Here’s How To Add Some Fun Into Race Training

The country’s most popular 10-mile race—the Broad Street Run—is back on Sunday, May 5 (hosted in the best city, if we do say so ourselves). And with every stride, racers are cheered on by spectators and supporters, lining Philly’s streets and basking in the celebratory, communal energy of the run. 

And though the day of the run is enthusiastic and fun for racers and fans alike, a competitive lottery system means that many people who wanted to run the race find themselves delegated to supportive roles on the sidewalks. But this year, the lottery system isn’t your only chance to win a spot in the Broad Street race—and earn the feelings of pride and joy that accompany the run.  

For any runners still hoping to get into the race, entering Michelob Ultra’s sweepstakes brings two benefits: You can win a bib for the race, and that bib will be free. That means you won’t have to focus on paying for your spot—and instead, you can focus on a training routine that’ll not only make the 10 miles feel good physically, but also mentally. 

Non-runners might not believe that a training routine could be enjoyable and even fun—but anyone who begins a running habit knows that it can be a way to meet new people, explore new places and feel more confident. And for this year’s Broad Street Run, your training practice can reflect all the vibrance, excitement and unity of this iconic race.  

Here are our tips for building a social, fun training routine to make preparing for the run feel as special as race day itself.  

Join a local running group

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself for those longer training runs, why not find yourself a running partner, or two, or five? The Broad Street Run’s recommended training plan starts 12 weeks out from race day, but you don’t need to do all those jogs alone—joining a local running group can help you stay motivated and find the joy in exercising.  

A group run can be a great way to understand your pace and develop realistic goals, and it’ll give you something to look forward to beyond exercise, too. Running together—especially in preparation for a run that members of your group might be participating in, too—can initiate long-term friendships and can also act as the “pre-game” for some post-run time together as a group, whether that’s just chatting, grabbing coffee or maybe hitting a local bar. 

And though the idea of friendships and social interaction might be what really sells you on a running group, joining one will benefit your fitness, too: Being part of a group helps you stay accountable as an exerciser. As you and your fellow runners prepare for this year’s Broad Street 10-miler, you’ll motivate one another to show up even on the days you don’t feel like running—and even if it’s the post-run beer that’s really motivating you, what matters is that you trained.  

No matter what neighborhood you live in or what your fitness experience is, there’s likely a running group near you that will cater to your interests and help you meet some motivators, athletes and maybe even friends. Check out Philly Mag’s list of our area’s running groups here.    

Check out some Philly-favorite trails and courses 

There are some classic running routes in the Philly area—and you don’t need to sprint up the art museum steps to experience the spirit of our city on your training jogs (though if you want to channel your inner Rocky Balboa, we certainly won’t stop you). 

A staple of the Philly outdoors, the Schuylkill River Trail is a perfect place to train for the Broad Street race—and a great way to feel some sun on your skin as spring reaches its peaks. Trail options range in length and intensity, so you can make this trail a destination for both short and long runs, solo or with friends. But as the race gets closer and your runs increase in distance, a great option is to check out the Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Loop, a nearly nine-mile loop that stretches across the river. 

 For another outdoor adventure, complete with some stunning views (that will hopefully make the steep hills you’ll be running feel worth it), running across the Ben Franklin Bridge’s pedestrian walkway can pump you up for race day. Whether you’re going for a morning, mid-day or evening run, the picturesque Delaware River can serve as a beautiful backdrop for your exercise—and can also give you an excuse to stop, catch your breath and appreciate what you’re working towards. About three miles round-trip, this route is grounds for conversational runs, easy paces and remembering that race day will make all this sweat feel empowering.   

Try cross-training with group activities 

 Incorporating exercises other than running into your training regimen will help add some variety to your routine, and it’ll do even more good: In fact, the Broad Street Run even recommends cross-training at least once a week. By cross-training, they mean activities that will help you maintain endurance and build strength but won’t risk injury. And like running itself, cross-training can be more fun and motivating in groups. 

 One option for some fun cross-training is to gather some friends and head to one of Philly’s public outdoor spaces for some team sports—that can, depending on your friend group, be as competitive or non-competitive as you wish. Among the more popular recreational options for adults today is pickleball: a game that will keep your exercise consistent, but grant you a break from all the miles you’ll be logging as you prepare for the race. We definitely recommend practicing your pickleball game as a way to spice up your running prep, and we hope you enjoy the vitamin D and endorphins you’ll get from some outdoor playing time—but we’re not responsible for any hyper-competitive attitudes that emerge from your friends (or, should we say, competitors). Here is Philly Mag’s list of pickleball courts in the region.  

 Another option, instead of bringing your friends out to get active with you, is to make new friends through cross-training exercises—and, with the various group exercise activities offered in Philly’s parks, you’ll be able to choose what interests you most. For fitness classes, you can try a weekly boot camp, attend Zumba lessons or focus on stretching with yoga and Pilates sessions. These classes are great ways to meet new people and expand your exercise palate, and are offered for vast age ranges (and many are free, too). Several more intense athletic activities are also available, spanning the gamut from weightlifting to martial arts to double Dutch.  

Whatever your cross-training method of choice might be, the benefits will be the same—you’ll get closer to your goals for the 10-mile race, and you’ll have fun doing it.