My Official Marathon Photo....

         As overpriced as these photos are, I HAD to dish out money for my first ever marathon!! Doubt I'll ever pay $39 for a JPG again. But this one is lots of fun and captured how awesome I felt that very moment. 

Mile 20- Basking in Family Support

 My family came to cheer me on at mile 20 of the Philly Marathon. Below is Luke with my hubby's phone taking his own pics. The entire race my hubby was texting me, cheering me on, encouraging me to keep going and at times sending messages from the kids.

 

              I had no idea I would get THIS emotional. It felt so nice to see everyone. 

Finished My First Ever Marathon!!

                    Yesterday, I finished my first marathon. Today I am feeling great. I took a long, hot bath in the evening after and took some Advil before going to bed and I woke up feeling amazing this morning. My ankles are a little achy and there is a general soreness all over my body, but I seriously could have gone for a short run this morning and that just blew me away. So I must have done 'something' right. With the exception of a few things I think I would pretty much do the same things next time around, and yes, there will be a next one. I will again carry a hydration bottle with me, I would bring great new music, I would again listen to an audiobook for the first half (13 miles) and pump in music from miles 13-26.2. I would also take the salt pills (S-Caps) every hour on the hour again, and the Gu's every half hour to help me not bonk. I don't think a first marathon experience could have gone better.....and for that I am so proud and relieved. 

                      This is me two days before my race.....little did I know my life was about to change, forever. I was going to be a marathoner and that is one of those things that no one can take from you. 

                      Because the race was in Philadelphia we stayed at my sister-in-law's for two nights. I juiced three bottles of veggie juice for the weekend and had a bottle before the race and one after. This one has red cabbage, carrots, apples, beets, and yellow squash. My brother-in-law saw one of the bottle in my purse and asked why I had a bottle of pasta sauce with me. I had to laugh. Carrying a glass bottle of red fluid in your purse IS a bit odd. My mom, who is not a runner, is convinced I have such good endurance because of my daily veggie juicing habit. Could be true. All I know is I have not gotten sick since I began 2 years ago. 

              My daughter, sister-in-law and I went to the Expo for the Philly Marathon which was in Downtown Philly and although my sister-in-law and I chose to separate in order to be able to shop around, we both ended up buying Sweaty Bands! Check out this rack of yummy Sweaty Bands!!! Both Nora and I could not decide! I bought 3, one for Nora, one for me and one for my sister-in-law. 

                  Nora got a free medal from one of the tables at the Expo. She said to me, "Mom, I got a free medal for doing nothing!" 

                   Because Philly, as large a city as it is, oddly enough does not have train service at 5am. Therefore, I had to get a taxi to drive me to the race Sunday morning. The ride cost me $40 but the peace of mind was worth every penny (It was $2.70/mile for 14 miles). When I got off the cab this was the view I got.....what a beautiful city! It also helped tremendously that it was unusually warm for a November morning. It was about 55 degrees...... 

                     The race begins and I finally walk over the start line at 7:21am. I was one of the last corrals so I got to see the thousands of other runner pass before me. 30,000 people ran this race and if you like people watching, races are so fun!

                This is about a mile into the race. This is the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. 

Schuylkill Rive.., PA

Schuylkill Rive.., PA

Schuylkill Rive.., PA

Schuylkill Rive.., PA, Boathouse Row

            At mile 13 the half-marathoner racers were done. This is when my music came on and the audiobook got paused.  

Along Fairmount Park

                   I did it. Check out this medal!!  cried when I saw my family at mile 20, I cried at mile 25-26 and I cried after I got this medal placed over my shoulder. 

When done, I found a place to get my stretches done. Half hour worth of stretching and bending. On the way to the SEPTA train station I passed by Academy of Natural Sciences and this giant realistic dinosaur was moving and roaring.  Very cool city indeed. I think both the stretching and the walking were very helpful to my recovery. 

              After, I added a new car magnet to my car. Of course, Nora had to pose next to it. She is such a little momma!! Oh, and she is wearing her Sweaty Band!! Actually, she even slept with it on her head and earned a big headache from it....I guess we all learn about our body as we make such silly mistakes.  

                      I wore my 50K t-shirt I earned from the West Virginia Trilogy to the race in order to give me courage during this race. It must have worked! The medal is absolutely gorgeous!! 

2 whole days left until my FIRST marathon!!

                       This is finally becoming a reality!!...At this time in 3 days time I will most likely be a marathoner! I don't think I am nervous about the run itself but I am very, very anxious about how I am going to be getting there. Seeing as it's in a city I have never been in during the day, I am nervous about the logistics of how I will actually get to the event.  Once I get there, I think I will be much more relaxed and I will know exactly what to do running-wise, hydration-wise, calorie-wise. Mostly, I can't wait for it all to begin. I love the race expos, I love the pre-race jitters, I love people-watching while running, I love the feeling of the 'shared struggle' we all experience on race day; very few experiences match being in a race. Aside from finishing, my other goals are to have fun, to dress successfully for the weather and to prevent bonking at all costs. Will post pics from the expo....

Philly Marathon Logistics

Transportation: 

GETTING TO THE START/FINISH LINE

The GORE-TEX^® Philadelphia Marathon will begin and end near our world-renowned Museum of Art at the head of the majestic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The address for the Museum of Art is 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130. You know, right in front of those famous steps that Rocky sprinted up, inspiring countless imitators ever since.

Center City is compact and very walkable. However, if your feet get tired, we encourage runners and spectators to use public transportation on race day.

