Running etc.

We’re itching for fall, and our new branded BOCO hats have arrived in navy and orange! 🍂
Running in the dark? We’ve got you covered with reflective lettering on the front and back.

Welcome to the Running Corral!
Each week, we’ll spotlight one of our Running Etc Ambassadors sharing their story, passion, and love for running. Follow along and get to know the people who help make our running community special!

Meet Brent!

What first got you into running?

I had tried other sports as a kid, but I realized that the ball always got in the way and what I really enjoyed was the conditioning part of practices. I decided to give track a try in 8th grade and I ended up as the last kid picked for the team at Crestwood Middle that year, which was way back in the 1900s. I'm so grateful that I was given that chance, which ultimately inspired me to become a coach myself.

What’s your favorite local route or race, and why?

I've always loved Shamrock. I started running in the spring, so I treat that weekend as my running anniversary. I've had the chance to run each of the distances over the years and it's been fun to share the experience with my kids as they've grown up.

What’s one of your most memorable running moments?
I signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon through TEAM in Training in 1999. I raised the money and training went really well. I was on pace to crush my PR when a guy cut behind me at mile 19 and clipped my heel. I went down hard and limped in well after my goal time had passed. Being young, dumb, and frustrated that my training had seemingly gone to waste, I decided to run Richmond only three weeks later. I seriously questioned my life choices after mile 22, but was able to hang on to qualify for Boston for the first time that day.

What’s your favorite way to refuel or recover after a run?
After a run in the summer, I love spraying myself with the hose and sitting on the back deck while I count down the days until fall.

What is your next running goal?
I'm currently training for a half marathon in the fall. (race TBD at this point!) Honestly, though, I'm at the point in my running career where PRs are behind me and I really enjoy helping other people achieve their goals instead.

What’s a running tip or piece of advice you’d share with newer runners?

Don't compare yourself to others. We're all unique and are at different points in our athletic journeys. Do your best to enjoy the gift of running, whatever that looks like for you at the moment.

Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.
I have been the coach at Great Bridge Middle School in Chesapeake on and off for the past 25 years. While I take no credit for this, I had the incredible opportunity to coach two athletes who went on to win gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics- Grant Holloway (110m hurdles) and Quincy Wilson (men's 4x400m relay). Being a huge fan of the sport and especially the Olympics, it has been a dream come true to watch those two experience the success they have had during their athletic careers.

The New Balance SC Elite.
Built for speed. Built for PRs.
Training not included.

Available at both of our locations.

At Running Etc., we love animals. Each Monday we highlight a dog or cat from a local rescue shelter. We hope to increase the networking for animals in need of a forever home. You might even find a wonderful running buddy, or more importantly, a terrific family member.

Hi, I’m Patrick, a kind-hearted, quiet older gentleman looking for a soft place to land, after a VERY rough start in life!��I first came to the rescue a few years ago, with horrific wounds to my neck that were so severe they were not sure I would make it. With a lot of TLC, I pulled through. Now, I’m a mellow guy who enjoys pets, good meals, and warm, cozy sunspots.��My perfect home is a quiet and relaxed one, with no children, or older kids who are gentle and respectful of me. I get along very well with other cats; I’m not sure if I’ve ever been around dogs. I’m looking for a mellow family to match my vibe!

Indigo's story didn't start easy, but she wasn't entirely on her own. While she was outside and pregnant, a caring member of the community kept an eye on her and made sure she was fed — and it was that same kind neighbor who reached out to Billy the Kidden Rescue for help. Now that her kittens are grown and finding homes of their own, it's finally Indigo's turn — and at around a year old, she's more than ready for a home, and a life, that's entirely hers.Indigo would do best as the only pet in her new home, where she can have all the love, attention, and quiet to herself.

Meet Wrigley a 5 month old female Jack Russell Terrier. Full of cuteness and energy to match! A wonderful pup of the active family.

Bennie is a 1-year-old German Shepherd mix with plenty of energy and enthusiasm! He's looking for an active family that can keep up with his adventurous spirit and provide him with plenty of mental and physical challenges. Bennie loves having a job to do and will thrive with activities, training, and enrichment that keep his intelligent mind engaged.

