philadelphia

Philadelphia Half Marathon 2018 – Recap

November 22, 2018 By Lindy 3 Comments

Philadelphia Half Marathon was yesterday and it was pretty awesome, despite the issues. This was my 17th half marathon, and I almost DNF’d.

It was overcast, cold, and slight windy. I wore a long-sleeved running shirt, full-length running tights with compression sleeves underneath, and running gloves with hand warmers inside them. I took my space blanket and a hat, which I gave to my brother who accompanied me to the race. It was SO cold!

I was in corral orange, which is the penultimate corral. Having missed a lot of training runs due to my hectic schedule – work 36+ hours/week, followed by clinical once or twice a week for 8+ hour days, some days it’s 14 hours – I was not going for a personal record. I’m freaking exhausted, friends. As a result, both my chiropractor and running coach suggested not to run at a specific pace – the goal was just to finish strong.

The cold wind had my legs tight and frozen. It took me about 1/2 mile until my body started feeling warm. I was running “blind”, meaning I wasn’t looking at my watch for my pace, I was running by effort. The issue was that I forgot that I was using the online tracker that my friends and family used to track me, well it alerted me pace and estimated finish time every mile. After I crossed mile 2, it alerted me that I was on pace to break a record by 10 minutes. If only…

Mile 1-3 were great. After taking off on the Ben Franklin Parkway, we took a turn around Love Park, past City Hall and down Market Street until 6th Street, where we turned right before the Liberty Bell and passed Independence Hall. That run was hard because we ran on cobblestone. I remember turning my foot a few times on those uneven stones. Then we ran up 5th St, past the United States Mint, towards the Ben Franklin Bridge and made a right turn on what I believe was Race Street, down to Columbus Blvd. Passing Penn’s Landing on our left, we ran down until Washington Ave, where we made a right turn and a huge cheering squad was there. The cheers started to come through my phone around this time, from friends and family who tracked me, and I started to cry.

I was feeling great until past mile 4. Pins and needles were a nuisance on my right foot. I didn’t ignore it, I wiggled my toes to keep circulation moving and checked to make sure my laces weren’t too tight. Right after I passed the always-make-me-happy Humane League squad in front of Blackbird/Dottie’s Donuts, I came to a full stop. I couldn’t take another step without feeling severe pain on my right foot. Wiggled my toes and this time the pain was unbearable. Leaning on a tree for support and balance, I removed my shoe and deeply massaged my foot. Returned to the pavement at a slower pace; the pain was still there, just not as intense.

When the pain returned, I almost called it. It would’ve been my first DNF (did not finish). Thoughts raced through my mind, taking me back to 2013, to a time when during my first full marathon I managed to sprain my ankle at mile 20. The difference this time around was that I was hurting at the beginning of a race. Telling myself to just “run the mile you’re in”, I continued one mile at a time. The pain returned every 3-4 miles, each time stopping to massage the foot and carry on. Couldn’t think of what was causing this, except I noticed this during my last long run (12 miler). The only things that changed were my running socks and the fact that my doctor put me in orthotics.

Walnut Street was ON FIRE!!!! From the Gayborhood all the way down to Rittenhouse Square, it felt like the whole city was out supporting the runners. It was amazing! Spotted my brother at mile 7 with a cheering squad and got a jolt of good vibes and energy all the way to University City. The sun was out, and while the wind was a headwind, it was SO refreshing.

The Philly Half course changed since my last Philly Half in 2015, so I was unfamiliar with this new course but thankful not to have that horrendous hill at mile 9. You know, that one on Briar Sweet Road? Grrr….

There was a slight hill around Drexel University, but since it was close to a water stop and after mile 8, I decided to reserve my glycogen stores by walking up the hill and refueling/hydrating.

All flat/down from here on out!

Passed the Philadelphia Zoo on my left to a long flat stretch of road that was heaven to my legs. Not too many spectators after this point – it was a bit lonely, however, we passed historic buildings which I didn’t know existed; it was quite interesting. Turns and more turns…

Running on Kelly Drive is always a breath of fresh air. It’s not only scenic, but it’s a reminder that the end of the race is really close. I loved seeing my running coach at mile 12. I was feeling sore and tired and she gave me the last push towards that finish line.

I didn’t PR, but damn, it was close. I had my Strava on auto-pause and had I not stopped 3x to massage my foot, I would’ve PR’d by 11 seconds! I’m far from upset about it – I know my body is capable of doing it, I just need to not miss any more training runs and continue with rehab.