Philadelphia's mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city. Several SEPTA buses (Nos. 7, 32, 38, 43, and 48) currently serve the Museum area.

Please check with SEPTA at (215) 580-7800 for information about schedules, drop-off and pick-up locations, and route detours. Also, if you're planning to do a lot of "running around" on race day, please ask about SEPTA's unlimited access one-day pass.

To catch a cab in Center City, just head for the nearest street corner and flag one down. Or call the City Cab Company (215) 492-6500 or Quaker City Cab (215) 726-6000.

SEPTA's Info: SEPTA -The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) serves the Philadelphia region with subway-elevated, light rail, trackless trolley, bus routes, and commuter rail lines. SEPTA bus routes 7, 32, 38, 43, and 48 currently serve the Museum area.

Go Directly to SEPTA's Trip Planner: HERE
I went on the site and could not get clear directions from the suburbs. So it looks like I have to call them directly to get directions for 4:30am from Conshohoken to Benjamin Franklin Parkway (Art Museum) 

PARKING INFORMATION

There are several parking lots and garages conveniently located on or near Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Discount parking coupons for select Central Parking System locations are available atwww.philadelphia.centralparking.com under the "Attractions" tab.

Be sure to call ahead as rates and availability are subject to change.

The GORE-TEX^® Philadelphia Marathon has no direct relationship with any parking companies. Some lots are available for parking without an attendant upon entering, with payment upon exit.

• The Start/Finish area opens at 4:30am – Runners:  Arrive by 5:00am with your bib fastened and visible on the front of your attire.
• The start of the race will not be delayed due to lines at security checkpoints.

• Only clear bags will be allowed in and accepted at Gear Check, all subject to inspection. 
• Arrive with the event issued gear check tag (top of bib tear-off strip) affixed to your bag.

• No Backpacks or satchels will be allowed.
• Hydration packs or belts are subject to screening.

List of things to pack for the Philly Marathon

* Compression shorts (7")
* Nathan water bottle (with pocket with clear window in it for my iPhone
* Iphone extra battery charger (charged)
* My 50K tech shirt
* One long sleeve top
* My green, lightweight shell (in case of rain)
* 2 pair of socks (in case I lose one)
* A cap with a visor/ a warm hat (in case it turns very cold)
* 2 scrunchies (I wear my hair in 2 pony tails, on each side, at the bottom of my head.)
* Warm Athleta Pants (in case it's in the 30's)
* Vaseline
* Sports Sunscreen
* Watch
* My 'good' sports bra (not cotton!!)
* Ten packets of Bee Stinger Gels (Approx. 120 calories each/ will try to take 1 every half hour)
* Thrift store clothes to wear from 5-7am (before race).
* S-caps (salt pills) /Take one each hour
* Ibuprofen
* Compression calf sleeves (I wear these AFTER, when I go to bed believe it or not)
* Sunglasses
* Earphones (Earbuds)
* Medals (try to convince my young nephews to get into racing with my bling)
* Warm headband (in case it's really cold)
* Razor to shave my legs (80% chance I'll be running in shorts)
* Deodorant
* Tech intimates (to present chafing)
* Mace (for my train ride alone at 4am in Philly)
* Sugarfree gum sticks (6). I chew 3 at a time, 2 hours each.

Need recommendations for which training to do for marathon

                    I have been researching which training path to follow for my marathon in November. I have some time to figure this out, but the more I learn the more I am confused. I am not a huge fan of cross training and as much as I'd like to do Bart Yasso's method, I don't know if I'll stick to the cross-training part of his plan. A few have suggested Hal Higdon's plans. The Marathon Training Academy with Angie and Trevor also have individualized plans they sell, which sounds really nice. Will check them out and post my findings here soon......what suggestions do you all have?

Tips for 1st time marathoners....

           I have been online for hours looking up all sorts of advice for 1st time marathoners....These listed below I found most helpful. 

Hot links are provided if you wish to go to source of origin.

Running planet advices: 

* Remember to respect that distance and commit to proper training.

* Adding in some strength training will help you run better, more efficiently and you will suffer from less injuries.

Daily Mile readers suggests: 

*  Take gels early as well. Don't wait until you bonk. An example is I target one every 5 miles. I take one just before the start as well with a sports drink. 

* NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY or the day before. 

Active.com suggests: 

* Find intermediary races between now and the big day to keep you focused and on point.

* A consistent wake time also helps. If you can't get the same amount of sleep, work on a regular rising ritual so your body gets acclimated to the morning (especially if you are moving to morning workouts). This will also 

help you do a better job of getting to bed at a reasonable hour. 

* Pack a set of warm clothes in your race-day bag.

At the end of the race, you will be sweaty and possibly a little chilly. You will want some dry clothes to put on over your sweaty ones. The best bet is to pack loose-fitting clothes for the end, as you may be too tired to fight with tight sleeves or pant legs. Plus, if you need to take your sneakers off, it may be difficult to get them back on. If for any reason you can't pack clothes in a race-day bag, make sure family or friends carry some for you when you meet up with them after the race.

* Bring your mobile phone with you. 

Just signed on to my first marathon....the Philadelphia Marathon!!

                     I cannot believe it. I just signed on to my very first marathon and cannot wait to cross that finish line!! I signed on to the Philadelphia Marathon on November 17th, 2013!! So now to plan on how to continue to stay fit during the summer and then planning a good training plan for the end of summer and the fall. Will keep you updated.