The Latest Running News and Notes in Hampton Roads – “On the Run” with Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex’ Leiding

Even in Tragedy, We Have Friends “On The Run”

How To Describe Something Indescribable

Today I should be telling you how amazing the Boston Marathon is:  it’s history over the 117 years, some of the past winners I’ve been lucky enough to meet, and how great it was to watch the last few minutes of the race.  I should be telling you that I ran in 2009 and the feeling of joy racing down Boylston Street to the finish and setting my personal record on a historic course, making me feel like I belonged to the sport I enjoy and am somewhat successful. I should be telling you how proud we should be of our American Runners,  placing 4th and 6th place in BOTH the Men’s and Women’s Elites.

Kris Lawrence Making Strides “On The Run”

I should be telling you about how locally Kris Lawrence and Gina Slaby were so good on Patriot’s day that they finished in the Women’s Top 50, each running in the Two hour and Forty Something marks.  I should be telling you how envious I and thrilled we should be.  I should be telling you that Kris set her personal record yesterday and that we should be looking for more great things to come from these Ladies.

I should be saying how very exciting it is to run the Boston Marathon and giving “shout outs” to our local Running friends.  I should but, that all changed around 3pm yesterday.  I was handling some paperwork and my Mother calls.  “Are You Watching TV- it’s the Boston Marathon.  There was an explosion!”

Watching video after video had me thinking about all my running friends competing that day.  I watched video of the first blast showed Runners disoriented, even falling to the ground.  I saw someone pushing a stroller, like those used by several of the Fundraiser Charities racing to the side of the road for safety.  I looked the the time on the clock: Four Hours and Nine Minutes.  That’s one of the heavy traffic times through the finish for the Marathon.  From a numbers standpoint, more people are trying to break three and four hours than any other time.  I should be seeing Charity Fundraiser Runners at the finish.

My mind started to think about those who were there. I should have been writing about  John Adams, from Norfolk had run 3:10:45, even one of my friends, Thomas Hicks had run 3:14:03.  There was Brenda Kalin,  crossed the finish line Five minutes before the explosion.  First time Boston Marathoner, Trish Jones of Virginia Beach finished in 3:53:08, while her fiance’,  Bill Murray watched like others near the finish.  Our good friend, Sam Wittenberg and Jim Duffy had just finished a few minutes prior prior.  Virginia Beach resident, Lacey Baliet crossed the line in 4:09:34 .  As Chris Rupe was reveling in having finished his first Boston Marathon in 4:09, a loud blast roared behind him thirty seconds later.  He rushed toward the blast but EMTs directed him away to the medical tents.

Trish Jones at the Boston Marathon

Over 9,000 Runners did not finish.  Susan Hagel, the Tidewater Striders Female 2012 Champion and John Price were 3/4 of a mile away, along with famed Boston Marathon Champ and writer for Runners World Magazine, Amby Burfoot.  I remembered David Mick and Dennis Welch, running with Michael Davis from Team Hoyt, all unable to finish amidst the chaos.  As Runners , we train to keep going.  Monday, the finish line had become a crime scene.  I should be writing about how inspirational all these runners are regardless of where they finish.  I should…

Instead, I’m writing about how Runners turned to heroes.  After hearing of the tragedy, Runners went to the Red Cross to offer blood to help.  I’m writing about fans who lined the streets to cheer on their champions, immediately realized the troubles and didn’t run away but, stayed to help those so badly hurt.  Three people, including an eight year old who came to cheer his Dad, paid the ultimate price, while a hundred and forty others  were injured.  Cowardly as it is, no new information is available yet and the healing process will take some time but, yesterday’s race proved that in a celebration of personal achievement, our innocence was lost.   Hopefully, we catch those responsible.   I wish for us all some closure.

Leah Nyfeler, an accomplished writer wrote: “And before we put this beast on trial for punishment, I’d like to see the perpetrator have to run the marathon course so that all can witness what kind of person does this. No hiding behind a backpack, no distance between perpetrator and victim, no intellectual justification. Just 26.2 miles and seeing exactly what a person is made of”.

In the meantime, don’t quit.  Don’t stop Running or planning to run an event.  If  they were looking to test our perseverance, they shouldn’t have chosen Marathoners.  We are millions strong and unified…”On The Run”.

Look for my new Running Blog on WAVY.com soon.  As always, I appreciate the feedback.  See you soon!

Still On The Run!

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

On the Run,  Featuring The Latest Running News and Notes in the “757″ from Sportswrap Running reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding

We’re On the Run Again!

Can’t Stop Now- We’ve Got News

A technical glitch had us away last week, so let’s give up some “luv” for those of you who hit the road last week, like the Autism Awareness 5K at Mt Trashmore.   Virginia Beach’s David Kidd was the Overall Champion in 16:24, while Lizzy Vanderbilt blazed the 3.1 mile course in 20:25.

At the Queens Lake 5K, good friend of the Blog, Todd Kessler,  from Newport News, won in17:17.  The real story on the Peninsula has been Mercedes Castillo-D’Amico.  The 55 year young, Newport News Resident, captured thhe Ladies title and set an Age Group Course Record with a swift20:29. Wow!

Can’t Forget My Suffolk Friends-  The Suffolk YMCA Run was fun for all who got out on the 5.66K run.  Also in Suffolk, the Bon Secours Colon Health 5K went to good friend of the Blog, Steve Speirs with a solid 17:28.  There is no stopping him these days… Chesapeake’s Emily Rivet was the Fastest female with a 22:10.  Races are all over the “757!”

A Duathlon combines two activities, this time Biking and Running.  The Va. Duathlon in Surry had plenty of Hampton Roads best, including Virginia Beach’s William Byland, a Top Three Finisher and Chesapeake’s Rachel Jastrebsky, the Winner of the Womens division.  Gotta give the “shout outs” to Courtney Ann Pollman of Virginia Beach, along with Lisa Armistead, who both rocked the 5K run along with the 23 mile Bike Ride.  Well Done, Ladies!

Time to Get Busy This Weekend!

Last week may have been a bit light but, what a weekend it will be!  Take your pick-  all over Hampton Roads, you can find races almost everywhere.     Saturday, the  Monarch Kids Run features a 5K and One Mile in Norfolk.In Newport News, the Earth Day 5K Races away from Newport News City Center, then go to the Southside.

The Dismal Swamp Half Marathon has become a tradition.  Love this race!  Ann Hupp always puts on a good event.  Sadly, work will keep me away this time but, I hear there are a few spots available.  Check out mettleevents.com to get registered.

If you crave more, take a trip to the Outer Banks and you’ll find plenty of Fun with the Flyin’ Pirate Half Marathon.  My good friends, Angelo Celesia and the legend, Dr. Mel Williams will be there.  Be on the lookout for them!

No, we’re not done yet!  Up the road, the Ukrops Monument 10K is always a Big race in Richmond.  Good Luck to all of you taking the trip!

Then, Monday…..   BOSTON!

It All Starts Here!

Many of you will are taking the trip to be part of the “Massachusetts Madness”.  This is one race that you have to have a qualifying time.

From Hopkinton, all the way to Boylston Street, over 26,000 Runners will challenge the famed Heartbreak Hill, while experiencing the worl’d oldest Marthon. There are so many stories, charities, and great people, just “amped up” to get to the starting line.  Having run the event in 2009, I send “best of luck” wishes to all of you going.

Race Director, Dave McGilivray, who is also holds the same duties for the Williamsburg Run For the Dream Half Marathon weekend,  has run the marathon each year since  1973. For 16 years he ran it with all the other runners and since he began working with the race in 1988 he has run  the course afterwards.

Two Years Ago,  I caught up with him and we cghatted a while.  Here’s a look back to give you some of the flavor that is the  Boston Marathon:    Click on this link>>>   On The Run With Boston Marathon Race Director, Dave McGillivray    <<<Click on this link

If I look a bit exhausted, I had just finished the Half Marathon about ten minutes prior. Thanks for checking out the interview!

Here’s to Fast Times a Good Breeze to take you to the Finish!

Also on the Horizon, the Peninsula Track Club will be holding a 24 Hour Run at Sandy Bottom Park in two weeks.   That should be a real challenge.  We’ll try to keep you informed.   We always appreciate the Feedback.  If you have a story idea or just want to drop us a line, please do!

