Fast Cat Sports is offering a local Philly Marathon Training program. The Philly Marathon is on Sunday, November 23rd and training begins on July 7th — 20 weeks prior to the race. Dave Thomas, is one of the coaches and owners of Fast Cat Sports. I trained with him for the Alaska Marathon. He’s fantastic!

If you are interested in running a marathon, consider teaming up with Fast Cat Sports for guided training and tips on food, race performance, shoes, etc.

Information sessions:
Thursday, June 19 @ 7pm, Lloyd Hall (upper level), Kelly Drive (Boathouse Row)
Thursday, June 26 @ 7pm, Lloyd Hall (upper level), Kelly Drive (Boathouse Row)

For more information the Philly Marathon Training, visit http://www.fastcatsports.com/FCMTphillymarathonpage.html

After my injury I was really concerned that I wouldn’t be able to complete the Broad Street Run (10 miler). I was afraid that I would have to walk a portion of it or worse — injure myself to the point that I wouldn’t be able to run again. Fortunately, that’s just a result of my typical pessimism and not reality.

Before I was injured, I convinced myself to run Broad Street in 1:35. That would put me at about a 9:30 min/mi pace. This pace is what I’ve been training at for longer distances. Last year I ran Broad Street in 1:49 (an 11:00 min/mi pace with a nice sprint at the end).

I’m still recovering from my injury so I had to mentally prepare myself for running 1:40, but I managed to finish Broad Street in 1:34.57. That’s 15 minutes faster than last year and I loved every minute of the race. I felt as though I could run 3.1 miles to make it a half marathon when I was done. I know I’m crazy, but I’ve always loved running and hope that my next race will be even better!

After a short break in my training, I will begin preparing for the Philadelphia Distance Run in September (half marathon) which will require me to train to run in the heat, which I loathe. Then on to the Philadelphia Marathon in November.