I woke up early this 4th of July to participate in the Peachtree Road Race which is the world’s largest 10K with 60,000 people running. This was my sixth time doing it and Jason’s fourth.
Since there are so many people running, everyone is assigned to a certain start waves and each wave goes about five minutes after one another. I was in one of the last waves – Group W which didn’t start until 8:55. The first runners started at 7:30 if that gives you any indication of how big the race is. In fact, I was still at home, watching the news coverage, when the race began.
We drove to the closest MARTA station and waited for the train with other runners that were in the last few groups.
It took a while, but finally we were able to see the start line and the huge American flag.
And then we were off. Since we were in the back, there were a lot of walkers and we had to weave in and out some. Jason said he’d run for as long as he could and then I promised to walk with him. We ran the first mile and then did a bit of a run/walk for the second.
There were a lot people and everyone seemed to slow down as we approached Cardiac Hill, the big hill around Mile 3. (which is not actually that big.)
We were mostly walking at this point, save for a few jogs here and there. I’m not going to lie, it was difficult mentally for me to walk when I knew that I was able to run and wanted to run. But I promised Jason that I’d stick with him, so I walked.
It was definitely getting hot out but sweet relief was provided by Kristy and her husband as they were standing near Mile 5 with a cooler of King of Pops popsicles. Jason and I shared one; we think it was mojito flavored.
And then we continued on to the finish. Even though we walked the majority of it, I had a fun time and it’s always a great start of the 4th of July. Maybe next year, Jason won’t have to work afterward.
Did you run any 4th of July races?
It was great seeing you guys yesterday! Glad you liked the pop!
Looks awesome, but hot! The popsicles probably totally hit the spot! I didn’t run a race this year but did a group run with my sis, husband and M. It was good to do together
it looks like you had fun! i would love to run/walk it one year and gather all the free stuff.
Sometimes it is more fun to just be in the spirit and enjoy your time with Jason then to compete. I am glad you two had a good time!
So great that you stuck it out with Jason, that’s awesome! I bet it was hard to walk when you wanted to/could run, but at the same time, must have been good bonding with the hubs doing the walk/run thing together!
Awesome! I’ve never run or walked that race before but maybe I will next year!
That is such a huge race! I’ve never done a race on the 4th. Looks fun though!
No races for me! I keep going back and forth on whether I want to actively race anymore. I always do longer distances, which ends up being a pain, but I kind of like the challenge.
I spent 4th of July in bed with a kidney stone…laaaaame. I posted about this while you were on vacation, but King of Pops is in Asheville too!
Wow I’ve never heard of that race?? What city was it in? You’re such a good spouse.
Atlanta.
Very cool for you guys to do this, and for you to stick together! Looks like a good time – several of my co-workers ran it and enjoyed it!
I sat in the car for 11 hours on July 4th..but I did get two runs in the two day before, which was awesome.
I agree – it’s really difficult to walk with someone in a race when you know you can run. I had that same problem when I agreed to run a 5K with my younger cousin. I wanted to be supportive and cheer her on but my legs just wanted to sprint.
Popsicles! How awesome. I’ll bet Jason really appreciated that you stuck with him. My bro and I ran a 15K on the 4th. He is a much faster runner but he wanted to stick with me (even tho I said he didn’t have to). It really was much more fun to run it with someone and I was very happy he stuck with me.
How fun to do a race with your husband! I did a 5k with my mom, sister, aunt and cousin yesterday and it was so much fun. Hot as blazes and crazy hilly but I was in heaven running with other people!
I’m so bummed I couldn’t run this year – have tendinitis in my hamstring. Wah. But John ran and I cheered him on! Congrats on finishing!
I’m glad you both were able to get a number and run together. It’s tough when you’re married to someone with a non-standard work schedule. Looks like it was a great morning though!
Congrats on the race
I think it’s sweet of you to stick with Jason. I did that once with mother during a 5K and it killed me too not to run but I stuck with her.