If Broad Street were easy… it would be called your mom!

In the Cinco de Mayos of years gone by there’s been sombreros, brightly colored flags, margaritas and Mexican beer.

This year? Running! (Followed by margaritas/beer for some. I just wanted food, which probably comes as no surprise.)

Vic as we headed to the subway station.

Vic as we headed to the subway station.

The Blue Cross Broad Street Run takes place in Philadelphia, PA and is a 10 mile race that has been held on the first Sunday of May since 1980. Unlike many other races, it’s a point to point race and most of the run is downhill (but don’t be fooled like I was, there are a couple of uphill points!).

The sports complexes in Philly are all near the end point of the race (the Navy Yard) and were open for parking. We, along with many other of the 40,000 runners, made our way there bright and early, Sunday morning.

Thanks to Brandi for this group shot of us outside of the Septa station.

Just a couple of our friends that ran the race! Thanks to Brandi for this group shot of us outside of the Septa station.

Runners were able to ride the SEPTA, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Broad Street line free of charge the morning of the race. There was someone at the turnstile checking bibs, which was the “ticket” onto the train. She’s got a ticket to ride. Okay, I’ll stop singing now.

It was a bit chilly early on so most of us were wearing throw away gear that would then be donated once we warmed up and discarded them to the side. The guy checking our bibs jokingly said, “I feel like I’m on Runners Gone Wild and you’re all flashing me!”

That’s us: wild and crazy runners! Sidenote: the shirt that I decided to chuck was my swim team shirt. From when I was eleven. Yes, it was time to let that one go.

On our way to the start!

On our way to the start.

The train dropped runners off directly by the corrals, which was quite convenient. Most of our group headed off to a different corrals so my partner in running, Moe, and I said our goodbyes, good lucks, and good races.

Getting there early, we decided to suss out the porta-potty lines and found it to be long. And winding. We decided to skip it and find ones on the course.

Moe and I situated ourselves in the last corral, which was the BEST corral. Because pink is the best color (besides purple and turquoise).

broadpink

Broad Street is a notoriously fast course, with the course record being 45 minutes. My goal was to finish around two hours, which I thought was an achievable and likely goal. This was, by far, the largest race I’d ever participated in and I’m not a huge fan of crowds so I was a bit nervous. The nerves proved to be unnecessary as the corral I was in was comfortable and roomy.

With a field of 40,000 runners, the wait time to get to the start was expansive. In that time I stepped on a discarded GU Chomp (ew!), tripped over people’s throw away clothes, and tried to peer over a sea of people to catch a glimpse of the starting line.

I prayed for a good, safe race for myself and my fellow runners. The Philadelphia police presence was reassuring and visible throughout the entire race.

broadboston

With the events at the Boston Marathon still being so fresh in everyone’s minds, Philadelphia saluted Boston by providing every runner with a heart sticker that said “From Philly to Boston with Love” which all of the runners wore.

The race organizers also encouraged the runners to wear red socks as a loving shout out to our friends to the north, as well. Red socks for the Red Sox. We ordered ours from ProCompression.

broadstreetredsocks

Thanks to Chick Vic for this shot!

Crossing the start line, we all chimed in to “Sweet Caroline”. I was a little teary as we started off (and I wasn’t the only one). Races are always a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me but this one, especially so, as it was my first after the Boston Marathon bombings. Never once did I consider not running but I suppose there will now always be a “what if” that niggles at the back of my mind; that was never there before a couple of weeks ago.

The clock read 49 minutes when we finally crossed the start line. This time I actually remembered to press start on my Garmin and we were off!

Via broadstreetrun.com

Via broadstreetrun.com

When we first looked at this map we thought that instead of water stations, maybe they’d have Dunkin’ Donuts stations. Alas, those were cheering zones.

And not soon after we were off, we were stopping at the first row of porta-potties that we saw. There was a short line, only about five people deep and while we had to wait a couple of minutes, it was worth tacking on the time at the start. Every other stop we saw for porta-potties had a line of at least twenty people (every time we saw that, Moe and I would pat ourselves on the backs).

broadtemplecheerThe crowd support along Broad Street was, in a word, incredible. There were no “quiet” areas; no places that lacked the cheering and enthusiasm of people. It was so motivating. A few people that stood out were the children at Temple University Children’s Medical Center, who were wrapped in blankets and had their nurses outside with them, cheering for the runners. All the emotions! I swear, I cried more on this race than any other.

There were also many children along the route, and can I just say that they were very excellent high fivers. Enthusiastic and hands outstretched, I zigzagged from side to side to make sure I could get as many as possible (while being aware of the runners around me).

broadmoecityhall

Caught this pic of Moe in front of City Hall, mile 5 of the race. This was the YAY CITY HALL moment.

