, including part of Colonial Parkway. There are some hills between miles six through ten which will make this a challenging run. I am registered for the event. maybe, I’ll see you there! On the Southside, the Beacon of Hope 5K will shine, starting at the 24th Street Stage, while Mount Trashmore has a late afternoon Weight Watchers 5K. This gives you the chance to “Do a Double” on Sunday.

Feedback Time!

I always appreciate the cool story ideas and comments you have been kind enough to send me. It’s really nice to know my efforts are being read and shared. I oyu have a story idea, email me at astrovp@yahoo.com. You can always access my archived Blogposts at onetherunwithflex.wordpress.com, or weekly here at WAVY.com. Looks Like we’ll have our camera out this weekend. If you see me- “Smile!” I may just catch you… “On The Run!”

See You "On The Run!"

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

The Latest Running News from Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

Time to Go "On The Run Again!"

Runners Take Your Mark…

With many races out of town, Running in Hampton Roads was somewhat light this past week, but always moving at a quick pace. The JFS Run, Roll, or Stroll 5k sped along the Oceanfront Sunday with Patrick Early, 31, taking first in 19:37. the Ladies champion was Megan Winstead, also from Virginia Beach. The Mile was won by Julia Hamrick, 13, in 6:02. Julia capped a “double” by winning the One Mile for the Ladies the day before at the SJA Stingray One Mile. Eighteen year old, Via Travis won the Men’s competition in 5:21.

The SJA 5K was won for the second straight year by Jason Myers in a blazing 16:30. Myers, 25, is the son of WAVY Chief Photographer Jeff Myers. Speaking with Jason after the race, he has been in Northern Virginia for work and visiting with his family here allows him to still run races here. Myers is also a friend of the Blog and has shared with friends, so “Thanks, Jason for being a friend… On the Run!” The Women’s title went to the very speedy Pamela Lovett with a swift 19:37.

Road Trip!

Seems like Runners from the “757″ are making a lot of noise, especially last weekend. At the Frederick Half Marathon, Virginia Beach’s George Towette won the 13.1 mile race in a blistering 1:06:18. We also had friends at the Owen Lea Races as well. Congrats to you if you took to the road to go “On The Run“.

When it comes to distance races, we all know someone who we think is pretty fast, but what about someone who goes for 24 hours? Last Spring, Portsmouth’s Ryan Carroll ran a 24 Hour Fundraiser for the Western Branch Track team. This past weekend, the Adventure Trail 24 Run took off near the Quantico area. Steve Speirs, a great friend of the Blog, made Hampton Roads proud legging out 106.25 miles! That’s like running from here to Kings Dominion!!! I have approached him and we will have him as a guest soon here on the Blog. I promise to keep you informed…

What’s On The Horizon?

Seems like everyone I know is gearing up for the Big Elizabeth River Run May 28th in Portsmouth. I can bet that Steve Speirs, Jason Myers, Ryan Carroll will be out there. I also saw Danny Tepovich on several training runs recently and the return of the mighty Masters runner, Pete Gibson, will also toe the line. Also, Colonial Road Running greats, Rick Platt, Stephen Chantry, and Greg Dawson make this one of the great running events of the year. This 10K race seems to officially kick off the Summer and Race Director, Brian Sagedy continues to throw the best party of the Memorial Day weekend.

The NEW race in town is the Master 8K race the week before, May 21st in Williamsburg. This is race one of the two day Race for the Achievable Dream weekend, which features a challenging Half Marathon on Sunday May 22nd. My friends have taken a tour of the course and I will tell you miles six through ten are not your friend. The course rolls along the Colonial Parkway in spots and earning the medal will not be an easy task. Good Luck to all of you, regardless of what you are training for…

Let’s Go Get It!

Checking this week’s schedule, the Bull Island Four Miler in Poquoson will race away Saturday. the Peninsula Track Club always puts on a good race, so this is one not to miss. In Newport News, the 25th Annual JCC Preschool 5K will be offering their race to get you going. If hitting the road is more your thing, the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon is this weekend. Richmond host two full days of getting “down and dirty” with MGD 64 Filthy 5K and the Dominion Riverock James River Scramble. A word of warning- you will get messy and have fun! Also up the road on I-64, the Carytown 10K is off for the seventh year. lastly, the New Balance Girls on The Run feature their Susquehenna 5KRace. With so many cool races out there, check out kalerunning.com, finalkick.com, tidewaterstriders.com, peninsulatrackclub.com, colonialroadrunners.org, or runningetc.com.

