Tag Archive for ‘Running’

2013 Broad Street Run Recap

Broad Street Run. This is my all time favorite 10 miler race. A straight and mostly downhill 10 mile race that bisects amazing neighborhoods of Philly on the way to the finish at the Navy Yard. The part are the spectators who line the entire 10 miles of this course. They are out in force cheering on friends, family members and strangers as they run past. I’ve not encountered a similar level of spectator participation in any other race. I love that it is my home town that turns out for this event.

When the running gods smile upon you during this race it feels close to heaven. When they don’t, well, it is better than not running at all.

(more…)

Posted on May 20, 2013 :: Categories: Philadelphia :: Tags: 2013 Broad Street Run, Running
244 views :: Leave a Comment

2013 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Recap

Three weeks after the Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, myself and fellow Team Philly runners traveled to Washington DC for the annual Cherry Blossom 10 mile run. We all were excited about the possibility of running along the tidal basin surrounded by blooming Cherry Trees as the National Park Service predicted peak bloom time would be race day.

They predicted wrong.

(more…)

Posted on May 19, 2013 :: Categories: National :: Tags: Cherry Blossom, DC, Running, Washington
122 views :: Leave a Comment

I Run DC – Have a Tiffany&Co Necklace To Prove It

On Sunday April 28th, Washington DC played host to the inaugural Nike Women’s Half Marathon. For the past ten years, Nike has hosted this race in San Francisco. This is the first year this famous women’s race has been hosted on the east coast. My Team Philly running friends jumped at the chance to run this and had a great weekend and fabulous run. I even managed a modest PR/PB on this half marathon and is the natural result of what happens when you focus on more consistent training.

The race course is essentially the Cherry Blossom 10 mile plus an additional three point one miles tacked on to complete the half marathon distance.

(more…)

Posted on May 19, 2013 :: Categories: Inspirational :: Tags: Half Marathon, Running
1,164 views :: Leave a Comment

2013 Shamrock Anthem Half Marathon Recap

The weekend of March 16 & 17th brought together 28,000 runners to Virginia Beach to participate in the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon and Anthem Half Marathon. A very flat (check out the elevation profile) and fast course that winds along woodland, beachfront and finishing up on the boardwalk. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier and with such flat terrain this race would be a good choice for those taking on the challenge of qualifying for Boston.

(more…)

Posted on May 19, 2013 :: Categories: National :: Tags: Half Marathon, Race Recap, Running
237 views :: Leave a Comment

Blogging and Running Update

April is fast coming to a close and I want to share a few updates and a rather interesting photo walk.

I had the opportunity to document the 24th annual Civil War reenactment held at Neshaminy Park in Bensalem, Pa. I brought two lenses, a 40mm f/2.8 and the 70-200mm f/4. Let me tell you that there is a lot to love with both lenses. This year the battle of Mine Run 1863 was chosen for reenactment. Sorry, I’ve not as yet Googled the information on this battle. If you happen to know, feel free to leave a history lesson in the comment section. I chatted with two women representing the widows of the Civil War and spent time checking out the medical tent discussing triage strategies with a civil war battlefield physician. Also took a long look at a photo collage of soldiers who survived the war with amputations or disfiguring facial injuries and wondered how they managed with their disabilities post war. I’ve a love/hate opinion of reenactments. They are an amazing source of quality information about a time or event in history, yet I can’t help but think reenactments over romanticize brutal events in our history. Just my 0.2 cents on the matter.

Now it is time to look at pretty pictures:

The full set of photos:

I run here, I run there…

This weekend I am heading to Washington DC to participate in the inaugural Nike Women’s Half Marathon on Sunday April 28th. The following Sunday, May 5th, I am running the 2013 Broad Street 10 miler – a race I am so looking forward to completing. A few weeks later, on June 15th I’m registered to run the 2013 Half Sauer Half Kraut Half Marathon in Pennypack Park. I sometimes wonder how I manage to keep smiling with all the training miles needed to maintain a fitness level to complete these distance runs. In addition, I’ve been dealing with a sudden case of foot numbness which will require orthotic inserts to (hopefully) correct this annoying issue.

On the blogging front – I still need to post race recaps for 2013 Yeungling Anthem Half Marathon, Virginia Beach and Cherry Blossom 10 miler in Washington, DC. I have all the photos and information read to go, I just need to finish the darn posts.

So, it is a bit busy at chez Tania at the moment; but I will work on keeping you all in the loop

Happy running, y’all!

Posted on April 23, 2013 :: Categories: Bloggers, National, Pennsylvania, Photography :: Tags: DC, Half Marathon, Photography, Running, Washington
758 views :: 3 Comments

THANK YOU BOSTON PD!

Terrorist #2 – what’s his name – is now in custody due to the dogged tenacity of the Boston PD. Well Done!

