If you’ve had a conversation with me over the past few months, I probably have found a way to work in that I am training for the Philadelphia Marathon. I know it’s probably annoying, but let’s call it accountability. If every single person I know knows I’m doing it, I HAVE to do it. So over the course of this summer I have been running (for the most part) four days a week, every week. I am running the race with my cousin Matt and my sister Gabby, who have been a part of every race with me so far.

The other weekend we participated in the Philadelphia Distance Half Marathon. This was a first for me, and safe to say I was a little bit nervous and excited. How well I did in this race was going to help me determine what I can expect when doing the full later this year. On Sunday morning we met bright and early at my apartment to walk down to the starting line near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Once we stretched, we went our separate ways to group together with people of a similar pace as us. After lining up, I got more comfortable. The route of the race was familiar to me as I frequently run the path up and down Kelly Drive by the river and knew that I’d be able to finish.

I’ll spare you the details of every step and mile; but by the end although I was gassed, I ended up finishing a minute and a half per-mile faster than I had expected. My parents and some friends came down to cheer us on and met us at the finish line back at the museum.

While proud of myself, the day was a success for all as the Cousin Run Club hit personal records in the half marathon across the board! To celebrate, my parents took us to breakfast ,where we had sandwiches and beers before relaxing for the rest of the afternoon.

— Aly Evans, business development and events coordinator