Feedback!

Thanks for the emails and great comments. It is nice to know you appreciate the Blog. We couldn’t do it without you. If oyu have an idea for a story, drop me a line- astrovp@yahoo.com. You can always find my archived stories at ontherunwithflex.wordpress.com or weekly, here at WAVY.com. Good Luck this weekend! Maybe, I’ll see you…”On The Run!”

See You "On The Run!"

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

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

"Flex" and Friends "On The Run!

May Already?

One week after the Easter, the action was still “Fast and Furious” in Hampton Roads. you might think things “slow down”, but there were some races out there. The May Day 5K up in Tabb was rocking, right from the start. Congrats to Todd Kessler, the Overall Winner, along with Ladies Champ, Alexia Phifer. There may be more races on the Southside, but give it up for our friends “On The Run” from the Peninsula. They always bring some quick times.

Only a few races in Virginia Beach over the weekend, but some classic good times were had. At the Independence Middle School Run for Independence 5K and One Mile Run, Ryan Carroll took both races with a 16:17 and a 4:37 for the mile. Pamela Lovett led the Ladies for the 5K in a strong 19:52. Add Julia Hamrick as the Ladies One Mile champ at 5:52 and you can tell Running in this area is really gearing up for some serious Summer competition.

Sunday, Thoroughgood Elementary hosted their One Mile Seagull Sprint. The ladies and the guys ran separately. To cover it properly, I ran with both groups. Oh yeah, I don’t just write about running, I participate. While Ryan Carroll again won the race in 4:39, big cudos to the kids in Hampton Roads. Finishing second, 12 year old, Josiah Ramsawh threw down a swift 5:28 along with Travis Redmond, also 12, strides behind in third with a 5:33. Thirteen year old, Diana Chalmers sped away from the Ladies with 5:44.

On the Run is Everywhere!

This past weekend was good for many of our friends of the Blog. We had friends doing well at the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, along with several friends from the Peninsula who raced the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Another great race I even considered running, the Derby Festival Marathon in Louisville, was well represented as New friend of the Blog, Michelle Harden- Smith. She wore her trademark outfit for the event and I’ll guess that she got that town ready for thee Run for the Roses this week. . We featured her last week, but you can catch her interview right here:

On The Run with Jon “Flex” Leiding & Michelle Harden-Smith

Congrats again to all of you who stepped to the starting line this week!

I Have Big Ears!

I was at the Chiropractors office and overheard a gentleman saying he was getting fitted for a bike to take on a Triathlon this weekend. We always throw some “love” to our “Tri-brethren” and wish all in the Appalachian Power Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon for Saturday Good Luck. Swimming, Biking, and Running are all great ways to stay active and have fun. Who knows? If you “tri” it, you might like it.

Let’s Go Racing!

The action keeps moving this weekend, including some of our friends of the Blog heading to the Frederick, Maryland for the Frederick Running Festival, which features both a Half and Full Marathon. A little closer to the “757″, Newport News is the place to be for the Riverside 5K. In Central Virginia, the Susan Komen Race For the Cure rolls through town. In Virginia Beach, Holy Family Church on Great Neck Road will be the start of the Great Neck 5K. Rounding out the Saturday action, the SJA Stingray One Mile & 5K Races take off from Little Island Park in Sandbridge. If you haven’t been to the beach in a while, this might be the perfect opportunity.

I have several friends “On the Run” who like to run with their Moms. This Mother’s Day, you can do that again at the Jewish Family Run, Roll or Stroll, Sunday at the Oceanfront. Also, the Owen Lea 5& 10K will also be available to you if you’re in the mood to travel to Fredericksburg. To find out more or register for these events, visit kalerunning.com, tidewaterstriders.com, colonialroadrunners.org, finalkick.com, or peninsulatrackclub.com

Feedback Time!

