Hey Trippers!

Run on Atlanta!

So today’s Peachtree Road Race marked my 10th or 11th time running the race (I honestly can’t remember) over the last two decades. The Peachtree holds a special place in my heart as it was indeed the very first race I ever ran.

On July 4th, 1994 I ran my FIRST Peachtree.

On July 4th, 2014 I ran my BEST Peachtree.

I was a tad concerned yesterday about the race because my runs this week in the humid conditions were less than impressive (huff and puff and blow this runner down). And on Thursday I picked up a bit of a cold, complete with scratchy throat and headache.

This morning, however, the universe seemed to align rather nicely. While I did still have a scratchy throat, I was feeling better than yesterday. Also, the weather gods decided to shine favorably (or should I say, not so brightly) on us. The weather today was beautiful and not too shabby for running.

So myself and 60,000 other runners lined up at Lenox Mall this morning, raring for a holiday run through Peach City.

Given the hills and summer weather, I was just hoping to break 1 hour for the 10K.

Turns out I did better. Much better. In fact I set a 10K PR (since I started keeping track back in ’08) of 56:56.

The legs felt pretty strong and both of my lungs decided to show up. And while I did notice the back of the left knee once or twice (just a bit), it didn’t hurt. So, I think I’m well on my way to a full recovery.

Cool “secret” shirt.

Oh, and there was an unexpected plus to today’s race. On Thursday I wrote about “The Spoiler” (check it out here) and how I was dreading his unavoidable annual appearance to ruin the surprise of the Peachtree T-Shirt.

Apparently my “Cry for justice” was answered. I don’t know if it was The Justice League, Teen Titans, Suicide Squad, Doom Patrol or little old lady swinging a purse, but somebody foiled The Spoiler. For the first time in forever, he was nowhere to be seen.

I did not learn the secret identity of the Peachtree shirt until after I had crossed the finish line, been handed a bottle of water and made my way into Piedmont Park.

And the design was good.

I’ll post the “official results” from the Peachtree when they’re up later today. And look for my full review of the race in the days to come.

And now it’s time to BBQ.

Have a great Fourth of July holiday everyone!

Celebrate your Independence Day… and Run on!