From Spokes to Strides : A Cyclist’s First Marathon
Time is ticking down. The Philadelphia Marathon, which will be my first (maybe last?) attempt at running 26.2 miles, is right around the corner. As the Council’s Transportation Program Director, I have always taken a lot of pride in how closely my passion for cycling aligns with my job. Obviously living in Philadelphia I also love to walk to my closer destinations and mix in public transit when I’m going a bit further. So I felt like I had a responsibility to at least give this running thing a shot, to round out the low/zero emission ways that people move around (I already tried skateboarding as a kid, I guess roller skates are all that is left).
Because running is sustainable transportation, and because the only experience I have with running is volunteering at the Council’s annual Run for Clean Air in April (April 9th, 2017 – save the date now!) I felt it only natural to run the marathon on behalf of the Run for Clean Air. Coming from a cycling background, I am pretty confident in my cardiovascular preparation for the event, but I now have a much deeper respect for the strength that running requires from your legs’ joints, bones, and muscles. Building up to that without injuring myself has been the priority of my training.
Another priority has been immersing myself in a completely new activity. I want to thank my fellow runners and my running group, Point Breeze Runners, for showing me the ropes. Of course, I’ve been reading up on running blogs and tips for first-time marathoners like crazy, but I’ve also been getting a crash course in how to behave appropriately on the sidewalk or trail while I’m running. How much room to give people when passing, how to run in a group, how to interact with cars safely, and I’ve been getting some of it wrong along the way – but I’m trying! Respecting all road users is a priority for me as I learn how this large group of people, runners, interacts with our city infrastructure.
Training has gone well for the most part. I’ve gradually extended my distance up to 20 miles without any bad injuries, but unfortunately on that run about a month ago I did irritate something in my hip. I’m pretty optimistic about it though, it has given me the perfect opportunity to scale back my running so I am nice and fresh on race day. I also have a secret weapon – Eric Cheung, the Council’s Deputy Director has promised to meet me at mile 20 and run the last 6 miles back into town with me. Thanks for the support Eric! If any Clean Air Council members are watching on race day, be sure to give me/us a cheer. I’ll be the one in a Run for Clean Air shirt looking like he doesn’t belong but having a great time.