That’s All for this week.  Maybe we’ll catch you soon… “On The Run!”

On the Run With Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding on WAVY.com.

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

We’re Back for More…”On The Run!”

The Calm Before the Storm!     Before we go racing into the BIG Shamrock Sportsfest Weekend, let’s look at the past weekend as so many of you are getting prepped for the big day with other races.  First,  the Cox Falcon 5K  went to Va. Beach’s Caleb Doan on Satruday, with an outstanding 15:45, while the Ladies Champ is a familiar face here and big supporter of our blog,  Renee High with a solid  18:22 for the 3.1 mile course.

This season, we’re adding “Shout Outs”, our way of spotlighting more than just winners.  let’s start with Ben Werve,  11 years old, turning in a terrific  19:07, 60year old, Carolyn Shaheen, who sparkled with her 27:00 effort.  Also in the crowd,  Triathlete,  John Lomogda  from Norfolk  “brought it” with an 18:31,  a big 5 minute PR for  Courtney Pollman , blistering the course in 21:16.     John Dicarlo, 63 of Virginia Beach gets in with a 23:36 and Dolores Ware , 42 years young rocked the  run in 19:47.

We went to the Peninsula Saturday and found  the Jamestown High School Swamp Run 5K.  That’s where 18 year old, Andrew Richards,  from Williamsburg crushed it with a 16:23.  Krissa Loretto, was the Fastest Female in a very swift 19:37.  Keeping our “Shout Outs” going, how about Carol Talley,  who at 58, set the age group course record with a 23:57! Want More?    Check out Karla Havens, also setting an age group record at 51 with a 20:57.  Also, getting into the groove are Williamsburg’s Greg Dawson with a stellar 17:46 and  Men’s Race Walker, the blazing fast Tom Gerhardt, from Chesapeake in 30:06.

Going Strong and Going Long

They all Go “On The Run” this Weekend!

As always,  “Thanks” for checking out On the Run, the Running Blog from the Station and website on your side, WAVY TV and WAVY.com.    Maybe we’ll catch you soon…“On The Run!

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

On The Run Again!

Keeping the Fire Burning

Glad you could check us out. I hope your training is going well. Here in Hampton Roads, we are lucky enough to have several great Running organizations with races almost every week. That means, if you’ve been wanting to enter a race as part of your New Year’s Resolution (remember them?) you are just an entry form away from competing.

Gotta Get Back in Time!

This past weekend, the Gloucester 8K was in full force with Douglas Marshall leading the way. the Mathews 38 year old won in 30:33; a solid 6:09 pace, while Yorktown’s Kristen Frost was Icy Hot, as the First Female in 34:26.

Gina Slaby rockin’ “On The Run!”

The week before, the Virginia Is For Lovers 14K lured a huge crowd as Ryan Carroll, always a big fan of the blog, crushed the 8.68 mile course in 45:06. That’s an average of 5:11 per mile! Gina Slaby was the Ladies Champion in a strong 51:02. Slaby outlasted Virginia Beach’s Renee High, also an Olympic Marathon Qualifier for 2012. Gina, a Navy Lieutenant is not unaccustomed to running at the front of the pack. At the 2010 Marine Corps Marathon she was the first active duty woman and second woman to finish overall, finishing in 2:45:58. She also won the 2011 Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego and won last year’s Half Marathon. Nice to have her in the area!

This year, our friends from J & A Racing offered a 6K as well, just shy of 4 miles and Alexey Popov captured the crown in 22:56, while Carrie Atkinson led the Ladies in 26:46. A big shout out to 11 year old, Benjamin Werve, who finished third overall with a powerful effort of 27:13. The future of local Running looks very strong these days!

No Stopping Steve Speirs On The Run!

Many Miles to Go!

We missed the opportunity recently, to boast about Virginia Beach’s Steve Speirs. He went to Huntsville, Texas to participate int he Rocky Raccoon 100 mile Trail Race. Speirs, who never backs down from a distance challenge, finished 3rd overall under 17 hours with a 16:55:48, a new age group record for 100 miles. Most of us don’t even Drive 100 miles in a day! Amazing! one of these days, we will catch him and get an interview with the speedy Mr. Speirs.

