My Running Moment: Philadelphia 2011

Note: This fall, the Ready, Set, Run! blog  is featuring a series of guest posts called “My Running Moment: _______.” This series of personal submissions will allow guest writers to share their personal running stories, with the hope that their running stories will be a source of great encouragement to those who read this blog. If you are interested in contributing, please email Jeanne (jnielson@nays.org). 

My Running Moment: Philadelphia 2011

I love to run because for me running is an adventure!  Whether I’m running a new route around my neighborhood, in another state or in another country, I love the thrill and excitement that running brings when I can experience new things.  Traveling by plane, car or bike is great, but I feel like I really soak in the place when I’m on my own two feet running around – plus it’s a chance to feel like a kid again!

 

In training for a fall marathon I was able to experience the shifting of the seasons from a hot summer to the changing leaves and the cooler fall.  Some rain and snow mixed in along the way all helped to add to the adventure.  There’s nothing better than running along a tree lined path with that fall smell in the air and the crunch of leaves beneath my feet.  But most of all the Philadelphia Marathon highlighted the three biggest reasons why I love to run:

 

1. To go new places: as I mentioned, I like adventures and going to a brand new city to run a race is one of my favorites.  It’s so fun to run in a new city and take in the scenery and Philadelphia did not disappoint.  From running by the Art Institute where Rocky famously ran the steps, to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Zoo, along the Schuylkill River and more, the race course was full of things to see and cheering people along the way.  Plus, being fueled by some of Philly’s delicious fresh, homemade pasta from the market the night before, it was bound to be a great run!

2. To push myself: this marathon was the fastest time I have ran to date, but it was by far the most painful run as well.  My training was great and I was ready to go but it was an uncharacteristically warm and sunny day in late November and I was really starting to feel it already by mile 16.  However, having trained so hard and being on a good pace to finish, I pushed through mile by mile straining for the next water stop and finally the finish line.  I learned that day that the body is an amazing thing and can go much farther than I thought. I had run 4 marathons before this one, but on this day I was elated to know I truly gave it my best effort and had nothing left in the tank. 

3. To inspire others:  I love meeting new people at races; everyone has a great story of how they ended up there.  Best of all, at this race I got to stay with a friend who lives in the city and she came with me to see the race and cheer me on.  It was the first race she had ever been to and she was hooked – she loved cheering for all of the runners and the camaraderie of thousands of people pushing themselves and encouraging each other at the same time.  It’s pretty overwhelming to have 35,000 people running through the streets of Philadelphia at 7 am with smiles on their faces and nervous excitement in the air.  Since then she has been inspired to run herself…6 days a week for 3-4 miles at a time.  And she even likes it; amazing for someone who had never run regularly before.  Most people don’t think they can do it so they never try because they don’t want to fail.  But having someone they know taking a chance encourages them to step out of their comfort zone and try it as well.  As I found out, this was so rewarding for both her and me!  

There are so many reasons I run and too many memorable races to relive here.  I urge you to set a goal, find a race you want to sign up for and go for it; I guarantee you’ll have a great story to tell at the end of it all.  You will find out more about yourself than you ever thought and maybe even inspire some friends to come with you on the journey along the way.  Best of luck and happy running!

 

Nicole Calvin