So, let me tell you a little bit about Philadelphia City Hall. It’s right smack in the middle of Broad Street! It marked the halfway point and as you circle around, you then wind up on the other side of Broad Street. This area was thick with people cheering. Can I say it again? Incredible!

I ate my GU as I walked through the water station. I decided that if I was going to be walking at any point during the race, I was going to walk with purpose. Chest out (no problem there), shoulders back, head high, smiling. And fast. I ran much of the time but during those walking breaks, I did so with speed and confidence. It felt great!

broadsigns

Along with the children (and their equally amazing adults), cheer squads, churches, bands – there were people with signs! I love me some race signage. I mean, really. These are incredible! There were also official high five stations, worst parade ever signs, and dudes in sombreros giving motivation (with beers in hand). Oh, and a giant IHOP pancake. I love a race where everyone is out to have a good time, especially the spectators.

By mile 8, I was wishing for another GU. Or a banana. Or fresh legs. Something. But at that point, I knew there was only two miles left. As opposed to the usual 5 I’m used to with half marathons. That thought perked me up and spurred me on.

broadnavyyard

The Navy Yard sign was just ahead and I knew that from there, I had a quarter mile left. I was very grateful that my trainer’s wife, Sarah, let me know that the sign didn’t indicate the end of the race! I did pick up the pace a bit when I saw the sign and from there, steadily increased through the finish line.

Finishing the race with high fives from military made my heart swell and my eyes tear a bit. Again! I received my  medal from a volunteer and then Moe and I were able to track down food. After getting food and water (which was blissfully cold!), we found Vic and my husband, who were waiting at our predetermined meeting point.

broadstreetmedalsVic finished about a half hour earlier and we came in just over two hours, which I was very happy with!

boardstreetfinish

The cost of the Broad Street Run is low and the positive perks make it one of high demand. The most difficult part was exiting the parking lot after the race, which took both patience and perseverance (next year, we’re bringing a picnic along!). 2013 was the first time they did a lottery process for people to take part.

I was thrilled that I was able to run this year, it’s been on my bucket list since I first heard about it. I’m already crossing my fingers that I get to take part in next year’s race.

What’s the largest race you’ve every participated in? What’s number one on your race bucket list?

Edited to add: Here’s a link to Vic’s recap too!

Jogging, hogging, and blogging: meet Team Scoot a Doot

For the 2nd annual Jog ‘n Hog, Team Scoot a Doot is a crazy bunch of characters hailing from all over the Northeast. So far we’ve got 13 people (edited to add – make that 15) who are ready to take on the challenge of running two miles, eating either a pint or quart (!?!) of ice cream, and running another two miles.

Prepare yourself to meeting some of our crazy bunch! And hey, who knows, maybe this will entice you to join us. *Hint, hint, there’s a GIVEAWAY further down in this post.*

We asked our runners to share their Jog ‘n Hog strategies as we prepare for this amazing event (happening on July 21st, clear your social calendars).
Team Scoot a Doot member, Megan and her daughter, Finn.

Megan being adorable with daughter, Finn.

Megan – Be me. Be amazing. And, keep running a 5K a few times a week to make sure I stay in top form so that I don’t completely die mid-race. Sort of guessing the ice cream will refuel me, though, even if I am tired after the first 2 miles. Ice cream is an energy food, right???
Sorry ladies, Matt is taken (by Megan!). Here he reads his very special Runner's World, which we've been told is not about the RUNS.

Sorry ladies, Matt is taken (by Megan!). Here he reads his very special Runner’s World, which we’ve been told is not about the RUNS.

Matt – Binge. Purge. Rinse. Repeat.
Christina gives a shout out to Boston.

Christina gives a shout out to Boston.

Christina – My entire strategy revolves around not vomiting. I will consider the entire event a success if vomiting is avoided.
Bad ass!

Bad ass Jen, ready to conquer the Down and Dirty!

Jen – I have no strategy. Ice cream runs through my veins and sustains me so it’s no big deal for me. Ben and Jerry’s is my regular life’s blood.
Brandi likes long walks on the beach...

Brandi likes long walks on the beach…

Brandi – Run fast two miles. Eat. Then walk one mile… and run to the end. And not throw up.

Only Vic could get run over by a parked car!

The leader of the pack!

Vic – I plan to run like the wind for the first two miles, inhale my vat of ice cream and try not to vomit for the next two miles. That likely means walking the last two miles, for the record.
Typical day for Kate!

