2010 Philadelphia Marathon

There's no denying it now. I really don't like the Philly Marathon. The first half is awesome. The first 13 miles is in the city and there are lots and lots of distractions and crowd support. The race starts at the Art Museum and comes back to the Art Museum at mile 13 and then heads out and back between the Art Museum and Manyunk on Kelly Drive. These last 13 miles are desolate compared to the first 13. It is very difficult for spectators to get down to this part due to road closure designed to protect the runners and walkers. I didn't enjoy this part in 2008 and I seriously almost turned toward the half marathon finish line as I approached it. But I didn't. It was a real mental struggle to do the last half. Physically I was fine. I've run this distance before - in practice and in races - so it's not that. It's that desert called Kelly Drive.

So now that that is out of the way.... it was an awesome day for USAFit/Philly. We had 26 full marathoners and 6 half marathoners. And as far as I can tell they all finished! Two of the full marathoners did opt for the half; one due to injury and one because she just ran in the New York Marathon two weeks ago! We had quite a few first time marathoners and they were very excited and proud.

Despite my dislike of this marathon I will do other marathons. I just may stick to the half where Philly is concerned. My next Marathon is the Gettysburg Marathon on May 1st. I will be off running for a few weeks to recover then get into serious training for the next one. I have work to do! I need to improve my core strength and that will be a big focus in the next six months. I will get an exercise ball and hopefully have Renee, one of my coaches from Phillyfit show me how to use it property. Someone also suggested Pilates but I can't afford to join a class right now.