Run for Fun with Leigh Spann WFLA Now

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - In this week's episode of Run for Fun, we take a look at competing and racing in wheelchairs and handcycles. The joy of crossing a finish line should be available to everyone, no matter their ability. Today, Leigh Spann and Coach Maria sit down with Mark Lalli, one of just 40 handcycle participants in the 2024 Boston Marathon. To compete in this category, the athlete must have a physical impairment that aligns with the International Paralympic Committee, and the impairment must impact the person's ability to use a wheelchair or run with a prosthesis.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- In this week's episode of Run for Fun, we discuss the six World Major Marathons. These marathons are Tokyo, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London and New York City. Professional and recreational runners from around the world train to tackle the 26.2 miles in each of these cities.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — In this week's episode of Run for Fun, we take a deep breath and look at how important proper breathing is to running.

It's easy to focus on running faster and working harder, but runners are less likely to work on their breathing techniques. Taking deep, full breaths allows oxygen to get to the muscles and can even decrease fatigue.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – In this week’s episode of Run for Fun, we discuss the importance of pelvic floor and glute strength for runners. Many runners don’t realize the importance of the glute muscles to power the run. These large muscles also help to stabilize the runner and can help prevent injury. While you’re running you are actually balancing on one leg at a time, and building up the muscles that can help stabilize you will make the run stronger.

AMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — In this week’s episode of Run for Fun, we get ready for the legendary Boston Marathon. This race started in 1897, and it is the most prestigious road race in the world. Professional runners race through the same Boston streets as recreational runners. For non-professionals, it is difficult to even make it to the starting line. One way to run “Boston” is to qualify. To be eligible, a runner needs to run a different marathon at a specific speed (based on age) in the 12 months before the Boston Marathon.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — In this week's episode of Run for Fun, we sit down with Hillsborough County School Superintendent Van Ayres. He's an avid runner, even qualifying and running the legendary Boston Marathon in 2023. As a teenager, he was an athlete at Jefferson High School in Hillsborough County, and he wanted to get back in shape after returning to the district as a high school chemistry teacher.