Philadelphia Marathon - RunMarathon

Given the ankle injury I wasn't sure what to expect especially in the later miles. So I just when out as planned and just figured I adapt accordingly. Wanted to start out around 8:30s pace and let it slowly creep up to 9:00 pace thru mile 17 and then hold on as best as possible.

First mile was slow, but then quickly got back to pace as runners thinned out. Loved the wave start - it would have been an ugly cattle herd thru the city streets without it. The Philly Distance Run should do the same thing as I always end up running on the sidewalks thru the city. We were running with the half marathoners as well and I must have merged in with the 2 hour pacers. That was okay, I could pass them while the faster marathoners past me. A few tight spots in the city around corners but I ran in worse (ex NYC marathon). Lots more fans than what I remembered back in 2000 and 2001 races. Really cool to see that many people cheering. Made a nice toss of a gel package into trash can on the run, between cheering fans and got a big EAGLES cheer.

Saw some wacky outfits out there running. I think they probably got the right perspective on things - its about the fun and not taking themselves too seriously.

Took the first hill near Drexel (dad's alma mater) easy - no sense in pushing here. By the zoo (haven't been there in a while) and up the next hill - Landsdowne Ave (same route we bike in the Philly Oly). Saw folks and brother at Memorial Hall - stopped only for about 10 sec. It was an easy spot for them to get to and me to find them. Down Black Road (its much faster on the bike) an down to the river. Pace was staying in the 8:30s - 8:40s range, and felt good. I was thinking of removing a layer when I saw my fan support, but whenver the wind blew, it was a cold wind, so decided to keep what i got.

Felt good thru the mid-point around Eakins Oval - lots of fans - real cool. Up the new hill round back of Art Museum (we bike down it during PHilly Oly). Took it easy up but it hurt more coming down?

Felt surprisingly good all the way to mile 18 - 19 entering manayunk. Grabbed a shot of beer (just like in 2000 and 2001) - always a must. Alot bigger group than I remember in the past. As I neared mile 20 and the turnaround, my quads were really getting tight and stiff. Felt my stride shortening and my pace was now in the 9:00s. This was the point I was worried about. Knew my legs would be screaming at me since I didn't train them enough for this distance. But hey its just muscles aches, no ankle or foot injury - so keep moving. Saw folks and brother in Manayunk (cool that my brother lives there now). Exchanged a couple bottles from the fuel belt for coke and some vitamin water (I really lover the grape Revive). Is better than perpetuem and water.

For most of the run I was with the 3:50 group, but now I knew it was just a matter of time before the 4:00 hour balloons arrive at my back. How long could I keep them at bay? SKipped the beer man coming out of Manayunk and up to Falls Bridge. Took 10 seconds to walk here and get out my endorulytes. Tough getting the legs going again. As I started for mile 22 I heard runners going the other way cheer the 4 hour group behind me. They were a coming. I knew I could break 4 if I could just keep moving. I could hear the group behind me - this made me pick it up. I kept them behind me until mile 23.85 (exact point by Garmin lost power too) and they just flew by me. Was to fast for me to even comtemplate satying with. I was down to 10:min pace. It was mentall deflating and I did stop and walk for a minute. My quads were toast. Well I knew I should still PR if I just didn't walk again. So I trudged to the finish line.

It was cool that the fans were allowed onto the street coming up to the Art Museum and made a chute for the runners. I remember thinking this must be what it is like at the Tour de France. Cool.

Finished will no sprint - had nothing left. But happy with the result. PR by 4 minutes from last marathon (OCM last March) and 17 minutes better than Philly 2001. Good day.



Not be bone head and injur ankle and thus get more long runs in as planned. Will try to get it right at the Ocean Drive Marathon in March 09.

Join the herd thru the lines to the food tent and bus for clothes. I am not a crowd person, so i usually skip most of this and go out and cheer the runners in. But today I was cold and wasn't walking too good. So after 5 minutes of cheering i trudged back to car where I had food and drink.


The same thing that is always the limiter - my training. We can do anything we want to if we just train for it properly.


It Philly, so its got a special place in my heart. I will do it again, probably multiple times. I know the course, know the town, have family there and its only 1.5 hours away.