Posted on April 19, 2013 :: Categories: National :: Tags: Boston Marathon, Running
697 views :: 4 Comments

A Marathon Miracle

Many have seen this shocking video and wondered if the runner in the orange jersey was able to get help after he fell from the shockwave caused by the explosion.

The runner is Bill Iffrig, 78, from Lake Stevens and only feet away from completing his third Boston Marathon when the bomb exploded, knocking him to the ground. He was helped up by a BAA official and walked the few short feet to the finish line completing the marathon with only a gash on his knee. Of all the stories of the heroic actions that are pouring out; this one really shows the stuff runners are made of and why the bomber(s) have already lost.

Why does this story stand out among all the others?

Consider the following facts:

- This 78 year old man qualified and completed THREE Boston Marathons.
- He survived a bomb blast that happened feet away from him.
- After being knocked down from the blast, with help from a BAA official, he crossed the finish line.
- Not only did he finish this marathon, his finish time placed him 2nd in his age group.

Let these facts simmer in your mind while reading what Bill Iffrig had to say about his finish:

“I ended up second in my division,” he said. “After you’ve run 26 miles you’re not going to stop there.” His timing chip marked his finish at 4 hours, 3 minutes, 47 seconds.”

And that is the stuff runners are made of – we are stronger than any adversity that comes our way and are always moving forward.

The terrorist cowards who detonated the bombs yesterday thought they could break us with fear. Clearly they knew nothing about the heart and soul of the running community; yesterday’s violent act will only make us stronger. Game over, cowards, you lost.

Posted on April 16, 2013 :: Categories: Memorial, National :: Tags: Boston Marathon, Marathon, Running
471 views :: Leave a Comment

Boston Marathon Bombing

Statement from the Boston Athletic Association
Monday, April 15, 2013
8:00 p.m. ET

The Boston Athletic Association extends its deepest sympathies to all those who were affected in any way by today’s events.

Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance.

We can confirm that all of the remaining runners who were out on the course when the tragic events unfolded have been returned to a community meeting area.

At this time, runners’ bags in Boston which remain unclaimed may be picked up by runners presenting their bib number or proof of race participation on Berkeley Street, between St. James and Boylston. There are no bags at 101 Arlington Street.

At this time, we are cooperating with the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all federal law enforcement officials.

We would like to thank the countless people from around the world who have reached out to support us today.

Please go to the B.A.A. Facebook page –
http://facebook.com/thebostonmarathon — for information.
We post new information as we are able.

Today three people, including an 8 year-old child, lost their lives and hundreds more wounded when two bombs detonated at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. My entire heart goes out to the victims and their families. I cannot pretend to understand their loss. I would like to acknowledge the bravery of average Americans who ran toward the bomb aftermath to help rescue those wounded and potentially reduced the number of casualties.

I’m going to hold off on speculation of what person or group is responsible for this vile attack while the story is still evolving. Also, I’m not going to post graphic images showing bloody people and missing limbs that are floating around the internet.

My good blogging buddy, John Ruberry, has run the Boston Marathon three times and has posted his reflection on the attack today in Boston. The Boston Marathon is the premier running event of the year. It is a marathon in which runners are required to have run a previous marathon within a certain time frame set forth by Boston Marathon organizers. You do not buy a bib for Boston, you earn it. It sometimes takes years to achieve a BQ (Boston Qualifying) time in a marathon making the Boston Marathon even more irresistible to runners. As of today, I’m no where near BQ times, however, I have a plan to incrementally bring my half marathon and full marathon times within BQ striking distance this year. Step by step I will get to Boston.

Whoever is responsible for this bloody attack picked the wrong group of people – runners are masters of perseverance and battling adversities; challenges only make us stronger. The fools who support this tragedy can laugh and cheer all they want, they don’t know that they have already lost.

In two weeks time, I’ll be in Washington, DC to run the inaugural Nike Women’s Half Marathon. The following Sunday I’m scheduled for Philly’s Broad Street 10 mile run where I hope to PR.

I am a runner, I will not let fear dictate my life and will continue to train and run distance runs until I can no longer run. Bombers be damned.

Posted on April 16, 2013 :: Categories: National :: Tags: Marathon, Running
852 views :: 7 Comments

2nd Annual Run For Sherry

Source: shutupandrun.net via Tania on Pinterest

Whatever your plans are this coming Saturday, take some time to run, walk, bicycle, rollerblade, or whatever in memory of Sherry Arnold. A woman who went out for a morning run last January and did not return home alive.

Sherry’s murder touched the core of the running community, as many of us have done exactly what Sherry did that sad morning and returned home safe and sound. It is not unusual for me to run alone early in the morning at a local park. I appreciate the peaceful beauty of the forest and the quiet time before my hectic day begins. Honestly, there are many times when I run with no ID or cellphone on my person and don’t see another person the entire run. Truth is, I don’t think of the potential dangers until after the run. So, I’m advocating to all my running readers to think about your safety BEFORE your run.

