Team MJ Philly Run

AM: ~5 miles + Rocky steps
PM: Road trip

I wasn't super excited when my alarm went off at 8 this morning. Normally that hour would be considered late, but after a 1am return from the track last night I was left feeling less than well rested. Unfortunately, with a 10-hour return trip to Charlotte looming, hitting the snooze button wasn't an option.


The Schuylkill River Trail in downtown Philly

The silver lining? For one, it was a gorgeous morning; sunny, cool and breezy. Secondly, we would be running someplace new and interesting, the river trail adjacent to downtown (or Center City, as the locals call it). But most importantly, this morning's run would be fully attended by both members of Team MJ, a feat not accomplished since October. After inadvertently donning identical outfits--OU longsleeve tops, Brooks shorts and shoes--we were ready to meet up with the rest of the group.

Predictably, we kept the pace slow and relaxed for most of this jaunt. Everyone was feeling the effects of last night's races, and in particular my calves were rocked from the spikes I'd worn. Midway through the run we spotted the Philadelphia Museum of Art, setting of a famous scene from the first Rocky movie, so naturally we had to sprint up the steps just like the film's hero. Jenna challenged all of us to a race, then promptly finished in last place (or second to last, but either way she was pretty far back there). Exhausted by that brief burst of energy, we returned to our slowpoke pace for the rest of the run. I would've liked to put in a few more miles, but I knew that the longer we stayed in Philly meant the later we would get home, so I cut the run short. My mileage is already screwy from this week's crazy travel schedule anyway.


Can you hear the theme song playing in the background?

The saddest part of the day was bidding farewell to Jilane after spending a mere 18 hours together. We tried to plan another reunion before realizing that our plans always fall through, but I'm hoping that another spontaneous opportunity will present itself soon. Once we said our goodbyes, it was time to board the 'ol 16-passenger for our drive home. See you back in Charlotte.