I took my kids and their friends to a pro wrestling show last weekend, and it was an experience that was new for all involved.
It got off to an awkward start as my daughter, a folkstyle grappler at the youth level, kept shaking her head and exclaiming, “That’s not how wrestling works!” But after nearly three hours of chest chops, twisting wristlocks and acrobatic body slams, all of us were on our feet chanting for 400-pound Wrecking Ball Legursky as he climbed the ropes to finish the job against “Hybrid” Sean Carr.
We had no idea what to expect going into the show, but we gave it a fair chance, and by the time the curtains closed on the production we were feverishly debating the outcomes, storylines and big moves we had just witnessed.
Sometimes, all it takes is just a small taste of a sport to get you hooked. That’s how it happens in running, too.
It took me until my 20s to recognize running as something more than a “nerd” sport, and it wasn’t until I was nearly 30 that I finally embraced the sport as a participant. While I wish I had “discovered” running earlier in life, the good news for me (and you) is that it’s never too late to pick up the sport.
There’s plenty to love about running.
First and foremost are the physical benefits. When you’re out running, you’re burning calories, boosting your cardiovascular heath and releasing endorphins. I could go on and on about the ways this sport can improve quality of life, but I prefer some of the other perks it provides.
I love the relaxation I often feel on a trail run. There’s something calming about trekking through nature that allows me to clear my mind, or alternatively, gather and organize my thoughts. I love following the stars of the sport and celebrating the broken records and the unbelievable feats of endurance that seem to happen on a seemingly-weekly basis.
My favorite part about running is how it brings out my competitive side. When I’m being pushed in a race setting, my adrenaline is pumping and I find myself running much faster than I normally can on my own. I can’t help it. When I’m going against friendly rivals, I want to give it everything I have and push them to the limit. I’m not a particularly fast runner, but I take a lot of pride in the handful of AG awards that I’ve been fortunate enough to win.
Running is a sport that’s had its hooks in me from the beginning. And I’ll bet if you’re willing to give it a shot, you might be surprised with just how fast it clicks for you, too.
1 STEP BACK, 3 STEPS FORWARD
Nearly 800 runners packed the streets of Hagerstown for the Krumpe’s Donut Alley Rally 5K, and there were no shortage of smoking-fast times.
David Butts ran away for victory in 14:39, while fellow Hagerstown runner Rebecca Tellez claimed top female honors in 17:46. Butts, who topped the field by more than 30 seconds, was joined in the Top 10 by Hagerstown’s Ryan Rasco (3rd in 15:20) and Rishi Bhat (5th in 15:37), Smithsburg’s Jonah Smith (4th in 15:21), and Waynesboro’s Will Campbell (9th in 16:26). Other top times were posted by Greencastle’s Noah Parks (16:59), Hagerstown’s Landon Call (17:06), Harol Samir Baca Ponce (17:34), Jacob O’Neil (18:04), Bryan Durboraw (18:07), and Sullivan McGreevy (18:09), Chambersburg’s Christopher Diaz (17:14) and Ryan St. Clair (19:25), Waynesboro’s Devin Barger (17:15), Noah Bockstie (19:55), and Bella Ruefle (19:58), and Smithsburg’s Charles Higgins (19:14).
Two other backyard races — the Ausherman 5 Miler in Chambersburg and the Fred Kaley Road Race 5K in Greencastle — each drew 132 runners.
The 36th running of the Ausherman saw two locals finish in the Top 10: Fayetteville’s Carson Mello (3rd in 28:10) and Chambersburg’s Quinn Oyler (10th in 31:24). Camryn Kiser finished as third female in 32:33, while fellow Chambersburg runner Derek Book was top Marine in 32:37. Several other sharp performances were recorded by Greencastle’s Claire Paci (32:34) and Joseph Trace (33:40), Chambersburg’s Scott Long (33:33), Jim Boyer (33:39), Sean Collier (34:04), Laurie Dymond (34:11), Samuel Kinton (34:13), and Sarah Boward (34:26), Lurgan’s Lexi Boyd (33:51), and Fort Loudon’s Dennis Reamer II (35:14).
