Rock n Roll Marathon 5k + Half Marathon Weekend Recap
I spend a lot of time in Philadelphia, probably too much time! Philadelphia has somehow crawled into my heart and refuses to leave. I love everything about the city, the vibe, the scenery–if I wasn’t already living in the greatest city in the world I’d be living there! Thankfully Philly is only 2 hours away and I had the opportunity to visit with my family last weekend while I ran Rock & Roll Philly!
The Expo
The expo was awesome, it was held at the Philadelphia Convention Center and I actually arrived with more than 2 minutes to pick up my bibs. #winning
We roamed around for a few minutes, then grabbed a quick dinner and we were all in bed by 8:30 pm. I couldn’t ask for anymore because I barely get that much sleep at home!
Rock N Roll Philadelphia 5k
The 5k had a nice and late-ish start of 7:30am. I took a cab about a mile and a half away to the start line. There were tons of families running together and the weather was cool and crisp, low 60s with a really nice breeze.
The race was an out and back on the back roads, I’ve seen complaints about not enough bands on the course but I saw at least 3 on the 5k course and I thought that was perfect! I didn’t run super hard but I still had a good time, I stopped for selfies (in true back of the pack tradition), and enjoyed the post race entertainment–but only for a few minutes as I ended up walking back to the hotel for to gather my very hungry family for breakfast.
Rock N Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
Again, I got a total of 10 hours sleep the night before the Rock N Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon. I felt great when I got up but when I stepped out the air was so thick I immediately broke out in a sweat. I went to grab a cab and the cabbie let me know that I was better off walking because all the streets leading to the start were closed.
Once I got to the start line I waited forever to get to the start line, one of the tough parts about being a card carrying member of the slow runners club. Once I crossed the start line I noticed that my right foot started having pins and needles and my calves were dangerously close to cramping. They were so tight and uncomfortable  after only a mile. By mile 3 I lost all feeling in my right foot. This is not the first time it happened so I made the quick decision to remove the socks, tie them around my fanny pack and keep it moving. This relieved the cramping and the feeling came back quickly once I had a cup of gatorade.
After that it was just a battle between me and the elements. The course entertainment was awesome!! So many great bands playing, and tons of entertainment from local cheer squad and high school bands. It never once felt lonely out there. Unfortunately the weather caused a lot of people to pass out and/or need medical attention. Running in those kinds of conditions is NOT easy, but I’m thankful I made it to the end standing upright. Probably one of my worst times ever BUT I was happy with my race and happy that I completed my 12th Half Marathon!
Overall Thoughts
Despite the wardrobe malfunction that was early, and even though I was slower than ever, I had a really good time. I didn’t beat myself up about going slow, I put more focus on being consistent, my body movements and of course the views. The course was really stunning especially the latter half. If I lived in Philly I’d run that trail everyday.
Thank you to my amazing friend Dre for taking these awesome shots of me on the course!
I am so excited for Rock N Roll Brooklyn in a few weeks! Don’t forget that you can save cash on your next Rock n Roll race by using code ‘RUNWITHBAM‘!
12 comments
Sounds like a (mostly) fantastic weekend!! I absolutely love all your pictures and I’m just so proud of you for running all these races!!!
And, I’m a little afraid to tell you this but, I’ve never been to Philly!! I really WANT to go but have yet to get myself there. I hear it’s great for kids too…
So glad it turned out mostly all good in the end and once again sounds like you had fun in the process, which is what it is all about overall 😉
LOVE. You have accomplished so much as a runner. I get teary just thinking about it, seriously. And yeah, not having feeling in your foot is never a good thing. Way to be resilient, Nellie!! Great recap. Can you believe I have never been to Philadelphia? Now that we live on this side of the country, I think a trip is definitely in order!
Congrats on completing the remix! Looking forward to seeing you in Brooklyn 🙂
You are such a great inspiration for me. I am new to running and I want to be a running but at the ripe age of 39 and just starting out I’m struggling. I ran a 5k in May and cramped up in the first 1/4 mile. I finished it — I had too it was for free wine at the end! I didn’t get to run this summer — too many excuses but this Sunday I am running an 8k (again the end prize is beer — see my theme). My same calf muscle is killing me but I’m determined to do it — even if I finish last!!! Thanks for sharing your REAL running stories!
Congrats on completing the marathon! It sounds like so much fun.
Good for you for finishing the race in that awful humidity! Humidity is the one weather element that I can’t stand, so I can imagine that it was tough.
I also dig Philly! I’ve actually visited there a good handful of times in the past few years and I always enjoy it.
I love philly and you are making me want a philly cheesesteak after I run though to burn off those calories
Oh dear sounds like quite the race with that wardrobe malfunction! But what a beautiful sounding course. I’ve never been to Philadelphia before!
I love those signs! Awesome.
We’re going to Philly in December for a wedding and I’m psyched. I used to go there every now and then, and never had a bad time there.
Humidity is my kryptonite, so you are forever my hero.
This is one place I have yet to visit. That was an eventful race. I am continuously impressed by the running community and all the adjustments you have to make to get to the finish line. Great perseverance!
Such gorgeous pictures! It’s no fun that you experienced cramping so early on, but you handled it like a champ. I know you’re going to be fantastic in your other races this year!