Broad Street Run: Every Step Was Earned

The Broad Street Run isn’t just a race—it’s a test of endurance, grit, and determination. Stretching ten miles through the heart of Philadelphia, it’s a course that lures runners of all backgrounds, from seasoned marathoners to those just looking to prove something to themselves. For me, this was an experience like no other.

Standing at the start line, I felt the buzz in the air. The hum of thousands of runners around me, the excitement and nervous energy blending into a palpable force. I had trained, I had prepared, and yet, as I looked down the long stretch of Broad Street ahead, I knew this run would ask more of me than I anticipated.

The Challenge of Every Mile

The first couple of miles eased me in. My pace was controlled, my breathing steady, and my mind focused. Running through North Philadelphia, the energy from the crowd was electric—cheers, signs, strangers clapping for runners they didn’t even know. It was motivating, uplifting, and at times, even emotional. There’s something about being part of a massive race that makes you feel connected to a bigger purpose.

By mile four, I started to feel the reality of the distance settle in. My legs weren’t fatigued yet, but I could feel the burn slowly creeping in. The road stretched endlessly ahead, and my biggest challenge wasn’t physical—it was mental.

Mile six hit differently. The excitement from the start had worn off, and now it was all about endurance. Each step felt heavier, and the cheers from the crowd—while still motivating—were less effective at drowning out the fatigue setting in. There was no way around it. I had to push through.

Mile 8

Mile eight was the toughest. At that point, the finish wasn’t far, but it wasn’t close enough to feel relief either. My breathing was labored, my legs were begging for a break, and the little voice in my head started whispering doubts. “Maybe you should slow down. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to stop for a moment.” But I knew that stopping would only make it harder. So I did what I had promised myself—I kept going.

The Final Push

When I finally saw the Navy Yard in sight, my heart got happy. This was it. The final stretch. I pushed forward, ignoring the fatigue, ignoring the ache in my legs, and focusing on the simple fact that I was almost there.

Crossing that finish line was a moment of pure triumph. My time? 2 hours and 28 minutes. It was more than a number—it was proof of every hard-fought mile, every doubt I had silenced, and every moment I had kept moving despite the challenge. Immediately I yelled, “thank you Jesus!”

Post-Race Recovery at Home

After a race like Broad Street, recovery isn’t just about stretching and hydrating—it’s about celebrating, refueling, and soaking in the accomplishment. While I could have sat down at Juana Tamale, I knew that my body needed full relaxation. So, I grabbed my vegan birria to go and headed home, where I could truly unwind on my own terms.

There’s something about settling into your own space after an endurance run—peeling off the layers of running gear, stretching in the quiet, and finally getting to savor a meal without the post-race crowd. That first bite of the vegan birria was everything: rich, flavorful, comforting. It was more than food; it was part of the recovery. A reward for every aching mile.

The Personal Recovery Rituals

Food fuels recovery, but true post-race restoration goes beyond just eating. After fueling up, I focused on resetting both my body and mind.

One of my go-to recovery essentials? Jacana Wellness Releaf Balm in Lemongrass. There’s something about the cooling relief of lemongrass paired with the gentle massage of sore muscles that turns post-run aches into deep relaxation. As I rubbed it onto my legs and shoulders, the tension slowly eased, the lingering stiffness softened, and I could finally appreciate what my body had accomplished.

Hydration was key, too—plenty of water, electrolyte-infused drinks, and a stretch session that allowed me to truly unwind.

Finally, rest. Actual, deep, well-earned rest. Curling up, letting my body recover, and appreciating every single mile I had conquered.

The Takeaway

This run wasn’t easy. It challenged me, tested my endurance, and forced me to push past my limits. But in the end, every step, every struggle, every moment was part of something bigger—something that reminded me just how much strength lives in perseverance.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

But first, more birria—and another round of Releaf Balm. Notable signs while running:

• Run like a girl is asking for a commitment
• You run better than Septa
• You look good don’t quit
• Hurry so we can go drink

Check out my final prepping session and more on YouTube from last week! Special shout out to Black Girls Run for the weekly training and support. To my family both near and far especially my husband!