TWINS RUN in our family: 10 Miler

Showing posts with label 10 Miler. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

2016 Blue Cross Broad Street Run - List of 20+ Stories, Reviews & Race Recaps

@MalindaAnnHill's 5th Broad Street Run
1:18:40
70 out of 2,014 (40-44)
927 out of 18,928 women
3,992 out of 34,427 finishers

That was one wet, cold race.
Did you beat Broad Street?
Did you cheer or volunteer?
Share your story or recap in the comments and we'll add to our post!

2016 Broad Street Run Photos & Articles:

Blue Cross Broad Street Run Photos on Flickr
flickr.com/photos/ibx/sets/72157667085944700

Broad Street Run Photos on Flickr
flickr.com/photos/43299575@N03/sets/72157665768628003

The 2016 Blue Cross Broad Street Run in Pictures
perspectives.einstein.edu/bsr-photo-essay

Broad Street Run Reflections 2016 by Alan Barr
500px.com/photo/151917853/broad-street-run-reflections-2016-by-alan-barr

Soaked and chilled, Broad Street runners persevere
philly.com/philly/health/sportsmedicine/broad-street-run/20160502_Soaked_and_chilled__Broad_Street_runners_persevere.html

Skippak's Crystaly Burnick wins Broad Street Run
philly.com/philly/sports/other_sports/20160502_Skippack_s_Crystal_Burnick_wins_Broad_Street_Run.html

Rain can't stop runners at Broad Street Run
6abc.com/news/rain-cant-stop-runners-at-broad-street-run/1316760/

Rainy Blue Cross Broad Street Run Kicks Off in Philadelphia
nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Rainy-Blue-Cross-Broad-Street-Run-Kicks-Off-in-Philadelphia-377725241.html

Blue Cross Broad Street Run on NBC Philadelphia
nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/PHI-Blue-Cross-Broad-Street-Run-294412361.html

Slippery Sights and Results - 2016 Broad Street Run
phillyvoice.com/slippery-sights-and-results-2016-broad-street-run/

Broad Street Run Photo Recap by Dunkin Donuts
ddcommunitycruiser.com/philly/gallery-recap/

2016 Broad Street Run Posts & Recaps:
(listed alphabetically by blog / website)

Broad Street Run 10 Mile Race Reviews on BibRave.com
bibrave.com/races/broad-street-run-10-mile#.Vyi2ttJJm70

2016 Broad Street Run Recap by BK
bktandem.wordpress.com/2016/05/04/2016-broad-street-run-recap/

Brooklyn Runs Broad Street by Brooklyn Badass
brooklynbadass.com/ibx10/

Broad Street 10 Miler Race Recap by Burpees and Bordeaux
burpeesandbordeaux.com/2016/05/02/race-recap-broad-street-10-miler/

Broad Street Run Tips by Daily Vacationer
dailyvacationblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/looking-back-at-broad-street-run-tips.html

Broad Street Miler (1:01:59) by Fueled by LOLZ
fueledbylolz.com/2016/05/06/broad-street-10-miler-101-59/

Race Recap 5/5 by Heatsheets
heatsheets.com/race-recap-55

Broad Street Run 2016 Race Recap by Journey to Complete Health
journeytocompletehealth.com/2016/05/03/broad-street-run-2016-race-recap/

I Beat the Broad Street Run by Sarah Katz
law.temple.edu/voices/beat-broad-st/

Broad Street Run Recap by Lisa Catton
lisacatton.com/?p=35

Broad Street is Upon Us by Mainly Running
mainlyrunning.com/2016/04/30/broad-street-is-upon-us/

Gasp! Could I like running?
medium.com/@hoyboy/gasp-could-i-like-running-e5fc557d6283#.cxogshc9d

Broad Street Ten Miler Recap by Mommy Run Fast
mommyrunfast.com/broad-street-ten-miler-recap/

Broad Street Run 10 Mile Race Recap by Novel Runner
novelrunner.wordpress.com/2016/05/02/2016-broad-street-run-10-mile-race-recap-10813/

2016 Broad Street Run Review by RunPhila.com
runphila.com/2016/05/02/2016-broad-street-run-review/

Broad Street Run Race Recap by Run with No Regrets
runwithnoregrets.com/2016/05/broad-street-run-race-recap/

Poppy's 2016 Broad Street 10 Miler Race Report by Salty Running
saltyrunning.com/2016/05/05/poppys-2016-broad-street-10-miler-race-report/

