It is 'Broad Street Run Eve' in Philadelphia and I've been reflecting on how I have progressed over the past several years – 3 years, in fact. In 2009, my premier year for the race, I remember being so pre-occupied with doubts. Could I possibly run a distance that I had never run before? What will happen if I get a cramp? Or, far worse, 'What if I hit the wall?'
So here I am, 3 years later with many races behind me (5K's, 10K's, Half Marathons, and 1 Marathon), and I am relishing in my self confidence. Yes, aside from some unforeseen misadventure, I will finish tomorrow's race without cramping and without 'hitting the wall'. What remains to be seen is whether or not I will hit my target time of 1:30:00.
I know I have it in me – I just hope I have it in me tomorrow! In fact, during last week's half marathon race (St. Luke's Half Marathon in Allentown, PA), my 10 mile split was 1:28. I am hoping I will have a repeat performance tomorrow. Broad Street is completely flat but there will be approximately 40,000 runners so I know the first mile or so will be slow because of the crowds. I'll need to focus on when to break out and accelerate to make up for what will surely be some lost time at the start of the race.
But, just as or maybe more important, this is a nostalgic race for me as I will be running through the various neighborhoods of the city that helped shape me into the person I am today. So, even though I am targeting a new PR, I really am looking forward to this race that is very unique to Philadelphia.
Year | Time | Pace |
2009 | 1:37:57 | 9:48 |
2010 | 1:35:57 | 9:36 |
2011 | 1:35:54 | 9:36 |
The high temp for race day is forecasted to be 68 degrees. At the start of the race, it is supposed to be partly cloudy and 54 degrees. Can't ask for much more than that!
Happy and Safe Running Folks!
John
No comments:
Post a Comment