Before the race, I had a lot of trouble setting goals for myself. By race day, an injury had me feeling grateful just to be able to run at all. I've been fortunate enough to forget what being unable to run feels like for the past two years. Even being off for only two days (and during a taper week, no less, where I would only have run on ONE of those days for a max of three miles), I was a disaster.
Until you've bawled your eyes out on your evening commute because you see someone running on the sidewalk while you're in pain, wearing a boot, and incapable of even going for a light stroll around the block, it's easy to take the ability to run for granted. After a few stints of bad injuries, I've come to really appreciate my health. When I don't "feel like" running, I remember how not being ABLE to run feels, and suck it up and get out there... because I can.
Pre-Peachtree, I committed to rest, some strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory pills and foods to give myself the best chance for success. I also had Jerry help with some KT taping for an extra layer of security the night before.
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| Trust me, the USA nails are a much better (and internet-appropriate) pic than the KT tape on my hip bone |
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| Also, we got (temporary) ATC tattoos! |
I was beyond grateful to be able to run Peachtree this year, and I took in every experience with a new appreciation. We met up with friends at the North Springs MARTA, got to walk to the start together, get excited together, take silly pictures together, and just enjoy the pre-race buzz together.
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| How strong? So strong. |
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| ABCDE waves! |
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| party at the port-a-potties! |
The morning started off with excellent weather for a race, and, at first, I lamented not being able to go for any particular time, but ended up being really grateful that I was able to run with Birgit, who was also starting off in Corral C. She's 6 1/2 mo pregnant, and was just hoping to finish in under an hour.
We had SO MUCH FUN on course. It was really awesome to just go run at a comfortable pace with no stress about anything. I loved being able to support her through her pregnant Peachtree; asking if she needed water or anything and encouraging her up the hills gave me something to focus on besides myself, and I was grateful for the "distraction". Plus, she absolutely KILLED it, finishing in 57:50. At almost 7mo pregnant.
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| so proud of this girl! |
Afterwards, we enjoyed a reunion with the #10KTuesday crew and hanging out with friends at the ATC member after party. It's great to remember that not every race needs to be about your time. There are plenty of other things to strive for and enjoy, and the successes of friends and family will always give you something to celebrate, even if your race wasn't what you'd originally hoped it would be.
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| the crew |
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| #10KTuesday does the "Eachtree"? |
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| Look! Look! We actually got a picture together! :D This guy annihilated his "top 1000" goal, finishing 565 out of almost 60,000 runners <3 SO. FAST. #gazellelife |
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