Join us this Thursday for the registration and packet pick-up for the CHKD Run for Kids!
It’s not too late to register and help us support this wonderful race.

Thursday August 27th 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: Running Etc. (Virginia Beach)
1940 Laskin Road #302

Be a part of our 20th CHKD RunWalk for the Kids on August 29, 2026, at Waterside District, where families, friends, and community heroes come together for a day of celebration. Choose the 5K, 2‑Mile Walk, or a virtual option, making it easy for everyone to join the fun and support CHKD’s mission. Every registrant receives an event shirt, medal, and goody bag, and this year’s theme encourages you to wear your best superhero cape or costume to honor the heroes who inspire us — military heroes, community heroes, CHKD heroes, patients, and the special hero in your life. The top 5K finishers overall (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place men and women) will receive a Running Etc. gift certificate on race day, and age group winners will have their gift certificates mailed after the event.

It was so great to connect with Ally in person! If you are in the Roanoke area be sure to check them out!

Connecting with the local run-specialty shop is a great way to find a home away from home when traveling! 🚙

We’ve been connected with Running etc. for quite a while via socials and have tried to connect in-person when we came for Shamrock but of course that’s a crazy busy weekend for everyone especially these guys, so it finally worked out to drop in and we are so glad!

Mike, Pam, and the rest of the Running Etc crew have lots to brag about and teach us about opportunity for growth! We are so jealous of their spacious community room complete with amazing running and race memorabilia and a dedicated hangout space. Their mural wall captures your attention right away, and they have very unique ways of displaying older-model shoes- we may have to copy both of these ideas very soon! In fact, we share a top brand and you will see some teasers soon about OUR mural wall in a special shade of blue.😉

As always, we try to coordinate a swag swap with our hosts as a token of partnership we cultivate to have our own independent run-specialty network to lean on. 40+ years of business- they’re doing lots of things right! Thank you Running Etc for being so kind to us despite being “those costumers” rolling in 10 minutes before closing. We welcome the same fate anytime you’re in SWVA! 🙌

We love having the Running Etc. ladies stop by the Beach shop for their run! Such a fun and amazing group of women.

At Running Etc., we love animals. Each Monday we highlight a dog or cat from a local rescue shelter. We hope to increase the networking for animals in need of a forever home. You might even find a wonderful running buddy, or more importantly, a terrific family member.

In honor of National Black Cat Appreciation Day, we are posting black kitties.🐈‍⬛

Meet Undine! Meet Undine! From afraid they would lose her because she was so frail to a very active little girl who will give you a run for your money with a heart full of adventure. Despite her small size, her friendly nature makes her a constant source of warmth and joy, eagerly curling up for snuggles after a day full of fun. Found as a stray along with her siblings, she has quickly won over the hearts of everyone she's met with her fearless spirit and affectionate purrs. We believe she will always be a tiny girl, but she's got a big heart and is just looking for someone to share it with. She'll need another cat friend to go home with unless there's already a playful feline in the home. Undine is available at Lil Roar Cat Rescue.

Miali has transformed from a scared, unsure cat to one that realizes she is safe and that she is worthy of love. She has turned into the sweetest most lovable kitty. Miali is available at the Catty Shack.

Meet Mr. Miyagi and Aiko (pronounced eye-ko), two handsome brothers ready to find a forever home together.

Aiko is a sleek, panther-like black kitten who is rarely seen without his prized little ball. Whether he's carrying it from room to room or inviting his brother to play, that special toy is always close by. He also loves curling up with older cats for a cozy nap after a day of adventures.

Mr. Miyagi is the witty, quick-footed brother who can turn any pom-pom toy or ball roll tower into an exciting game. Together, they're lightning-fast climbers and will race to the top of the tallest cat tree in the blink of an eye.

If you're looking for a playful, loving pair with hearts as big as their personalities, Mr. Miyagi and Aiko are ready to fill your home with laughter, cuddles, and endless fun.
They are available at Billy the Kidden Rescue.