Broad Street re-cap, sorry LONG!

[olivesyou]

This was my third time running Broad Street, I love this race!

Here is my attempt to recap like I am blogger!
Friday - Pre-race expo was held at the convention center this year instead of at the Linc. It was much better at the convention center.  I waited in no line, didn't need to climb (what felt like) 40 stories of ramps, got my bib quickly and browsed the convention.  Bought a new sweaty band because my current one is starting to smell nasty and headed home on the train.

Saturday - Kentucky Derby day.  This makes me sad that Kentucky Derby day is always the day before Broad street because we like to go to the local track and picnic while betting on horsing and drinking/tailgating.  I don't get to drink or really partake in the tailgating food, and being on my feet all day is probably not the best idea.  But, they had a sandpit and play ground equipment so I hung out with my son who was in heaven while the men drank too much and spent too much money gambling.  After it was back home for pizza, water and an early bed time.

Sunday - woke up around 6:40, out the door with peanut butter toast in hand by 7.  It took us about 45 minutes to get to Broad and Olney as we had to go through North Philly, a bit off of 95.  H dropped me off and headed home to get the baby and his parents ready to come cheer me on.  I headed right to Central Highschool for the long lines to the porta potties.  Took about 40 minutes to use the facilities, and another 20-25 plus to get OUT of the school field.  But, no rush as I was in the slow corral.  Got my starting spot and then waited and played around on my phone

9:10 - my corral starts moving towards the start, I was getting pumped with everyone cheering and the music.  I crossed the start around 9:20, hit 'start' on Map my run, gave Mayor Nutter a high five and was on my way.  Mile 1 was really crowded and I had to dodge runners, slow down and speed up to get around some.  Map my run told me I hit Mile 1 a few feet before the marked mile.  Every mile after that I kept completing the mile a little more and more before the mile marker, I guess due to not running in a completely straight line.  I got water at every water stop, and even gatoraide when it was offered.  I do not usually get gatoraide but I was so afraid of getting a stomach cramp, and I read that they can be due to low electorlites, so I replenished every chance I got.  Miles 2-4 were fine.  Mile 5 was very fun as you approach City hall with the deep crowds and band playing.  At mile 6 I heard someone cheer out for me, an old friend who happened to be watching the race, this was a good pick me up.  Mile 7 and 8 were hard, but I was motivated by all the 'You're so close to a beer, keep running' signs.  At mile 9 I started to hit a wall, and I was so ahead on Map my run that I was starting to get pissed about it.  I tried to channel my mood change and keep going.  I knew I would see my H, baby and inlaws sometime before the finish and wanted to look strong for them, so I kept my head up and put a little pep in my step.  My goal for the 10 mile was 1 hour 50 minutes, when Map my run told me I was at 10 miles total distance and 1 hour 49 minutes I was pumped.  I still had a bit to go, so I crossed in the Navy yard, started to get a cramp but ignored it, saw my Husband and son, and finally crossed the finish line at 1 hour 52 minutes.

The post finish line was very crowded and I could feel myself cramping up,  I kept moving slowly to get my swag bag, and headed to the porta potties.  Did my business and walked back to find my family.

Pros - Its really fun to be a part of such a big race, fans are awesome for the entire 10 mile stretch, its a pretty easy run, just straight except for a turn around city hall, it was perfect running weather

Cons - Getting in and out of central high school field is hard, there is only a tight entrance and exit, and when 40,000 people are expecting to get in and out it definitely backs up.  The same issue at the end of the race, everyone is corralled into a small walk way to get your bag, you really have no space to run it out or stretch right away without people walking into you, and of course I was mad I didn't hit my goal via the official time, but fine with having the proof on Map my run!

[gt7301b]

Sounds like you had a great race!!

[violetbaudelaire]

I haven't done broad street since they changed to the lottery. I love that race! Especially running by city hall! Congrats on a great run! And if your watch says it, it counts

[cinco]

Congratulations!

[gncorman]

Congrats!!!

[bostonmichelle]

Congratulations!!

[coconutbug]

Great job! Congrats!

[breezy8407]

Congrats!

[2doxies]

Great job, loved your recap! This year was my first time running it and I had a great time. I was most worried about the logistics of the race and everything turned out fine for the most part. I also got stuck in the yard at the high school while the first corrals were going off, it was a crazy amount of people trying to squeeze into a small opening. The crowd at the end was a little overwhelming and I didn't love how we had to stop moving immediately after crossing the finish line. The crowd support was so amazing, it made the miles fly by (as much as they can during a 10 mile race)! One of the funniest things to me was how many people were in line for the first few porta potties on the race course. The line at the one at the .25 mile mark was like 20 people deep!

[joy2611]

Congrats!!!

I ran Broad Street on Sunday for my first time, too. I finished in 1:51 and was mostly sad with my time, but HEY. I got out there and did it! And I ran a consistent pace for 10 miles, which made me pleased. I had wanted to finish in 1:40, but there's always next year with better training!

The Navy Yard scared me half to death. I get headaches and an upset stomach after running so far so I wanted to get out fast and that was simply not possible. I actually left my husband there as I couldn't find him and cell phones were not working.

I got a high five from Mayor Nutter and - very randomly - Ed Rendell! He was hanging out by the Union League.

I'm glad you had so much fun! I learned that I need to train not only for the mileage, but also race limitations (pee lines, temperatures, time of day, etc). I'm glad I did it!

[shauni27]

congrats on a great run! I would love to run it someday.

[jreeds]

Great Recap! Congrats!