My Year, My Goal, Philadelphia Half Marathon

Philadelphia Half Prep

The race is at the end of the week. Right now I am not worried. I put in the work most of the year and a have to get myself prepared mentally to go the distance. I have ran 13.1 miles in one training session at least once every month this year since I started on this journey. Just nothing standing between me and my goal is just to do it.

How did I get myself into this

I often think back on what was I thinking on going for this half marathon. I think back to finishing my first Broad Street when Joe said to me in the car, "You should do a half." I still laugh at myself for doing that. Then sometime later after some more thought and really falling into a funk because I reached my "goal" race at the time and really did not know else to shoot for. 

Then as I was like, I want to run Broad Street again, because I had so much fun. Then after thinking and talking to some friends, of course Joe once again suggested that if I wanted to consider participating in the Philadelphia Marathon weekend, that a few slots were open for people to also run the Broad Street Run. Like a selfish fool, I took the bait and yet started 2019 with my new goal race, The Dietz and Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon.

Putting my feet to work

I am a darn fool. Having my goal race being near the end of the year. However, sometimes you gotta give yourself some time to prepare. And even though I had already ran a 10 miler, I thought it was best to give myself plenty of time to prepare. I even doubled down on this crazy idea of stretching my longest distance to 13.1 miles by putting it out there in the universe when talking about my goal in Ordinary Marathoner podcast. This was called the Philadelphia Challenge. I was honored to be a guest and going into it, I felt like, if I said it out load publicly I must hold myself accountable. This way, I would attempt to get outta my running blues between races and stay focused on the end goal.

I did smart this year with the races I signed up for. The purpose was 1) keep myself building up throughout the year 2) not fill rushed near the end of year to get myself ready for the distance 3) physically recover a little better after finishing and not feel like I have to be in bed for severals days after finishing. I ran the Hot Chocolate 15K (and probably had too run much fun in the process); Broad Street Run 10 Miler (I became a duck in the process); Dairy Air 10k; Philadelphia Mayors Cup [10k]; Race for Blue [5 miler]; and the Rock and Roll Half Marathon. I did have a race in October, but had to cancel due to family commitments.  Each one I used as stepping stone and stay motivated.

I was proud of my progress throughout the year. Even had several good training runs. Even the late August 10k that turned into 10 miles because I was enjoying the run so much, I ran further out than intended. Still happy that I had taken some cash so I could get bottled water at the gas station on my way back. Vacation running is funny that way. 

How many Halves

With the use of Strava I tracked my attempts to run a half every month. The virtual challenges are really helpful. My first thought was if I start to become comfortable with the distance I should be able to concur the race at the end of year and get a time I would be really happy with.  I started it off in January with the Star Wars Virtual Half. Using this virtual race as a challenge I thought that if I could run the full distance that would start me on the right track for the year. On my first run, I got the distance. I strung together several more runs thought the month earn the virtual half. March through May, I made a few more attempts to run a half, but came up short to hit the total distance in one run. However, I did have some good training runs in between, plus I also trained for the Broad Street Run and participated in the Ordinary Marathon during that stretch.

June I was determined to get back on top. And by the end of the month I made it back to the Half mountain top. It was a good. I felt better than I did in January. Then before I knew it September came and it was time for the Rock n Roll Half. I used this as my baseline into going into November. The course is mostly flat and is similar to the Philadelphia Half. In October and into the first week of November I was able to run some tough 10 milers considering I ran the hills in my neighborhood and ran an alternate route on the trail.

So I guess, in total I guess I ran a half 3 times in one single run this year. Could have swore I did it 2 more times at least. Oh well. I have plenty of 10s and some 11s to look back on. In most training programs they even suggest that the individual not run the full distance of their eace until race day. So I may have been following that advice too throughout the year.

Philadelphia Half Marathon

The race is finally here. I am really excited and most of the week, I am fairly calm about the whole thing. I even have been paying attention to the weather report most of the week that said it will be dry and cold during my race day. Temps expected to be in the mid 40s. I thought that cool, until I get hit by Keith on Friday who forwards me the weather report for Sunday and the prediction of cold rain the whole day. At first I thought the weather report was for Saturday and I was none too happy. So yeah I freaked for a bit. Then eventually the smarter part of my brain stepped up and I checked the local weather again. Saturday's report was still the same. Thanks local meteorologists for getting it right. I looked back at what I was sent, at realized it was Sunday's weather. I sent Keith the local weather report. 