Next race: NYC Half if I get in. Everyone I know that ran it said it was cold AF, so I don’t care if I don’t, lol! If not, Broad Street 🙂

Cycling Audition

April 9, 2018 By Lindy 3 Comments

Some of you may know how much I love indoor cycling. I’ve been cycling for years, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I actually fell in LOVE with it.

I was watching “Work Out New York” on Bravo and was inspired by one of the trainers, Holly Rilinger, master instructor at Flywheel. I quickly signed up for a class, dragged a few of my nurse friends and went to a FLY 45 class (now called Method 45). I had such a rush of endorphins and immediately knew this was something I needed to do. I saw myself sitting where the magic happens – on that stage.

I started to go to Flywheel on a consistent basis, going back and forth between two locations, getting to know the riders, the format, the instructors. It didn’t matter the closest Flywheel was at least 45 minutes away, I was going. I released stress, anger, and mentally detoxified during each class.

My schedule with full-time work, school, and a per-diem job got hectic, and I made the decision to buy a Peloton bike. Riding at home was convenient since and ride at home since I could simply ride whenever my schedule allowed. Still, I longed for the feeling of riding in the studio every now and then.

Someone whom I work with, said to me, “I could always picture you teaching at SoulCycle.” She wasn’t the first person to say to me that they could picture me teaching cycling, but I always doubted myself and didn’t pursue it.

Once this nurse said she could see me teaching SoulCycle, I decided to audition. Here I was doubting myself, and on the other side, there’s someone who barely knows me telling me this?

Just putting it out there, I didn’t try out for SoulCycle or Flywheel, but for a smaller chain cycling studio, although my dream is to teach at Flywheel. Anyway, their requirements were to be engaging, fun, and ride to the rhythm. I thought, hey, that I could do! Wrong.

Manager at smaller chain cycling was super nice and my friends had taken her rides before. She said my choice of songs were perfect; my form was great, and she began to videotape me. I started to cycle and she stops the music and says I’m riding slower than 85 rpm. Once I looked down, I was riding at 73 so I was way off! She also didn’t care about torque/cadence/power, which is huge in my books as far as fitness goes. She stopped the audition, gave me constructive criticism and encouraged me to try again, saying that I had rhythm but needed more practice, especially when it came to my form.

I firmly believe every happens for a reason. It isn’t that it’s not meant to be, but perhaps the timing isn’t right. I need to work on my form, work on my confidence, get in better shape (it’s hard as hell to ride, speak and breathe at the same time!) These are things I need to master.

For me, going out and audition is HUGE. I’m not shy by any means (I used to sing in front of an audience) but I’m guilty of feeling self-conscious. Once I’m on that stage, whether is cycling, or singing, all the fear and nervousness dissipates, and the stage is mine.

I’m not sad about it, at least I can say I tried.

Don’t Call it a Comeback…running

June 12, 2017 By Lindy Leave a Comment

…I’ve been here for years. I’m corny, I know. 🙂

Today marks the beginning of my return to running after obtaining clearance from my physical therapist. Since I have not run since November 2016, I will be following Jeff Galloway’s beginner 5K program. Using a run/walk program is a great way to build a training base while reducing the risk of injury.

Jeff Galloway’s 5K program runs 15 weeks and in order to keep me motivated, I’ve registered for the Rescue Run 5K, which occurs at the end of the 15 weeks. Talk about perfect timing, eh? This run benefits The Monster Milers, a shelter dog running and rescue organization in Philadelphia. I’m also excited because it is my first run as a Oiselle Volée runner, a wonderful and supportive community of women.

Plans for this week: (Per Jeff Galloway’s Program)

Monday – Walk or XT

Tuesday – Run 10-15 minutes

Wednesday – Walk or XT

Thursday – Run 10-15 minutes

Friday – Walk or XT

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – 1 mile

My XT usually involves taking a class on my Peloton Bike or swim at the gym pool. Stretching/yoga is part of my daily routine, which will aid in my return to running, as well as the recovery process.

Week 1, here I come. Follow my daily journey on Instagram.

Have a great week, and if you’re in the middle of a heat wave (as we are in PA), stay cool.

Philadelphia Half Marathon: Race Recap

December 30, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

Better late than never, I’m back blogging and I want to share my experience at the 2015 Philadelphia Half Marathon.

It’s usually a 20 minute drive to the start line from my house and due to the pre-race jitters, I leave really early so I can park in my go-to garage and relax with my bagel and coffee. Although some people expressed disappointment with the length of the security lines, having walked through at 6:30, I experienced no issues whatsoever.