Philadelphia's Broad Street 10 Miler - It's Raining, It's Pouring by Scoot A Doot
scootadoot.org/2016/05/06/philadelphias-broad-street-10-miler-its-raining-its-pouring/

Broad Street Run 10 Miler Recap by Shipp Happens
shipphappens215.com/running/broad-street-run-10-miler-recap/

Comments from run215 Facebook Group:

Kim:
This was my first race since my 5ks in high school cross country (10 years ago). After high school I gained a bit of weight and worked a desk job. I took advantage of the free donuts and celebratory pizzas one too many times. Anyway, March 2015 I finally decided to change myself. I started tracking my food and joined the gym. The first day I got on the treadmill I couldn't even run a minute! I was so out of shape and winded. Once I could finally run a mile, it was a slow one (for me). A year later here I am 53 lbs down and crushing 10 miles in the rain. I am very proud of my pace/time! Next year I plan on moving up a corral. The beginning was rough trying to get around people. I felt amazing Sunday. I stressed out thinking I couldn't do it or I would be really slow but I amazed myself and currently looking for a half to sign up for!

Sara:
Alex and I ran our second tethered Broad St and beat our previous time by 2 minutes and change. Our time was 1:32:14. We've never had a rain race together and it caused a lot of anxiety for Alex the first mile. Overall though, great race with so many great spectators and volunteers in spite of the weather!

Meghan:
I had to transfer my bib this year :-( but I had a great time cheering on my husband, and everyone else I knew or just randomly yelled at! This was my first time actually seeing the elites during a race, which was cool. I started watching at Temple (I saw you! Can't miss the skirt!) and then hopped on the subway to get to mile 9 once I saw my honey. I made it with minutes to spare. All in all, spectating is fun but I can't wait to run it again!

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Charlottesville Ten Miler Race Recap

My very first long distance race was the 2007 Charlottesville Ten Miler. I was thrilled when I finished, having raced more miles than I ever had run at one time before, all under 9 minute mile pace (8:41 to be exact, finishing in 1:25:29).

Eight years later I have a very special relationship with this race, having helped four directors with behind-the-scenes technical and graphic design work, including creating the artwork for the 2009/10, 2011, and 2015 shirts and medals.

On Friday night before the race, I helped hand out cowbells I designed to volunteers who’d be lining the course cheering and protecting runners from traffic. Their enthusiasm and willingness to help was inspiring. Every time I heard a cowbell along the course on Saturday, I felt thankful and proud.

I have run this race six times and don’t think I have ever run a negative split. When I saw the 5 mile clock display 37:xx, I quickly did that the math and thought, “oh sh-t, I’m not going to run this race in 1:14, what the hell have I done?!?” I tried not to panic and realized that even if I slowed down 3 minutes in the second half I’d still beat my goal of finishing under 1:19.

Having spent almost my entire winter training cycle on the treadmill, with only four races since January 1st, I wasn’t confident I could tackle the hills of Charlottesville. I remember feeling all sorts of negativity during the final 2 miles of the race last year and was hoping I wouldn’t feel that way again. Luckily some of my favorite power songs like Paul Simon’s “Obvious Child” helped get me up those last few long, gradual inclines.

I never looked at my watch during the entire race, so when I came down the final stretch and saw the clock say 1:16, I was shocked. It was my 3rd fastest ten mile race ever. My PR is 1:12:36 at the 2012 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run (a completely FLAT course) and my 2nd best time was 1:16:36 in 2011. It was 4 years later and I was able to run 1:16:42 on a much more challenging course despite making the classic racing mistake of going out too fast.

Reading many of the comments on the race evaluation forms warmed my heart and a few nagged at me. I know you can’t make everyone happy, but to read that someone thought the medal was too big or the design was boring stung quite a bit.

A few random thoughts:

* I designed the new Charlottesville Track Club mile marker flags that made their debut at the race. I smiled every time I saw one, even if the wind did turn a couple around the wrong way. :-)

* So many people yelled out my name. I’m so glad I don’t wear headphones (I have my iphone speaker on instead). I didn’t even recognize everyone who knew me. It’s so amazing to have so much support in this town!

* I got a ton of compliments on my Rock City black and silvery fairy skirt. I love dressing up for races with stand-out red lipstick and some sparkle!

