Live the Cross: August 2010

Early this morning I lived the dream. But before I can tell you about it I need to explain three things. First, I'm in Philadelphia currently, studying for two weeks at Westminster Theological Seminary as I begin my doctorate program. Second, I'm in week 6 of an 18 week marathon training program. Third, and most importantly, I am a huge fan of Rocky. It's my favorite movie (the first one, if you're wondering.) So if you combine these ingredients, some of you will probably know where I'm going with this.

This morning I got up at 5am, cracked 5 eggs into a glass (ok, I had cereal,) jumped in my car, and headed to central Philly for the best 7 mile run on the planet for a Rocky fan. Like the jewel in the center of the ring, the run was made perfect by living out one of the best scenes in cinematic history. But, the rest of the run was pretty great too. In fact, I think it would be pretty tough to come up with a 7-mile running route that includes more history central to our country than the one I made today. Here is a list in order of everything I passed along the way.

Penn's Landing

I started at the base of the bridge that takes you over to the shore at Penn's Landing, where all the ships are docked. I got started at about 6:30am. No one was on the street, and there was almost no traffic, making this an ideal starting point.

Benjamin Franklin's Post Office and Print Shop

A few blocks down on the left is Ben Franklin's home and work complex. It's a very cool replica of his post office and printing shop. In the shop you can actually buy type-set prints of the Declaration of Independence. The remains of his actual house can also be viewed.

Independence Hall

This is the building where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. If you take the tour, you can sit in the rooms that housed the First Continental Congress.

The Liberty Bell

As you pass Independence Hall on your left, to your right is a nice view of the Liberty Bell. Did I mention this run was historic? On this jog, history wraps around you like a Snuggie.

City Hall

At this point we pass from history to pseudo-history. Philadelphia City Hall is certainly important in it's own right, but for me its real importance is the fact that in Rocky's training montage, he runs right through here. This was when Gonna Fly Now started playing through my head. I started to pick up the pace.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
I approached the historic steps from the left, dodging a few cars. I took them two at a time at full speed. There are a lot of steps! I was panting pretty heavily when I got to the top, but was it ever worth it! I turned around and gazed out over the city. It is a very cool view from up there.

Now, I was debating whether or not to throw my hands up in true Rocky fashion and jump up and down, but I must admit that I didn't. There were quite a number of other joggers and cyclists there, and none of them were carrying on like that. I decided not to be the guy who looked like a tourist, since, after all, I am actually training for something. But it really didn't take away from the experience. I couldn't stop smiling. The Rocky statue sits at the base of the steps and I ran past it as I continued my journey

The German Society of Pennsylvania
I then ran down Spring Garden St., which is anything but spring or garden-like. In fact, if I were to change anything about this run, I would probably alter the route at this point. However, I did pass the German Society of Pennsylvania, which, from the first sentence of the plaque I read as I ran by, I learned was a society to help German immigrants get the help they needed to live in America. It's historic, but wholly unimpressive. Not worth a picture.

Chinatown
I ran through the heart of Chinatown, which was kinda cool, but it's not nearly as big or colorful as the Chinatown in Washington D.C. Still, I was glad to see it, and there were at least three restaurants that grabbed my attention.

Christ Church
You'd think after a run so chock full of American goodness I couldn't fit one more stop. But alas, Penn's Landing is right next to Christ Church, where I parked. This is the church George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Betsy Ross attended, along with 15 signers of the Declaration of Independence. What did I do here, you ask? Cool down exercises in the courtyard, of course. Nothing completes the ultimate American run like quad stretches where the fathers of our country worshiped.