Philadelphia Marathon - RunMarathon

I've been battling posterior tibula tendonitis for three weeks of my training, which meant that my longest distances have been two 16 milers on dry land and an "18 miler" (3.5 hours) pool running. I had to tape up both feet and take an anti-inflammatory before the race, just to help make sure I'd even finish.

The start was fuh-reezing. They had to do an audible countdown because the weather had caused the starting horn to actually freeze and render it useless. LOL. We went in waves, which I suppose was to cut back on the crowds and make everyone's experience more enjoyable, but somehow I still got caught up in the cattle run, and was passing people well into the 11 mile mark. They have got to get better at seeding people. I did end up catching up with Amanda (who ran the entire thing at an 11 min/mile pace! I was so proud) at around mile 5, gave her a quick hug, told her she was looking great and then pulled ahead.

The hills were a little rough, not because they're hard per se, but simply because hills are no good for my injuries, so I would sort of freak out a little when I saw a hill and try to run extra light. Still, the feet held up great. I was feeling pretty strong coming into the halfway point--and I got to run into the museum area to the theme from Jurassic Park. Nice.

The second half was more of a mental battle starting at about mile 22. I was trying desperately to keep myself under a 9 min/mile, because I did my first marathon two years ago in 4:27, and I really wanted to come in here shaving a full half hour off that time. I was on track until about mile 22 when I started to really feel the fatigue. Up until then, I'd either been passing people or at least pacing them. Now I started to see others start to pass ME. That was hard, and when three girls trotted past, I pushed to pull up behind them, but eventually lost them after another two miles. I kept strong by talking to myself--I'm actually really happy with the mental effort, considering I felt a little down about it and I was starting to feel my legs start to give. But I kept reminding myself that after the 16 mile mark, every step was essentially the furthest I'd ever run in TWO YEARS. That was something to be proud of, I felt. So I focused on that and putting one foot in front of the other.

As I came into the finish line (ugh, a hill! That's just mean!) the crowds lining the street really cheered me up, even though at that point, I was looking at my watch and seeing 3:58 go by. I smiled anyway as I approached the finish, because I still feel proud I was able to do the distance.

Given my injury, I'm pretty happy with the result. Had I not been dealing with the tendon issues, I probably would have liked to include more speedwork in my training. Four weeks ago, I was holding steady at 8:30 min/miles. So I feel like had that training been sans injury, I could have gotten in under 4 hours. (ARGH! Why oh WHY could I not have pushed three minutes harder to be at 3:57!!??). Ah well. Next time...?

Mylar blanket, apple juice, banana. Stretched a little, sat down. One gripe: Why do they only have CHICKEN broth? What about the vegetarians?? I really could have used a warm cup of something...

Afterwards, we went out for brunch at Sabrina's Cafe. Heavenly. Best warm-down EVER.


Injury. Plain and simple. It kept me from training over 16 miles on dry land, from doing speedwork, etc. But I'm at peace with the result. I really gave everything I had and I feel like the reason I didn't get under 4 is not because I didn't try. I had nothing left at the end of that race.


This is a great marathon and half-marathon course. It's got a few hills--the worst being the one at mile 9--but otherwise, it's fast and flat and goes through some of the prettiest parts of the city. The post-race activities are a bit "meh" and the post-race food isn't anything stellar either. But the volunteers and crowds are great and nothing will pump you up for a race than hearing the Rocky theme played as you start your run. Overall, an excellent race. Highly recommended!