It's been a hot minute since I've raced with my two favorite runners. Our last race together was the very wet Peachtree Road Race. Thankfully, the Atlanta 10-miler was nice and dry! The 10 miles were also a nice break from our typical 13.1 races.
This was my second year running the 10-miler. Atlanta Track Club is a wonderful organization, and I appreciate the events they put on for the runners, by runners. I liked the medal, but I must say that I prefer last year's blue "suncatcher" medal.
My memories from last year's race were of the brutal hills through the neighborhoods and back roads around Atlanta. I recall thinking Big Peach Running Co.'s tag line: "Hills, heat, humidity. Welcome to Atlanta." must have been written about this race course.
As I ran this year, however, I kept thinking how surely they had changed the course. I remembered key pieces of the course such as IKEA just outside of Atlantic Station, the Puppet School people, and Cardiac Hill. They had to have changed the course this year, because the hills really *gasp* weren't that bad.... Right?
Apparently, I've simply had a change of perspective. Has running the hills in my neighborhood helped condition me for Atlanta's hills? Did the mountain we ran on the Asheville Half Marathon Course resonate enough to make Atlanta's hills seem manageable?
Don't misunderstand, I still loathe running/walking hills... Of any elevation.
My memories from last year's race were of the brutal hills through the neighborhoods and back roads around Atlanta. I recall thinking Big Peach Running Co.'s tag line: "Hills, heat, humidity. Welcome to Atlanta." must have been written about this race course.
As I ran this year, however, I kept thinking how surely they had changed the course. I remembered key pieces of the course such as IKEA just outside of Atlantic Station, the Puppet School people, and Cardiac Hill. They had to have changed the course this year, because the hills really *gasp* weren't that bad.... Right?
Apparently, I've simply had a change of perspective. Has running the hills in my neighborhood helped condition me for Atlanta's hills? Did the mountain we ran on the Asheville Half Marathon Course resonate enough to make Atlanta's hills seem manageable?
Don't misunderstand, I still loathe running/walking hills... Of any elevation.
My favorite parts of this race:
1. REAL bathrooms at the start line!! "Thank you, kind volunteer, I am choosing to stand in this 30 minute line for a real toilet even though the porta potties down the way have no wait."
2. Course support is fantastic! I so appreciated the school groups along the route cheering us on. Never underestimate the power of a spectator on a distance race. Never!
The 10-miler was the second stop for the Triple Peach race series challenge. Next stop: Atlanta Half Marathon!!
1. REAL bathrooms at the start line!! "Thank you, kind volunteer, I am choosing to stand in this 30 minute line for a real toilet even though the porta potties down the way have no wait."
2. Course support is fantastic! I so appreciated the school groups along the route cheering us on. Never underestimate the power of a spectator on a distance race. Never!
The 10-miler was the second stop for the Triple Peach race series challenge. Next stop: Atlanta Half Marathon!!