* I feel a bit guilty for not saying thank you to all the volunteers (I was saving my energy), but I did try to wave.

My fave comments from volunteers and participants:

"My favorite part of volunteering was learning that the wonderful CPD officer assigned to "my" intersection for actual traffic directing duties had volunteered to be there. She was super. A close second was how many runners smiled back or said thank you on their way by as I cheered and rang my cowbell to the point of a hole in my glove and a bloody knuckle (true story!)."

"You guys have, hands down, the BEST and FRIENDLIEST volunteers. The medal is awesome - I will cherish it forever!"

"I run this with friends each year. This year about half declined to drive down, citing last years shirt and the sometimes iffy quality of the medal. I was pleased that I could text them pictures and note the return of quality swag. I'll gladly wear this shirt running. Thanks."

"Beyond satisfied! Perfect event, as always!!! My favorite race of the year. And any runner that complains in this survey should come run a race in philly -- that will teach them. This race is incomparable. So well organized and well executed. Having access to JPJ arena makes the race so calm and clean and easy and lovely. Thank you!"

"Cheering was great - there were a lot more bells this year. I liked how the stickers matched the medals, matched the shirts."

"Loved the logo design on the shirt and medal! The medal was also much better than any of the past 4. It was substantial and very well designed."

"The medal and shirt were AMAZING. I absolutely love them both. I will have that medal with the others on my wall forever because it's the memories that matter. Great job on the design! I love all the street names on it! Brilliant!"

"The medal is a great memento with the whole course listed on it."

"I loved the giant mile markers this year."

Thursday, December 4, 2014

2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run

Image source: @CUCB

Registration for the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk is being conducted by lottery. You may register any time between December 1 and December 12. Your chance of being selected is not affected by the time that you register, so if the server is busy, just try again later. Register today at: https://secure.marathonguide.com/register/CherryBlossom10Mile/

For more details, visit: http://www.cherryblossom.org/generalinfo/entryinfo.php

Will you enter the lottery?

Have you run the race?

Image source: www.cherryblossom.org

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Charlottesville Ten Miler

Registration for the Charlottesville Ten Miler on March 21, 2015 is now open!

If you aren't an early bird, you can't get to Charlottesville for the race or you have no desire to run but want a cool Charlottesville Ten Miler shirt, then register as a "Sleep-In Participant." :-)

REGISTER ONLINE

Registration Dates	Fee
Through December 31, 2014	$45*
January 1 - January 31, 2015	$50*
February 1 - March 18, 2015 Online registration closes 12 pm, Wednesday, March 18.	$55*
Sleep-In Participant (NOT racing, but receive shirt)	$25

*Charlottesville Track Club members receive a $1 discount.

PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDS, DEFERRALS OR TRANSFERS!

Who is the beneficiary of the Charlottesville Ten Miler?

Proceeds from the 40th running of the Charlottesville 10 Miler will help fund Hope House and Steps To Success. Hope House is a family stabilization program for homeless or imminently homeless families. Steps To Success is a program designed to help families secure and manage the resources necessary to overcome barriers to success, especially through sound money management practices.

For more information about the race, vist the Charlottesville Ten Miler website: www.cvilletenmiler.com

Sunday, November 16, 2014

2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run T-Shirt

The 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run T-shirt design was unveiled at the Fall Kickoff party on Friday night. Attendees voted for the Heather Gray T-shirt to showcase the beautiful artwork by Abby Matousek! For an awesome recap of the evening, visit Kim Runs Miles blog post! The lottery to enter the 2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run opens on Monday, December 1 and the race is Sunday, April 12, 2015. I'm grateful for the opportunity to join the CUCB Blog Team and will share more information about this wonderful race in the coming months! Stay tuned!

For more information:
Follow @CUCB on Twitter & Instagram
Like the CUCB Facebook page
Visit the CUCB website & CUCB blog

Thursday, November 13, 2014

2015 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run is one of our favorite races!

We both PR'd on this flat, fast course.

Leah PR'd in 2012 (1:12:36).

Malinda PR'd in 2013 (1:23:13).

And, we met some of our favorite runners (Janet Bawcom, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Bill Rodgers) at the Expo.

Are you running, volunteering or spectating on April 12?

Malinda is volunteering and running this year.

