Race Recap: 2014 AJC Peachtree Road Race

Well the day has finally come and it has gone. I ran the largest 10k in the world, the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Peachtree Road Race with over 59,999 other people. This race has been an Atlanta Tradition for 45 year now. It's become so much more than a race. If you don't know about any other race in Atlanta, whether you are from the city or not, you know about "the Peachtree".

For years, I'd see past participants on the 4th of July wearing their race tees not really caring too much about it, but in high school, only because I needed volunteer hours, I started volunteering for this race. I think my first year volunteering was in 2000 or 2001? I enjoyed it so much I volunteered every year after that until 2006, I think.

All the while, not even knowing what a 10k was, lol. I just liked doing my job, cheering the runners/walkers on, and most of all the PERKS of volunteering for THIS race! We used to get all type of freebies and the runners would thank us as they ran by.

It was not until I became a runner in 2011 that I wanted to do this race...well I take that back, the last time I volunteered I said I would walk the race, but for some reason I never did. In 2011 I wanted to run it, but it was too late to register. I mustn't forget to mention that for summer running in Atlanta...there's a saying, "heat, hills, and humidity" for describing the Peachtree. And the route is uphill the entire freakin' way. There's actually a hill nicknamed, Cardiac Hill.

 

On to my personal experience...

So, the two weeks leading up to race day, my training had been kind of shaky. I'd missed 1 or 2 runs and didn't give it my all on 1 or 2 either. I'd also missed some cross-training days. 'tis life, I guess. So race morning, I was kind of nervous. For safety reasons and knowing how the weather could potentially be, I can say I hydrated well. I've been on a personal gallon of water a day challenge.

Race morning I was kind of nervous. So nervous I didn't know what to eat and couldn't remember what I usually ate the morning of my long runs...crazy. But my schedule had been off for the past couple weeks, so I'd actually been doing my long runs in the evenings versus the morning.

Glad my hubs was running the race with me. This took my mind off of all the technicalities, a little. This was his very first 10k race, so I wanted to be there for him as well. We drove to the first MARTA station to ride the train, but the parking was full by 6 am. At first I started to panic lol. See when I start typing this stuff out I notice how ridiculous I CAN be, lol. But anyhoo, I went to another station on the line that was 5 minutes away which had plenty of parking. I just hate being late. And I have been late for a race before. It was smooth sailing once we bought our passes and arrived at the starting line.

We took a few moments to use the restroom, warm up, and takes selfies. And then we were off!

Miles 1-2 were spent dodging the crowd until it thinned out. I'm glad I brought my music to play just in case because I couldn't tune out other people's heavy breathing, yelling, talking etc...it was just too much of a distraction.

Miles 2-3 were spent mentally preparing myself for "Cardiac Hill". Although I had practiced the route many times, I was still nervous. Cardiac hill is almost about a 1/2 mile of steady incline. It actually isn't bad. The "bad" part is completing Cardiac hill, getting a small break and then here comes the start of another ANOTHER hill.

Cardiac Hill - Source

Police escorts driving up Cardiac Hill - Source

Now I knew in order to get through I would have to pick up water at the water station. Something I normally don't like to do. The water helped. I was beginning to get cotton mouth and it helped my breathing...I guess that makes sense.

I walked to drink my water, caught my breath and then set back out. I kept chanting to myself "make it to 10th street, make it to 10th street". I knew at 10th street the finish line would be near. I had a couple of "WTF" moments after I finally did reach 10th street. Where's The Finish Line!?! But the crowds were going wild for everyone and that gave me the boost I needed. I always get this burst of energy in the last moments before I cross.

Before I knew it I was crossing. I finally made it! I checked my watch (& unofficial time on the site later in the day) and I had made it! After 12 weeks of commitment with a now 8 month old! I met my goal, which was to finish at a 10:30 or below average pace.

Now, this was not a PR for me, but being 8 months post partum, I am extremely proud of myself! This race was a test to see if I could rebuild my base in order to reach my next goal...so stay tuned. :-)

the Peachtree Finish Line After Party!

One more thing... As far as race organization goes if you ever thought about this race in the future; it's extremely fun with bands at every mile, businesses passing out beer and other alcoholic beverages if you're into that, crazy costumes, the fellowship, and support is all great. Plus, the Atlanta Track Club always puts on a well organized race. We racked up on finisher snacks, too. ;-)

sn: I kinda hate this pic, bc I LOOK fat!

Piedmont Park

Later that day we relaxed with family, ate good bbq, and watched fireworks! The day was perfect.

What did you do for the holiday?

-Tiffany

Race Week To Do's

It looks like I may have to halt my Nike 10k training for this week.  I have a 5k race on Saturday evening (my first night race) and I really, really want to PR. I'm going for sub-29.  My 10k training program scheduled me to do 5, 2, 4, and 6 mile runs this week.  Instead here's how this week will go for me:


Sunday - rest
Monday - 5 mile easy run
Tuesday - Insanity's Cardio Abs
Wednesday - 4 mile run
Thursday - 2 mile run, Insanity's resistance (or Jillian Michael's 30-day Shred)
Friday - rest
Saturday - *Race Day* - Firefly 5k (3.1) Run


I've tweeted about going to track workouts one day a week to work on my speed to improve my 5k time.  That has shaved seconds off of my time, but I think the type of speed training that has really worked better for me is Fartlek training.  Fartlek training is just casual speed work where you run fast and then at your normal pace for intervals.  I've been very consistent with running each week, but what I hadn't done was push myself out of my comfort zone. Why did it take so long? Because it is uncomfortable!  But, you can't expect different results by doing the same thing.  So far by doing this I've been able to conquer hills like no other and last week I ran at 9 minute and some second mile paces consistently.  No, 9, 10, 11 minute miles...all 9's.  I think I have a pretty good chance of at least beating my last time and finishing at sub-30 if not sub 29 anyways.  Wish me luck :)


I'll be trying to eat as clean as possible, significantly increase my water intake (I've been slacking), and get at least 8 hrs of sleep at least the 2 days before the race.

My last run before this morning's 5 mile easy run was another 5 miler on Saturday.  Although I rested on Sunday, I think me running that 5 miles on Saturday was the reason I felt a little something in my shins and below my knee.  I haven't felt pain in either places in a while.  I've read that's one of the signs you'll encounter when increasing your mileage.  Or maybe I shouldn't have run two long runs so close together?  After the second mile, my legs started to feel fine which led me to believe all I needed was a proper warm-up.  Through trial and error, I will eventually figure it out without injuring myself too badly.  I made sure not to forget to stretch and iced all areas I felt a little pain in afterwards.

How do you prepare the week of a race?