Running Through Philadelphia: The Philly 10k!
Last month our race team, Zenith Endurance, received the invitation from Diadora to participate in a 10k race through the heart of Philadelphia. Here's the recap!
A Warm Welcome
Our adventure began when we touched down in Philadelphia, where the Diadora team rolled out the red carpet for us. They graciously hosted us and gave us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their headquarters. It was fascinating to see the passion and innovation that drives their products and meet the dedicated people who bring these high-quality running shoes to life.
Exploring Philadelphia
Our day in Philadelphia was packed with activities. We kicked things off with a group run that took us across the iconic Philadelphia bridge into New Jersey and back. We then jumped onto the upper deck of a two story bus for a tour of the historic points throughout the city!
Later, we headed to Philadelphia Runner for packet pickup, where we grabbed our bibs and got ready for the race. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, mingled with the team, and soaked up the local atmosphere. Then we closed out the night by checking into our local hotal - The Yowie.
Race Day Reflections
As we geared up for the Philly 10K, I couldn’t help but reflect on my personal journey. Coming back from a hip injury and dealing with various setbacks, it would have been easy to shy away from the starting line. But days like these remind me of why I love this sport. It’s about pushing through challenges and embracing every opportunity to race, regardless of where we’re at in our training.
Despite not being at my peak fitness, I found strength in simply stepping onto the starting line. Running is a sport of highs and lows, and this race was a testament to that journey. It's about pushing through the discomfort and having the confidence to tackle the starting line with honesty and resilience.
A New Chapter
After crossing the finish line, I was thrilled with the performance, especially considering the limited training leading up to the race. The Philly 10K was not just a race but a significant milestone in my comeback journey, less than a year after surgery. It was a true test of my fitness and left me feeling optimistic about the future.
With the fall season approaching, I’m excited to continue my training and tackle upcoming races like the Auggie Twilight and the Good Live Halfsy. I’m also looking forward to putting the Diadora Gar Carbon shoes to the test again—these carbon-plated racers are truly a game-changer.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
A big thank you to Diadora for their hospitality and support, and to everyone who followed along on this journey. This trip to Philadelphia was more than just a race; it was a chance to reconnect with the running community, test my limits, and set new goals for the future.
I’m eager to see where this next season takes me and to continue chasing new peaks in my running journey. Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for joining me on this adventure.
Until next time, keep chasing your peak!
-Derrick Ettel
Head Coach, Zenith Endurance