Being a 10

In this case it's about the Broad Street Run, a 10-miler that takes you the whole length of Broad Street in Philadelphia, wraps around City Hall, and ends at the Navy Yard. This was my third year participating, and I noticed that every year the crowd grows -- both those who run and those who cheer. It's a good distance, and a good run for groups of friends.

We had a perfect day and a slow subway ride; both contributed to my awesome performance of less than 10 minutes per mile. Weather-wise, it was windy and cool enough. Because a large group of us was on a local train, we ended up starting late -- and that was good. The larger crowd was already on its way and we were not worried about the timing. With the chip secured to our shoes, we would get our fair score. In two years I managed to shave 30 minutes off my time with the biggest jump last year at 20 less minutes. This year I even sprinted the last half mile.

I must digress for a moment and tell you that running is absolutely the most difficult physical activity for me. For that reason, I've been doing it for twenty-two years with varying degrees of speed -- yet the same degree of commitment and passion. Running is my metaphor for life as a journey. It's very real, it keeps me honest (there's no cheating, I'm not a natural) and it allows me to plan exactly for sticking with it.

Over the years I had fewer injuries than the average runner because I push myself yet I manage to balance that with planning to quit when necessary. I run to gain a better understanding of my physical limits and how I can work with what I have, so I listen to what my body is telling me at all times. Having a big ego is not an option -- I know I'm not fast, and I know I can build endurance. So I go for what fits my brand as a runner.

I train diligently all year around, focusing on what I need to perform depending on the seasons and runs I join. The most powerful aspect of any sport is the community. Today was no different. There were people who run serious marathons alongside weekend runners. One gentleman I met on the train was from New York, visiting his sister in the area and deciding to run with his brother-in-law in a kind of spur of the moment impulse. He was running at 8.5 minutes per mile and I saw him pass me easily.

There were people of every size, shape, and age. The first few miles are through some not so nice parts of the city we would normally not see. It's good to do that, it's good to remember that those too are part of Philadelphia. One runner did the whole course juggling five soft balls while running. The spirit everyone brought to the day was one of participation and enthusiasm. Although I run alone, I felt part of something much greater than me.

Running keeps me honest and helps me be a 10 at the same time. I'm sure you have an activity, hobby, or sport that allows you to do the same. I know for a fact that some of you are also runners. Do share.  

Comments

[Tim Jackson]

I only run in emergencies... or to avoid one. However, I am obviously addicted to cycling and can very much relate to your experience.

Congratulations on your run! I would fall into a heap after the first mile- or my knees would explode and shoot across the street.

Yes, our sport passions can serve as a reminder of the simple truths about our physical existence. I still try to race as much as I can because I love to race. The community of racers and the sheer urge to be competitive and search for my limits, that's the draw.

I am happy for you and hope those times keep dropping each year!

[Ryan Karpeles]

Well done Valeria. It's funny you posted this now, because I was contemplating going on a run and now you've officially inspired me :)

Personally, I've never ran more than a 10K, but I try to do at least 3-4 miles every other day. It keeps me motivated, energized and happy. Usually people think running has the opposite effect, but those who do it can definitely attest to the contrary.

Keep up the great work and congratulations on a new personal record. Hopefully the steroid tests will come back negative :)

[Chris Baskind]

Just getting one's butt out the door is a win. 10 miles is occasion for a ticker tape parade.

Congrats! And your point is well taken that the mind and body are closely linked. I'm pretty sure the Romans had a saying about a "sound mind, sound body." And they were darn near Italians, weren't they?

"Salve, Marcus! Awesome toga! Is it Armanius?"

"What -- this old thing? You've seen me chillin' at the Coliseum in this a million times. Been working out."

"Word to your mater! You're so buff, you could invade Gaul single handed!"

"Get out, Brutus! You know that Omnia Gaulia est divisa in partes tres. We'd need at least two more of me."

"Ha-ha-ha!"

"Ha-ha, indeed. Now let's hit the chariot races. I hear Dalius Earnhartius the Lesser is in town!"

Or something like that.

[Valeria Maltoni]

Tim -- The Masi Guy himself. I am so honored. I have a big frame even though I am fairly skinny for an American (I would be voluptuous in Italy) and running has not been easy. I was counseled that I should take up biking and I will. This summer I will be unemployed so that may be the right time to change my routine. I'm sure I will have stories about that too. In Philadelphia we have Fairmount Park that goes all the way into the city. It's quite pretty and challenging to ride.

