With the cancellation of my beloved Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, I was now staying home over Labor Day. What is the best way to find the silver lining to a change in what had become tradition? Running a local race that you have heard so much about over the years, of course! This Labor Day, instead of 13.1 magical miles in Anaheim, CA, I was running 6.2 miles in Atlanta at the Big Peach Sizzler 10K.
Just like I usually tend to do, I went out way to fast...like faster than 5K pace fast. I was quickly brought back town to reality when we hit the first little hill about 3/4 of a mile or so in. I readjusted my pace and held a steady pace for the next 4 miles until I crushed some negative splits the last 2.2 miles. Kinda exactly opposite of what I was expecting given my past few weeks, but I won't complain.
I won't lie, in those final miles I had a drive that I haven't had in awhile. I eyed runners in front of me and took that one by one. I am not the fastest by any means, but even the middle of the pack can have some friendly competition. I kept pushing harder and finished strong.
There were so many great vendors on hand and of course the Big Peach on Wheels truck was there for any shopping needs you might have. I just so happen to find yet another pair of goodr sunglasses that I "needed" so I didn't walk away empty handed.
Team 65 Roses briefly spoke about their foundation and how the funds raised today were helping with Cystic Fibrosis research before the awards ceremony started. It always adds a nice touch to races when you hear how money raised is being used and impacting your local community.