Still dark when we crossed the starting line and did I mention it was COLD? Last year I wore a tank top at this race, and today I was in my warmest fleece lined leggings, a winter base long sleeved top under my ATC singlet and my winter gloves. I certainly learned my lesson at the Hot Chocolate race, LOL!

Starting off I felt OK. Not good or great, just OK. I enjoy the buzz and crowds in big races, so I soaked it in. After the first few miles, I noticed my left IT Band talking to me. It's happened on long training runs, but never became a thing. It was a thing today.

Most of the miles ticked off really slowly and really tediously. I just couldn't get in a groove or get to feeling "good" whatsoever. Both of my IT Bands were cranky, my right knee was hurting and my feet were very uncomfortable. And I had to pee like a racehorse. The first 3-4 port a potty opportunities had lines of 20+ people so I didn't want to wait. Finally around mile 7, I think, there were only 5-6 people in line so I stopped. That helped.

At mile 9, we went through beautiful Peidmont Park and I took my gloves off to take a photo on my phone. I put them in my pants to see if I could run without them but nope, hands were so cold still, so I put the gloves back on.

The last four miles are basically all uphill, so I ended up walking big chunks. I hate doing that, but between my cranky legs and feet and the elevation I just resigned to it. It was just hill after hill after hill after hill. Welcome to Atlanta.

Finally hit mile 12 and I pepped up a little. I saw my buddy Michele and caught up to her. She was walking and I was feeling better, so I just patted her back and told her she was doing great as I passed. I ran almost all of the last mile, and seeing a small group of tri club people cheering right before the finish chute made me tear up a little. They were so encouraging and they knew who I was, I heard them yell my name. Right then, I was just so glad to be a part of this tri club and have people out there cheering for me - even in a race that was not my best.

I actually started crying in the finish chute and my nose was dripping like crazy, so I'm sure my photos are lovely haha! Glad to stop running, but man that last mile might have been the one I felt the best in.

Nothing, not sure. I trained really well for this race and had great long runs. I probably need to start foam rolling more.

I bee-lined straight to the ATC tent where I'd left my gear check bag, and was happy to see Tisha there. We had leap frogged each other early in the race and looking back, I kind of wish I would have stuck with her. Sheryl and Michele came in right behind me and we all chatted for a bit before heading out.

I felt bad because Jen's friends had invited me to shower and hang out at their Midtown place after the race - and I really wanted to - but man I was cranky and feeling so beat up. So I texted Jen and apologized for bailing, knowing that I just needed to get home. Ended up riding MARTA with Sheryl all the way home and again, was thankful for the tri club and for good people to call my friends.

Got home, ate a little, took a hot bath then immediately slept for 3+ hours straight.


IT Band mostly.


A great Atlanta race, but certainly hilly. Weather can be cold or warm, depends on the year. Very organized and fun race atmosphere. 11K racers between the full, half and 5K.