KarmaStriders Philadelphia marathon 09'. Well done.

Apparently mother nature felt just awful for her icy, frigid behavior at the 08' Philly marathon, as she dealt out a picture perfect day for 09'.

Up before the crack of dawn and off to set up our tent, I was eager to see the team before the 7am starting gum. We had all trained hard and long for this day. Many Striders ready to face a personal first, some looking for that PR or, that elusive Boston qualifying time, and some just getting the lead out and supporting fellow runners.

After a good little bit of nervous chatter and getting all the gear just right, it was time to find your corral and get it on.
Thank goodness for the tent, as it was well, positioned, provided a very useful meeting place as well as safe spot for gear.

The course was actually pretty crowded at quite a few points, especially at all water stops. I usually take my water to go and like to keep my toes a tappin, but was forced to either stop or take somebody out. I also have this weird pet peeve about headphones during a race and man o man, it appeared that I missed the memo that they were required this year. UGH. (serenity now, serenity now,)

Other than that, the course was well marked and staffed by volunteers. Thank you all volunteers, really did a great job everywhere. Rolling through our fair city on a perfect autumn day, is a great way to see it for the first time again, second only to the Broad street run.

It's always good to get to the mile 10 water stop and see the Fasttracks running club. They've got the water stop thing down to a science. Great boost, just when you get to the top of a nice hill on Concourse.. Then into a nice flat-down black road-and then flat and fast along our home field, the west river drive. Right at the art museun it's time to end at the half, or travel further along your journey to the center of the mind. (Evil chuckle)

This was the first time that I was totally focused on running while supporting my teammates rather than a personal time goal. I've discovered yet, another sense of appreciation for these silly races. Remembering that there was someone who helped you get through your first time makes it extra rewarding.

All in all, we had:

2 8k 1 First time
13 Half marathoners 1 First time
13 Marathoners 6 first time, 2 DNF.
28 Karmastriders in all.

We proudly announce that Elizabeth Ryland in only her 2nd marathon, qualified for Boston.
**Note that her first marathon, was not really a marathon at all, but actually the 3rd leg of Ironman Lake placid July 09'. Geeze, BRAVO.

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/MarathonStrides/PAEGenera...

I cannot express enough my gratitude to all of the friends that visited and helped make our tent what it was.
My admiration for (all runners) but especially my teammates for finding the time in this busy busy world to train and fund raise for a greater good, no matter what it takes.

Very proud especially of all first-time marathoners.
You now know, even better, that. anything is possible.

Extra thanks goto all who helped to make our Philly marathon a big juicy win:

- Meg Dipanni and the NMSS for their ongoing support and belief in the striders.
- Lindsay Dougherty Pre race and race day coordination. (and waking up before the sun :))
- Kristin from the NMSS race day tent presence.
- All of the hundreds if not thousands of race day volunteers.
- Pacific Health Labs for race day nutrition and goodies to share.
- Northbowl Lounge and Lanes in Northers Liberties Phila Pa.
- Headsweats
- Rudy Project
- Karma, Good-For the Long Run.
- Team Relentless Fitness
- Lees Hoagie house Bala Cynwyd. I mean, really, what could be better after a marathon ?
- Philadelphia Triathlon Club. aka PTC.
- Mid-Atlantic Multisports
- Fleet Feet North Wales.
- The Running Place + Fasttracks running club.
- Nutrition in Motion.
- LA Fitness Bala Cynwyd.
- Maim Line Bikes.
- Trader Joes.
- A3 Technologies
- All who supported our runners in any way. Financially, spiritually, etc. etc.
- My Father Robert Goldstone for fighting through every portion of his day and showing me what strong really is.
- Mother nature for granting us a perfect day.

Sincerely
Paul N. Goldstone
'I run to stop MS'

Looking forward to 2010.
- Hmmmm, what races should we take on next ? _______