OWL-DRAGON

Philadelphia Marathon

Sometime last week the maples finally caught up and changed color. Almost as if a switch was thrown. One day green and seemingly the next golden. Unfortunately the wind and rain of recent weeks had stripped quite a few of the leaves but they still are quite beautiful. Sunday was bright but some clouds soften the sun and the day while warm for November didn't get quite as warm as predicted. Still I was to run a great deal of the race soaking wet. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

When I came into Mantua just across the river from the Art Museum I went to my usually parking space to find all the places taken - I ended much further then ever before and thought it must be because of so many more runners. I was surprised to see that there were only 5317 runners on the official finishers list (about the same as last year) especially since the weather was so nice. (Although this is the most spectators I have ever seen for this race - still sparse by many races' standards it was a notable increase over last year.)

Speaking to a runner before the race I asked if he was from Philadelphia. No but he has visited many times, as an immigrant he wants his children to appreciate liberty and this country's history. I was humbled by his enthusiastic description of the new constitution center since despite living nearby I still haven't got there.

Nice start to the race. The new course leaves out the parkway loop and takes you onto Arch (in the race packet Citizens Bank had included green gloves - someone had toss them away and a dog was holding one in his mouth. It made everyone laugh.)Then on down to Columbus Blvd. That portion is not pretty but gives a nice flat straight away.

Then it's urban running - South Street, Chestnut, 34th Street past the zoo and into Fairmount Park. My slowest mile is the hill up to Memorial Hall and my fastest is the mile right after.

I can gauge my Philly Marathon on how well the next miles go. If I still feel strong at the Art Museum (about mile 14) it will be a good race. Another good check point is mile 17 at Falls Bridge. On the out of Kelly Drive you have the chance to see the faster runners coming in. The lead runner who will set a course record is way in front of all others. The women's race is much more competitive. And in fact the woman I see second and urge on will past in last quarter miles and win. I have never much enjoy the mile or so into Manayunk but once there it's fun to see the other runners who have made the loop and are on their way back.

I'm always glad to get over the overpass that leads back to Kelly Drive. And then it’s downhill until boathouse row. I am spent but am able to maintain a slow steady pace. I keep checking the time. Sub 4 is possible but only just and only if I don't slow. I'm in danger of cramping and plenty of runners are walking or trying to stretch and I remember last year's disastrous run. But the succeed tablets are working. I don't dare stop. I skip the last water stop. Now it's push - keep steady and get ready for that last .2 and the small uphill to the finish. One final nice surprise - friends call my name - they are spectating with their new baby. Cute baby I call out.

And once again I'm approaching a finish as the clock ticks toward 4 hrs. But I will make it. 3:59:13 Clock. 3:57:13 Chip.