John Quinn
John Quinn
The most amazing thing about the din and delirium of two hours and 10 miles, of helicopters buzzing and Neil Diamond blaring, was a moment I was not expecting.
My number was 39,707 so there were that many and more strangers vs. the five people I knew that were running and the five people I knew that were watching in person.
So it was a shock to hear a voice, so loud, so crystal clear, so familiar, as I was scant feet away from the finish line.
John Quinn
It has become my personal daily double, Friday of Derby week. Go to the Linc, pick up your Broad Street Run race bib, then hit the Turf Club, bet the Derby and head to work.
They open the gates at 10 a.m., so that's when I got there. Me and about 2,000 other people. Get in line, around the block, up the street, as far as the eye could see. It was a beautiful, sunny day (Jen Miller, our Running columnist says load up on sunscreen Sunday) and the brisk wind made it a breeze.
The wind turbines at the top of the stadium were spinning, Eagles are green, remember ... But there was this clunking, clatter. Metal on metal. Those gyroscopic spinning things looked quite in synchrony. Not to worry, just a few flagpoles flapping.
John Quinn
Cue the Seinfeld theme.
There are times when you really have to wonder about fate, about certain little things you do that, in retrospect, actually come together for a reason.
And it makes you wonder.
John Quinn
I walked out of the front door of 801 Market Street, as usual, between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Thursday night.
You need to post your palm print to get out, but graphics artist Mike Placentra was in the doorway, like a sergeant at arms.
As I stepped outside into the street that changes faces every hour every day, Mike said matter of factly: “Looks like they closed down Market Street, I wonder what’s going on.”
John Quinn
It doesn’t take much to get a guy’s testosterone going.
When you end your last blog post with … Time to get your game face on … and someone e-mails you back with: “I have a great idea to get ‘your game face on’” you listen because you take it as a challenge.
You’re on, I responded to Brandy Bell-Truskey, AT&T Senior Public Relations Consultant. The race was the AT&T Back on My Feet 5-Miler on Saturday morning. Great cause, serious runners.
John Quinn
Editor’s note: Two years ago, Inquirer Sports Editor John Quinn, overweight and feeling it, would never have dreamed of competing in the Broad Street Run. Now back at it for his second Broad Street experience, this time a trimmer version claims he knows what he is getting into.
Ok, the Phillies 5k will now forever be known as … The Winter Classic.
On Saturday, it was freakin’ cold, windy, just like the entire winter and now spring. Only consolation was that running in it is a lot better than sitting in the stands to watch a game, which is why about half the field signed up in the first place.
John Quinn
Editor’s note: Two years ago, Inquirer Sports Editor John Quinn, overweight and feeling it, would never have dreamed of competing in the Broad Street Run. Now back at it for his second Broad Street experience, this time a trimmer version claims he knows what he is getting into.
I am running in the Phillies 5k on Saturday morning.
It is my litmus test. This is their third annual race. It was my first ever 5k two March Madness’s ago.
John Quinn
Editor’s note: Two years ago, Inquirer Sports Editor John Quinn, overweight and feeling it, would never have dreamed of competing in the Broad Street Run. Now back at it for his second Broad Street experience, this time a trimmer version claims he knows what he is getting into.
Do not try this at home.
Last week, I began training again for the May 5th Broad Street Run. I brought my 2002 Highlander to the mechanic in Pitman, New Jersey. Heater was blowing only cold air. So, at 8 a.m., after dropping the car off, I decided to walk to Rowan University in Glassboro, about three miles away, and head to the Rec center for a workout. Figured I’d get a phone call around 10, maybe bum a ride and head back to the auto shop, and then drive home to Mullica Hill.
John Quinn
Before this past Saturday's Rothman Institute 8k ((part of the Philadelphia Marathon weekend) Inquirer Sports Editor John Quinn laid down a challenge. He told half-marathoner Sam Ndereba that he could run the 8K quicker than Ndereba could run the half marathon. Here's his post-race follow-up.
by John Quinn
Sam, I am sorry.
John Quinn
Philadephia Inquirer Sports Editor John Quinn is sharing his thoughts as he prepared to run the Rothman Institute 8K as part of the Philadelphia Marathon weekend.
by John Quinn
I am laying down the gauntlet, Sam Ndereba.
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