For the past six years, I’ve woken up on the 4th of July morning and did what 60,000 other people did – ran the Peachtree Road Race.
(2011)
(2010)
This year, I’m not. It’s not for any big reason other than I didn’t get chosen for the lottery. It’s sort of ridiculous. Out of 62,000 people who entered, I was one of the 2,000 who didn’t get in. And to make matters worse, I didn’t get in last year either!
The reason I was able to run last year was that it’s fairly easy to find a number. I was able to get one from a friend who couldn’t run and a blog reader actually offered hers to Jason, since she couldn’t do it. All it really takes is some facebook status updates, tweets or emails and you’ve got yourself a number. But this year, I just didn’t really care to make the effort.
The Peachtree is a great Atlanta tradition, don’t get me wrong. But it’s not really a fun race. It’s extremely hot and extremely crowded. If you choose to run and you’re not in the front couple of start waves, you’re basically weaving in and out of walkers the entire time. Then, at the end, there’s a mile uphill walk to the MARTA station.
I have a hard time doing races for fun. I like to give it my all and see what I can do. I haven’t run more than three miles at a time in probably two months. This wouldn’t have been a good race for me. Not to mention, part of the fun is doing it with Jason and he has to work.
It feels weird though, to not have to set my alarm early for tomorrow morning. Like I gave up my runner card or something. I know, totally overdramatic, but it does feel strange, especially when I read about other Atlanta runners who are doing it. Although, ask me again how I’m feeling when I’m still snoozing at 9am!
I am pretty sad I’m not running it this year. I always thought it was fun. you’re never going to get a PR, but the people-watching is rich! That being said, I’m not depressed about it since the weather is so crap-tastic. Still hauling my ass outta bed to cheer though!
Part of me saying that it’s not a fun race is probably me trying to convince myself of that because I’m still pissed that I didn’t get in!
I’ve never seen or run in the Peachtree Road Race, but hopefully one day I can at least be a spectator. The whole lottery process kind of turns me off…such a bummer that you haven’t gotten in the last couple years! It’s okay though…all those people will be dying in the heat wave while you’re nice and cozy.
I never even thought about the race until this year. I don’t know that I’ll ever be interested in running, but I do want to see it some time. Enjoy your snooze button and the fact that you aren’t running in this heat/humidity.
Bummer about not getting in
At least its an excuse to sleep in right?
Sorry you didn’t get in- that’s lame.
I used to run races ALL THE TIME and haven’t run a single one in over 2 years now! I have really mixed feelings about it… I signed up for a 5k in Denver that’s in 2 weeks. I should probably start running a little bit, since it will be at such high elevation!
It always feel weird to break a tradition, I totally understand. I hope you still managed to have a good day though!