Friday afternoon and evening I was like a duck on water leading up to the race. Normally I hit a calm with no problem leading up to my races. I just tell myself, I am going to get up tomorrow, put on my gear and run with a few of my friends. However, because it was my goal race, I was a little more nervous than usual. I calmed down eventually and got a good nights rest. 

 Race day I wake up and go through my normal routine. I get cleaned up, dressed, make coffee to go and eat some warm cereal due to the cool temperatures.  My dad used to say to me when I was young, "You need to have something warm in your belly if you are going to be outside all morning." I actually follow this advice as an adult. Thanks Dad. Then I pack myself a PB sandwich and triple check I have my gear bag (which I half packed the night before) and the rest of my gear which is next to the front door. Then I'm out the door. On my way down, I make a quick stop to grab a couple bananas and some bottle waters. I normally keep one bottle of water and banana for the car ride home after races. This helps me from cramping after the longer distances. Also with being in the back of the pack, I dont' start at the gun time and want to make sure I am hydrated before the start of the race. I am used to an extra 20 - 30 minutes before my corral gets started. 

I met up with Black Men Run Philadelphia prior to the start of the race after checking in my gear.  It's aways a great time getting together and chatting it up. I wanted to meet up with my fellow Team Ordinary  team mate Ben and some more friends running at the race, but I was not able to meet up with them in time. 

After meeting up, we went to our respected corrals. Temperatures are in the low 30s, and I am wearing my warm gear, hat and gloves. I only start to feel more of the cold when I take my gloves off to look at my phone. Why cant I find my touch gloves I think to myself. While doing some stretching and I see Ann. She is so full of energy and excitement.  I was digging her CP3O inspired outfit for the run.  We talk and wish each other luck. I let her and here friends get back to preparing themselves. I quietly start shaking out some butterflies and calm myself.

Picture courtesy of Ann

As I was settling in, I talked with some of the other runners around me. For the most part they were all saying the same thing, not looking forward to the incline near mile 10. Personally I try not to think about the inclines too much. Besides that no one seem to be worried other than finishing the race. I was in mix company of those whom this was their first half and those whom haven't ran more than 5 races in this distance.  The corrals are started in waves with a minute between each one. As My corral finally get started I was on the left side. It was split in half crossing the start line to get everyone to use the full parkway at the start of the race. Due to the amount of people competing, I really understand. I totally wish I was on the right side of the corral starting because Des Linden and Meb Keflezighi were giving high fives. It was really a powerful sight. Smiles all around.

The race starts down the parkway,  and head down towards City Hall. From City Hall you head to Independence Hall where Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin were out cheering the racers on. Ben give me a high five and shouted he wants to see Ben Simmons get more aggressive down the stretch. Ben is a big 76ers fan, just like me. (Now only if he could get Dr. J and A.I. to take a picture with me...) Then we headed past the US Mint onto Race. I really wish I took some pictures while we ran on Race Street with the Ben Franklin Bridge on our left hand side towards the water front area. In a city that is always bustling, it was calm and cereal. Hitting Columbus Boulevard during the first 5k, I saw a little girl on the steps of the newer condos cheering us on and running it place. It was a really cute sight.

 After running round Gloria Del-Old Swedes Church Historic Site, was the first water station and conveniently we were right across the street from John's Roast Pork. It's almost the story of my life lately, every time I get near this awesome eatery lately I am either too early or I am to pressed for time to wait in the line. At least the air was crisp and did not smell like food, just race success. Traveling up Front Street hitting mile marker 4, there was the Mile 4 Cheer Party. Music, games, signs, fan fair galore. The incline was slight from being at water level just moments before. Hard to notice. Then I headed north on South Street. I remember all the time in my younger days visiting the various spots on South Street. I don't remember being on the street as the sun was rising. I found this really cool owning the street for the first time in a very very long time.

Passing Starr Garden Park and the fire station, we turn onto Lombard Street, which I remember that my friends old apartment was near by. And as a matter of fact, I ran right past it. I hit a walk break and sent a quick voice text text to him and kept it going. Reminiscing waits for no one.  From miles 5 through 6.5 I must of zoned out a little and just enjoyed myself. (I took a quick potty break after 10k into the race. Stay hydrated people.) We continued to head up Lomard and made a few turns. When I hit mile 7.25 my right calf cramped a little, however, I worked it out.

