Ok, ok, ok, I've given into the pressure (not that there really was any) and decided to do the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November. That gives me about 6 months to prepare for an extra 3.1 miles beyond Broad Street. My training plan is to continue 8 to 10 mile runs on Saturday mornings and hopefully get a 3 to 4 mile run in during the week. I'm not planning speed work outs right now becuase I'm just looking to finish and, judging from my Broad Street trainging I won't get them in with the new baby. Any comments?
I tried the Philadelphia Distance Run once, also 13.1 miles, and that extra 3 miles killed me. Then again I trained less form that than I did Broad Street that year. I'm hoping this will be a better experience despite the colder weather because of the training I plan to do and I like this race course more. This course makes a larger loop around the city and has several identifiable landmarks along the way such as Columbus Boulevard, South Street, PENN, Memorial Hall, the Zoo, and MLK drive.
Bruce always asked me about PDR, but I think he'll accept the half marathon as an alternative. Anyone else up for the challenge?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Pictures
My picture was up on the Broad Street Run website today. Have you checked for yours recently?
Monday, May 4, 2009
Way to Go TEAM STANS! and Thank you
Yeah, I'm a bit sore and a little stiff today too, but it will only last another day or so...
It seems a good time was had by all and the bad parts weren't really that bad. I must say I'm impressed by how many of us were out there yesterday. I know many of us are first time runners, a few still don't like to run, and I know some of us were hurt going into the race. But we were not deterred by the early morning or the yucky weather and we crossed that line meeting our goals and exceeding our expectations! What amazes me the most is this was all inspired and started by our love of Bruce. Of course, even though he stood by us while we ran, he laughed at us in the rain.
Like Ron, this years race was probably my hardest yet, although my nipples nipples are still in good shape (thank you Under Armor!). I didn't feel I was physically prepared to make the distance since I fell off any kind of training regimen and I didn't feel mentally prepared. I stood in my starting coral complaing to myself that I was achy, didn't feel well, wondering if I was going to make it, asking why I was even trying. I'll admit 90% of that was psychological and emotional. I think the thing that powered it all was that I was looking for Bruce and couldn't find him, couldn't feel him.
So, what got me through? First I tried to get in the zone and just get it over. That worked for a mile or so. Then Bruce started to show himself. One of Bruce's players who was running saw the team Stans shirt and we talked a bit. That kept me going a bit longer. But what really pushed me for 10 miles was you, all of you. I thought about how many of you were out there with me. For the first time I wasn't running alone, I had supporters onand off the race course, cheering me on at mile 9.5 from the side, and a sense of direction after I crosssed the line.
Way to go TEAM STANS! We did it! And Thank You ALL for helping me do it.
By the way, in the past I usually met up with Kelly and Bruce somewhere in the middle of the Naval Yard lawn. This year that was the point where I finally felt Bruce patting my back and congratulating me. He follwed tradition and let me do my thing on the race course then showed up when I needed him most.
PDR?, Philadelphia half marathon? ......
....... We'll see
It seems a good time was had by all and the bad parts weren't really that bad. I must say I'm impressed by how many of us were out there yesterday. I know many of us are first time runners, a few still don't like to run, and I know some of us were hurt going into the race. But we were not deterred by the early morning or the yucky weather and we crossed that line meeting our goals and exceeding our expectations! What amazes me the most is this was all inspired and started by our love of Bruce. Of course, even though he stood by us while we ran, he laughed at us in the rain.
Like Ron, this years race was probably my hardest yet, although my nipples nipples are still in good shape (thank you Under Armor!). I didn't feel I was physically prepared to make the distance since I fell off any kind of training regimen and I didn't feel mentally prepared. I stood in my starting coral complaing to myself that I was achy, didn't feel well, wondering if I was going to make it, asking why I was even trying. I'll admit 90% of that was psychological and emotional. I think the thing that powered it all was that I was looking for Bruce and couldn't find him, couldn't feel him.
So, what got me through? First I tried to get in the zone and just get it over. That worked for a mile or so. Then Bruce started to show himself. One of Bruce's players who was running saw the team Stans shirt and we talked a bit. That kept me going a bit longer. But what really pushed me for 10 miles was you, all of you. I thought about how many of you were out there with me. For the first time I wasn't running alone, I had supporters onand off the race course, cheering me on at mile 9.5 from the side, and a sense of direction after I crosssed the line.
Way to go TEAM STANS! We did it! And Thank You ALL for helping me do it.
By the way, in the past I usually met up with Kelly and Bruce somewhere in the middle of the Naval Yard lawn. This year that was the point where I finally felt Bruce patting my back and congratulating me. He follwed tradition and let me do my thing on the race course then showed up when I needed him most.
PDR?, Philadelphia half marathon? ......
....... We'll see
10 and Done...Maybe...
