My First Peachtree Road Race Experience

4:15 I started to wake up and got out of bed at 4:30. At this time I noticed I was out of my black tea. I ended up getting a small bowl of cereal and water. My family left at 5:20 am.

We arrived at MARTA before sunrise and hopped on. We arrived at the race while the wheelchair racers were warming up.

I found my wave (E) around 6:45 am. I decided at 6:50 to leave my family to claim my spot in the line up. In the hour I waited with the many other racers I chatted with a woman near my size and we watched the helicopters fly around us.

Before my wave started I saw my cousin who was in wave J. That was exciting.

Dave Matthews was playing over the loud speaker at the starting line and my stomach felt as if I was at the top of a rollercoaster before it drops. In a couple seconds at the starting line, I was off.

Before the first 100 meters was up my family cheered me on. They cheered me on once I arrived at 10th Street. I did not see them, but apparently my mom was so excited she ran into a fence trying to make me hear her.

It entertained me every time everyone had a clear view of the runners ahead and it was just one huge mass of people moving forward. I found this interesting, now, because the race is held on the 4th of July and its also the worlds largest 10k race, the movement of masses coming together for a coming goal should be an example for every day life.

I hit Cardiac Hill and flew up it feeling strong and great. Plus, being soaking wet made it even better. The water stations every mile, the strong sprinklers, the on lookers squirting the runners and the music made the atmosphere fun. I started having a blast by playing in the water and slapping hands with the kids on the side lines.

I didn't expect a PR off this race since its my fist time running it, the amazing amount of runners (50044 finishers), my schedule didn't allow me to run for 2 weeks prior and being bloated since I will start in 2 days.

My feet started to ache and my lower back cramped up with sickness setting in my stomach I had to walk after finishing Cardic Hill a small Asian older woman comes up behind me and goes "Come on. Your fast. GO!" I started to pace with her and she went "NO! GO ON!" I went off.

That held out for a bit and then I had to walk again. She caught up and said "I caught you. NOW GO!" I went. She caught me one more time at mile 5 and pushed me on. I kept in front of her and pushed a follow runner on. She did the same for me and as always I sprinted to the end.

My stats:
Chip time- 63:51 minutes
Overall place- 16338 out of 50044
Gender placement- 5423 out of 24306
Age Grade- 47.5%

With all factors in place I am proud of my race and I had fun.