Special “Thank You” to all of you who read the Blog. Also, a big shout out to Sam W. who commented on WAVY.com about how we do a good job covering the Running World in Hampton Roads. We appreciate the feedback! The Word does get around! You can always catch our weekly Running Blog on WAVY.com or archived Blogposts at ontherunwithflex.wordpress.com. Maybe I’ll catch you soon… “On The Run!”

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

"Flex" is "On The Run!"

The Latest Running News from Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

On The Run, Again!

Fast and Furious.

Even on a Holiday weekend, there is always a race in Hampton Roads. Chesapeake had the One Life Fitness Bunny Hop 5k Saturday and Ryan Carroll continued his “hopping” through the streets with a rapid 16:56. Lindsey Appel  was the Fastest Female in 20:39. Ann Hupp of Kale Running, a great Friend of this blog, keeps coming out with the fun events. I hear she has more stories to share form our last interview over the Winter and new races are about to be revealed.

Up the Road, the Queens Lake 5k was the spot for some really “Fast Times” including Heidi Peterson leading the ladies in the 3.1 mile event in 18:42. Youth and experience was on the menu as for overall winner, 17 year old, Alexander Grout of Williamsburg. His speedy 15:29 was great, then combine it with Williamsburg racing veteran, Stephen Chantry, fourth overall. His time of 17:07 is equally impressive, noting that Chantry is in his mid-fifties.

Just a few miles from there, the Trot for Teal 5K was a big success for Newport News’ Shawn Day, the winner, in 17:11. The Ladies champ was Maraline Cronauer, of Virginia Beach, with a strong 21:15. This was a holiday weekend, right?

More, More, More…

Not Done yet! Suffolk had their fundraising YMCA 5K and Boston Marathon standout, Steve Speirs claimed the victory on the gravel course in 17:29. North Carolina standout, Pete Gibson, 55 was second overall with a swift 17:51, while Suffolk’s Audrea Leberwas the Women’s Champ with a 21:09. Their One Mile event was won by 12 year old, Josiah Ramsawh in 6:11, while Amy Chalmers, also 12, was the Young Ladies Winner in 6:36.

Now For Something Different!

The Running World is filled with great “personalities”. Michelle Harden- Smith is a great one to know and a new friend of the Blog. She’s completed over 75 Marathons in 50 states and five continents, all while wearing her traditional tutu and matching head bopper to match the season. She took a moment to share some of her story and where her journey will be taking her.

Click on the interview link for Michelle’s Interview:

On The Run with Jon “Flex” Leiding & Michelle Harden-Smith

Thanks Michelle for taking the time to chat with us! A few of my running friends just started their “wish list” of races, thanks to you sharing your experiences!

What’s Coming up this Week?

This weekend, our friends in the Triathlon world with be heading to Lynchburg for the Angels Race Series. In Ashland, the Railroad 5 & 10K will be a fun “out of town” run for the Hanover Arts & Activities center. A little closer to home, Tabb High School will be hosting it’s May Day 5K and Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach will be the site for the Celebrating Children 1.5 Mile Run/ Walk. School will be in session on Saturday and Sunday (Figuratively) as Independence Middle School host their 5K and One Mile Run Saturday, then Thoroughgood Elementary features the fastest one milers around on Sunday for their School Fundraiser. To register or learn more about theses great races, visit kalerunning.com, tidewaterstriders.com, colonialroadrunners.org, or peninsulatrackclub.com.

Thanks, as always, for the feedback. You know we appreciate it all. You can catch my archived Blogposts at ontherunwithflex.wordpress.com or weekly here on WAVY.com. I’ll be looking for you over the next few weeks. Good Luck with your training this Spring. Maybe, I’ll find you… “On The Run!”

See You "On The Run!"

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

All the Running News in Hampton Roads from your Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex Leiding

An Amazing Seven Days!

Great efforts were all over the “757″ over that last few days. When we go “On The Run”, we go everywhere! Where to start? Chesapeake, Hampton, Williamsburg, Norfolk, Kentucky or Boston? Let’s start first with the ongoing story of John Price, who’s been “On the Run” since Valentines Day, running back from California. His latest efforts had him in Kentucky, primed for a big return to Hampton Roads very soon. You can follow his blog, with some great pictures of this beautiful land we call home at http://runvb2vb.com/blog/.

