Today's Peachtree Road Race was my fourth time doing this race since moving to Atlanta 4 years ago. This was not a great time result for me today, but I attribute that to the poor weather-racing conditions. Similar or worse to the weather 2 years ago 72 degrees and 100% humidity with a dew point of 71 - as I age, I just do not do well in those conditions. As expected, I ran about the same time 2 years ago.
My effort in the first 3 miles was on par as far as splits go with the previous efforts. I was at or slightly below 7 mins in the first mile with the next 2 downhill miles in upper 6 min range. However my heartrate this morning was blowing up very early even in the first mile and at least for me, once that happens, I have about 3.5-4 miles before I crack. My avg HR for this race has never been higher at 178.
Too bad this wasn't a 5k - because the first part of the race was not too terrible.
On the bright side, my daughters and my son-in-law all participated and it was a great event as it always is. I love that my girls want to do the race every year - regardless of whether they have been training - because it makes for a great family event and tradition. From the giant American flag hanging from a crane above the starting line, to the perfect organization, and nearly 60,000 runners, and with the National Anthem beautifully sung, ending perfectly with an F-16 blasting over Peachtree Road - there's nothing like it on Independence Day.
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