So, the race officials have posted the finalized course for the Philly Distance run. This race is my favorite so far for several reasons. First and foremost is a gorgeous course, it starts in downtown Philly and passes all the best sites - city hall, the liberty bell etc. After this brief jaunty (only about 3 miles downtown) it heads up along the river for some really fast straight aways. There is a reason it's such a fast course, it's A. extremely flat and B. extremely straight. Runner's World magazine described it as a "track meet instead of a half-marathon". 

As if these weren't good enough reasons for the race it's also in a perfect time of year in Philly, the very beginning of Autumn, great weather for a race. The course is also, basically, just a condensed version of the marathon in 2 months, so I get to stretch out and see the what's ahead of me on the marathon so it's helps there as well. Finally, my brother and his wonderful family are in Philly so this is also a chance to see them. I here that Zoey is finally walking around! I can't wait!

Ok, I lied. The biggest reason this is my favorite race? This is the place where my 'Pre-race chocolate' tradition was born. Naked Chocolate is a located just past city hall and is quite possibly the best gourmet chocolate in the world (certainly the best I've ever eaten). No trip to Philly passes me by without a quick visit! This will be a great weekend!