Hope to see you there!

cherryblossom.org

blog.cherryblossom.org

facebook.com/CreditUnionCherryBlossom

@CUCB on Twitter

@CUCB on Instagram

Monday, May 5, 2014

2014 Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10 Miler - Malinda's 5th Personal Record in 30 Days

Wow! I seriously surprised myself on Sunday. Thanks to The Afghan Whigs for their new record, Do to the Beast, which powered me to 5 personal records in 30 days!

And thanks to the twin powers from the flat Leah that I was carrying in my pocket! ;-)

May 4, 2014
Blue Cross Broad Street Run (10 Miler)
1:16:23

April 27, 2014
Run For Babies Philadelphia 10k
49:08

April 26, 2014
Narberth Cystic Fibrosis Run (5 Miler)
38:39

April 19, 2014
Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) 5k
23:11

April 5, 2014

Charlottesville Marathon

3:56:14

On Sunday, I placed 47th out of 2,067 (40-44), 587 out of 19,381 (female) and 2,838 out of 35,169 (overall) In comparison, in 1999 I finished in 1:46:23 and placed 1,956 out of 2,248 (female).

I finished exactly 30 minutes faster than 15 years ago. Wow - I do improve with age! ;-)

You catch a glimpse of me racing towards the finish line thanks to @IBXrun10's video on Instagram! http://i.instagram.com/p/nk8EqnOkpu/

It's not too late to donate to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. No donation is too small to fighting childhood cancer. Text LEMONADE E1113338 to 85944 to donate $10 or visit our fundraising page to donate $2 or more: www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1113338. Thanks for your support!

Did you know you can run, walk, bike or swim any race with Team Lemon with no fundraising minimum? Visit their website for more information or like their page on Facebook.

www.teamlemon.org

www.facebook.com/teamlemon

Saturday, May 3, 2014

2014 Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10 Miler with Alex's Lemonade's Team Lemon

I'm ready to take on Broad Street with @AlexsLemonade's Running Lemon! Leah and I LOVE this image of the Running Lemon taking on Broad Street and we wish the best of luck to all runners from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation's Team Lemon! Leah will be our cheer leader from cyber space and I hope to run into other Team Lemon runners and ALSF staff on Sunday. We're still raising money through our "TWINS RUN BOSTON" fundraising page and no donation is too small to fight childhood cancer! You can donate $2 or more online or text LEMONADE E1113338 to 85944 to donate $10. Thanks so much for your support!

So, I told myself I'd never run Broad Street again - but I've learned to never say never. ;-) I'm ready to run my 3rd (and probably last Broad Street Run) on Sunday, May 4th. I couldn't resist running on "May the Fourth Be With You" - and hopefully the force will power me to a PR! ;-)

A Goal: 1:23:12 (PR)

B Goal: 1:29:01 (Course PR)

C Goal: #TweetAndRun for FUN! :-)

Fighting childhood cancer, one mile at at time!

www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1113338

For more information about Team Lemon:

www.teamlemon.org

www.facebook.com/teamlemon

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Twin Powers Activate - 4 PRs in 23 Days

The slower 1/2 of @TwinsRun is catching up to the faster 1/2! In just 23 days, @MalindaAnnHill ran 4 personal records for the marathon, 5k, 5 mile & 10k! She is still chasing the unicorn, but @LeahCville better watch her back! ;-)

Saturday, April 5
Charlottesville Marathon
3:56:14 (PR)

Saturday, April 19
Boston Athletic Association 5K
23:11 (PR)

Saturday, April 26
Narberth Cystic Fibrosis 5 Mile Run
39:38 (PR)

Sunday, April 27
Run For Babies Philadelphia 10k
49:08 (PR)

Next up - the Broad Street Run on Sunday, May 4th!
Can I beat my 10 Mile PR (1:23:13)?
Or, beat my course record (1:29:02)?

Do you run with your twin?
Do you run to catch up to your twin?

Monday, May 6, 2013

2013 Blue Cross Broad Street Run Ten Miler: Red Socks Running

From Philly to Boston with Love

Before the runners arrive

Since I PR'd at 2012 Broad Street Run (1:29), I decided that I didn't want to run this year. After my 10 mile run on Saturday, I was ready to cheer runners on Sunday! Almost 3 weeks after the Boston Marathon, it was inspiring to see red socks running!

I was very grateful for the opportunity to spectate. In case you missed it, "Standing Ovation" by Mark Remy was a powerful tribute to spectators. Mark was able to capture all of my emotions related to the Boston Marathon tragedy.

