Sucker for the Broad Street Run

[Hipwrddude 0]

When a coworker asked me to join him in the Broad Street Run, a 10 miler straight down the relatively flat Broad Street in Philadelphia, I said, “Sure.” Heck, what’s 10 miles to a guy like me? I do 100lb single arm dumbbell curls, 425lb bench presses, 505lb deadlifts, 530lb squats, and I bike for 10 minutes, what’s a 10 mile trot? I have two weeks. By race day I had completed 4 runs: 2 for 3 miles, 1 for 5 and 1 for 6. Standby Broad Street Runners, I am ready (right.) Two years ago a minor knee problem hobbled my hobby of running. Dusting it off now, I was ready to kick some ass, even if it were my own.
At the starting line Sunday morning at 8:28 a.m., 17,873 people showed up to run. Then, walking through a swirling cloud of smoke, my friend and I appeared (I dream.) Runners wrapped in sweats began tossing their warm clothing into trash cans and anywhere, one even throwing her sweater up in the air where it brushed some unsuspecting guy’s shoulder before hitting the ground. At 8:30 the race sounded with a horn and anticipation soared. It took over 3 minutes for the 8 minute mile mob to move up to run across the starting line. Behind me was the 9, 10, you get it.
Last year 15,000 ran the Broad Street Run, claimed as the fastest run in America and the 2nd largest. I heard 2,000 dropped out and never made it. It was beyond awesome. I had never seen so many porta-potties. Runners were everywhere, and so were buzzing news choppers. As we were circling the Central High School track before the race, my friend and I were profiling who the fastest runners might be. Stepping out as if we had called her, a group of people parted and a 90lb 5’2” Kenyan woman emerged, trotting lightly by in the opposite direction. What a light gait. A potentially fast gait. Yup.
6 miles into the race I was feeling pretty good. By mile 7-8 I was in the zone. Actually, I was cresting a wave of delirium induced by fatigue. You know you’re getting tired when your surroundings blur, and you’re telescoped into a world of continual sensations of bodily discomfort. Aside from that, I felt great! I had passed PA Governor Ed Rendell earlier; he wasn’t running he was out greeting runners. The wind was at our backs and the temps were cool. By mile 9 I was wiped out, constantly re-focusing on my breathing and pace, and feeling pretty shit-like. It was about this time that I realized a lot of fat people and weekend workout types were running past me. Picture the Hulk being passed up by Bruce Banner. I better not get below 3rd gear. Boy I feel like shit.
During the race I saw streets and places as progress towards the finish line. Several times during the race I looked around and wondered how I got to where I was. A moment later that same thought would re-enter my brain.
As I rounded the curve inside the Philadelphia Navy yard, I saw the finish line, the end of the race, victory! Phuck that, it was relief, plain and simple.
As I write this lying in a tub full of Epsom salts drinking a beer, I think of the small Kenyan woman, Naomi Wangui, who I saw on the track earlier that day. She was the fastest woman in the race. Her time of 53:43 was so fast, at 5 minutes 22 seconds a mile she could’ve beaten me hopping down Broad Street in a potato sack. Her and 6,649 other runners beat my time. Next year, I’m going to actually train for the run. Next year, 2,000 of them are going down!

You're always the starter in your own life!

[masterblaster72 0]

I've always wanted to do this run since it's in my hometown...unfortunately it's too close to the Boston Marathon, while I'm still recovering. So instead I ran it vicariously through your report -- thanks for sharing. And congrats on finishing the run, especially on so little training.

Nice job!

Be humble, ask questions, listen, learn, follow the golden rule, talk when necessary, and know when to shut the fuck up.

[Hipwrddude 0]

What I've learned for the next run is this: wind sprints. Lots of them, combined with interval running.
Next, supplements, protein powder, Collagen, MSM, Gelatin, Glucosamine, Pedialyte mixed with orange juice.
Then rest & recovery.
Best of Luck!

You're always the starter in your own life!