Ten Things to Know Before You Race Broad Street

This Sunday, May 6, one of the biggest footraces in the area, the Broad Street Run, will be raced. The registrations were capped at 30,000 and sold out within 24 hours. So if the weather is mild, and the runners are prepared, the organizers anticipate seeing quite a few runners as well as quite a few spectators.  

Here are 10 things to consider a few days before the Broad Street Run, or any organized race:

1.) Remember that if this is your first time that you don’t have to beat anyone. Enjoy the fact that you were able to train hard to get to this point and you are going to finish. The adrenaline will be flowing, so be sure to go out a little slower so you don’t burn out mid-run.

2.) Take the time while you are running to observe what you are running past as well as the people around you. If you lose your running group you may find another group in the masses of people that can keep you motivated.  

3.) When planning your meals prior to the run, be sure to stick with what works, don’t try to recreate the wheel. Be sure to stay focused on what has helped in your training and stick to that plan. If it is warm be sure to drink water every mile, whether you think you need it or not.

4.) Get a good night’s sleep. Be sure to get to bed early enough the night before to be prepared when the gun goes off.

5.) Be sure to warm up and Foam roll prior to your run. As mentioned in a previous article, Foam Rolling can help your muscles loosen and be ready for the long run. This can also help you prevent possible injuries.

6.) Have your gear ready the night before. Having your clothes, shoes, water and any other accessories ready the day before can help you stress less the morning of your run. Having a good pair of running shoes, that are not too worn and not brand new, can help keep your feet and legs fresh throughout your run.

7.) Although it may seem like a long time while you are running, the actual run itself will probably go by very quickly. So make note of the sights and sounds. Stay true to the elements, enjoy the experience, leave the headphones at home and observe the sites along Broad Street. You may see an old friend or gain a new one along the way. You may also observe something about the Philadelphia Streets you never knew in the past.  And don’t forget to observe those loyal spectators cheering you on to the finish line.

8.) Make sure you read all the advice and guidance from the run organizers. Try not to go out thinking you know what to expect. Whether you are a veteran runner or a new runner, knowing where to park your car, leave your belongings, finding your family, are just a few of the things that can be pointed out in the information provided by the organizers.

9.) This run is benefitting a cause. Don’t forget the whole reason that most of these runs are organized is for a cause. Broad Street Run is benefiting the American Cancer Society, so if you have the capabilities of giving a little extra donation this can only help the cause you are running to support.

10.) Finally the last thing to remember is have fun. Enjoy the day and be proud of what you have worked so hard to complete. Be sure to take pictures so you won’t forget the experience

As a past runner of Broad Street, the experience of running the streets of Philadelphia, with 30,000 of my new found friends was worth the time and effort put into training.  

The start of the run was a mass of people and seeing anything other than the back of someone’s head was virtually impossible. However, as the run progressed down Broad Street the masses spread out and I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of almost 30,000 runners with the beautiful backdrop of Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a truly amazing city and seeing so many support such a great cause with their own efforts kept my feet moving till the finish line.