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Cure for the Kids at Aronimink School - race #4

     Waking up and hearing rain steadily ping off my roof I thought, "today's race might really stink." But it actually turned out to be a great, adventurous run.  I ran the Cure for the Kids 5K on April 23 at Aronimink Elementary School in Drexel Hill. Sarah Mergliano, an Upper Darby High School student, organized the race (read more about it at http://tinyurl.com/43fg4u2).  Mergliano's parents were both on hand to help out and her dad, an avid runner, also took part in the race.  All the proceeds benefited Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
     Arriving at the school, it was about 50 degrees with light rain.  It was a small crowd due to the bad weather, but it was great to see the dozens of people who came out to show their support.  Under a tent a DJ played music and volunteers helped at the registration table.  Talking with other runners, some actually said they preferred racing the rain. I never thought I would, but it kept me cool and my face didn't resemble a tomato once I crossed the finish line.
     Once we heard the start, our small pack headed out of the parking lot and onto Roberts Lane.  Weaving up and down the quiet, tree-lined residential streets, race volunteers helped guide us at most of the turns.  Crossing onto Burmont Road, I kept pace with several runners as we circled Aronimink and back to Roberts before turning right onto Marvine Avenue.  That's when the hills appeared.  At the time, all I can think is that I should run in New Jersey or the Mid-West, any place where it's flat!  But I shouldn't complain because after four races, I felt more in shape and better prepared to face these mini mountains. 
     Making a left on Mansion Road, I headed downhill and saw the turnaround point at Cedar Avenue.  Heading back I broke my perfect record for puddle-jumping (10-0), when my right foot landed right in the middle of a pothole.  After re-tying my shoe, which had somehow magically become unlaced, I heaved my soggy right foot uphill.  Over to my right I spotted a quaint little springhouse.  The rain had slowed down significantly, and after a few more twists and turns, and one more lap around the school, I crossed the finish line.
     Clocking it with a time of 29:28, made it my best finish so far this season and I won my age division!  Though, I do have to say thank you to all the 30-39 year old ladies out there who decided to sit this race out, allowing me to be sole competitor;-)  I'll have to run more races in the rain.  Wearing a soaked baseball cat, a red raincoat and one saturated shoe it wasn't a pretty but I felt tougher.
     Next up is my longest race of the season, the Broad Street Run this Sunday.  The 10-mile route takes you from Central High School, pass Temple University, around City Hall, near the sports stadiums and ends at the Navy Yard.  And guess what?  It's a flat course!

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