Philadelphian Perspectives is our new series in name, but a concept that has been authentic for us for the last 2 decades: highlighting the individuals who give the Philadelphia Running Community its flavor.
As we're approaching one of the first Spring Race Weekends in Philly (Phillies Charities 5K // Love Run), we highlight an ever–so–important faction of the race day experience that we probably all hope to never NEED to encounter: our first–line responders in the medical tent.
We recently caught up with Philadelphia Runner Katherine Torregrossa for an insight into what she decided to give back to the sport that brings her, and a lot of us as well, so much fulfillment.
I came to the running game late. I was 40 when I ran my first 5K as a birthday gift to myself. I had never realized you didn't necessarily have to be fast to be a runner. I spent most of my life getting situated in my career as an emergency department nurse. So when I found running and realized how much I enjoyed it, I decided to give back to running as well. Races are a huge part of running, the medal and the swaggy T–shirt to let everybody know that you completed the race, add to the thrill and accomplishment of running races. In order to run races and to have runners be safe, there is usually a medical tent as well as other volunteer opportunities. I decided to bring my skill set as a nurse to give back to running.
Volunteering in a medical tent is great practice for clinical skills, especially in terms of preparation and learning where your equipment is in different situations. You work with a team of people you don't normally work with; in situations you don't normally see. For example, the training for the Boston Marathon medical tents is a series of videos made by experts in the field. Watching these videos, and knowing the science behind them, was a series of free classes. The equipment and expertise used by the Boston Marathon medical teams is mind–blowing. The protocols have been refined over years, and I was able to take that knowledge back to my clinical practice. Knowing that I am not the best runner, but I got to see the world's most elite athletes run Boston, because of what I do, is me bringing my best to running. I won’t ever qualify to run Boston, but I was there, doing what I do best.
Do you have a story that you would like to share, or a runner that you would like to see featured? Send us an email: brodie@philadelphiarunner.com