Peachtree Road Race

Sometime earlier this year, I pre-registered for the Peachtree Road Race to guarantee that I was able to get a number. Thanks KDLaw! Fast forward to earlier this week... the anticipation was building and I was quite nervous since I heard that this is the largest 10K in the world.

Yesterday, I planned to come home and go to bed early and ensure I got a good night's rest. Well... the train had another plan for my evening.  They had mechanical difficulties a few stops from my destination and we had to get off the train.  They were going to call buses for us to go to other stations.  As this was happening the bottom fell out and there were torrential downpours.  The thought of a crowded bus filled with wet people did not excite me in the least bit.  I called a ride to come pick me up.  While I was waiting, I found a little comedic delight when a dog climbed the stairs and went through the gates like he wanted to catch the train.  People ran and I was so tickled.  I finally got home almost two hours after I intended to.  I finally went to bed a few hours later and it felt like I got the best sleep ever.

I thought I had food in my teeth. :)

 I woke up this morning about 4:30/4:45 so I could get up and get dressed in enough time to head to my friend's house to ride to the race.  I felt a bit of nervous energy in my stomach because I knew I'd have 6.2 miles ahead of me and it seemed like such a long way to go.  I was able to get to the A wave (don't worry about how), but I started with C.  I knew I wouldn't keep up with the friends I started with, but my goal was to pace myself, listen to my music and enjoy the scenery.  I did the run/walk combo and finished in about 1:31 I think... it was like 9:09 AM and I started at 7:42, that includes a pit stop. UPDATE!!! I got my official time and it was 1:27:17.  

The Shirt!!!

I think the highlight of the race for me was getting sprinkled with holy water by the ministers at a church along the route.  There was also a minister that gave a super prayer before the race that I enjoyed.  I also enjoyed the open fire hydrants that provided some wonderful showers.  The day was perfectly overcast until later in the morning and wasn't the blazing 100+ degrees we had been experiencing.  The finish line came up faster than I expected, because it was just below a hill.  I raised my hands above my head as I was crossing the line. Overall, I'm proud of myself for doing the race and I hope to do it again next year.  I can't wait until the race photos are posted on the website!!  I'll have to come back and post some of them.

The back of the finish line.

The treats at the end of the race were good, too.  They had Powerade, Blue Bell popsicles and ice cream sandwiches, water, bananas, the sweetest peaches ever, cookies, pretzels, and of course the coveted t-shirt.

After the race, I came home and helped my family grill.  I did the hotdogs and baked beans... high fives to me.