Philadelphia Marathon (Page 3)

Half & full start at the same time.

There's some light hills over the course of a couple miles, but no hills that last for a couple miles (probably not even for a half-mile).  Most meaningful hill on the half comes around mile 7 or 8 and it's pretty much dead flat until then.  For the next few miles (until maybe mile 10?) there are some other modest hills and it doesn't return to "dead flat" until you descend back down to the river drive for the final 2-3 miles.

Looks like we're in the Taper phase now ...  Good Luck to everyone. 

I came down with a little case of IT Band Syndrome.  I see a Sports MD tomorrow.  ITBS sucks because my fitness is very good right now and physically my legs look perfect, but everytime I run on anything but a perfectly flat surface, I get an excruciating pain on the outside of my right knee.  I'm not going to run for for 10 consecutive days and just cross train (swim, bike, strength training) and then I'll go for a run on the 19th or 20th and see what happens.  If I can run over 10 miles with zero symptoms, then I'll give it a shot and do the marathon.  If not, I'll see you guys next year. 

Thanks Man.  I hope it's gone in time soon, too.  As far as the weather -->

It's hard to say exactly what the weather will be at this point.  But assuming a chilly start (decent bet for 7am in Nov), you can wear an outer layer at the start and ditch it there (my preference if I wear one at all) or do so along the course.  Old sweatshirt, or the like, is typical.  Same for gloves, but these you are more likely to want to wear for at least the first few miles if it is cold.  Either stuff them in a pocket or just get some cheap "disposables".

Averages for this time of year are 52 for a Hi and 37 for a Lo.

Right now longest range forecast I can find is 10 day which takes us to Nov 20th with a Hi of 48 and low of 31. (and sunny)

Hopefully that trend holds through the weekend. Last years race was a miserable, cold and wet experience...and I was only a spectator....

Yeah, it was cold and rainy. I ditched the long sleeve cotton T I had and the gloves. Ended up picking up a shirt and mismatched gloves off the ground many miles later. Don't ditch what you may bee later. Shirt could have easily been tied around my waist and gloves can go in waistband of shorts. I do it on training runs all the time.

swishyskirt - 2008-11-13 3:39 PM Ack, a little over a week to go! I've been injured the last month of training (post tib tendonitis), so I'm hoping to do the marathon with only two 16 mile long runs under my belt. My first mary I did having already done two 20 milers. It's really freaky to think about. Anyone else struggling with what feels like a pretty big hurdle? (encouragement please!) P.S. Weather-wise, showers on Friday, Nov 21st, but sunny on Saturday...no word yet on Sunday, but maybe that's a good omen!

I've been battling IT Band syndrome for the last 3 weeks.  First time I've had it in 3 years of running!! Sucks.  I saw a good Sports Doc though and he's very optmistic that I'll be able to run the marathon and he performed some A.R.T. and Graston on me that has worked so far.

I only have one 20-miler under my belt.  I think the key for me (and perhaps you ) will be to honestly assess what is a realistic marathon goal based on our current physical status and based off of what training we were able to do.   For me personally, if I can run 26.2 pain free at a 7:59 avg pace (sub 3:30) I will be a happy camper.  The original goal was a BQ ... but luckily I'm young and I'll have many more chances to BQ.

Let's hope for a great day and great weather, and just have a GOOD TIME!!

I was just thinking the exact same thing this morning.  It's 60 degrees here on Long Island!   If we can get 55+ degrees on race morning, I will be an uber happy camper

low 40's, cloudy and dry would be awesome!

Hi all. Just joing BT and quite like it. So late in the Philly game here. Running the full and my first time to the city. We are coming down from canada a few days early. For you folks from the area are there any good tri stores in the region?

 Cheers Thanks

Not really any good tri-specific shops nearby, but you could go check out Cadence in Manayunk and preview part of the marathon course at the same time.  A visit to Elite Bicycles in Philly is always worthwhile too if you want to talk bikes with some good people.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/sports/wxdetail/USPA1276?dayNum=6&from=weekend

 High of 39 degrees on Weather.com.

Phil