• Home
  • Blog
    • Fitness
    • Workout Ideas
    • Bootcamp Training
    • Goal
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
No Result
View All Result
Little Green Running Shoes
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Fitness
    • Workout Ideas
    • Bootcamp Training
    • Goal
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
No Result
View All Result
Little Green Running Shoes
No Result
View All Result

Philadelphia Rock and Roll Half Marathon Recap

February 9, 2022

After a whirlwind three months of training, the Philadelphia Rock and Roll Half Marathon has finally come and gone. Our journey started as a fun way to spend more time with co-workers and together outdoors during the pretty weather while doing something we loved. Jon and I took advantage of the chance to explore the area all around us by running our long weekend training runs in a new location every week. We were able to see the Radnor Trail, two different beach trails, Washington Crossing State Park, Fairmount Park in Philly (where a portion of our race was), Ridley Creek State Park, Valley Forge National Park, and the Schuykill River Trail north of Philly. We put a lot of miles on the car as well as our shoes.  It was a fantastic training experience with highs and lows that made for several months of adventurous spontaneity. Like all good things training must come to an end and the race must be run, so last Friday afternoon we took the train to the Philly convention center to pick up our bibs.

The expo was gargantuan and full of people. It was a runner’s dream to see all the best brands under one roof giving out samples. I dragged poor Jon all over the place going from one booth to the next acting like a fourth grader. I was so excited to show him certain brands I liked and products I had already purchased. We also ran across quite a few “dream” products that I not so secretly asked to be added to my Christmas list. Poor guy. After the expo it was just a waiting game until race day on Sunday.

Side note: I still think it’s really weird that races are run on Sundays here. It makes for a really short recovery time before heading back to work on Monday.

Sunday morning we caught the 6:50 am train into the city where we met Jon’s mom and then walked towards the Art Museum. The streets were already closed and people were everywhere. This was by far the largest race either of us had ever run and it was intimidating to see so many runners. (I always wonder if other people feel the same in those type of situations)

We found the start line and our corral just as the first group of pros started. Way back in corral 17 we still had at least 30 minutes before we were able to begin so there was plenty of time to visit with friends and take a few selfies. All of a sudden we were in front of the start line and the count down began. Once the horn blew, utter chaos erupted all around us.

 We started off way too quickly, letting adrenaline and the thrill of weaving between people take over. I felt so fast passing so many people who were hardly moving. Of course they were all much smarter than me by exercising their patience and saving their energy. I immediately regretted my decision to attempt to get ahead and already had a stitch in my side by mile one.

It took me a long time to get my breathing regulated again and I paid for it in energy level. I slowed down significantly and started the negative mental spiral. Luckily this was a Rock and Roll race so every mile and a half (give or take) there was a tent with a band! I loved rounding a corner and hearing another band approaching. It was fantastic for morale and entertainment along the course.

The terrain was mostly flat and the surface was entirely asphalt. We ran down the city streets of Philadelphia where traffic normally zooms past. It was an eerie and thrilling feeling to run down major roads knowing how busy they usually are.

Somewhere between mile 3 and 4 Jon and I cordially separated so he could run his pace. Fast forward about 11 miles and we somehow managed to find each other right in time for mile 12. I have never been so happy or relieved to see that man in my life. We were both struggling thanks to the humidity, crowded conditions, and having been running for a double digit amount of miles so having him next to me was the best feeling in the world. All I wanted to do was walk but before I could slow down enough to do so, Jon grabbed my hand and we started up the final hill. The race ended in a slight climb and a tunnel of spectators. It brought tears to my eyes to see so many people cheering for strangers and helping us cross the finish line. We crossed the finish line together at two hours and eighteen minutes.

After we finished, we were handed our medals, water, and more snacks than we could carry. We found our meeting spot and dug into our food while waiting to meet up with Mimi. It was so encouraging to have friends and family there to share this experience with. We had custom signs made for us (thanks Mimi!) and friends to hug along the way.

As time progresses away from the finish line, I become more proud of our accomplishment. There are a lot of people who can run 13.1 miles but not many that can say they did the entire experience with their spouse. Jon and I started and ended this entire experience together while becoming stronger physically and emotionally as a team. We depended on each other for motivation, support, and entertainment through this entire journey. We made new friends, got to know co-workers on a more personal level, and grew closer as a couple. For us, this was not just a half marathon but a growing experience that has made us better people.

Every race teaches you something about yourself and this one was no exception. I am so thankful for all of the amazing support we received over the last few days and will never forget it. Now I am ready for some rest time and the opportunity to work towards a new goal.

Share122Tweet76Share30
Jackie Cooper

Jackie Cooper

Related Posts

New Year’s workouts
Fitness

New Year’s workouts

February 9, 2022

Happy New Year! It’s amazing how quickly two weeks can fly by but still seem like forever ago at the same time. Since we last talked, Christmas and New Years happened along with a much needed 8 day trip...

January musings and lovely legs
Fitness

January musings and lovely legs

February 9, 2022

Believe it or not, this is my last post for January! Somehow this month seemed to crawl and fly by at the same time. It feels like it’s been ages since we’ve seen family, but it’s only been a...

Injury Prevention for Runners
Fitness

Injury Prevention for Runners

February 9, 2022

Running is one of my favorite hobbies and ways to exercise.  Since the beginning of my running career, I have been very fortunate to only have a few minor injuries.  Each injury has taught me to be more attentive...

Heart Health Month- Cardiovascular Exercise Basics
Fitness

Heart Health Month- Cardiovascular Exercise Basics

February 9, 2022

February! Lots of love and hearts all over in celebration of Valentine’s Day and National heart health month. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in American men and women. In order to celebrate healthy hearts...

About Me

Little Green Running Shoes

Jenna

Group Exercise Instructor

I started Little Green Running Shoes in May of 2013 to help my personal training clients see a different side of me. Most of the time when someone meets a personal trainer, the first things that run through their head are :
“Maybe I should ask her about the weird twinge in my back.”
“Oh, I haven’t been to the gym in a while.”
“I wonder what she’s like when she isn’t at the gym.”
This is exactly how I came up with the idea to start LGRS. Believe it or not, just because I work as a personal trainer, I am still human. I love ice cream, baking, reading, horseback riding, and being outside. I also love to run, teach group exercise, lift weights, help others workout, and stay healthy. I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina with four younger sisters (Yes, four sisters) and two amazing parents. My sisters and I all look alike (in my opinion) and we all love to dance.

Categories

  • Bootcamp Training (3)
  • Fitness (20)
  • Goal (4)
  • Workout Ideas (13)
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Little Green Running Shoes

I started Little Green Running Shoes in May of 2013 to help my personal training clients see a different side of me.

Recent Posts

  • Triple Trouble Workout and a Mash-Up
  • The Lithe Method
  • Philadelphia Rock and Roll Half Marathon Recap
  • New Year’s workouts
  • January musings and lovely legs

Categories

  • Bootcamp Training
  • Fitness
  • Goal
  • Workout Ideas

Copyrights © 2022 . All Rights Reserved By Little Green Running Shoes.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Fitness
    • Workout Ideas
    • Bootcamp Training
    • Goal
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions