It was finally here. The reason for our weekend in Philly- The 2015 Philadelphia Marathon.
The duo continued their trend of waking up earlier than normal- but today, that was welcomed.
Before heading to bed, we had put together our plan of action. It was narrowed down to three options. We were hoping that our request for a late check out would be granted, because our first choice was to leave everything in the room until TT Dad was done running, then come back so he could shower, and then we could pack everything up.
If we weren’t able to snag the late check out, we would either have to pack everything up when we woke up, and then load it all into the car, and still try to get TT Dad to the race on time, or TT Dad would take a cab, or Uber, and I would try to get the kids ready, get everything packed, and load it all into the car. Did I mention I would have the kids while I tried to do all of this?
Not gonna happen.
I threw that option right out. There was no way I was going to be able to do all of that. Not with two mobile toddlers under my feet (or worse, not under my feet, if you know what I mean).
Everything hinged on that late check out. Thankfully, we had good hotel luck on our side, and we got the phone call we were hoping for.
This meant that we all woke up super early, changed diapers, TT Dad and I got dressed, and we jumped in the car. Even without having to load the car, we were running a few minutes late, so I got as close as I could to the starting line, and TT Dad took the opportunity for a little warm-up run.
I scoured the streets for parking, hoping to find something near enough to the route that we could watch for TT Dad and cheer on the runners. Finally, I settled on the Zoo parking garage. My research had indicated that we would be able to catch TT Dad on the course at least twice. It was also approximately 2 miles from the finish, so we could walk there, to collect TT Dad, smother him with congratulatory hugs, and determine a pick up spot.
The duo had fallen back asleep on the way to the marathon, so I happily let them grab a few more zzz’s before heading out to the course. Once they woke up, I got them dressed, bundled up, and we headed out to cheer.
The marathon sets up a number of ‘cheer zones’, each with prime viewing of the race. One of these zones is located on the corner, right outside the entrance to the Zoo. Fans were everywhere, and the marathon volunteers passed out clappers to help encourage the runners. From our location, we were able to catch TT Dad at approximately mile 9, then walk down W Girard Ave, across the Schuylkill River, (if you look down, you can see mile 13) and down Brewery Hill Dr to Kelly Dr, where we could catch him again at approximately mile 14. The runners run down Kelly Dr again at mile 25, but since we weren’t sure where the end was, the duo and I headed towards the finish line, instead of waiting.
Before heading towards the finish line, however, I needed to find a restroom. Thankfully, the Zoo had a family restroom, which was big enough for the stroller. Family restrooms are key, and I always try to take note of the closest one. You don’t want to be wrangling twin toddlers in a little stall found in a public restroom!
Feeling much more comfortable, we enjoyed the short walk to the finish line. We got there just in time. Through the crowd, we were able to locate TT Dad, and follow him as he walked through the recovery area at the end of the race. The crowds were very thick, but so understanding and mostly let me and my double stroller have the right of way.
I was quite impressed by the organized nature of this marathon. TT Dad has run a few races, and this was, by far, one of the better ones to be a spectator.
TT Dad was a good sport (if a tired one) and walked back to the Zoo with us, instead of trying to find somewhere we could meet to pick him up. It was a nice little cool down, or so he said.
Race over, it was almost time to head out. TT Dad had earned himself a nice meal (and a cold beer) so after we packed up the hotel room, we drove to Main Street in Manayunk. The course took TT Dad through Manayunk, and he noticed the Manayunk Brewing Company and Restaurant.
Who brings twin toddlers to a brewery? We do. It may seem to be a horrible place for a child, but typically, they are actually really well set up for kids. Think about it. They end up with inebriated adults… and what do inebriated adults act like? Toddlers.
Sure enough, they brought out lunch for the duo quite quickly, and our sandwiches were quick to follow. Everything we had was delicious. We would definitely return, even if it weren’t after a marathon.
In fact, we plan on returning to Philadelphia. We had a wonderful visit, however short. We barely scratched the surface of the top things to do in Philly.
But next time we’ll leave a little earlier… and bring our own Pack and Plays!