Re: Philadelphia Marathon Thread (For those doing it)
For some reason, I always see that out and back section on Kelly Drive as my "now I know I'm going to do it" section. I think that's b/c my one and only marathon DNF was a little ways down on Kelly Drive not long after the Art Museum. So when I pass that point, it's as if I'm passing a psychic barrier. I've finished two Philly Marathons since the DNF, but I'm still somehow relieved when I pass that 15 mile mark. Then when I return along Kelly Drive, I get that "back to my stomping grounds" buzz, since I do so many runs along Kelly Drive--so I'm thinking, "cool, almost home now!"
Not sure yet which of the three races I'll do this year. I'm not ruling out the marathon yet, but my knees have been iffy. So might go with the half marathon. I have the long runs to support it, and I've done the 8k before. The half would be something different.
But no decisions until the NERRC 25k. BTW, for Philly people and anyone who can get there, that's a great race--much more low-key than the marathon or Philly Distance Run and usually used by marathoners as a tune-up. Friendly bunch of people and never crowded. Won't have the marathon's bells and whistles, no timing chip (but accurate timing... Runner's Advocate does a great job here), no big expo, but you get a mock-t long-sleeve shirt. And since the course is along the bike paths on the river drives, it shows quarter mile marks, so you can adjust pace as needed. It's on 10/28, so it's a good test run. You can add a few miles before and after for your twenty-miler, or have it be a stand-alone test of your marathon pace... or both! Guarantee you'll appreciate the organizers...
Off to Delaware tomorrow for the Delaware Distance Classic. Good running to all!