I was in my own happy place running across the Walnut Street Bridge over the Schuykill River. Getting to the end of the bridge and seeing the FMC building on the right and Penn Park on left is a really good view. Getting to about 8.33 miles into the race my thighs started to tighten. The next water station was just in front of me, so some needed hydration, and drop in elevation, I was back in the game.

Continuing up Walnut through UPenn campus and turning onto 33rd Street the next thing I knew we were  running past Dexel. University City is really nice day or night. Mile 9 we passed Powelton Village and headed toward the Philadelphia Zoo and the dreaded inclines.  I stuck with my plan miles 9 and 10 and took my walk breaks when needed and tried my best to keep pace. After passing the Zoo and running across the Girade Avenue Bridge, I looked at the city skyline one more time taking it all in. I look at the nice person next to me who had been with with me most of the way up to this point and said, "That view of the city never gets old." She agreed and we all continued on.

Finally hitting the mile 10 marker getting into Fairmount Park, my tracking app had me two minutes past my average time at this distance. I was not really happy with myself as I hit the next hydration station. I changed my music, hoping that this would help my cadence for the final 5k. I was strong until 11.5 miles where even though it was mostly down hill, I really could have used another hydration station at this point. Getting back onto Kelly Drive and heading for the finish, I felt like I was starting to hit a wall. At this point until 12.5 miles my calves decided to play the cramp and tired game. Left calf, then right calf. I had to back down a bit until the next hydration station. Finally with the last hydration station. With about half a mile left, I knew I was close but yet it almost felt so far away.

Seeing the corner of the Art Museum and people gathering near the Rocky Statue I knew it was time to start digging deep. No more walk breaks. I was only about 3 blocks away from the finishing line. Could hear the crowd and people cheering us. People shouting "You got this," "The finish is right there" "Go big man" and I know I heard someone shout my name, probably from reading my bib. I kept digging trying to shift into 6th gear  but only could manage to into 4th.  I cruised into finishing the Philadelphia Half Marathon. I finished my goal race. It felt great to get across all the timing pads and not stopping for several yards. After stopping, I also stopped my watch after a few seconds. I laughed a little to myself like I just broke some kind of record and needed my own watch to verify it. I shuffled over and move out the way while my heart was still pounding from all the excitement. I finally did it. Ring da bell! They are all not glamorous, however, when you put in the work, it does pay off. Half Marathon is now done.

After the race I grabbed my gear and met up David and Bryant of BMR. They talked me into hanging out in the warming tent for a bit. And I can tell you I needed that in the worst way. My muscles started seizing up due cold temperatures and me not moving around much. Warming tents are just what the doctor ordered on this day. While we grabbed a table and put down our refreshments and snacks, I picked a spot to stretch. This helped a lot. Here is a little advice, recovery starts when you get done. Don't be pig headed. Take the time you need to cool and stretch out properly so you do not turn yourself into a statue.

This weeks journey is done. Until the next running journey. #bighomieonthemove

That smile will stay on face, not because it was cold.

Roll Like the Homies we are

This week's post is dedicated to my homie, John. Until we meet up again, and roll like the homies we are....

Prolog:

Not to get overly emotional, however a close friend passed away recently. He was like family. We used to tease each other that we were brotha's from another motha'. It was really true. Throughout college I had several roommates, mostly due to living in suites the last few years.  I was one of the lucky ones. I stayed in close touch with four of them. 

John and I inseparable after our first year together.  He was in cover band, and I went to an abundance of their shows. And like anything else in life, the band also become my friends due to John. I think as a group we had our fair share of fun too.

Homies For Eva

Life forward

We all got jobs, married, homes, and had kids. In a short, got older and responsible. Yeah, I used the "R" word. How any of us got this far without being chased down the streets by our wives due our own stupidity is still a mystery. This motley crew got lucky. 

John loved finding excuses just to get everyone together. Varies parties and get togethers throughout the year. We had a few annual traditions. Even one, that I brought to the group because I like to keep a few of my own that the fellas would love. Sporting was always in the cards and if we went to our fair share of games together. And yes, John was active. Several years back, the big man dropped a few "lbs" (thats how we talked to each other) and even lead a his job on a 5K walk for charity. This was really inspiring. At that time both of us were cool with walking, but that "running" thing we would double over laughing at people. 