Jonah Smith, of Smithsburg, secured victory in 16:40 at the 41st Fred Kaley race. Waynesboro’s Nate Snyder finished third in 17:30, while Hagerstown’s Rob Hovermale landed ninth in 20:47. Other top runners included Greencastle’s Avery Parks (23:06) and Eli Ankerbrand (24:53), and Waynesboro’s’ Joshua Snyder (24:12).
In Cascade, Md., area athletes competed at the Fort Ritchie Duathlon and Triathlon. Wynn Fertig, of Waynesboro, finished in seventh in 1:41:16 in the sprint triathlon, while Hagerstown’s Will Marquiss (1:35:36) and Cheryl Scholl (1:44:15) swept victory in the sprint duathlon. The olympic triathlon event saw both Hagerstown’s Ethan Downie (2:44:35) and Christine Lane (3:19:05) secure AG awards.
Smithsburg’s Dylan Herbst was the top runner at the Leitersburg Ruritan Jack Roberts Memorial 5K, a race that drew 179 runners. He posted a time of 16:58 to defeat a field that included Waynesboro’s Ian Sherlock (2nd in 17:11), Smithsburg’s Alex Faust (5th in 18:25), and Hagerstown’s Caroline Philp (10th in 21:24) and Mackenzie Philp (3rd female in 21:52).
A number of others were active in races across the region and beyond, including Fayetteville’s Wing Lam Cheung (6:24 at Mt. Airy Main Street Mile; 6:41 at The Brooklyn Mile), Chambersburg’s Richard Vincenti (52:06 at Griffin 5K), Brent Rockwell (1:07:38 at Ninja 10K), Matt Imwald (1:05:12 at Savage Race Pennsylvania), and Jennie Mazzone (1:25:25 at Presque Isle Sprint Triathlon), Fairfield’s Mark Parry (31:29 at Tommy Laudani Delone Dash 5K) and Beverly Black (24:19 at Matthew Henson 5K; 40:31 at Groovin’ Woodstock 7K), Smithsburg’s Leah Howe (36:26 at Charm City Run 5K), and Hagerstown’s Heather Luciani (23:44 at Frederick Women’s Distance Festival 5K).
And now, a look ahead:
Gettysburg Brewfest and Trail 5K: Saturday, 8:30 a.m., in Gettysburg. Compete on the grounds of the historic Daniel Lady Farm, and then enjoy food, beverage, and music as part of Brewfest. Check out the event on gettysburgbrewfestandtrail5k.com.
Gary Brown Memorial 5 Miler: Saturday, 8 a.m., in Williamsport, Md. This race, held on the C&O Canal Towpath, is in its 44th running. Look for the race on runsignup.com.
Run Wild for Wildwood 5K/10K: Saturday, Aug. 23, 8:30 a.m., in Harrisburg. Hilly Wildwood Park will serve as the backdrop for this event, which includes 5K and 10K race distances. Search for the race on runsignup.com.
Also: Cedar Nation 5K (Saturday, in Lebanon); Ninja 5K/10K (Saturday, in Akron); Wyalusing North Branch Triathlon (Saturday, in Wyalusing); Drake Well Marathon (Sunday, in Titusville); Fall Mighty Moraine Man Festival Triathlon (Sunday, in Portersville); Thirsty Thursday 5K (Thursday, Aug. 21, in Reading); Amos Herr Honey Run 5K (Saturday, Aug. 23, in Landisville); Baker Trail Ultra Challenge 50M (Saturday, Aug. 23, in Godfrey); Ben and Tim Day 5K (Saturday, Aug. 23, in Hershey); Ninja 5K/10K/Half Marathon (Saturday, Aug. 23, in Hughesville); Flying Feet 5K (Saturday, Aug. 23, in Littlestown); Hyner Half Marathon (Saturday, Aug. 23, in Hyner); Ninja 1M/5K/10K (Saturday, Aug. 23, in Manheim); YMCA Milkshake Mile (Saturday, Aug. 23, in Harrisburg); Pennsylvania Brewery Running Series 5K (Saturday, Aug. 23, in Millvale); Rail Trail 10 Miler (Saturday, Aug. 23, in York); Hellbender Half Marathon (Sunday, Aug. 24, in Bear Gap).
