The Blue Dawgs do Broad Street

This will be short as it is Friday and I usually post Tuesday. Ok, so I'm a little late.

I go to pick up my number today down at Lincoln Financial Field (home of the Philadelphia Eagles) for Broad Street Run on Sunday. My training for this was good up until the beginning of April. Since then, my training has mostly been the 5k races I've done and the 20k race I did two weeks ago with a smattering of 5-6 mile runs with the Blue Dawgs on Wednesdays. This past weekend I was in Florida visiting my parents (my father's 80th birthday was on Monday) and ran a little on the beach and at Dunes Park on the north side of New Smyrna Beach.

Expectations for the race? Not a whole lot, unfortunately. I have been spoiled over the four times I've run this race as I have been able to lower my PR each time. But, with the sporadic training I've done in the past month, I can't say I feel ready. Granted, I don't think I ever feel 'ready' three days before any race, but, judging from my 20k race results, I have a reason to feel this doubt. Plus, the forecast for Sunday is for rain, which is even more reason.

So, I decided I want to have fun in this race. Knowing me, I will push myself at the beginning to see 'what I feel.' But, if it's not there, it's not there, therefore, I should enjoy the parade and the supporters that are out there.

Plus, the Blue Dawgs are going down as a group. Melissa, Eric, Kelly and I are all driving down together for the race. We are meeting at 5:30a to get to the stadium parking lot by 6:30a. Broad Street Run is somewhat unique as you are encouraged to park at the finish line and take a free subway ride to the start. The biggest challenge is meeting up after the race. I will make sure I am the Marines in this mission and leave no soldier behind in getting home that day.

After Broad Street, I can set my sights for the rest of the summer and look to choose a marathon for the fall.

(Quick note: Falmouth Road Race entries are now available on their website http://www.falmouthroadrace.com/. Steve is already whining about his ankle and how this is going to affect his training for the race. He gave me no sympathy for my sinus infection leading up to last year's race. Expect none from me this year for his ankle. :-) My wife and I are getting a female Havanese puppy next weekend but we are still looking for a name. Please submit a name for the puppy in the comments section. I would love to hear the suggestions. Expect pictures to be posted. )

The Broad Street Run countdown

I pick up my number tomorrow at the Broad Street Run expo (or as they call it the 'Not for Runner's Only Expo') for Sunday's race. The expo is at, of all places, Lincoln Financial Field, home of the American football Philadelphia Eagles (and to our second round draft pick and new quarterback, Kevin Kolb. What kind of pick was that?) The plan is for a few of us from work to take a shuttle down from Center City at lunchtime.

It is suppose to be an absolutely gorgeous weekend and Sunday is no exception. Highs for the day expected to be in the mid-60's and quite comfortable. If there is a bit of cloud cover, it will be perfect running weather!

I'm afraid my big 'win' last Friday has come at a price. Since then, my groin and hips have been aching. I ran 4.5 miles last night on a flat course. I was hoping it would shake itself out but it hasn't happened. Not sure if I did anything during the race (it was awfully crowded in the beginning and I could have zigged instead of zagged) or if I overextended myself. No matter what, I am still aiming for around a 1:30 on Sunday.

Now, here's my current dilemma: the following weekend is the Sertoma 5k in Doylestown which is run on a course I have flirted with a PR. Do I push myself at Broad Street or hold back and rest for the Sertoma and try for my stated goal this year of a new 5k PR? I figure I'll have my answer around 8:50A Sunday morning in the middle of mile 2.