Alright, so here are the deats. The Bombardment Run is this cool little 5k that happens at Fort Mifflin…one of the oldest (and thereby one of the most haunted) forts in America. It changed hands a few times between the British and then the Americans during the Revolutionary War and then it was burnt down and rebuilt and you could learn a lot more about it here. If you’re in Philadelphia, it’s one of those hidden gems you should check out. Like now. It’s on the water and really off the beaten path, and really pretty cool. I decided to do this race as a little tune up before Philly TriRock and because it had a kids’ race…which Finnegan was all for. Ooh yeah, it also had a pretty good start time. 9am on a Saturday morning. Can’t beat that. No need to set my alarm clock to some unholy hour, like Broad Street…or Philly TriRock…ehem.
Some races have gun starts, this one started with a canon (DOPE!). The route was mostly on a back road behind the airport. Very flat and straight. Kinda fast…but also kinda hot. (And it was a quarter mile long according to Garmin.)
I thought these two kids wearing high school cross country shirts were going to get the win. I was sure of it. At the turnaround they were a good bit back, but I thought they were just taking it easy…toying with me. I thought they were just waiting for there moment. With about a quarter mile left, I looked over my shoulder and didn’t see anyone. Exhale. A guy on the side of the road, said you smoked them all. Made me smile.
Throughout the race, I couldn’t help but think how cool is was running in the lead. After the turnaround as I was heading back, everyone on the other side gave me words of encouragement. Which was pretty neat.
After the awards ceremony (where I won gift certificates…and cash, yes I am a PROFESSIONAL RUNNER now), Finn had his race…it was a lap around a building…sorta lame. But I think he had fun. He got to the finish line and was like, “Is that it?” He received a medal which I know made him happy. He gets so proud when they put it around his neck.
Afterwards, they had great food (for non-vegetarians) and fun activities. Anne, Finnegan and I all had a fun morning.
My favorite moment of the day, when Finn woke up he said, “I’m racing today.” Pretty stinking cute.