Philadelphia Marathon - November 23, 2014

Two things I knew about Philly fans were gleaned from being a Dallas Cowboys fan. I knew they booed Santa Claus and they cheered once when Cowboys wide receiver, Michael Irvin, lay motionless on the field at Veteran’s Stadium. It’s understandable that I took the 20 advertised cheer zones at the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, November 23, 2014 with a grain of salt. What would they be like and would they still be there when this back of packer arrived?

Rookie Mistake

The day started chilly, 40 degrees, and early at 5:30 a.m. They told us to show up then because security would be tight. It wasn’t. I realized because of the position of my blue corral, I could’ve showed up fifteen minutes before the race start and walked right in. One more hour of sleep would've been welcome. The start was calm and controlled which was an odd thing given the number of participants, 23,000. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter tried to high five as many of the runners as he could at the starting line. He was still there thirty minutes later when my corral ran past.

A Taste of History

As a history geek, the first seven miles where complete bliss. We ran past the National Constitution Center, Christ Church, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell and on the streets where Ben Franklin and John Adams had walked centuries earlier. The crowds were awesome along Chestnut Street. One older lady took a drag on a cigarette and said, "I smoke, you run."  We crossed over the Schuykill River and wound our way through University City, the heart of West Philadelphia and home to The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.The crazily-dressed 80's dance team got us over the hills between miles 8 and 10 before heading back towards the Philadelphia Art Museum.  It was there that I had to make a decision. Go left and continue on for 13 miles or turn right and finish with a medal, just not a marathon one. I promised to check myself and see how I felt when I got there. However, this entire trip was about making a left turn. I veered left.

More Cowbell

The second half of the Philly Marathon was an out and back route along the Schuykill River. It was beautiful; however, as a back of the packer, this is the part where the crowds tend to be few and far between. It's all about you and finishing; yet, cheering crowds were still populated along the course. Smiling volunteers in yellow shirts were at turn-around points and bridges. The young man dancing and blasting out "Shake It Off" gave us all an energy boost. The folks in Manayuk, a Native American word meaning "where we go to drink", cheered while enjoying brunch and mimosas. I grabbed the last Yuengling beer a Mile 19. The "Black Girls Run" support group seemed to be at every mile with their cowbells. They were as loud at the waning miles as they were at the start and brought such positive spirit to everyone. The folks with orange slices were an especially wonderful blessing. 

Despite a nagging back muscle spasm at 22 miles, I ran past the Rocky statue and followed a young mother in whose autistic son finished the last few yards with her. Mayor Nutter was still there smiling and high-fiving each finisher. I was one of them!

I still have warm thoughts about Philadelphia. They definitely lived up to their moniker, "the city of Brotherly Love" and make me want to plan for marathon number ten next fall. I will, however, be cheering against their Eagles tomorrow versus the Cowboys and saying a prayer for Tony Romo.