Category: DO HARD THINGS

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Philadelphia Marathon 2024 Race Report

Philadelphia has a special family memory for me, which is why I’ve been wanting to do this marathon for many years.

My parents grew up outside of Philadelphia and as a child we came here to visit my grandparents in the summer. I remember visiting the Philadelphia Zoo and Hershey Park.  It made so much sense to sign up, train and run the Philadelphia Marathon.

Here is my Philadelphia Marathon Race Report:

Getting to Philadelphia

Traveling to Philadelphia was fairly easy. Saturday started with a nonstop flight from Knoxville. My flight was on time and I navigated the SEPTA train system to the convention center. The train comes twice an hour and it, too, was on time. Twenty minutes later I arrived at Jefferson Station and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. So easy. Train fare was $6.75.

The marathon expo was efficient and fun, and all the runners and volunteers had such great energy. I bought a race hat and walked through the expo. The expo wasn’t huge, which was nice. Sometimes those huge expos are daunting. 

I opted for the hotel that was part of the lodging options for the race. I walked less than a mile to Four Points by Marriott. 

I wasn’t able to check in early, so the desk agent took my bag and I started my adventure through the city to the art museum. I walked by the Rodin Museum, surprised because I’d been to the Rodin Museum in Paris. I read the placard that stated that this museum has the most sculptures other than the one in Paris. The Thinker was the first sculpture to see, and I’m pretty sure there is a version of it that I saw in Paris.

The race start and finish is in front of the art museum. By the time I arrived the half marathon race was finished but I still needed to pass through security. It was good to see the set up and have a plan for the next morning. 

I checked out the Rocky statue and walked up the famous steps to the Philadelphia Art Museum. 

I walked through the museum, had lunch at the cafe and made a plan for getting back to the hotel. I stopped at the Whole Foods for some race day breakfast and post race snacks. 

Philadelphia is really easy to navigate with the grid system streets. I didn’t get a chance to go to the Liberty Bell because by the time I was close to my hotel, it was time to get off my feet, which in retrospect I think I walked too much before the race. It was windy and about 45 degrees. Race weather was supposed to be the same but less wind.

I needed to stay off my feet so I decide to eat at the hotel restaurant and ordered a Philly cheesesteak and a LOVE IPA. 

Then spent the rest of the night watching TV. 

Race Morning

I woke up at 4:30am  knowing that I needed to catch the shuttle from A Loft at 5am; it was a 5 minute walk from my hotel. In retrospect, I probably should’ve arrived at A Loft a little later because the two plus hour wait to start the race was a little much.  I didn’t want to be late or be standing in lines so I caught the early bus. Next time I would get to A Loft at 5:30. Last bus is at 6am. 

Because I got an early start there were no lines at security check points or the bathroom. After 6am there were lines everywhere. I sat in the warming tent for a little while and walked around when I got bored. 

Two hours and 30 minutes is a long time to wait for a race start. I was in H corral so I didn’t start until 7:30ish. The energy was high and it was very exciting to get running. 

The Race

The course is great. I loved the energy from the crowds going through all the neighborhoods. I loved the open spaces near the parks and river. The spectators really make this race. But let me warn you, there are some hills – gradual hills. According to my Garmin it was 1,877 ft of elevation gain.

The aid stations were awesome. The volunteers were amazing. Since I started in the last corral I was worried that aid stations would run out of water; but they never did. 

As I made my way to the finish I was really hurting. My legs were really tired, but nothing hurt. My neuroma didn’t act up and my IT band didn’t spasm; I just had heavy legs.

I crossed the finish line, got my medal and just wanted to get back to my hotel to shower. I found the shuttle and in 20 minutes I was in my hotel room. I took the longest shower of my life and then headed to the hotel restaurant to refuel. 

I wish I could’ve gone out to explore Philadelphia more but I really just wanted to have a meal and lay down.

The Analysis

This marathon is no joke. I completed the training that I wanted. I was just hoping that it was going to be less painful. I know I have some work to do for my next race which includes losing 20 pounds, 3 days a week in the gym, weight training and core work. And following the plan to do speed work and hills.

I’ve been running marathons and competing in triathlons for 20 years now and I say the same thing after every race.

I’m proud of myself that I was able to get to the start line. I was healthy, fit and ready for this. This whole “getting old” stuff is tough. However, I’m more consistent with training and core and weights than I’ve ever been; simply because I have to in order to be fit and trained for life. 

Post Race Thoughts

Sitting here writing this, I feel like that 34 year old woman from 20 years ago who was writing race reports while processing a race, all while thinking she can do anything. And gets ready for the next big race in a few weeks. I’m going to keep dreaming of new places, new adventures, new experiences. I’m going to keep making plans and doing the work to make my dreams come true even as I age.