I still do not know who was more excited after I finished the Broad Street Run the first time. John got a text from our friends that I walked into the bar to celebrate. I can only say that on the drive home, I did get several texts from him enjoying the moment. 

Are we going to talk about Running??

My running was a little more off this past week due to John's passing. I couldn't sit on my butt though. He would have said, "Homie, I need you to get those miles. We got a race coming up. And for all the trash you been talking...."

Sunday November 10th

Today, I am scheduled to get my last double digit run prior to the Philadelphia Half Marathon. After today, its time to tapper and rest my legs. Also thought that the run would be good to clear my head. I decided not to run at the trail, and just stay in my neighborhood.  I got three miles in and tripped in a spot that is completely flat. I looked back and of course nothing there. Not a crack, or uneven portion of the pavement. And did I forget to add, that I skidded across the dry pavement. Good thing I was wearing long sleeves and all covered up. I am sure I would have had road rash from head to toe if not for being all covered up. There is no one else on the street but I hear a faint laugh. Almost like it was coming from behind a non-existing bush. Thanks Homie, for the tough love. In short I ran to the other end of town and back, 7.4 miles. The only thing that hurt at the end of this run was my pride.

Paused for a moment to check out view in Glenside

Tuesday November 12th

I am scheduled to do 5kish miles today. Long day at work but much needed after work run. I went to gym next door and did a minuted warmup while getting my devices all ready. After the warm-up, I set the speed and started on my way. After 30 mins, I was feeling good and boosted the speed up some more. Short story, 1 hour on the mill and ran the fastest in my life. 5.75 miles!!!! What the what! I still got no idea what got into me. But the yeah it happened:

Still in shock

Sunday November 17thToday is the last long run before the race. I am scheduled to do about 6 - 7 miles. I over slept a little. The late start did not make it warmer outside with the 30 degree temperature and all.  Fun cold run. Since last week was a mostly flat run, I needed to go back to the hills. First mile I felt good. Then I started mile 2 and bulk of the hills. Then the world got really slow. It took until getting to mile 4 before I felt normal. 10k completed. I am not going to complain. 

Tailgate Promise

Wow, it has really been much longer than I thought for writing. In my last post, I did cover some ground on my previous hiatus.  This time, I can simply say I just did not have much to say. For those close to me, it's funny to every hear me write or say, I don't have much to say.

As I am trying to evolve this space, and as it is dedicated to my running adventures, I want to not just talk about my running. Ok, we will still talk about running.

Running Funk

Every time I reach or goal or finish a major race in my schedule, I fall into the Running Blues. A funk because I hit my goal. My goals are not related to getting a PR (personal record) but more centered around finishing a race. Those race finishes, do come at a personal price. The price being, how did I really feel after? Did I give it my all? Is there more in the tank? Did I give up or just simply did not bring my game with me? 

My races are spaced out far apart enough for me to go through a small funk and then get myself motivated for the next one. My original plan for the fall was to run RnR Philly, Runner's World Festival 5 & Dime, and finally my goal race the Philly Half Marathon. The plans changed and I did not do my 5 & Dime due to outside personal obligations. From a running aspect I was not bummed. I just had to get out and do a training run that weekend when I had a chance. 

I do realize, that due to change in my schedule, I did not train as often as I should have during the month of October. However, I did stay committed to my weekend long runs.  I find that sticking to my weekend long runs does keep me from blues. I stay motivated. Even though the smaller runs are good for my training.

Long Run Days

It's football season. I like to run 5k - 10k on the days my team plays. Which is mostly Sunday's which happens to be my Long Run days. Some would say, that if I run the team will do better. Some times this does work. Other times, I feel like maybe I should have ran further. And on a few occasions this season, I did a lot of miles, but my team did not win. Such is sport.

I'll run either run at one of a couple trails, Pennypack  or Power Lines, or the surrounding area.  I still find that where ever I run, the world does slow down a bit. I lower my music and observe everything that is going on. I am more impressed with a few things that I see. As of lately my phone is not handy to snap a picture. I think that is part of me just enjoying the run.

3rd Generation Dodge Dart Swinger

Over the last several weeks, I have stayed to doing 10k or more with majority of my long runs. With the exception of 10/27 when I ran 5 miles in the rain, then when I got home, did a few more miles on the elliptical. 