All Day, All the Way!

Local Runner, Dennis Wayne Welch, who also coaches, will be lacing ‘em up in September for Team Hoyt’s 24 Hour Fundraiser. Dennis will be on a 24 hour run while pushing an individual in a stroller. Dennis, along with friends and supporters, will have their sights set at not only one, but six total World Records. Details to follow in the future. Great endeavor for a talented Runner. We’ll be keeping you in touch…

Upcoming Races

This Saturday, the Tidewater Striders have their 20K and 30K Shamrock Weekend prep races at the Dismal Swamp Trail. Thats’ 12.4 and 18.6 miles for those of us who aren’t exactly metric.

Sunday, the Colonial Half Marathon in Williamsburg is Back Again! This race ALWAYS beats me but, this is a really challenging 13.1 mile course. My friends from the Colonial Road Runners put on a wonderful event. This is a must do! I will be out of town and miss it but, if you crave a challenge, this is for you!

On the horizon, March 2 means the Ft. Eustis 10K from the Peninsula Track Club and Mettle Events hosts their 15K at the Dismal Swamp Trail.

Feedback!

That’s all this week. Can’t say “Thank You” enough to all of you who read and share the blog here on WAVY..com with your friends. If you have a story idea, drop me a line at astrovp@yahoo.com. Have a great weekend. Maybe I’ll see you soon….”On The Run!”

On the Run with Jon “Flex” Leiding, exclusively on WAVY.com.

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

On The Run for 2013!

Starting off the Year with a Big Win!

With limited races early in the year, many of you have gone outside the “757″ to find a great race. Virginia Beach’s Renee High went south to defend her 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Champion and came back with another win, a faster time than last year in 2:48:30, and the title of Two Time Disney World Marathon Champ!  We had her interview last Summer at the CHKD run at Town Point Park.  For those of you who missed the interview with the Two-time Olympic Marathon Qualifier, here’s the link: Click here for my On The Run Interview with Renee High!.

Is a “Three-Peat” in Renee High’s Future? We’ll See Next Year…

Make 2013 Your Year!

So many of us make those resolutions to “get fit, eat right, or get organized” for the New Year. If you are NEW to Running, Welcome! Each of us has a starting point. Mine was eight years ago and have enjoyed almost every mile. You’ll find good information along with positive people along the way. We do our very best to share them with you.

More Races in Local Places!

The Frosty 5K at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex two weeks ago went to Nick Scerbo, from Norfolk, with a swift 17:08 for the 3.1 mile course. The Ladies were led by Asia Sorensen with a quick speed of 20:30. Our good friends at Mettle Events had their 6K Mud in your Eye Series recently and Robert Dinterman, of Moyock, captured the title with a strong 22:26. Stephanie Aurel Ingalls won the Ladies title in 24:30.

Whats Up for the Weekend?

This Saturday, weather permitting, the Tidewater Striders have their Distance Seriesplanned for the Dismal Swamp with a 15 and 25K race.  That’s 9.3 miles and 15.5 miles, in case you were wondering.  Mettle Events has their Mud in Your Eye Series 8K race finale set for Virginia Wesleyan Saturday as well.  up in Yorktown, the Knights of Columbus 10-Miler Run for the Heart will also have Runners racing this weekend.  Knowing the weather is calling for some Snow and Ice, it will be a good idea to check each race organizers website for any cancellations.

We’ll catch you “On The Run” Next time!

We always like your input!   Feel free to leave a comment or suggestions.  Keep checking us out weekly for your Running info in South Hampton Roads and we’ll try to catch you or maybe your friends…”On The Run!”  Look for “On The Run here on WAVY.com or archived at ontherunwithflex.wordpress.com.  Happy Running!

Fun Times “On The Run!”

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

Going Out With a Bang!

2012 was a great year for Running in the “757″ and 2013 looks bright a s well.  Before We Roll into 2013, here’s a quick look back to see just where we went and what we were doing…On The Run.   Check it out on this link: A Look Back At 2012, “On The Run!”

A BIG Thanks to all of you who share our blog info.  I couldn’t do this without you!  Happy New Year and we’ll see you soon…”On The Run!

On the Run with Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding on WAVY.com

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

We’re “On The Run” Again!