Ryan -- Running is extremely energizing and quite addictive. No steroids though, just a high energy and high motivation person willing to learn every single moment. The opportunities abound. I hope you will go for that run. In life, showing up is more than half the battle.

[Matt Dickman]

Valeria -- For me golf provides many of the lessons that you talk about in running. At the end of the day it's about staying focused, giving it your all, having fun and being honest with yourself. Plus I usually shoot 10 per hole so I'm totally with you ;) (Ok, it's more like 8 but still).

[Tim Jackson]

Valeria- "honored"? I'm flattered, more than you know.

The body and mind are very closely linked. The mind can "rest" when the body is at work. At least, for me that is the case- when I am on my bike and really focused, the rest of the world melts away and the single purpose of forward motion takes precedent. If I really need to work something out in my head though, I can clear away all the rest of the distractions and give singular focus to my thoughts when I am on my bike. No wonder I'm so addicted.

Chris- THAT was comedy there. Great job!

[Valeria Maltoni]

Chris -- you can really whip up a dialogue. I'm with Tim, pure comedy there. The saying was "mens sana in corpore sano".

Matt -- see, now I learned one new thing about you. My friends who golf say it's quite enjoyable. You can still be a 10 with an 8. It's more about attitude/spirit.

Tim -- my mother taught me to scrub floors when I'm upset. It helps me think by not thinking, just doing. I hope to figure out the gear and routine so I can start my own cycling. In Italy, I never owned a car so I used a city bicycle everywhere -- easy to park, and great to ride except when it rains.

[Joe Raasch]

Congratulations Valeria! You have much to be proud of in this accomplishment. Proof that setting expectations, goals, and putting one's heart, mind, and body into an effort can be one of the more rewarding experiences in life.

Hurrah!!

But doesn't it just bug you when you hear "Looking good, almost finished!" from a spectator when you KNOW you're drenched in sweat and only half way done? HA!

[Valeria Maltoni]

Joe:

I run with my iPod and favorite sounds on so I see the cheering and love it without the audio. I just learned today that 29-year old male collapsed dead after hitting the finish line.

All of a sudden, running and finishing have a completely new meaning. How could we see things more vividly? How much more grateful would we be if we knew it could all be taken away in a second?

[Joe Raasch]

OH no....that is just sad! I hope he was able to see that he finished. My friend Norm taught me about living in the moment, for today.

[Tim Jackson]

Valeria- You can't be serious? A runner dropped dead at the finish? That is so poetic- tragic and terrible, but poetic just the same. It's like a Greek tragedy. As Joe stated, I just hope that he died knowing he finished his goal. My heart breaks at the thought.

[Valeria Maltoni]

Joe and Tim -- I read about it in the paper yesterday. His heart gave up, it could happen to anyone at any time, we just don't know. Yes, poetic and sad -- all the more reason to celebrate each day with a renewed sense of possibility.

[Mark]

I just read the story about Robert Massaroni on Philly.com. And he was a black belt as well. You never know.

On a lighter note, this older reader has just restarted my running program. Up to 4.3 every other day. Since I'm on the road most of the time, I try to find neighborhoods to run in. I find it helps connect me to the people I work with.

[Valeria Maltoni]

Mark:

Good for you. I do that too when on the road. A couple of years ago I was in London for one full week, staying in Mayfair. So I had the good fortune of being able to run in Green Park. What a great way to visit with the city, running alongside Londoners exercising and a few enjoying the morning on a bench with breakfast.

[Tim Jackson]

I feel the same way about cycling through cities. When I travel, I love to take my bike. Last year I took the bike with me to Australia and got to see parts of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane that I never would have seen otherwise. Montreal was the same way- I got lost for a couple hours in the city but saw great neighborhoods and met great people.

I wouldn't have it any other way- maybe this summer it'll be Germany and Switzerland. (I am hoping.)

[Valeria Maltoni]

Tim:

The best way to experience the place is by being a tourist when you live and work there and being a citizen (or acting as one) when you are visiting. In both cases, you get to see and do things that you wouldn't normally think available to you. I know you were traveling recently. Hope that went well.