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 About midway between Lloyd Hall and the Falls Bridge on Kelly Drive, there is a question spray-painted on the asphalt that reads, “Why are you running?”  It begs a runner to ask herself this question and reflect on the reasons why we, as runners, challenge our bodies in the heat, cold, rain, snow or sunshine for the sake of another mile and the sweet rush of adrenaline.

Like the query on Kelly Drive, the Philadelphia Marathon team is also asking you why you are running, or more specifically, what running means to you.  This is directly tied to the theme of the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon, “Running Means.”  In a monthly feature, we will be showcasing compelling stories of runners from all walks of life and their personal stories about why they are training for the Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon or Rothman 8K races.

And just to make it easier on you, I’ll go first.

Running means friendship to me.  First of all, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t running with my friends. From my days on the playground, team sports in high school and college right up to my weekly after-work runs with others, some of my strongest friendships have been forged over a few miles with a friend. We’ve discussed achievements at work or school, relationships, vacation plans and our future goals. Running with a friend helps me stick to my training schedule and limits the monotony.

After the Out & Back, Rocky took a moment to pose with Jess, Bridget and me.

 Most recently, my friend Jess and I registered for the Bryn Mawr Running Club Out & Back four-miler on West River Drive. This race was particularly important because it was Jess’ first organized race on the road (as opposed to a treadmill) — in Philadelphia — ever.  I was happy that she registered for this race because it gave us a chance to get to know each other beyond our volunteer organization meetings and we could both stay motivated because we had the support of another person. We chatted the entire time with another friend and halfway through the race we shook our heads in disbelief that the race was almost finished.

 After we crossed the finish line, Jess and I celebrated her first competitive running milestone and made plans to run together in another race a few weeks ahead. To capture the after-race rush, we snapped a picture with Rocky and a new friend who I met through Jess, Bridget.

 Now it’s your turn.

On RunningMeans.com, you can post your video about what running means to you for consideration in a new video contest. If your video is chosen as the grand prize winner, you receive a free race registration and hotel accommodations for two nights during the 2010 race weekend, acknowledgement and admission for two to the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon Runners’ Buffet Dinner and recognition at the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo.

So tell us, what does running mean to you?

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As we celebrate Earth Day tomorrow, what better time and what better event than a high profile sporting event to flex our environmental muscle?

 This week, race organizers are announcing measures that the race will take to lessen the carbon footprint of more than 18,000 runners and their fans in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection from Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22.

 Eco-friendly changes in the marathon from recycling medals to paperless registration are expected to make a significant impact.

 At the start of the race last year, you may have noticed that much of the discarded clothing near the starting line was collected when you finished your 8K, marathon or half marathon. This was because race organizers partnered with the Bethesda Project, a local organization that assists the homeless, to collect the clothing, launder it and distribute it to 17 shelters throughout the city.

 This year at the Health and Fitness Expo, bins will continue to be available to drop off “used but not abused” running shoes for the Perpetual Pumps Foundation.  These shoes are resold in major metro areas and the proceeds fund 12 months of regenerative farming training and medical needs and tools necessary to support families living in Ghana.

 Leftover medals from last year’s race will be melted down and ribbons will also be reclaimed for future races. You will also notice that recycling bins will be set up throughout the Health and Fitness Expo.

 While most runners - nearly 90 percent - sign up for the race online already, there will be additional efforts to encourage you to sign up online this year, reducing the need for paper recycling.

 One of the most fun nights of the Philadelphia Marathon weekend is the one before the race when runners and their families and friends come together for the pasta dinner.  This year, you’ll notice that there will be biodegradable plates, utensils and recycled napkin service at the Philadelphia Marathon Runners Buffet.

 Measures to continue making the race more sustainable are being researched further and updates will be made available.

 We’re all doing our part here to make our marathon lean, green and clean. To this end, we want to know: how are you lessening your carbon footprint in training for the Philadelphia Marathon?

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Welcome, runners and fans, to the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon blog!  Registration has officially opened and we are just months away from race day on November 22, 2009.

Our newly inaugurated blog is just one of many exciting changes taking place this year.  We are also improving the Philadelphia Marathon experience through an enhanced online community presence, making our event greener, partnering with several exceptional charities (check our website soon for more information about how your organization might also be chosen!) and kicking off Running Means as our race theme.

The 2009 Philadelphia Marathon blog will be your official source for the most up-to-date information possible from a fellow runner’s perspective.

Each Tuesday, Kristen, our blog editor and writer, will be providing race tips, showcasing what Running Means in a monthly feature and discussing breaking news, favorite running routes and relevant topics that you suggest in relation to the Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon or Rothman Institute 8K.  (For example, you can save $45 by registering by June 30 on www.philadelphiamarathon.com.)

We invite you to contribute your voice and commentary to our blog, so please comment on our posts and let us know what you think.  We especially want to hear what the Philadelphia Marathon means to you.

Happy running, training and blog reading … and let’s kick some asphalt again this year!

Melanie Johnson
Executive Director
2009 Philadelphia Marathon

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