by Emma P. and Lionel Brahim Brodie III
Halftime! There's a little over a month left until the Big Dance. We're all registered, or working on our fundraising efforts towards that bib. We've locked into a stability or neutral trainer, maybe a tempo shoe, and are plotting on some racers for May 5th. Our clothing choices are going to depend on the first Sunday in May's weather, so we are hoping, wishing, and praying for anything other than what we experienced last year! That was kinda brutal, right?
Where are we training these days? There are times when I love a course uninterrupted by traffic lights, stop signs, and vehicles. There are also times, last Tuesday for example, where I welcomed every chance to stop as a blessing and a moment to catch my breath and try to ensure my lungs (and right hip) were where they were supposed to be. Philadelphia is home to historic sites, lively neighborhoods, beautiful architecture and plenty more! Our favorite way to explore is, you guessed it, on foot. Here are a few of our favorite places to run in and around Center City.....and we still host weekly group runs.....
Schuylkill River Trail – a Philadelphia classic, the Schuylkill River Trail boasts quiet, serene views of the Schuylkill River as it flows through the middle of the city. Surrounded by trees, grass, and the city on both sides, the River Trail connects to 70+ miles of trails heading north, and leads you right to Kelly Drive and the partially closed Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway – a beautiful view of City Hall heading Southeast or the Philadelphia Museum of Art heading Northwest, the French–inspired boulevard displays some of the best architecture in Philadelphia. You can run past the Cathedral Basilica on 18th and Race Streets, a Free Library of Philadelphia (Parkway Central location) building on 19th and Vine Streets, the Rodin Museum on 22nd and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, to name a few. The Parkway has wide sidewalks with trees on both sides.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge – bragging that you ran in two states during one run is a big plus for this location, but the amazing view of the city coming back into Philly from Camden is one of our favorite ways to see the city. You can also extend the run to the Camden Waterfront, where you can appreciate the skyline from across the water. Not recommended if you don’t like heights.
Through the middle of City Hall – an iconic run that every Philadelphian should experience. Run through the center of center city at least once while you are living in or visiting the city!
Independence Park and other streets through Old City – Old City has some of the most beautiful small alleys, cobblestone streets, and rowhomes in the city. Running through the streets next to Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, the Betsy Ross Home, and other historical buildings and landmarks makes you really appreciate the rich history in Philadelphia.
Spruce Street – One of our favorite runs to appreciate Philadelphia row homes, the architecture on Spruce Street is incredible. Towards 19th and 20th Street, the brownstone homes have large stoops and wide sidewalks to run along.
Philadelphia Runner Group Runs – plenty of options starting and ending at our stores (locations below).
We’ll see you out there!
PR Center City: 1711 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
PR University City: 3621 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
PR Manayunk: 4358 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA
PR Glen Mills: 505 Glen Eagle Square, Glen Mills, PA