As I sit here on my day off, with my legs sore, rug burn in various places and still hungry and thirsty, I thought I'd make use of this rainy morning off and post to the blog. I, too, can't believe how far we have all come. At one point during yesterday's run, I turned to Lisa and said, "Did you ever think we would get to the point where 5 and 6 miles were no big deal?". Yes, we got to that point still in good spirits, still liking each other and still running.
The pasta party at Wendy's was great! For some of the people there I have only seen them runnng and sweating, so it was nice to see how good we can all look! The food was delicious, laughs happened often and it gave us all the confidence we needed for the big run.
I was doubtful as to how well Broad Street was going to go - all the rain and chill in the air...in some ways it went better than I thought, and in some ways worse! The rain really didn't get bad until the end, so that wasn't so horrific (but at the end was when you are already tired and miserable). By mile 6 I thought, "We got this - this is easy". By mile 7 I thought, "Just get me to mile 8 and it will be smooth sailing". Mile 8 - "This is not fun!", and mile 9.3, "I think I might throw-up!". At one point people were screaming, "Just a quarter mile to go!!!". That was longest quarter mile of my life! However, it was all worth it when Lisa put her hand out and we held hands as we crossed the finish line with Billy, Vinnie and David right there screaming for us and holding up a keg of beer. Lisa kept to her pact and we did the whole thing together. Thank you!
Sorry I missed the Stans Tent - Vinnie's girls had soccer...do you believe they held a soccer game in that rain? I couldn't!
Sorry, also, to my mom, Sheila and Dave who came out in the God awful rain to cheer us on and missed us! Dave even ran up to mile 7 to try and pump us up for the last three by running in with us and couldn't find us. I guess we were just to darn fast!
I don't think I'll be running Tuesday, but I am on Wednesday and Friday if anyone is interested....I hear there's a half marathon in the fall....
PS - I'm sure you all took pictures yesterday - please send them to me through e-mail so I can put them in the photo book. I am making one to place in either our IPC or the professional library (which might be the better choice). xoxo
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Nipples
And by the way, my nipples are sore. They didn't bleed, but it was close. And, I have a really black toenail. Just thooght you'd all like to know.
Ready to runTues. however. That's how it works. It's not a one time thing you know!
Ready to runTues. however. That's how it works. It's not a one time thing you know!
We Did It!
Way to go everyone. I saw most of you and I'm impressed. This was not an easy one. In fact, for me it, it was one one of the toughest. But you guys did it, and should be very proud. It's not for everyone you know.
Teamstans showed up so well, and you know that is felt all over, especially in the thighs. I hope you all toasted Bruce like we did here. And I wish you were off like me tomorrow. But you have bragging rights.
On a personal note, I made my sub 1:30 goal by 27 seconds. It was F'in hard and I may never do 1:30 it again, but that's a problem for next year. And, I expect to see you all out there next year. You did it in this, you can do it again.
Well done friends!
Ron
Teamstans showed up so well, and you know that is felt all over, especially in the thighs. I hope you all toasted Bruce like we did here. And I wish you were off like me tomorrow. But you have bragging rights.
On a personal note, I made my sub 1:30 goal by 27 seconds. It was F'in hard and I may never do 1:30 it again, but that's a problem for next year. And, I expect to see you all out there next year. You did it in this, you can do it again.
Well done friends!
Ron
Congratulations Team Stans!
Congrats to everyone who represented Team Stans at todays Broad Street Run! We had an awesome turnout which certainly overshadowed the weather. Coatsey did an awesome job with getting the hospitality tent up and running!!! It was awesome. Thank you also to everyone that helped in setting up. I was very proud of all of our runners and walkers today. You should all be very proud in your achievements, as we all know Bruce is! It has been a blast getting the training regiments out on the blog and I am happy to hear that many are going to keep the ball rolling and train for some races in the fall. Philly Distance Run anybody???
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Pondering
If you asked me 8 months ago what I would be doing on May 3rd, I can assure you running 10 miles down Broad Street would not have been on the list. Yet, as I sit here with a tummy full of pasta and freshly clipped toe nails, I can't imagine not getting ready for my first race.
It's been quite a bonding experience training over the past few months; reading blogs, sharing tips and treating injuries. Now I sit here 12 hours before the start of the race reading through past blogs and reflecting on how far we've all come. I didn't have the opportunity to know Bruce as well as everyone else, but by reading and listening to your stories I feel honored to run in his memory.
Even though I still hate running, I have to admit I'm already thinking about next year's race.
So sleep well, stretch well and run well. Cross the finish line with your heads held high. Well done Team Stans!
It's been quite a bonding experience training over the past few months; reading blogs, sharing tips and treating injuries. Now I sit here 12 hours before the start of the race reading through past blogs and reflecting on how far we've all come. I didn't have the opportunity to know Bruce as well as everyone else, but by reading and listening to your stories I feel honored to run in his memory.
Even though I still hate running, I have to admit I'm already thinking about next year's race.
So sleep well, stretch well and run well. Cross the finish line with your heads held high. Well done Team Stans!
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