Having lost a few weeks due to IT Band issues during the summer months, I didn’t feel good about aiming for a PR in this race, therefore I moved back to the penultimate corral and set a goal to just have a good time. Coach Kristy recommended I take it easy during the first half, and if feeling okay, give it all I’ve got during the latter half.

Waiting at the corral was probably the worst part. Most of it was my damn fault – I didn’t dress properly for the temperature. I wore a short sleeved tech shirt and my Lululemon capris. Race morning temperatures were scheduled to be in the 40’s, but the wind was brutal, therefore with the wind chill, it felt like they were more in the 30’s. The race started a bit late and waiting in the cold just stiffened my body. My body was in so much pain before I even started and I contemplated leaving. A runner standing in front of me saw me shivering and offered me his space blanket, but once I saw he was wearing shorts and a sleeveless top, I politely declined.

First three miles were really crowded and I couldn’t slow down to maintain the pace Coach Kristy suggested for the first half, which was 11:50/mm. I was averaging 10:30/mm pace and even then I was pushed by a girl who seemed upset she couldn’t get by due to the crowded course. While I do understand her frustration, some runners went up on the sidewalk, an option she had and chose not to take, instead she pushed runners around. From what I witnessed, I wasn’t the only one.

There was a headwind that followed us throughout the course. The sun peeked between the clouds, yet the cold didn’t deter Philadelphians from coming out and supporting runners on the course. The city was awake and alive, one of my favorite things of running in my city. The screaming and cheering is music to my ears!

I kept my usual tried-and-true routine of fueling every 5K with gel (used Carb Boom Energy Gel) and hydrated frequently. I was still feeling pain in my joints from the cold wind, so aside from that, I was feeling okay for the most part. The hill past the Philadelphia Zoo, (you Philly runners know what I’m talking about) nearly killed me. It’s a steep hill and just downright mean. There’s nothing sweet about Sweetbriar Road. I walked the entire hill in order to avoid depleting glycogen stores. In fact, most of the runners I saw were actually walking it.

Elevation Chart for Philadelphia Half Marathon

Reached the top and started to run again when tummy issues decided to strike. Past the Please Touch Museum was a fuel station which happened to have no gels, and I knew I’d be in trouble since I only carried two gels with me. Mile 10 was a beautiful downhill and at the start of 11, we were greeted by people dressed in costumes, dancing and cheering on. That was probably the highlight of my day! I was feeling tired and upon reaching mile 12, I looked at my Garmin and saw that my time was 2:27 and I knew I wasn’t going to PR.

Mile 13 is a slight uphill and I just gave it everything that I had in me. I crossed the finish line in 2:38; my goal was 2:35.

Running the Philadelphia Half is probably one of my favorite races, aside from the Broad Street Run. The medal is absolutely perfect, too! Many thanks to Coach Kristy at Run the Long Road Coaching for her guidance.

I’ve taken some time off to relax and take a break from training. I’ve spent time reading, spending time with family and friends and my pets but now I’m ready to get back into running and cross-training.

I have a giveaway coming up for the New Year, so stay tuned because it’s a pretty cool one 🙂

Hope you’re all doing well.

Lindy xx

2015 Broad Street Run Race Recap

May 6, 2015 By Lindy 8 Comments

The 36th Blue Cross Broad Street Run was this past weekend (always on the first Sunday in May) and I had an awesome time!

Went to the Expo on Saturday afternoon and it was very well organized, and an in-and-out experience. Upon entering the doors, you were met with the wonderful people from clothes-pin, a non-profit organization clothing those in need. Runners could donate their used running shoes and there were hundreds of shoes stacked everywhere.

This year, the race start time was moved to 8 AM, a half hour earlier, which was nice. Left my house at 6 AM and there was no traffic and no issues getting to the stadiums to park. Because I left later (last two BSRs I left at 5:30), everyone was cramming into the subway to get to the start line. There should have been more express trains to the start, but the trains stopped at every stop picking up people. It was so unsafely cramped.

It was a cool 54 degrees at the start and I wore long sleeves (stupid!), knowing the high temperature would be in the 80’s.

Met up with fellow nurses at the yellow corral and finally crossed the start at 8:45.

We couldn’t have asked for better weather, but of course, I was overdressed and dehydrated.

Mile 1 was fast and crowded. 11:06 – not a good pace as I was supposed to run no faster than a 12:00-minute mile.