In Norfolk, the Lion’s Journey for Sight 5K & One Mile Run Saturday had a new venue in Norview High School, but speed was on display. Drew Midland won the 5K in 16:47, followed by Masters great, John Lomogda in 17:33. Inessa Corney, 13, from Australia, was the fastest female in 21:23 and she was the First Female in the Mile at 6:25. Liam Arocho blazed the One mile for the Overall victory in 4:35.

Williamsburg was also the setting for sub 16′s at the Duke of Gloucester 5K. Williamsburg’s Ed Moran sizzled thru the 3.1 mile course in 14:38, with the next three finishers all breaking 16:00! Jennifer Quarles led the Ladies in 19:19.

Since we’re on the Peninsula, a huge “THANK YOU” to all who participated in the 24 hour Run for Cancer at Sandy Bottom Nature Park. Among the fundraisers, Virginia Beach’s Tommy Neeson logged 86 miles. Running for a charity is a wonderful thing to embrace, at least once. To all of you, a hearty “Congratulations!”

The TS Gates 5K in Poquoson Saturday with Brandon MacPherson as the Overall Winner and Meghan Foley was the Ladies champ.

All this and Still, Not Done!

Kale Running brought the big guns for the Dismal Swamp Half Marathon Saturday and were not disappointed. The out and back course along the Dismal Swamp was the perfect setting for Virginia Beach’s George Towett, who was First to the line in 1:05:32 . New York’s Salome Kosgei was the Ladies Winner in 1:15:56. The Field also featured Fourth overall and Masters Champion, Dennis Simonaitus. The 48 year old from Utah ran an amazing 1:10:56. He is also the only Masters Runner (40 years old and above) to run a 5K in under 15 minutes. Hampton Roads had two other friends in the Top Ten; Chesapeake’s David Hryvniak and big friend of the blog, John Piggott, of Williamsburg. Congratulations to all finishers!

Boston!

It’s the oldest and most famous Marathon in America. 27,000 people toed the line Monday and great efforts were aplenty. If you didn’t see the highlights, Course records were set by winner, Geoffrey Mutai in 2:03:02, while American, Ryan Hall set an American course record in 2:04:58, finishing Fourth. In 2010, Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot set a Boston course record of 2:05:52. That would have landed him in Fifth this year. For the Ladies, two seconds was all that kept Desiree Davilla from being the first American Woman to win the race since 1985. With less than a quarter mile to go, Kenya’s Caroline Kilel outkicked Davilla to win in 2:22:36.

While those are amazing results, Hampton Roads also was treated to some real “Dragon Slayers” on this course. Virginia Beach’s Steve Speirs, 44, bested his previous Boston efforts, turning in an epic 2:45:22, running “negative splits” for the second half. Suffolk’s Billy Chorey, 30, was not far behind with another stellar effort, 2:46:05. Williamsburg’s Christopher Gutridge, 26, crossed the line in 2:49:27, followed by Matthew Lynch of Norfolk, in 2:51:55, while 20 year old, Thomas Gounley, from Newport News, rounded out the Hampton Roads connection for Runners under three hours! In a word…”AMAZING!”

Back to the Future!

No Delorean or Time Machine needed as this weekend offers several races. Saturday, the Suffolk YMCA 5K & One Miler, the One Life Fitness Bunny Hop 5K and One Mile Thumper Run in Chesapeake. At Oyster Point Park in Newport News, the Race for Teal 5K takes off on Saturday morning, while in Williamsburg, the New Quarter Park 5K and One Mile race get going as well. You can always get registered or find out more at kalerunning.com, tidewaterstriders.com, peninsulatrackclub.com, or colonialroadrunners.org.

What’s New With the Blog?

Saw some old friends of the Blog over the weekend. It’s wonderful how many people read our Running Blog and have some ideas we are working on. Some interviews are in the works as well. If you have an idea for a story or suggestion, please feel free to email me at astrovp@yahoo.com. You can always catch up with my archived Blogposts at ontherunwithflex.wordpress.com, or weekly here at WAVY.com.

Be on the lookout for me this weekend, whether you’re out for an easy run, or racing with the pack. I might just catch you… “On The Run!”

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

See You "On the Run!"