Takeaways from the Philadelphia Marathon: 

  1. I like that it is a big city, small marathon.
  2. Easy navigation to Convention Center and Race Start
  3. I would do this marathon again  
  4. Philly Cheesesteaks are the real deal
  5. Awesome spectators
  6. Great weather – cool and windy is perfection

I am more of a trail runner in a mountain location than a big city road racer. But I think it’s good to step out of your comfort zone and try different things and see things you’ve never seen. The rest of my year is filled with trail races but I loved getting some miles in on the road with 17,000 of my new best friends. Thanks Philadelphia – the LOVE is real.

Race Website: https://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/
Distance: 26.7 miles.
Elevation Gain: 1,877 ft
Time: 5 hrs, 38 mins
What I ate: Pre-race: a bagel and bar, During race: 4 GU gels, GORP
What I drank: lots of Nuun at aid stations, 2 L water
What I wore: Salomon hydration vest, winter running tights, blue long sleeve shirt, dk blue thin jacket, started with beanie then changed to baseball hat
What I saw: A lot of people cheering and yelling at me (LOL) 

Rate this race: 10/10

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Heading into November and Being Thankful

Two years ago I quit my job and took the month of November off. It was my first November in Tennessee and I had no idea what I was doing. Four months prior I packed up my house, dogs and bikes and moved to Tennessee from New Hampshire. My only mantra was “I can do hard things.” Moving to a new state and starting a new job were all very hard things.

But let’s talk about November in Tennessee. It is glorious. It was a great month to regroup and see the world.

November in Tennessee is beautiful and quiet; like the world is chilling out for a bit and getting ready for something big to happen. With all the time in the world, I hiked in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and got to know the trails around Gatlinburg. I walked everywhere around my apartment in Gatlinburg. I slowed down and tried to notice everything. I started back on my running training plan and started listening to podcasts. 

I wrote blog posts and read books. Here are some of my blog posts from 2022:

I signed up for races.
I wrote about my favorite month.
I trained.

But the biggest thing I started doing in November, and I still do now, is walking shelter dogs at the Sevier County Humane Society. I remember not being able to apply online so I drove over to Gnatty Branch and walked in. They had me fill out the application and then said, Do you want to start today? I had nothing else to do so I said yes. And I started walking dogs the week before Thanksgiving. I instantly loved walking all the dogs and being committed to walking them on weekends and holidays ever since. 

This is Candy. She is available for adoption at the Sevier County Humane Society.

The time off from working was much needed although I was a bit stressed out from not having a weekly paycheck. However, everything worked out in the end and I found a great job. As I celebrate two years in my new job heading into November, I’m so thankful for my job and my dogs and my family and my health and for the people at the humane society doing such great work.

November is a time to be thankful and take action; to make life great. That is what my mantra is this month, and to continue to do hard things. 

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Miner’s Lady 50K Race Report

I signed up for the August, Miner’s Lady 50K in January as I was plotting my return effort to finish a 100 mile trail run. I was creating a progressive race schedule that would build to a 100 in November. It was difficult to find a 50K in August since it’s just so hot everywhere and there are few races, but I ended up finding this race in West Virginia; a place I’ve only driven through. I chose this race because 1) I needed a marathon or higher in WV 2) it fit into my progressive distance plan 3) it was a trail run in a place I’ve never been. 

It’s far away, probably the farthest distance I’ve driven for a one day race, but I wanted the experience so I signed up. 

The race even got a mentioned in Ultra Running What’s Up This Weekend 

I drove north on Friday for packet pick up and met my carpool buddies at Two Rivers Treads in Ranson, WV. The race organizers enforce carpooling since there is limited parking and for sustainability reasons. I thought it would be nice to drive to the race with two other women who knew the course and starting area’s set up. 

Here is the course map at packet pickup:

I was really excited for this race. This was the first time I felt prepared for a 50K in a really long time. They took photos of all the runners at packet pickup. Here’s me – ready to run!

I drove over to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park to check out a national park I had never visitied. Read my blog post about this amazing park. Then, to find food for dinner.

I didn’t want to sit in a restaurant or eat a big meal so for I stopped at the local grocery store and bought a sandwich and a container of hot mac and cheese, and ate it back in my hotel room. 

As I prepped for the next morning I ate dinner and watched TV. I wasn’t feeling excited or scared at this point; I just felt ready. 

Race Morning: 

I drove to Amanda’s house which was a short 5 miles to the race start. She was still in the process of getting ready when I arrived, and we were a bit delayed getting to the start. It was still dark and parking attendants sent us closer to the staging area so that was great to be parked close to the start. As we set up the tent, it was getting close to start time. 

Then suddenly, the whistle blew and had to run from our area to join the race. Not ideal but it was fine. I had my headlamp on and just started running. 

