Baltimore resident Brian Godsey, a former world record holder in several backwards running distances, explains just how his life found that direction for a little while.
- The Custis Trail will be closed at Bon Air Park between the I-66 underpass and W&OD Trail between Aug 24 – Sept 6. Detours are posted.
- The Rails to Trails Conservancy featured the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail as August’s Trail of the Month.
- District Track Club runners Edose Ibadin, Vincent Crisp and Quamel Prince were guests on the 2 Black Runners podcast.
- Herndon alumna Hiruni Wijerathne ran a Sri Lanken 5,000 meter record Saturday at the Music City Distance Carnival in Nashville, 16:17.51.
- The NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships have been canceled for 2020.
Name: Joe Snowaert
Self-described age group: 25-29
Residence: Washington, D.C.
Occupation: Program Specialist FCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services
How has your running changed in the last few months: I’ve started running more and diving into some higher mileage weeks. I’ve also been doing a lot more trail running to get out of D.C. and some virtual races. Always thought virtual races were kind of silly, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
Why you run: It has changed a lot, but right now I run because I love my running community and friends, my brain works so much better after a good run, and I am really curious what my body can do.
Virginia Tech 10k record holder and Runners’ Retreat owner Mark Stickley talked about his life as a runner and running store owner and the task of conducting the Loudoun Street Mile in Winchester in July.
- DuVal High School alumnus and District Track Club athlete Edose Ibadin was a guest on the Citius podcast.
- George Washington University cut its men’s indoor track program, citing budget pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Masters runner Alisa Harvey was a guest on the Be More podcast.
- Loudoun County High School’s meme czar Ethan Stansbury will be the guest on this week’s Potomac River Running Instagram Live, Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Name: Alayna Bigalbal
Self-described age group: 25
Residence: Reston
Occupation: Civil Engineer
How has your running changed in the last few months: My running has definitely become more solitary due to the current pandemic and race cancellations. However, I am using this time to build up a strong running base, incorporate more strength training and drills.
Why you run: I run to challenge myself and give myself something to strive for. I love the sense of accomplishment after reaching a goal and then the determination/anticipation of hitting the next one. It is also a way for me to cope with stress and anxiety.
When did you get started running: I started running my sophomore year of high school.
- Herndon alumna Hiruni Wijayaratne will be the guest on this week’s Potomac River Running Instagram Live, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5.
- Two Rivers Treads owner Mark Cucuzzella was a guest on the Run Farther and Faster podcast.
Name: Paul Wester
Self-described age group: 50-55
Residence: Beltsville, Md.
Occupation: Director of the National Agricultural Library
How has your running changed in the last few months: Except for the mask and reducing mileage because of the heat, not much.
Why you run: Fitness and to clear my mind for the day.
Though she put away her jumping spikes a few years ago, Lake Braddock alumna Maddie Manhertz Swegle is still flying through the air, this time in a navy fighter jet. On Friday, she will become the first African American tactical air pilot.
Though she was primarily a long and triple jumper at Lake Braddock and later at the U.S. Naval Academy, Swegle was willing to pitch in on the track too, including running a leg of the 2012 AAA state champion outdoor 3200 meter relay team that finished with a six-second lead over West Springfield in 9:20.9.
“My guess is that she enjoyed jumping more than she enjoyed the 400 and 800, but if we needed her on a relay, she was always in,” said Bruins Coach Mike Mangan. “That tells you a lot about her, doing that for the state championship. She was super team oriented and her teammate adored her. People felt good just being around her.”
The hosts catch up on everything that is and isn’t going on in the running world.
