#philly runner

Philly Runner / Walls of Justice

Nothing like a marathon recap almost four weeks later. This is what one looks like at approx. 4:45 on marathon morning, real jazzed– let me tell ya!

This was my first 26.2 where I could make my own dinner the night before, sleep in my own bed, and just do my thing–sip coffee and make my usual race day breakfast in the comfort of my own nest. The start & finish line was only 8 blocks from my apartment which was a huge plus. I threw on an old pair of pants and a hoodie and headed out the door. For the most part I just kinda felt like I was headed out for a typical long run + an additional hour or so. I got all situation at the start line and began my usual stretches & warm up. The weather was slightly brisk to start out. The lovely ladies of the Philly/Walnut Street Lululemon store hooked a sista up with my race day gear–they rock & had the best signs of the entire race–and a legit dance party/hype fest at miles 17 & 23, thanks again lemons! I opted to wear a long sleeve top with my usual shorts & compression socks, added the ear warmer since it was pretty windy out and was only expected to get in the low to mid 50’s.

Let me start off by saying that I had every intension of going into this race to actually NOT race. This was supposed to 100% be a fun run and get a little tour of my new city. I also ran Chicago six weeks before and had a strong race/PR so, I really didn’t want to set the expectations too high for a stellar performance. However, I am the most competitive Sally out there when it comes to battling my own brain, physical/mental limits.  As soon as I started running that whole “fun” thing sure as hell went right out the door. It was game on. The first 1-8 miles were pretty uneventful. Cruised through most of the city and headed out toward West Philly/Drexel Campus area. The course was pretty congested but I felt comfortable and my legs were cold but staring to get into the swing of things. Miles  8-15 were not exactly my favorite but I was still groovin’….and then…we hit the Philly Zoo/ Fairmount Park where the elevation kicked in. There were several hills where I legit questioned my sanity/ well being and was also pretty sure I had maybe peed my pants? Who knows! The good news is I didn’t pee my pants and I survived. I remember hitting the half way point and thinking to myself ” the finish line and a beer sound good right about now”. Whatever, I kept on trucking. Miles 15-the finish…1st class, front row and maybe even captain? on the pain train. My legs were toast. The wind got the best of me and I really just wanted to be finished. I tossed my handheld water bottle somewhere around mile 16 right before I got an extra boost of energy from the cheer stations. My upper body felt like it was locking up so I was trying to keep my arms as loose as possible. At one point I passed Kris Lawrence, who is an elite runner and SUPER speedy! I read her blog and I’m pretty confident she is a super unicorn. Anywho, I spotted her coming around the home stretch as I was trucking along. I briefly fan girl’d followed by a huge jolt of motivation to finish ALL the miles. Per usual, miles 22-26 were a blur. I was yapping away at myself per usual with i’m sure, the most horrific look on my face and crossed the finish like in 3:57:33. My slowest marathon time thus far by 14 big fat seconds. They put that noisy little bell medal around my neck, curled up in my space blanket, and began the walk home. I hobbled along-side a very nice man who chit chatted with me all six blocks home (which mind you, felt like 20). Although I was at one point on track to PR, I was nothing short but happily satisfied to finish my 3rd marathon. This past year was one hell of a ride. Four weddings, a huge move, brand new job, work travel, and two marathons + training. I am so excited for what 2016 has in store for my running. For now, I’ve cut down my weekly mileage, incorporating more cross & strength training.  I squatted for the first time yesterday and then went out for an hour log run this afternoon. Let’s just say bending over/sitting down is a real struggle this evening–oh hey hiney + hammies, I’m talking about you:)

What’s next on the schedule? Well, I think it’s time to try a Spring marathon so, hey Toledo! I’m coming for you at the end of April!

-C

  I spent much of the weekend catching up on sleep, organizing my apartment, and simply putzing around. I explored my new little neighborhood, demolished Chipotle in Rittenhouse Park like a true winner while dog/people watching, and of course…went running.

I had 17 miles to accomplish Saturday morning. The weather appeared to be perfect, from what I could tell before sunrise. The temp was cool with a slight breeze– my plan was to head out of the city, up the Schuylkill River Trail toward Manayunk. I had a quick breakfast, stretched/foam rolled, got changed, made my bed ( yes, this must always happen before I run long) and out the door I went….

It was around mile 12 when I was on my way back to the city when I found myself in deep thought. My body was feeling strong, my mind was right, and I was cruisin’. Side note- the past few training weeks have been a bit rough. I was getting down on myself, questioning why I do what I do, and having poor self confidence. But then on Saturday, I figured it out–it all clicked. This is what I crave. This is what saves my soul & provides me therapy. This is why I have fought the battles I have & found peace with myself. This is who I am…and this is what makes me tick. I’m in no position to sit here and dive into this deep blog post about my life. For one, it would take far too long & second, that’s not what this space is for. However, after I had my own self ah-ha moment,  the rest of the day felt easy. It was oddly strange…I spent the entire day hanging out by myself and you know what? It was glorious. My summer has been a non-stop marathon in it’s own right. I owed it to myself to do some thinking, hang out with myself, relax, and run all the miles– with a smile on my face.

Feeling very refreshed and ready to tackle another mid 50-ish mile training week. Chicago is right around the damn corner. So, with all of that said..What makes you tick?

-C