Only in Philly

Someone told us when we were moving to Philadelphia that one of the best things about the city is that there is always something going on. He said on any given day you will walk down the street and a random parade will roll by, or a movie will be in production, or there will be an unexpected concert or show. He said no matter what, we would never get bored and that there is always a certain energy to Philly that is contagious.

And he was absolutely right.

I noticed this yesterday more than any other day while J and I ran our 18 mile run around Fairmount Park. In the span of three hours we came across:

• A MILLION other runners enjoying the beautiful fall weather

• Not one, but TWO 5k run/walks that were in progress

• The Schuylkill river full of rowing teams practicing up and down the river

• The Philadelphia International Dragonboat Festival (which looked like A LOT of fun). We actually had friends that were racing in it and tried to find them to say hi (around mile 15 of our run) but decided to keep running.

• A free Bruce Springsteen concert that was being set up in front of the Art Museum on Ben Franklin Parkway to encourage voter registration

Only in Philly. Needless to say, it was a great run.

The best part of it all though, I must say, is the weather. It was one of those amazing fall mornings where the air is crisp and it's clear and the sun filters down through the trees and makes all the colors look more brilliant than they usually do. It was like running in my idea of heaven.

I know most of you must think I am crazy for going on and on about it, but I haven't lived through a true autumn in about 10 years. It's always been my favorite time of the year, ever since I was a child and to have it back now...to have the crisp weather, the beautiful colors, the smokey, spicy smell in the air, the warmer clothes, the crunch of the leaves, the pumpkins...I'm in love.

Plus, it makes training for a marathon sooooooo much easier. Last year when I trained in Miami from June-October, I think my coolest training run was maybe 65 degrees? And that was early morning and it was waaaaay humid.

So far this week these beautiful temps have helped me PR twice on my 7 mile route (1:04:38 and 1:03:02) and helped me run my fastest 18 miler to date (2:59:23 - 9:48 pace). All three runs were great, fun and comfortable enough to make me push myself in the end.

Plus I picked up a great new pair of running capris that I busted out for the 18 miles on Saturday. They were perfect. No more cotton for me! Bring on the cooler weather!!!

Today J and I decided to jump on the bikes for a short recovery ride to loosen up our legs. But once we got out there our 16 mile ride ended up being another ride out to Valley Forge and back. We had a great time. Once again, the weather was perfect and there were a ton of people on the bike path taking advantage of the beautiful Sunday.

Here is a quick shot in VF.


My Sleazy Rider.


All in all, I had a pretty productive week with decent mileage in both running and biking. Now I just need to work on the core strengthening and weightlifting and I'll be set.

Now it's time for Hot Chocolate, the Phillies and the Eagles. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Monday, 9/29 - off
Tuesday, 9/30 - 7 miles/1:04:38 - 9:14 pace
Wednesday, 10/01 - Bike/35 miles
Thursday, 10/02 - 7 miles/1:03:02 - 9:00 pace, core, weights
Friday, 10/03 - off
Saturday, 10/04 - 18.28 miles/2:59:23 - 9:48 pace
Sunday, 10/05 - Bike/31 miles

Total Weekly Mileage: 32.28 (RUN)
Total Weekly Mileage: 66 (BIKE)