Philadelphia Marathon

On Sunday, November 18 I completed the Philadelphia Marathon. This was my 4th marathon and I really enjoyed the race. I highly recommend this event and encourage everyone to put it on their run to do list.

Heading into this race I didn't know what to expect. Following the 70.3 half Ironman that I completed in September I got into a mental funk. Physically I was fine, I knew I could run the miles but the last 9 weeks of marathon training, mentally I hit a wall. I struggled to complete my long runs. My coach told me it was my body telling me that it was tired but I needed to suck it up and dig down deep in order to finish this marathon.

I did not set any sort of time goal for this race, I just wanted to enjoy it and cross the finish line. I travel to Philadelphia so often for work but never have the time to really explore the city. I was looking forward to touring the city while running 26.2 miles and I saw so much of it!! We ran in and out of Center City, Old City, Penns Landing, South Philly, University City, by the Zoo, along boathouse row, thinking of Grace Kelly along Kelly Drive and into Manayunk. Thank God for the crowds in Manayunk! What a great area. So many people were out cheering us on and enjoying a cold, but sunny, Sunday morning. Manayunk is the home of the 20 mile turn-a-round and by the time you get there you are excited to see that turn-a-round sign and the crowds energize you to finish the last 6 miles!!

As I had shared earlier, I struggled mentally with my marathon training. So I decided to lean on those people in my life who have been there for me so many times before. Each mile I thought of these people and said a prayer for them. What I realized as I created the list I ran out of room. There are so many people in my life that I love and respect, who inspire me to keep moving forward. I realized how blessed I am that I couldn't fit them all into 26.2 miles. I ended up listing more than 1 person per mile (but said a prayer for each of them each mile) and then had to list special shout outs after I hit the .2.

I started with my family; my mom (how I miss her), my dad, Ann, Kevin, Suzan, Danny, Debi, Connor, Jennifer, Meg, Molly, Matt, Carson, and Caitlin (you got your own mile...mile 8 in University City). I then went to my extended family...the Kolano clan...you took up a lot of room and miles...thank you and I love you all! And yes, Lauren, you got your own mile...number 14...at that moment I was running by the Rocky Steps at the Art Museum of Philadelphia!

Mile 15 started my shout outs to so many friends...Stacy & Karen; Moira & Meghan (2 of my oldest and dearest friends); Liz & Karen (KP); Kim Buck (with me during my first marathon), and Emily Haff,

Mile 19 - Cheryl Cook, the Bear, your support and friendship means the world to me. I am looking forward to the next 7 months of Ironaman Training with you!! Mile 20 - Mary Lou, the best shirpa and wonderful friend...thank you for coming to Philly to support me! Mile 21 - Mary & Shawn Ryan from the first day we met, your support was greatly appreciated! I am so thankful for your friendship!

Claudia & Lisa -- Mile 22...at this point I felt the blisters but nothing compared to what you have gone through. Cancer Sucks but how you both hit it head on, has inspired me!

Pat & Emily Costello thank you for your love and support.

Mile 24 was dedicated to my awesome colleagues @ IC...I so enjoy working with and learning from all of you. I actually wore an Ithaca Bombers shirt during the race!!

Mile 25 was dedicated to all those runners who came before me...who blazed the trail for all of us, Kathrine Switzer and Joan Benoit Samuelson...you have done so much for this sport and the women who enjoy it.

Mile 26 was dedicated to my coach Kristen Roe. Thank you for all of your support and for believing in me. Especially during the training for this race...I know I whined a bit...but I got it done!

I added a line for the .2...My first marathon coach, Brendan Jackson, while training with Team In Training, told us the 26 miles were for everyone we were training for at the time. The 26 miles were done to help find a cure for cancer...but the .2 was for us to enjoy. Brendan that .2 was dedicated to you. Oh how I and so many others miss you!! On so many runs I search for you in the crowds or listen for your cheers. Although you were called home way too early...I know you are forever on every running course and trail!!

As I shared earlier I ran out of miles but doesn't mean I stopped thinking of other important friends...Nikki Ann, Kellie, Beth L, Cindy M, and Deb A...you all inspire me so much!! LUNAR Friends...I have so enjoyed getting to know you and I love all the positive support!! And Curt thank you for your friendship and support, I have truly enjoyed getting to know you!

Now that the race is over...I now have a month to relax, RECOVER, and enjoy the holidays before training starts for the Lake Placid Ironman. The next month I will keep my base and let my body rest a bit! This race was great...I looked forward to completing it and I so enjoyed Philadelphia and the great crowds along the course. I didn't PR this race but I crossed the finish line...I did well but a port-a-potty stopped past mile 20 slowed me down...I blame it on that!

Another quick race story...at the start they sent the runners off in waves. Slowly the corals moved forward. As I got closer to the start line, I finally looked up and standing by the start line on the announcer stand in front of me was Bill Rodgers, Meb Keflezighi, and Desiree Linden! What a great surprise and a nice start to the race!!

I will also share...throughout the 26. 2 miles I kept thinking about having a cheese-steak for dinner...and yes I did get one. And it tasted soooo good!! Philadelphia thank you for such an awesome experience!! I just checked another state off my list!!