Well, let’s get this out of the way first. It sucked not being able to run in last weekend’s Broad Street 10-Miler in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It sucked watching the others leave for the race that morning and it sucked seeing their huge group photo with everyone wearing their medals afterward. Sucked, sucked, sucked.

But again. It is what it is. I rolled the dice on lottery day, hoping I’d be recovered by now. It didn’t go my way, but such is life and I WILL BE HEALED AND RUNNING THIS RACE NEXT YEAR, do you hear me, Universe? I will be healed and running and the weather will be amazing and I’m going to wear the cutest dang outfit you’ve ever seen. So let’s move on to happier things, shall we? Like …

5 Things I loved about the Broad Street 10-Miler

1.) Spending time with friends

This most definitely tops my list because it’s always amazing getting to spend time with Jackey, Shannon, and Rob! Granted, I did have a bad moment after the race where I questioned why, exactly, I put myself in a situation that only reminded me what I couldn’t do. But bad moments, too, shall pass and we had an amazing time doing what we do best: acting silly and shooting tons of ridiculously fun video, some of which might not be appropriate for the YouTube Channel.

Jackey, Rob, and I also had fun doing our first Disney Tag for YouTube although in retrospect, I should have written down my answers beforehand so I wouldn’t forget them. And I’ve since figured out which Disney character’s personality I resemble after asking my family.

My husband said Belle since I love books and I’d never be satisfied living a quiet, simple, ordinary life. My youngest son said I’m a combination of Belle, Joy from Inside Out and Hercules, since I’m one of his heroes.

Say it with me. Awwwww.

But you should also know that he first said Ursula. ‘Cause kids gotta keep you on your toes.

2.) Visiting with other runners from our group

Usually, our large group have all these intentions of several group meet-ups during races, but things get chaotic and plans don’t work out. So I was super happy when we were able to meet up with Becky, Michael, ShaeLee, and Anne on Saturday night…

… and for a late lunch with Anne at Moriarty’s, a place I definitely want to have dinner at next year …

… and for drinks with Christopher and Kim at Bud & Marilyn’s after somehow running into them at the same exact street corner!

3.) Being able to see the leading wheelchair athlete and runners

Yes, being stuck on the sidelines due to me having zero desire to walk this race did suck. I’ve already beaten that dead horse of a topic until it’s nothing but a pile of hide and hoods. 

But I must say.

I was EXTREMELY excited about seeing the first wheelchair athlete and leading runners! Wow, with all the police on motorcycles, bikes, and in cars and the newscasters and helicopter flying overhead, it was quite the scene! I’ve never had the opportunity to watch the very beginning of a race, so my heart was pounding and I rambled quite a bit in my video. You’ll hear that for yourselves once I get my video done.

Here’s the thing about the lead runners. Ever go to a NASCAR race? If you’re high in the stadium, they don’t look as though they’re going that fast. But if you’re right by the track, they’re like zoom, zoom, zoom, flying by you so fast they almost blur. Same with the lead runners. From where I stood, they didn’t appear to be going super fast, but had I been out there with them, it would have been a total zoom situation.

4.) Having awesome cheering neighbors

Don’t you love it when you meet kindred spirits? I knew I’d get along brilliantly with my neighbor when I noticed she had a bullhorn and a sign that said YOUR BUTT LOOKS AMAZING. Because of her and some other wonderfully loud cheerers, we had quite the peppy crowd. I nearly lost my voice and my arms ached after screaming and holding up a sign for hours … which really makes you appreciate those who cheer. They’re working just as hard!

5.) Touring Philadelphia

There really is something awesome about driving over the bridge into downtown Philadelphia. Last year, we did more sight-seeing including a Rocky Run up the Museum of Art’s steps, but this year, we stuck closer to where we were staying at the Marriott, since it was chilly and we were all feeling … well, in a chill mood. The others did go see the Liberty Bell, but I had to get some work done. Sigh.

But there’s just so much to see and do in Philadelphia! So if you’re ever thinking of trying the Broad Street 10-Miler one year, I highly recommend it. This race has a great course, lots of encouraging spectators, great organization, plus tons of tourist spots. So try it! And if you’re there in 2018, be sure to look me up. I’ll be the runner cranking out a PR wearing a cute outfit.

Until then, thanks for reading and have a joyful day!

I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for today’s Friday Five 2.0 Blog Link Up! Be sure to check out their posts for lots of great Fives.