While I studied the map, I had never been on the course and just followed the group. The course began with a gentle downhill and rolling hills. The course is wooded and beautiful, and as the daylight appeared, I felt like something bit me behind my knee and started rubbing it. A few minutes later I learned that runners were being stung and attacked by hornets. 

I don’t notice the hornets except for what bit my leg, and wondered where they were? In a tree? Just buzzing around? A runner told me they were on the ground and she swatted them and they stung her hand multiple times. Geez! I lucked out on that one. A few people really got stung badly, I learned later.

I just kept running. 

Then came the downhill section. And though I studied the map, I didn’t realize that I was on the out and back section and was surprised to see runners coming toward me. I was feeling good and running downhill, then moved over to make room for the oncoming runner and BOOM – my left ankle twisted, I heard a creaking noise, I fell to my right and landed off trail. 

I was completely surprised, 1) because I haven’t twisted my ankle in two years and 2) I was only 2 miles into the race and 3) it hurt A LOT. 

A runner tried to help me up and I wasn’t quite ready to get up. I was sitting there stunned. After a few minutes, I got up and walked. My right knee was bleeding but I could walk. Then my ankle started to hurt more. Sometimes after a twist like this, I can recover and it’s fine. This wasn’t going to be fine. 

So I hobbled the remaining loop, and ended my day. 

The loop was such a good one. I wanted to run it. I wanted to run it 4 more times. I wanted to finish the 50K but it wasn’t meant to be.

The medic told me that it looked bad and I should go to urgent care. My ankle looked like a golf ball, all swollen. Since I carpooled, my car was 5 miles away. A very kind race volunteer couple drove me to my car and I headed back to my hotel to clean up. 

Every time I get injured my love for running grows. While in the past I can go months without running because I just don’t want to run or I lack motivation, when I get injured running, I miss running so much and can’t wait to get healthy. 

It’s been two weeks since the race and while I can run, my ankle is still sore and not 100% yet. 

I will be back to this race. It’s on my BIG plan of dream races and do-overs. Sometimes it takes me two times to finish a race. Case in point: Colossal Vail 50K. I DNF’d the first time in 2013 and finished in 2021. 

While this race entailed a lot of driving (Road Trip Total Miles from TN to WV: 930 miles) the area was beautiful and I loved the course (minus the hornets). See you next year.

Here is the progression of my ankle over three days:

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Do Hard Things 18-month BIG plan

I have BIG plans for the next 18 months. I’m not getting any younger and so I need to do all the races that I either didn’t finish the first time or races I’ve been obsessing about for years. 

This is me in 2019, at the Leadville 100 starting line:

I’ve been obsessing about Leadville since 2012. I raced the 10K when I lived in Colorado. Finished the Leadville Marathon in 2019. DNF’d Leadville 100 in 2019. And DNS Leadville 50 in 2023.

This week I went down the rabbit hole of researching top finishers in my age group of these races to see what I could learn to help me finish Leadville 50 and 100 and this is what I learned: they finished HARD races leading up the Leadville. One runner I researched lives in Tennessee and she finished races like Beast of the East, Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker, Georgia Death Race – all races that warn you to not attempt unless you are fit and mountain extreme ready. 

It was an eye opener 1) because I think I can do anything and 2) I thought I trained hard in 2019 but I didn’t finish hard races leading up to the big race. 

Now, I want to finish any 100 no matter the course or location. So it’s part of the plan but Leadville has to be part of this plan. 

It just does.

Therefore, here is my plan to share with you, subject to changes, additions, subtractions. My only rule to myself is that when I register, I have to show up. You are probably thinking that is the bare minimum, sheez. However, I do have a tendency to get scared and anxious, and not show up. But I’m older now, the least I can do is show up. I’m going to show up. I’m going to follow the plan and DO HARD THINGS. 

My BIG plan started this month with the 50K Miner’s Lady, which unfortunately I twisted my ankle on a downhill section and limped through my first, and only lap; it was a 5 lap course. I’m rehabbing my ankle as I write this story about my Do Hard Things 18-month BIG plan. 

Here is my plan for the rest of 2024.

September – Panther Creek 10 Miler
October – Mammoth Cave 50K
November – Philly Marathon
December – Lookout Mountain 50M

These are not big, scary races, however, I’m approaching them as base training and building distance and strength. Training will include lifting weights, core work, running LeConte A LOT, cross training and solid recovery. When all goes well, I’ll sign up for the 2025 races.

But here’s a sneak peak of what I’m thinking about, plotting and planning for 2025. It’s BIG. But I’ve always had big goals, big dreams and think I can do it all.  

Tasali Ultra, Black Canyon, Roaring Gap (this is a re-do), Monument Valley (I’ve always wanted to run here), Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker (Big, Scary), Umstead, Ultra Race of Champions (re-do), R2R Grand Canyon (big dream), Chattanooga 70.3, Leadville 100 (re-do), Continental Divide Trail (dream), Ironman Florida (re-do).