Typical day for Kate!

Kate – All out for the first 2 miles. Eat and enjoy the ice cream while laughing with friends. Run, walk, crawl or whatever it takes to get to the finish line. Most importantly I plan to have FUN! That’s what it’s all about, right?!
Official baby kisser of Team Scoot a Doot, Jena!

Official baby kisser of Team Scoot a Doot, Jena!

Jena – My strategy is to try and keep the ice cream down during the last two miles.
Not ice cream.  Not interested.

Not ice cream? Not interested.

Mer – Jog. Hog. Tweet. Pictures. Blog.

And hey, who goes to a race and doesn’t bring along their very own cheerleader? Not Team Scoot a Doot, that’s for sure!

Bec enjoys spending her free time getting to second base with the Bewitched statue.

Bec enjoys spending her free time getting to second base with the Bewitched statue.

Bec – My initial goal was not to toss my cookies. Or my ice cream. If that wasn’t possible, my goal was to toss my cookies with grace and style. However, due to some recent dietary changes, any cookies and ice cream I eat (or toss) have to be dairy free. So, my new goal is to come and cheer you guys on. And maybe hold your hair back, if you need that. I’m a giver, what can I say?

It seems like many of the members are a bit concerned about puking. So we asked Boss Hog about any such incidents in the inaugural race.

jnhtweet

Fair enough.

You want in on this action, don’t you? Well, friends, let’s get down to brass tacks.

May 1st, prices for the Jog ‘n Hog kick up a couple of bucks. The way we figure it, why pay more when you can pay less? Currently, the Whole Hogger (quart) is $30 and the Half Hogger (pint) is $27. As of May 1st, both fees increase by $5. “In the immortal words of The Doors, The time to hesitate is through.” (Name that movie quote for extra cool points in our book.)

If you join Team Scoot a Doot, you get the added benefit of being on a team. (And hanging out with US!) The teams have room for 20 and we’d love to have you.

Or, you can roll the dice on our Jog ‘n Hog giveaway. The Scoot a Doot Chicks are hosting a raffle for one free registration!

Click the pic to enter!

Click the pic to enter!

This giveaway is for one entry to the July 21st, 2013 Jog ‘n Hog, taking place at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, PA at 8:30am. You are responsible for getting to and from the event. If awarded the winner, we will be sharing your name and email address with the race directors of the Jog ‘n Hog and they’ll be giving you a code so you can Jog ‘n Hog with us.

So, what do you say? Have you ever taken part in a running event that involves food? Will Team Scoot a Doot puke? What would your Jog ‘n Hog strategy be? Let us know down below.

It’s raining, it’s pouring, it’s sleeting, it’s snowing… but we’ve got chocolate!

I’m pretty sure that’s not how the old nursery rhyme goes but that’s how our “reward trip” Philadelphia Chocolate Tour and our visit to the City Sports store went after the Haddonfield Adrenaline 5k.

I’d originally heard about chocolate touring when I’d visited Chick Bec back in October.  We’d gotten LivingSocial deals for the Boston Chocolate Tour and had a fantastic time checking out the sites, and chocolates, of Boston with Chick Cam and Jenn.

The idea of a chocolate tour is quite simple: visit chocolatiers to sample some of their finest products (and buy more, if you’re so inclined!). Some places even give discounts to tour patrons; there’s no pressure to buy anything but the option is there.

BostonScoot

Bec, Cam, Mer and Jenn enjoyed Teuscher’s of Boston! (And a sunny day!)

Naturally, when we saw the LivingSocial deal for the Philadelphia Chocolate Tour, Vic and I envisioned a lovely March day of walking around the city, eating delicious chocolate and having a grand time.  Well, at least two out of three of those happened!

photo(25)

Our meeting spot – 12th and Filbert at Reading Terminal Market.

We found our tour guide, Laura, and the rest of our soppy but otherwise happy group. After Vic took a quick picture and Laura called a group that didn’t show up to tell them how they could reschedule, we scooted around the block, which was blessedly under the cover of an overpass.

Once we were shielded from the elements, Laura gave us a little history of the Chocolate Tours company and chocolate in Philadelphia.  We learned that Philly is the number one city for cocoa bean imports in the country, in part because the Hershey and Mars factories are located nearby. In addition to the Boston and Philly Chocolate Tours, there is also a Chicago Chocolate Tour (road trip!?!).

The members of our group introduced themselves, sharing their favorite types of chocolate, and then we headed inside Reading Terminal Market to our first two stops.