Rushing Into The Holidays!

The Month of December is sneaky. We get excited when it first arrives, get caught up in festivities, then before we know it…moves on. We’ll try to keep things interesting here as we look back at the first December weekend with the Jingle Bell 5K in Norfolk, where if you didn’t break 18 minutes, you were left out of the Top Three. Peter Mitchell, speedy at age 18, was the Overall Winner in 17:12, while the Ladies were led by Norfolk’s Nicole Dewey in 19:41.

On the Peninsula, there’s not stopping the action, as the Run With The Son For Haiti 5K produced swift times for both Overall Winner and friend of the Blog, Todd Kessler who rocked the 3.1 minutes in 17:18, while another great Running friend of our blog, Karen Terry sparkled with a stellar 17:30.

While Busch Gardens is all decked out with lights and celebration, last Sunday’s Christmastown 8K Dash, where Brittany Van Nielen won the Women’s Title with a solid 30:56. Men’s Champion, Roger Hopper was the Overall Winner with a 28:36.

What’s On The Horizon?

As the season starts to wind down, you can race around the Base with the Langley 10 miler Saturday around the Langley Air Force Base, or hit the Oceanfront for the Surfin’ Santa Ten Miler. at the Oceanfront.

Want a little change of pace? Try this- Sunday, at First Landing State Parkis the Second Annual Spartyka Warrior Challenge, an adventure race that presents the ultimate in obstacle competitions.

Cudos to a Baaaaaaad Man!

Billy Edwards goes Long and Strong next weekend!

Next weekend, the Seashore 50K rolls through First Landing State Park. That’s 31 miles in case you wondered. That may be enough for most of us “mortals” but, last year’s winner and Big Time Friend of our Blog, Billy Edwardsv will keep on going. And Going. And Going… You see, Edwards, after finishing the race will go back on the course and run longer raising funds for Team4Mil, a great group of experienced endurance military cyclists from around the world. The team promotes wounded warrior participation and you can still help a great cause this holiday season. Check out Billy Edwards on Facebook, or his website, billythekidtriathlete.com, or to learn more about Team4Mil, check them out at team4mil.org. Go Get’em Billy!

That’s the latest for this week. Good Luck to you if you are racing this weekend! I’ll catch you next time…”On The Run!”

You never Know Who You might Find…”On The Run!”

On The Run with Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding on WAVY.com.

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

We Own the Streets “On The Run!”

Talking Turkey and Other Great Races!

We can’t quite embrace December without looking back on Thanksgiving. Everywhere you looked, people were on the go. Starting in Williamsburg, the Blue Talon Bistro Turkey Trot 5K was fast and furious for overall Winner, Joshua Schlickenmeyer, who blazed the 3.1 miles in 16:09. Nicole Carson led the Ladies with a 20:10.

On the Southside, The 6th Annual Turkey Run & SEAL Team Memorial Challenge offered a 10K and 5K. Good friend of the Blog, Ryan Carroll, clocked a 15:55 to claim the Winning spot, while Women’s Top Finisher, Cheryl McGarrigle raced down a speedy 21:30.

It’s not a typo- Ryan ALSO won the 10K in 33:04. \That’s Twice as Nice! For Ladies, Ashley Lynn Hay-Bryant was First to the Tape in 43:27 and Second in the 5K. Cheryl McGarrigle was Top Three for the 10K and great Inspirational Running Friend, Thomas Hicksgarnered a Top Three Finish as well. These people really raised the holiday bar!

Justin Turner always amazes…”On the Run!”

At Mount Trashmore, The Tidewater Striders had their 10K Turkey Trot and One Mile Race. Fresh off a Top Ten Finish and the Top Navy Finisher at The Marine Corps Marathon, good friend of the blog, Justin Turner cooked up the streets with an amazing 31:41. On this day, you needed to be quick and under 33 minutes if you were gonna hit the podium. Matt Chrabot was second in 32:38, while Caleb Doanfinished out the Top Three with a scorching 32:34.

Do we love the Ladies? We had to respect the women as the Top Three Ladies ALL broke 38 minutes with the incredible Renee High leading the way in 36:21, with Natalie Hall second in 36:46 and Stephanie Manny kicking in the third place finish in 37:56.