Mile 2 and I need some freaking water. Good thing there was a water stop at mile 2.2 where I downed 2 cups of water. Pace: 11:26

Mile 3 and there’s a slight uphill but I stopped to take pictures since at the top of the hill you can see the runners all the way down to City Hall. Pace 12:42

Miles 4 and 5 and I saw runners walk into stores to buy water. I regret not making that decision. I felt so darn dehydrated! Pace: 12:07 and 12:09. (Starting a backwards trend here and not a negative split one *sigh*)

Mile 5 is past Spring Garden Street. Everyone was stopping to take selfies in front of City Hall, I just stopped to take a pic of it.

Philadelphia's City Hall from mile 5.5 — Philadelphia’s City Hall from around mile 5.5

Once you pass Spring Garden, that’s when the crowds get wild. Bands were playing, people were cheering and screaming, and it was so much fun seeing all the signs people held and I couldn’t stop laughing. I was soaking it all in…I love running in my city!

Miles 6,7,8 – Pace: 11:59, 12:07, 12:23. I swear, next time I run a race, I’m putting my phone on airplane mode. I stopped to text people who were asking, “Where are you?”, “What mile?”, “Which side of Broad Street?” Grrrr….not doing that again!!!!

My sissy, her boyfriend and her dog Harley met me at mile 9. It was nice to see them there. Pace: 12:09.

Last mile, and I was feeling confident and strong. Pace: 11:46.

Thankfully, this year, it was better organized at the finish than last year. Grabbed food bag, water, and my medal, and although this was a training run for Brooklyn Half, I was a bit disappointed with my finish time. I’m sure if I hadn’t stopped for pics or answer texts, it wouldn’t have been an issue. Aside from going all out in that first mile, I kept my pace and I finished strong despite how warm the temperature was.

An hour to get out of the parking lot was beyond ridiculous! I turned off my car and didn’t move for 45 minutes!

The Fabulous Finisher's Bling — The Fabulous Finisher’s Bling

Overall, I had a great time. Broad Street Run continues to be my favorite race and one that I hope to never miss.

Many thanks to my coach Kristy from Run the Long Road Coaching for her guidance during training as well as for the check-in messages.

Do you have a favorite race? If so, tell me about it.

Lindy x

Hot Chocolate 5K Philadelphia – 2015 Recap

April 22, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

The Hot Chocolate Race Series are great races to participate in whether you consider yourself a beginner of an advanced runner. This is my second time participating in a Hot Chocolate Race and once again, I loved it.

This year, the Expo was held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia, a much better option than last year. It was a small expo but very organized. Bib and packet pickup lines were not long at all and I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. There was a booth where you could exchange hoodie sizes, pending availability. The hoodie fit perfectly, and as last year’s hoodie, I sized up to a medium. It is heather grey with pink and oh-so-comfy!

I was good at the Expo – only spent $30. Bought a Roo Sport 2.0 (which is probably the best $25 ever spent!) and bought some Mamma Chia drinks, which I already loved.

This was a training run for me, and my running coach suggested not going past an 11-minute mile. I had been battling the sinus infection from hell – on antibiotics for the second time, and I was very tempted to stay home, and maybe I should’ve listened to my body and stayed in bed. I woke up with body aches and a hoarse voice, but anyway…the weather was sunny, chilly and very windy. The 5K is an out-and-back course starting at Eakins Oval to Martin Luther King Drive to finishing right in front of Philadelphia’s Museum of Art. It’s a beautiful course, with the Schuylkill River/Boathouse Row on your left as you make your way back to the finish line. I never get tired of running here.

Corrals were crossing the start line approximately 4 minutes apart. I moved back to Corral E to be with my friends (you can always move back, never up) and it was crowded. Crossed the start line at 8:04 AM and had to walk a bit because the course was so crowded. It did spread out just past mile 1 for a bit. I was running a 10:30-11:00 minute mile just until it was time to turn back. It was a fierce headwind. Finished in 35 minutes.

Didn’t feel well enough to stay around for the finisher’s party, just met up with friends and coworkers and chatted a bit while sipping a steaming hot mug of cocoa, which was just perfect after running not only sick, but under those chilly and windy conditions.

I truly enjoyed this race. The swag bag is awesome, course is great, wonderful spectators and volunteers. Can’t wait to drag more peeps out for this one next year 🙂

Have you participated in a Hot Chocolate event? What are your thoughts on it?

Lindy x

Disclosure: Although initially invited by RAM Racing to be a Hot Chocolate 15K/5K ambassador, I did pay for this event myself and was not compensated in any way. My thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.