And, thanks to Team Philly and Philadelphia Runner for a great tailgate!

The Red Socks Are Running!

Team Philly

Did you cheer or run Broad Street?

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Irish Twins Run Together

It's been a year since we decided to run the 2012 Chicago Marathon together with Team Lemon. We wanted to run in memory of Leah's Irish brother-in-law, Michael, to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Four months later, our Irish grandma "GG" died suddenly of cancer. Over the past year, we ran 4 races together and raised over $1,500 to fight childhood cancer.

We're identical (and 1/4 Irish) twins running together to remember Michael and GG. While we didn't race together today, we each ran 10 miles at the same time. Another virtual run together. We'll run the B.A.A. 5K together on April 14 and our 2nd Chicago Marathon together on October 13.

Leah's Charlottesville 10 Miler

1:18:14

Malinda's 10 mile Cherry Blossom training run

1:34:22

We're grateful to run together to remember.

Today, it's 8 months since GG died.

Aileen O’Connor Hill

January 7, 1938 – July 16, 2012

Tomorrow, it's 10 years since Michael died.

Michael Connor

November 23, 1973 – March 17, 2003

Leah's brother-in-law, Michael Connor, was diagnosed with leukemia as a child. Michael fought cancer with his inspiring Irish spirit, so it was bittersweet when he died on St. Patrick's Day 10 years ago.

Our Irish grandmother, Aileen O'Connor Hill, (affectionately know as "GG") was diagnosed with cancer on Friday, July 13, 2012 and died on Monday, July 16, 2012.

We run 2gether to remember Michael & GG. No donation is 2 small 2 fight childhood cancer. Could you skip a green beer or Irish coffee this weekend and donate $2? ;-)

Thanks for your support!

“Fighting Childhood Cancer, One Race at a Time”
www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/91042
www.facebook.com/twinsruninourfamily
@TwinsRun

Friday, July 13, 2012

Don't expect to get faster every time you race, year after year...

by Leah Connor

There are 8 races that I've run consecutively for at least 4 years. Of those, only one, Disney's Princess Half Marathon, did I improve my time each and every year.

You can't always expect to lower your finish time every chance you toe the starting line. Some days you might feel a bit off - from either overtraining or undertraining, something you ate, a recent illness, or the weather. I hit PRs back in 2008 and then struggled for 2-3 years wondering if that's the best I'd ever do. I didn't give up. I kept plugging along and finally started seeing some serious improvement in 2011 and 2012.

I've learned that it's important to enjoy the race experience and keep challenging yourself without always chasing a PR.

For instance, there are other ways to improve besides your finish time. Even if you don't run your fastest time, you can still improve your ranking. Last weekend, on an extremely hot and humid morning, I ran a 10K over 2 minutes slower than the previous year, but I still came in 1st in my age group rather than 2nd. Talk about a silver lining!

Another option - practice running a smarter race, even if it doesn't necessarily translate into a PR. Instead of going all out from the start, try running much slower than you normally would the first mile so you can run negative splits (each mile faster than the previous). Even if you don't run your fastest race, it surely will be one where you feel your best as you cross the finish line!

fastest

2nd fastest

Women's Four Miler
year	time	pace
2007	38:06	9:36
2008	29:45	7:30
2009	30:44	7:43
2010	30:10	7:35
2011	28:44	7:10
2012	goal 28:27!	7:07
Fairview 5K
year	time	pace
2008	23:17	7:31
2009	25:23	8:12
2010	24:04	7:46
2011	23:28	7:35
2012	goal 23:15!	7:29
4th of July 5K
year	time	pace
2007	29:21	9:28
2008	23:24	7:33
2009	24:11	7:48
2010	24:19	7:51
2011	23:03	7:26
2012	23:48	7:41
Martha Jefferson 8K
year	time	pace
2007	42:58	8:40
2008	39:21	7:56
2009	42:15	8:32
2010	41:11	8:19
2011	36:26	7:21
2012	37:08	7:30
Princess Half Marathon
year	time	pace
2009	1:55:40	8:52
2010	1:54:03	8:42
2011	1:43:52	7:56
2012	1:40:02	7:38
2013	goal 1:39:59	7:38
Cherry Blossom Ten Miler
year	time	pace
2008	1:19:03	7:54
2009	1:21:07	8:06
2010	1:21:13	8:07
2011	1:16:36	7:38
2012	1:12:36	7:16
Marine Corps Historic Half
year	time	pace
2008	1:50:02	8:23
2009	1:51:32	8:30
2010	1:46:52	8:09
2011	1:44:39	7:59
2012	1:44:31	7:58
Park to Park Half Marathon
2009	1:58:42	9:03
2010	2:04:06	9:28
2011	1:41:02	7:43
2012	1:45:19	8:02
Turkey Trot* only 3 races so far!
2009	22:47	7:21
2010	24:54	8:02
2011	26:13	8:28
2012	goal 22:46!	7:21