Even Race Walking legend, 61 year old, Tom Gerhardt was strong with his 1:01:37. I am thankful to know SO many talented and inspiring people, I never seem to have enough words to say how lucky I am to say that I know you.

Speaking of Legends, the One Mile race was pretty speedy as well with Eric Graves posting a 4:50. 14 year old, Julia Hamrick, of Virginia Beach was the Fastest female with a 6:10 effort. Throw in the fact that five other male youngsters were UNDER six minutes, this always seems to bring out the best youth Runners. They say “Children are our future”….

Looks Pretty Bright From Here!

I just wrote about how well young Runners are in this area, then I came across this: The first ever MileStat.com All-Freshmen XC Team has been released. The All-Freshmen Team includes 21 boys and 21 girls from the class of 2016. Cox’s Jonathan Lomogda had one of more impressive freshmen cross country seasons in recent memory as his 15:58 5K performance this past season and was highly recognized. His dad, John Lomogda is an incredible Triathlete and I bet he must be very proud. Huge Congrats, Jonathan! Most of us can only dream of your speed!

What’s On the Menu?

This weekend, get your red and green out for the Jingle Bell Run 5K at ODU. Head to York County and check out the Run with the Son for Haiti 5K. Sunday, head to Williamsburg for the Busch Gardens Christmastown Dash 8K. Top winners receive Busch Gardens Fun Passes, and all runners receive discounts for Christmas Town and one single-day ticket to Busch Gardens for the 2013 season. Naughty or Nice, seems like you’ll get a cool gift!

That’s the Latest in the “757″ for this week. Good luck with “whatever” you’re training for. I once read “It’s not what you’re running from. But what you’re running to that counts”. Enjoy the journey. Maybe, Ill see you soon…”On The Run!”

See You “On The Run” Soon!

                            On the Run with Sportswrap, Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding on WAVY.com.

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

Lace ‘em Up- We’re On The Run!

Long Distance Fun!

Chesapeake has a great course at Bells Mill and the 5k Run/Walk For The Music was fast for Overall Winner,Kyle Oaks who rocked the Finish Line with a 16:59. Call me envious! The Womens Champ was Becky Bean with a swift 24:23. That’s good work on a Cross Country course.

Last week I mention the USATF One Hour Race/Walk Championships at Tallwood HS where you were given One Hour to see how far you’d go. A Big Congrats to Irene Fletemeyer, the 17 year old Ladies Champ, going 9,060 Meters, while seasoned Masters Race Walker, Tom Gerhardt led the guys with 9,649 Meters. That’s just short of Six miles. Well Done!

Up the road, the Suntrust Richmond Marathon Weekend was very popular with Runners from the “757″, including Drew Midland, the fastest from this area in 2:43:24. That’s much faster than when I ran with him “hooked up” last March! Viriginia Beach’s Gina McGee was the standout for Hampton Roads females in 3:07:02. great to see our “friends on the run” do so well!

in the Half, Williamsburg’s Bryce Livingston led all runners from the are with a 1:10:05 for the 13.1 mile course. Half was just enough for Virginia Beach’s Nadia Verbanac, who paced the Ladies of Hampton Roads with a 1:30:58.

Sunday Was A Fun Day!

Carolina On My Mind and On The Run!

Hurricane Sandy did it’s best to the Outer Banks but, couldn’t stop Runners in Hampton Roads from doing the OBX Half and Full Marathons. Virginia Beach’s Michael Wolfe stood out with a strong 2:54:32 for 26.2 miles. The Half was Fast and Furious for Williamsburg Masters Standout, John Piggott, who always has a high gear with a 1:16:11, while Norfolk’s Julie Ball was the Fastest Female from Hampton Roads, finishing second in her Age Group with a 1:39:36. Nice Work!

Controversy!

Norfolk hosted the First Freedom Marathon and Half Marathon raced away with close to 2,000 of you on Sunday. Unfortunately, the timing service used for the event had issues and results, as of Friday, are still not available. The weekend events, to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, have posted the 5K results from Saturday but, the missing information has people taking to Facebook and Twitter to express concern and some even outrage. Race Director, Manny Cordero has issued an apology and the timing company, Colonial Sports who had posted they would have results Thursday, have now gone online and expect a late Friday night posting of the results. All winners trophies are now to be mailed once the results are in, with a video back up system being used to follow up the “Jaguar” chip timing system that had issues. As expected, most just want there recorded times.