If you’ve never been to the City of Brotherly Love, you might not be familiar with what Reading Terminal is… which is pure AWESOME. It’s been around since the late 1800’s and is an indoor market with fresh produce, meats, fish, crafts and goods, coffee, and (most importantly for this tour) chocolate opportunities!

photo(15)

Our first stop on the tour was The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company (which, if anyone is wondering, is near 12th street). Vic and I had drooled over these cookies as we’d passed by earlier, so we were very excited that we’d be able to get a sample! We tried their chocolate chip cookies and everyone was quite pleased that they were warm and fresh out of the oven, made especially for our tour group.

And?  There were extras so we all got more!  Delicious! I can see why they’re “famous” and I’ll definitely be stopping by on my next Philly excursion.

Reading Terminal was quite active, perhaps more so than usual given the rain, but we had no issues following Laura through the crowds to our second stop, the Pennsylvania General Store.

photo(16)

Chocolate Scrapple and Wilbur buds

At this kiosk we were treated to chocolate scrapple and Wilbur buds. If you’re not from the area, you might not be enlightened as to what scrapple is: a mixture of meat scraps and cornmeal that’s formed into a loaf and fried. It’s commonly found in the Northeast region of the U.S. Thankfully, the chocolate scrapple didn’t involved any pork products (although there was a chocolate covered bacon at this store), but did have a delicious mix of marshmallow, popcorn, and nuts.  Good stuff!  Since my husband is a huge scrapple fan, I wound up getting him a package of the chocolate scrapple there and was pleased to see that they gave the tour group a discount.  Score!

Wilbur buds are also a regional treat; the manufacturer is located in Lititz, Lancaster County, Victoria’s hometown. She’s no stranger to the Wilbur buds and suggested letting the chocolate melt a bit in our mouths before biting.  The dark chocolate was so heavenly.

photo(27)

We had to travel through the streets of Philly a bit to our next location, which was a bit off the beaten path, in a jewelry and accessory store called Verde. There, tucked into the shop, was Marcie Blaine’s artisanal chocolates.

photo(26)

This spread was aesthetically pleasing, as were the jewelry and purses in the store. We were given a white chocolate Pub Crawl bark sample, which was white chocolate with crushed pretzels, smoked almonds, and cashews. It was okay, but Vic and I were both pretty disappointed because neither of us really like white chocolate and the truffles were fairly pricey, so we didn’t really get a good feel on whether we enjoyed the chocolates at this stop.

photo(17)

The rain was unrelenting at this point and there was no dodging the puddles (or drunk St. Patrick’s day celebrators) on the streets. Thankfully the next stop on our tour was the never-disappointing Teuschers of Switzerland. The small store is tucked into The Shops at The Bellevue on Broad Street and charming in every which way.

photo(19)

Laura gives us an overview of Teuscher and lets us know that we’ll be trying their best selling Champagne Truffle. YUM!

Once inside the store, we were greeted by two associates who gave us a more in depth history of Teuscher and then invited us to try the champagne truffles. I’d actually tasted the champagne truffle at their Boston location so I knew what a treat we were in for! Both Laura and the associates suggested taking a bite of the truffle to fully taste the champagne and chocolate middle.

photo(20)

It was absolutely incredible! Vic couldn’t resist and wound up getting a small gift box.

photo(28)

Our last stop was farther away, right in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. Our tour guide mentioned that on a nicer day, we would wander through Rittenhouse Square Park but on this day, we were just looking to get out of the rain that had turned to hail.

Capogiro Gelato was the final stop on our tour and Vic and I were no strangers, having visited a couple of years back with a friend who lives in the area. We both love gelato but weren’t expecting it on a chocolate tour. We were each given four spoons and ceramic ramekins were passed around the group with four flavors: chocolate, hazelnut chocolate, peanut butter chocolate and double chocolate.

photo(21)

Guinness gelato – everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s day, even gelato!

As we wrapped up, we bid our chocolate tour group a fond farewell. Thankfully City Sports was just a few blocks away. By this time we were a bit tired and cranky but knew that we had a very important task to do before we took the train back into New Jersey – picking out the City Sports Philadelphia shirts for our giveaway winners!

photo(24)

All the pretty colors!

We took our job very seriously, picking the best of the best.

photo(22)

photo(23)

Jayme and Shannon, your shirts will be on their ways soon, complete with a lot of love, a bit of St. Patrick’s day drunk and a small sprinkle of Philly rain.  Bec, our Boston representative, will be getting Kate’s City Sports Boston shirt.

Between the Adrenaline 5k, our Philadelphia Chocolate Tour, and City Sports, it was a full and satisfying day!

Have you ever done a food or drink tour in your area? Should we check it out? Let us know in the comments.