When the news of Sherry’s murder broke last year, her cousin who also runs (very well) and blogs at Shut Up and Run (SUAR) organized a Run For Sherry in February 2012. I, along with my running friend Trish, donned ‘Run For Sherry’ bibs and ran like madwomen through the streets of Philly.

This year, we are running for Sherry along Kelly Drive. I invite everyone, wherever you are to take time on Saturday to remember the life of Sherry Arnold.

SUAR (Shut Up And Run) shared some important safety tips to minimize risk and go on running and living – unafraid.

Here are some other things to do to be safe – not just while running, but in general.

Always tell someone where you are going.
Stay on well traveled and well lit roads. Don’t take short cuts through woods, poorly lit areas, etc.
If possible, run with a dog, a group or at least one other person.
Ditch the headphones.
Bring your phone.
If someone looks shady to you, cross the street or go the other way.
Vary your routes. Don’t be predictable.
Know where you’re going. Looking confused and lost can make you a target.
Don’t be distracted. Perpetrators specifically look for people who aren’t 100% aware of their surroundings.
Consider taking a self defense class. You never know when you might need these skills.
Reconsider the pony tail. This is an easy thing to grab and pull.
Have an air of confidence. Walk or run tall with your head up.
Trust your gut. If something/someone doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Bring pepper spray, but keep in mind it can be used against you too.
If attacked, do everything in your power to not be taken to another location.

Be Safe, Run On, Never Forget…

Posted on February 07, 2013 :: Categories: Inspirational :: Tags: Running
954 views :: 4 Comments

2012 TCS Annapolis Half Marathon Recap

Half Marathon Finisher Bling

Last weekend I had the opportunity to participate in the 2nd annual TCS Annapolis Half Marathon. Funds raised by this run benefit local charities such as Food Link, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and Wellness House of Annapolis.

I hadn’t planned on running at all in Annapolis. I planned a long weekend of absolutely nothing in a city other than Philadelphia in order to recuperate and recharge after completing the Philadelphia Marathon. However, half marathons have a way of inviting themselves into my careful travel plans. When I discovered there was one during my weekend visit, I registered for the race. Even though I was in town for some well deserved R&R, it would have bugged me to my core if I skipped this run.

I was aware of the problems encountered by the race organizers during the inaugural run in 2011 as the runner forum at Active Runner was buzzing about problems encountered during the run. I appreciated the acknowledgement of the problems by the race organizers on the front page of the race website and decided to give them the chance.

Despite the inaugural hiccups, 2600 runners gathered on December 1st on a cold and foggy morning at the Navy Marine Corps Stadium to participate in this fledgling half marathon. That says much about the hopeful character of runners willing to give the organizers another chance for improvement. We are good peeps.

Two weeks out from running the Philly Marathon, I had no time goal for this half marathon. I hadn’t even looked at the race map or elevation map. My plan was to show up a half hour before the run starts, warm up, run a half marathon, pick up my medal and banana then head back to the hotel to finish reading The Book of Business UnAwesome/Awesome. Crazy plan, I know.

The course itself was a challenge. Hills dominated miles 2 through 12 of the course with a particularly tough incline over the Naval Academy Bridge. Due to the out and back nature design of this course, runners crossed this bridge twice. To my Philly runners imagine the 34th street hill only steeper and longer then go run it twice. You must work to PR on this course.

Now to the race recap:

What I liked about this race:

The organizers addressed and fixed the prominent issues popped up during the inaugural run in 2011.

The medal and technical long sleeve shirt were very nice.

Annapolis is a challenging and scenic area (when the fog is not present) to host a half marathon.

December is a beautiful time of year to visit Annapolis and run a half marathon.

A heated tent open to the runners prior to the race start was a welcome surprise. Warming up for the run in the tent was a delightful luxury that I greatly appreciated.

Local charities were the beneficiaries of the proceeds from this race.

The volunteers, as always, are so very sweet and encouraging.

Adequate water stops that were manned appropriately.

Loved the children handing out the medals, water and hats at the finish line.

The post race entertainment was fabulous. Kudos to The Rovers for a great performance post race.

Oysters on a half shell provided an interesting local twist to post race food.

What I find needs improvement:

Pre-race communications need to be more timely and consistent. There was a small discrepancy over the start time of the race that had runners scratching their heads.

Runners were frustrated over the lack of communication regarding early packet pickup at local running stores in Annapolis. This did not affect me as I was planning to pick up my packet at the Expo, but I can see how this could frustrate local runners.

Inbound runners heading towards the turnaround had to cut across the path of outbound runners prior to the turnaround (near the 8 mile mark). This absolutely needs to be fixed for 2013.

More volunteer recruitment – which can be said for any race – as you can never have too many volunteers.

Running is Fun!

Overall, the half marathon was a good experience and I can comfortably recommend this half marathon to runners of all skill levels. There are still more wrinkles to be ironed out with this half marathon, however, the organizers have shown improvement over last year. I expect they will take the lessons learned from this year to host an even better 2013 Half Marathon.