The race is a Boston Qualifier, meaning that your recorded time, if fast enough would get you into the Boston Marathon. Hopefully, this gets resolved soon. With many hoping to get a certified time sadly,the waiting game continues…

Keep it Positive- Whats Up This Weekend?

SO GLAD YOU ASKED! The Virginia Beach Runway 5k is Saturday morning at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. Add the Jingle Bell 5K, at Newport News Park, then throw in the GonnawannaRunagin 5K at Regent University, mixed in with the Carter Gunn Stress Buster 8K at First Landing State Park, sprinkle in the Pray to Finish 5K, and you have the ingredients to a great weekend.

Good Luck, whatever you’re training for. With Thanksgiving races next Thursday, who knows- I might just catch you…”On The Run! On the Run with Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon “Flex” Leiding on WAVY.com.

Great Speedy Friends and an Olympic Gold Medalist will see you…On The Run!

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

On The Run, Again!

Results All Over!

WOW! The Marine Corps Marathon in Washington was a great run for over 23,000 finishers, their largest group ever to cross the line, including Hampton Roads’ Justin Turner, who blazed the 26.2 miles in a 5:46 pace for a Top Ten time of 2:31:08 and was the fastest Enlisted Navy Runner across the line. Crazy Congratulations! The Fastest Female from the “757″ was Virginia Beach’s Kristen Paladino with a sizzling 3:14:20. A big “OOO-Rah” to all who “Stormed the District!” With the Military presence and support, this is a “Must Do” event!

At the Oceanfront, over 7,000 of you geared up for the Wicked 10k and Portsmouth’s Ryan Carroll ran 32:51 on a windy day. He continues his amazing works… Not forgetting the Ladies, Emily Dinning , also from Portsmouth, rocked 6.2 miles in 38:11. There were many costumes, including a payphone! Love the creativity!

Whats on this weekend

Some Great Runs are all over Hampton Roads this weekend. The legendary Yorktown Battlefield 10 Miler & 5K, plus in Newport News, it’s the Virginia Running Festival Half Marathon and 5K
. I hear the first 100 finishers at The Christopher Newport event win FREE Chick-fil-A for a YEAR! Good Luck!

On The Horizon, Marathons are calling: November 10th, it’s the Richmond Marathon, then Sunday the 11th, the Outer Banks has their fun Marathon and Half Marathon, while Norfolk offers the Freedom Marathon and Half Marathon , appropriately on Veterans Day, with proceeds benefiting the Wounded Warrior project. Decisions, Decisions…

Above the Feedback

In A New York State Of Mind

Seven days after the fact, the New York City Marathon is scheduled to go on this Sunday, despite the fact that thousands of New Yorkers and New Jersey residents are without power, clothing, food, or a home after Hurricane sandy blasted the northeast. Opinions vary, with some feeling as if every time thy passed a policeman or emergency worker, that they were taking attention away from others who need help. Others offer up that by running Sunday, the charities that they represent will be satisfied. Miraculously, the course was not seriously affected.

Thursday, New York City Marathon race director Mary Wittenberg announced there would be no changes to the traditional five-borough course on Sunday, that a plan for transporting the majority of the marathoners to the Staten Island start would be revealed on Friday, and that a Race to Recovery Fund, intended to aid those adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy, has been established with $2.6 million donated even before the announcement was over.

So the question: If you earned an opportunity to race this year’s New York City Marathon, as some from Hampton Roads are, how do you feel? Is it unfair to run the race when an area is in such disarray? I guess only you can decide. If you have a problem with them running the race, then would you have a bigger problem with the Pro Football game later that day across the river in New Jersey as Pittsburgh faces the New York Giants, knowing that area has limited to no power in certain spots, with houses ruined, burned down, or destroyed? Wherever your thinking, the “show must go on”…

Thanks for all the kind words. Drop me a line…anytime. Maybe, I’ll catch you soon…”On The Run!”

See You On The Run, Soon!