Racing for the Cure

Mother's Day in Philadelphia is celebrated with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure – a 5K race that takes you down Benjamin Franklin Parkway, around City Hall, out to the 30^th Street train station and then finishing close to the Art Museum. This year's celebration was marked by mild weather (56 degrees) and partly cloudy skies. I managed to run a sub 25 minute race (24:46 to be exact) which placed me 7^th out of 42 runners in my age group (Male 50-59). I ran the same race last year in 27:19 so I beat last year's time by 2:33. These results are amazingly consistent with my other 5K races this year so I am happy to know that I err on consistency and predictability. Alternatively, I would be very frustrated if I approached each race with uncertainty!

Today was a much appreciated REST day since I included a long run (8.25 miles) in my schedule on Saturday followed by yesterday's 5K. Not to mention the 14 to 16 hours of yard work that I managed to include in my schedule. At least all of my annuals are planted and I was able to trim some shrubs that needed some long overdue attention. All in all, it was a very productive and enjoyable weekend.

Back to business tomorrow morning when I return to the gym to hit the treadmill for my first easy run for the week – targeting 5.25 miles for the morning!

Safe Running Folks!
John

New PR Set for 10 Mile Broad Street Run

To say I am ecstatic would be an understatement for today, I surpassed my expectation. Not only did I set a new PR for the 10 Mile Broad Street Run (1:25:13) – I also beat my best previous time by 10 minutes! I feel like I've entered a whole new level with my running and I am benefiting from my training and my consistency. My speed workouts (intervals) and weekly long runs are definitely contributing to my enhanced performance and my results are proving it.

Year	Time	Pace
2009	1:37:57	9:48
2010	1:35:57	9:36
2011	1:35:54	9:36
2012	1:25:13	8:31

I am the living proof that anybody can do this! Six years ago I was 45 pounds heavier (and overweight) and I never considered myself to be athletic. Now, I am in my 4^th year of running and I am in the best shape of my life – physically and mentally. The medals I collect after finishing these races are visual reminders for me that I can do anything I put my mind to with the right investment of time and effort.

I AM having the time of my life!
John

4th Year on Broad Street

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