Philly Marathon recap

So I finished the Philadelphia Marathon. My only real goal going into a race is to finish, but I secretly wanted to get under 4 hours. I had 4:25 I think in DC which was good, but I took that one real slow in the beginning because I wasn't sure what to expect. Having the experience of DC behind me, I figured I could run a little more normal during the beginning. I ran extra normal (whatever that means) for the first 15 miles and I was on pace to hit 4 hours and 2 minutes. I figured I could run faster for the last couple of miles to get just under four hours. Unfortunately my right leg stopped working at mile 18, so 4 hours was out the window. At mile 22 or 23 or so, the limp run I was doing for 4 or 5 miles started to have an effect on the rest of my muscles so I began to cramp. The last 3 miles were reduced to a jog/walk/limp death march that resulted in a 4:28 finish. 3 minutes slower than DC...not thrilled with the time, but at the end of the day I guess it doesn't matter. I could blame the fact that I didn't do many long runs in training for this marathon, the fact that I eat a ton of candy during a day in the cubicle, and I don't exercise outside of lunch hour runs. I decided I will do some yoga with Sarah for the Spring marathon (marathon to be determined next week).

I wasn't too excited to run in Philadelphia for whatever reason. I've lived here for six years now and I figured that the course would be boring because it's places I've already seen a bunch of times. Running up South street, by the zoo, and up Kelly drive didn't seem too exciting. I was wrong. The race was super fun. I planned for the start much better this time. Instead of showing up 2 hours early like I did in DC, I got to the Art Museum at 6:50 when the race started at 7. I didn't have to wait in any port-o-potty lines because I parked/used the bathroom at work (and Dunkin Donuts and home). Maybe it wasn't smart to park 2 miles away from the start, but it's good to know for next time...which will be never because the PA marathon is now crossed off the 50 States + 1 checklist.

The race started on time at 7 and even though I was in a corral near the back, I think I was started by 7:10 or 7:20. Nice work, Philly race people. The race was especially fun, because the people who came out to cheer were awesome. First names were printed on our race bibs, so people would shout out your name which was weird at first, but really cool near the end. It was extra cool to see Sarah and Maksim hanging out in Manayunk (mile 20 or 21). I stopped momentarily to tell Sarah about my injury and to tell Maksim that he makes a pretty good bear (as he was dressed in his bear costume). Rob, Robby, and my sister were also there and I wanted to stay and high-five everyone but Sarah told me that I shouldn't stop and told me to get moving. I limp ran away and headed back to the city for the thrilling finish.

Other notes from the Philly marathon:

A lot of people. Maybe I am misremembering, but it seemed like triple what the National Marathon in DC gets. Possibly because the National Marathon is relatively new and it doesn't count to a state for the 50 state club?

Crushed can of Four Loko on the course. Probably from a vagrant, but I'll pretend it was a runner's pick-me-up at mile 17.

Perfect weather. I have lucked out with weather for both marathons. I can't imagine running a marathon in rainy or obscenely hot weather. I'm a little nervous if I decide to run Delaware next (late May).

Columbus Blvd. served as a pretty good bathroom spot for a billion runners, male and female. Nasty

Ran without music. It was a lot easier than expected.

Having a baby is awesome. Here's Maksim eating his sock and my finisher's medal:




Thanks to everyone for cheering me on through emails and thanks to those who donated to my page.