We're a few days away from a big Race Weekend (Phillies Charities 5K // Love Run) in Philadelphia. Wishing everyone running the best of luck! The 2024 Broad Street Run will also be here before you know it! With 7 more weeks to go, we took some time to answer a couple of frequently asked questions:
It's my first time running Broad Street, what's the most important gear to have?
The first thing you should do is get properly fitted for a pair of sneakers. With the guidance of our staff, there's no need to pick out a shoe and hope it works. Our staff will watch you run/walk, measure your feet (most people are wearing the wrong size shoes!), and ask you questions in order to assess your needs and recommend the best options for your feet.
FITTINGS ARE FREE AT ALL PHILADELPHIA RUNNER STORES
After you find the right pair of shoes for you, it's time to pick out some socks and apparel. The #1 rule for socks and running apparel is to avoid cotton! Wearing technical fabrics will help you stay dry and comfortable on the run. Once cotton fabrics get wet, they stay wet which can make the miles ahead uncomfortable and leave your skin irritated. Synthetic materials dry quicker and wick moisture away to help prevent against blisters, chafing and skin irritation. Try on a few styles and brands to see what feels the most comfortable to you then pick up a few pairs of socks, tops and bottoms so you have options to choose from. You never know what the weather will be like on race day!
Ladies – do not underestimate the importance of a good sports bra! We know it can be a tricky process to find the right one. Our staff can help! Make an appointment or stop by one of our shops to get properly fitted for a sports bra. There are bras designed for all activities and desired levels of support.
Besides shoes and apparel, what else do I really need?
A training plan – there are a lot of good training plans out there, the key is finding one that works for you and your schedule. Choose a plan that works to help meet your goals and reduce the risk of injury. Learn more about our group and individual training programs HERE!
TEAM PHILLY RACE TRAINING
Hydration and Nutrition plan – you know the saying, practice makes perfect! Your training runs are a great time to test things out and see what works best for you. Some runners like having a handheld water bottle with them for longer runs while others find a backpack or belt works better for them. Try a variety of nutritional products like Gu, CLIF Bloks, Huma, and more. Our staff can answer your questions, or you can schedule an appointment with our nutritionist for a more in–depth discussion about your nutrition goals and workouts.
• Bodyglide – This essential prevents whatever chafing you may have experienced.
• Carriers – Packs like SPIbelt or Nathan vests/backpacks are helpful to carry keys, credit cards, cell phone, nutrition, and other miscellaneous items you may need or want on the run.
• Compression socks and sleeves – some people find them very helpful to wear while running or after to provide support and aid in recovery.
• Music – We know a lot of runners who love to run with music, so they have invested in running headphones and arm bands or a different carrier for their phones. Amphipod has some great options.
• Watch – Recording your time is possible on a Timex, but for more data a Garmin GPS watch will help you track pace, distance, and heart rate to help you improve.
What if it rains on race day? What if it's super sunny, hot and humid?
There is an old saying; there's no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing! You can't control the weather on race day, but you can be prepared for it.
If it's raining, check the temperature outside and dress accordingly. The general rule of thumb is to dress like its 20 degrees warmer than the temperature outside. Wear a hat or visor and look into waterproof or water resistant gear especially a rain jacket and shoes. If it's hot and/or humid, wear loose and light–colored apparel that breathes and wicks away sweat. There are a lot of companies now that make apparel using fabrics with sun protection too, ask our staff to point them out to you.
What if I didn't get picked in the Broad Street Run lottery but I still want to run?
Don't worry – you can still get a bib for the race this year! Runners who weren't selected in the lottery can run for something more this year with one of the official race charity partners: American Cancer Society / American Association for Cancer Research / Back On My Feet / Fairmount Park Conservancy / Students Run Philly Style.
What other questions do you have? Feel free to send us a message or ask or stop by one of our shops (Center City, University City, Manayunk, or Glen Mills) and talk to our staff. They can answer your questions about Broad Street, recommend local running groups or training programs, and go over other things to consider such as injury prevention, cross training, nutrition, hydration and more!