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

2012 Blue Cross Broad Street Run Ten Miler - My Reflections & 35+ Race Recaps

If you aren't a Seinfeld fan, you probably won't understand this meme. In this episode of Seinfeld, a marathoner retells the story of how he slept through the Olympics. It wasn't the snooze button but separate knobs for the alarm and radio volume.

At 5:30am. I expected my babysitter to arrive. As the minutes passed without her knocking on the door, I began to panic. I tried repeatedly to reach her by phone, text & email to no avail.

At 6am, I gave up and called a friend for help. She graciously offered to drive me to 30th Street Station and take care of my daughter during the race. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for my friend's help.

At 7am, while I was on my way to the start of the race, my babysitter finally called. It wasn't a knob, but her iPhone alarm didn't go off. She was so apologetic and I immediately forgave her.

Leah and I deemed ourselves "TWINS RUN in our family" to share our experiences running together to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer in memory of Leah's brother-in-law Michael who died from relapsed leukemia on March 17, 2003.

Michael and Laoghaire (2002)

Leah couldn't run with me as we planned, but she did receive a $150 donation to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation on May 6 because we're running the 2012 Chicago Marathon together with Team Lemon

Since Leah couldn't pace me, she gave me this mantra: "Each Mile's A Gift, Negative Split" I also kept in mind this quote from Joan Benoit Samuelson,"Run Your Own Race!"

Photos carried in running belt for inspiration

Waiting for the Broad Street Line in Team Sparkle

On Broad Street Line waiting for babysitter to call

I was in the Green "with envy we aren't in purple" Corral. I was lucky to see some familiar faces while I waited in the Green Corral. I talked with several co-workers before the start, which helped calm my nerves.

I was surprised when I heard someone say, "Malinda." I looked up to see it was "Coach Kristie" who recognized me from my shirt! Connecting with Kristie helped get me in the zone for a personal record (PR)!

I was ready to run in my yellow Team Sparkle skirt and my Brooks Addiction running shoes.

I finished my first Broad Street Run in 1999 when there was a "record" field of 7,300. Running with 40,000 was quite a different experience. There were so many enthusiastic spectators - I even "low five-d" Governor Ed Rendell after City Hall!

Jay Scott, Alex's dad, was running in his lemon costume for Team Lemon, Jay was running super fast. I tried to keep up with him so I could say "Hi" but I couldn't catch up! You can see Jay (AKA "The Running Lemon") running ahead of me in the photo below.

A glimpse of the Running Lemon far ahead of me

It was so crowded during the race and I couldn't get in the zone. I decided to listen to music, even though I like to run in silence. I needed some inspiration, so I turned my MP3 player to random play. I prefer a random shuffle to a playlist and each song that came on was so appropriate! My Curse, Fountain & Fairfax, Gentleman by The Afghan Whigs were the first songs I heard. I've loved these songs since I listened to them repeatedly when I trained for my 1st marathon - the 1995 Marine Corps Marathon. Of course, I listened to these songs on a cassette Walkman back in the 90's. WOW, I'm old. Am I the only one who tried to untangle mangled cassette tapes while running?

I was at the last mile when I heard "I'll Be Fine" by Emmet Swimming. This was always one of my favorite songs but now it's bittersweet.

Emmet Swimming - Wake

This song reminds me of a girl I met when we were both seriously ill. I shared this song with her and she liked it a lot. Several months later, I learned that she died suddenly. Whenever I hear this song when I run, I start to cry because I think of her. This happened with such intensity during the race, I couldn't breathe. This experience reminded me of Dick Beardsley's experience at 1982 Boston Marathon. I was fortunate to hear him speak at Philadelphia Runner on May 3.

As I ran I thought...
- Her life was too short...
- I've come close to death but survived...
- I'm grateful to be alive...
- I'm grateful to be able to run...
So I kept running... And I finished!