This past Sunday, I ran 10 miles through Pennypack. I mixed up this run by taking a trail I have been wanting to take for some time. I got to see another side of the trail and even enjoyed the fall weather. 

One of 14 footbridges on Pennypack trail

Data? We don't need no stinking Data

October 13th started off a good run. I got a later start than I wanted so I elected to run around the area instead of heading to the trails. It was a nice morning so staying close to home was  good idea. I made sure my hydration pack was filled and I put on my watch, which was charging all night, and the rest of my gear and headed out the door. My plan is to do about 8 miles. 

Seeing as though I am running in my area, I am going to mix it up and do some hills. I still rather run the hills near my house than the ones in the North Star section of Delaware. I am familiar with those hills on both foot and bike. North Star is not a fun training ground for me.  Early in my morning run my watch died on me. Great. I thought I had it plugged in all night. SMH. No matter. I know know how far I have thus far. I will just start up one of my apps on my phone. Yeah, that stopped tracking me too after some time.

I got about 5.5 miles into my adventure and stopped to help someone change a flat. Most of my training runs, I am not paying attention to time, just working on my conditioning and cadence.  The person I helped appreciated the offer and together we got them on their way. It was a really bad flat. Looked like someone slashed through the side of the tire with a sword. One the ugliest flats I have seen in a long time. I restarted my app and continued on my adventure running up and down the hills and all around. When I get to where I started I see that my app even stopped working shortly after resuming. It looks like it auto-paused when I was waiting for the cross walk and never resumed. Epic fail. So how far did I go? I used my phones health app and it told me how far I had went.  Best thing for me it was only tracking since I walked out the front door because I had the charger next to the front door.  10.3 miles. Next time, I'll make sure my watch is plugged in all the way. 

Tailgate Promise

On my local runs I run through Hillside Cemetery. When I run through it quiet and serene. I normally plenty of deer running through the cemetery, darting around and back into the woods. On occasion I may even see  some visitors early in the morning whom are there to pay respects to their loved ones. When I do come across those visiting, I stop my music and go by quietly so I do not interrupt their time.  However, during the fall, I do observe one visit almost every week that is heart warming.

Since I run the same route through the cemetery, I have been greeted by a gentleman whom, almost every week during football season is paying respects to their loved one. He parks his car nearby and takes out a little radio. Sets up a chair and tunes he radio to the local pre-game sports broadcast for the days football game. He may be wearing a sweatshirt or hat, but I have come to know him by his kind smile. I am normally wearing my Eagles hat, and I tip it to him as I pass by. Sometimes we wave to each other. I continue on quietly, with no music playing, and allow them to continue on listening to the radio and discussing the upcoming game.

I have been running this route now for the third fall. I did not think this would continue after the Eagles won the Super Bowl a couple years ago. The team won........ the following seasons come and ominously they are both there. Supporting the team, listening to the radio, and going over the upcoming game. This is specially true for every home game. Almost like a tailgate minus the "party" atmosphere. 

In my own observation, I think to myself this was a promise that was made between the two. "We will tailgate together every week. Rain or shine. Especially for the home games... no matter what. Why? Because that is the only time we get to catch up and have a couple of laughs."  This is how in a way I think the conversation started some time ago. 

I got to thinking about the promises I have seen people make to each other over time. Most of them have to do with being side by side with their friend or family member no matter what the circumstances are. You just got engaged, had a baby, fell ill, moved into a new place, new job, loss someone close to you?  I bet everyone can name at least one person in their life that would drop everything to be with them at a moments notice in any situation. 

You and that person have a bond that is like no other. The kind that no matter how much time has passed since you have seen each other, you can pickup where you left off in a conversation. Regardless if that conversation was 10 years ago or 5 minutes ago.  These types of bonds are unspoken and unbreakable. I would describe it as a brother/sisterhood or kindred spirits. 

Promises like this have a deeper meaning between those involved then to the outside observer. Holding true to the mutual promise is honorable. Tailgate with your kindred spirit every chance you get. Play the radio and go over the injury report, stats, and potential trades. Yell at the broadcaster you both never agreed with. Why? That is what loved ones do for each other. Continue supporting each other for as long as time will allow. It could be as memorable as driving through the clouds.