2007:  I learn about the broad street run.  I think "damn that’s a long way to run, but it would be freaking sweet if I could do it."  I begin the Couch 2 5k program in hopes to at least run a 5k.

2008:  My favorite professor tells me about his running endeavors.  He tries to convince me to run Broad Street, and every time he asks, I have t o admit I can only run 2 miles at a time.

2009:  I see my professor at an alumni event 2 days before Broad Street.  I’m resigned to admitting that I’m still only running 2 miles at a time.

2010:  Just like all the other sports teams in Philly, I say to myself "This year is my year!"  Except I’m still running on the treadmill, and when I transition outside, my magic 8 ball says "Outlook not so good."   I resign myself to walking/running Broad Street here.

So I did it!  I met up with Vinny down at the stadiums on Sunday morning and we took the free subway ride up to Olney. I was so nervous!  And I was drinking my water the whole time, expecting there to be water coolers and port-a-potties in a location close to the subway… but no dice.  By 730 my water was almost gone (I’m a nervous drinker), and I had to use the restroom in a serious fashion.  Thank goodness for the wave start (and being in the pink/last corral!)  so I could hit the port-a-potties closer to the start line.

We hit the starting line approximately 30 minutes after the race start.

We had a few mini goals.  Mine was to finish the first mile without stopping.  Vinny didnt want to be last lol.  I’m happy to say we beat both goals!  The first mile never seemed to end, but I was proud of our two undertrained souls.  And the scenery and the people were quite entertaining.  There were a few people running together with shirts that said “In my mind I’m a Kenyan.”  And “I may be slow, but I’m faster than you.”  I loved it!

I couldn’t believe just HOW MANY people there were…

The race seemed to drag on until about the half way point.  Part of the reason was the spibelt  I bought the day before.  I had put my camera and my phone in it, and it bounced like crazy.  When I took my camera out to take pictures around City Hall, it was so much better!  I ended up running the rest of the race while holding my camera.

We hit city hall around mile 5.5, and with City Hall came Robert!  It was so so good to see his face.  I grabbed a quick kiss and kept on running.  Seeing him was so nice though, and it helped us power through.

Another major player in helping us finish were the fire hydrants that they opened to cool us down.  I haven’t mentioned how freaking hot and humid it was that day – I think the temp was 87, and was a new record for the Broad Street Run.  The hydrants were so fun – I felt like a kid every time we ran through.  I should also mention my appreciation for the water stations – the cutie little kids just filled up my water bottle whenever I was running empty.  Much better than little tiny cups!

Miles 7-9 were amazing.  We ran through South Philly which was chock full of bands and gospel choirs and water booths with girls dressed as super heroes.  It was awesome to feel so much energy.  A woman was even giving out free puppy kisses from her three dogs!

The best part of the race was a barbeque by the stadiums,where they were blasting one of my favorite jock jams. (Silly, yes, but tell me this doesn’t pump you up!)  We ran like crazy at this point until we couldn’t hear the song anymore.

With one mile left, a friendly face came bounding out of the crowd!

Despite going the wrong way on the subway, Robert found us and ran with us for the last mile.  I was so excited, and made him take a few pictures of us (and maybe some boats in the navy yard too!)

And soon, there it was- the promised land – the finish line!  2 hours, 27 minutes and 43 seconds after we started, I crossed the finish line of the Broad Street Run for the first time.  (And beat Vinny by 1 second! hehe)  Robert got one picture of us before he got chased off the course by a Marine for not wearing a bib on the course!  Too funny

It might have taken me 3 years, 2:27:43, but I did it.  And it felt awesome, even if it was hot as blazes.  I might be rocking a sweet knee brace tan line, but I was on top of the world.  What a great day!

PS: Next time, remind me of the one-mile “cool-down” walk they have you do from the Navy Yard back to your car at the Stadiums.  I wasn’t quite as excited about rawlking 10 miles after that hike!  

What’s next you ask?  Stay tuned for the details   Until then, it’s time for bed!  Goodnight loves!