Broad Street 10miler -May3 day3 Race Day!!!

So I woke up in the bird room around 5:30 and got ready for the race.  My friend Tim would be picking up Shannon and I and we'd be heading downtown.  I just hoped and hoped I'd finish and get through this race somehow after being so sick for previous 3 days.  

Tim picked us up and we headed toward the stadium which is where we parked. 

We made plans to meet with Shannon after race near finish line.  (Note: do not bring any bags or backpacks to finish area.  Shannon walked all the way there and had to go all the way back to car to bring it, not a close walk) 

Tim and I were going to take subway to starting line but they had school busses waiting so we thought why not take the bus.  It was fun seeing parts of city I haven't seen yet.  Then we got to corrals and waited and waited and waited to begin.  Please Imodium don't let me down ;) it was chilly but really nice.  

They were airing the race live on TV.  It may be reason it started late.  Finally we started out. 

I knew this would be a rough race.  I bagged tim a bit prior for not training which in the end worked out since I wasn't in the best of shape at this point after being sick. We just walked/ran as best as we could. And it was tough.  We tried different intervals keeping them short. Luckily the sights helped distract me. Biggest issue being slow is it takes longer and the longer it took the hotter it was getting.  I didn't mind getting a bit wet for this pic :)

We finally finished.  Funny looking back on the video of us crossing finish line not too many people are left.  I was just happy we made it.  

And then the highlight of Tim's day, meeting the mayor of Philadelphia :) I got a selfie with him. (I don't know his name) he asked where I was from and knew mayor Byron Brown (Buffalo's Mayor)

After this we met up with Shannon who took this pic of us with our medals.  I have to say I was proud of myself for completing this race. It took so much preservance, and proof having good friends at your side make it worth it.  

Here's a closer look at the medal 

After the race we went to get food. What else to get on Philly?!?  Cheesesteaks (not for me I'm too picky) so we headed Jims on South street.  Really liked this part of town. Great choice by Tim. 

My cheerleader Shannon and I on South Street. 

And what would be a trip to Philly without seeing a new Rocky filming location.  We hit the Italian Market.  Well we drove down it, I ran out of car and got a pic and ran back in but I was thrilled 

So we headed back to the bird hotel before hitting the road to Buffalo.  Can you believe I made the entire race from 5:30am- til about 3:00 pm without getting sick once. But then here we are driving to bird hotel and the stomach starts cramping and I'm faces another state of emergency. Who knew the bird hotel had a bird bathroom in the lobby?  Way to go out.  And we stopped about 10 more times on the way home to Buffalo.  Longest car ride EVER!!!  Still can't believe I was temporarily better for this race.  

Special shout out to my cousin Shannon, who was so patient and nurturing and took care of me all weekend.  You never once complained at my many bathroom stops, made sure I was ok and truly was there for me.  This truly was a bonding experience for us. I can't wait til out next adventure.  Thanks for reading 

Broad Street 10miler May 2nd- day2

We woke around 7:30 and got ready for the day.  The weather was going to be beautiful.  So grateful for this.  We went to our free hotel breakfast.  (I really have enjoyed the "inn in Wilmington") Nice little hotel perfect for my needs.  

Our friends picked us up. Because Shannon had never been to the city I knew we'd want to see a whole bunch so we took separate cars since we'd be there longer.  We started our tour in the historic area checking out the liberty bell. 

Next we headed toward the convention center to register for race.  I picked up my race packet which randomly had slices of bread in the swag bag.  I slowly nibbled on it but my stomach was still a mess.  Registration was organized and very easy. It was at the convention center which is huge, but signs led the way. Picked up packets in alphabetical order and looked at the things for sale.  I bought us "sweaty bands".  I've never used before but I thought I'd try.  (I like to use when running. I recommend.  

I really discovered where the nicest bathrooms are in downtown Philadelphia. Yeah I know TMI again.  We headed to the filming locations of the movie Mannenquin which I love and wanted Shannon to see. Which was Wannamakers Department Store. Now is Macy, (nice bathroom third floor girls clothing section). 

After this we separated from our friends and they did their own thing and we headed toward the Rocky Stairs. We finally made it. 

We met with a friend that was also doing the race at this point, Elizabeth and got some great pics with her 

We slowly walked back to car and headed to Delaware and had to switch hotels because I messed up Priceline.  We were at a best western this time and stopped for some dinner. I had some rye toast. After a long day of walking and feeling sick and really having nothing in me it was so good. Then we went to check into hotel. 

This was such a funny memory. The hotel was a best western. We thought oh it can't be too bad. It had a 60's vibe and weird smell in lobby.  Pics online had a suite that looked really outdated but I figured we'd be on regular room.  Then realized we were in a suite. (Hopefully not the western looking one I saw online) I opened the door and was shocked at this hotel room!!!  Unlike anything ever. And def NOT a suite.  If you like birds maybe you'd like it.  Here's some pics.

We were in tears laughing so hard. Wall to wall covered in bird wallpaper and bird bedding. 

We went to sleep and I just hoped I'd feel good enough for race the next day.