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Running Means…Independence

While it is easy to remember Independence Day as a holiday full of picnics, barbecues and fireworks, I ask you to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday: freedom.

In Philadelphia, freedom is especially close to us because it was here, in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, where the first 4th of July was celebrated. In fact, the Declaration of Independence was first read after the sounding of the Liberty Bell on July 8, 1776.  The inscription of the Liberty Bell — which is housed at 6th and Market streets at the Liberty Bell Center — reads, “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof.”  This groundbreaking document made our country a free nation and allows all citizens of the United States to live a life of their own choosing without persecution.

With a heavy heart, I’m proud to know that while I run through Philadelphia, our city is the birthplace of independence.  Regardless of age, race or socio-economical background, runners are able to pursue their passion.

As you participate in the Philadelphia Marathon this year, be sure to take the time and reflect on the importance of freedom in your own life.  The Liberty Bell is just one of many historical sights you’ll see along the race course.*

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*Running Means is a monthly column to celebrate the Philadelphia Marathon’s first video essay contest. For more details or to tell us your story, visit runningmeans.com.

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Skirt Alert

I admit that I have not always been an early adopter of new products. The iPhone? Still don’t have one. A high definition television? I bought one after a year of prodding by a boyfriend only to find out that three years later, my new television which cost a small fortune would be obsolete.  So when I saw the running skirt hit the market a few years ago, of course, I was skeptical of this new trend.

My feelings towards the running skirt sound much like a new relationship. I had an instant attraction to it when I first saw it. I surveyed it and weighed out the positives and the negatives before proceeding with a purchase. I thought of us together and whether I’d be happy with it.

The skirt in question.
The skirt in question.

The pros: I like wearing skirts and it could be comfortable. Committing to a new fashion does make me somewhat of a trendsetter. I mean, it has to be fun to wear one. In many cities, there are entire races dedicated to embracing this style.

The cons: I always look at people wearing running skirts funny. I run the risk (no pun intended) of looking more like a shot girl from a Delaware Avenue bar than a serious runner. The price tag reads a number that is not making this new fashion wallet-friendly.

This internal debate continued. And each time I would enter an athletic store, the running skirt would flirt with me again like a crush and I would think about it long after I passed through the exit. 

So finally I broke down and bought one.

Upon changing into my new black running skirt, I thought it was fine for tennis, but how would it fare on me as a runner? The result was lots of looks with furrowed eyebrows from other people and me being ultimately uncomfortable in it. And, for the record, I absolutely did feel like a shot girl running around in a black skirt with a white tank top.

This trend may persist and perhaps someday it may even grow, but for now, I’ll stick to my regular running shorts and leave the running skirts to the early adopters. Like the saying goes, if it’s meant to be, it will be.

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Badges of Honor 5K

Runners get off to a flying start at the Badges of Honor 5K.
Runners get off to a flying start at the Badges of Honor 5K.

Bright and early on Saturday morning, I made my way to 11th and Pattison for the inaugural Badges of Honor 5K Walk/Run. All proceeds from this race went to the Survivors’ Fund, which covers the costs associated with the fall of a Philadelphia police officer, firefighter or correctional officer in the line of duty.  Sadly, an unexpected number of deaths have left the fund severely in need of replenishment.

As a large screen played past news footage of the funerals of fallen officers, the cause for this race really hit home.  These were our neighbors. Their family members are right here next to me. While waiting for the race to begin, I stood near siblings and cousins who discussed losing their family members in the line of duty.  And while for many the wounds were still fresh — Officer Nazario’s family turnout was especially moving — my fellow racers proudly participated wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep others safe.

Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Eagles' quarterback Donovan McNabb, Mayor Michael Nutter and Prison System Commissioner Louis Giorla pose for the camera.
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Eagles’ quarterback Donovan McNabb, Mayor Michael Nutter and Prison System Commissioner Louis Giorla pose for the camera.

On that day, I’ve never been more proud to run for another person’s honor. Quite fittingly, the cadence sang by the Gloucester County Police Academy cadets replaced my iPod music. I even managed to power ahead so “a cadet wouldn’t beat me” as a fellow runner reminded his partner. And though the reason for the race may have been heartbreaking, I knew that as nearly 1,700 people walked or ran, those who lost their lives were cheering us on from above as we passed through FDR Park.* 

Richard Angelillo races to a Philly Finish capturing first place in the men's division of the First Annual Badges of Honor 5K Saturday in South Philadelphia.
Richard Angelillo captures first place in the men’s division of the inaugural Badges of Honor 5K Saturday in South Philadelphia.

*Photos courtesy of Philadelphia Police Officer John Murphy

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