Peachtree Road Race, here I come!

So, some of you may know that I have been running (OK, jogging...) recently. In an attempt to motivate me even more, a few friends and I decided that we should send in applications for the Peachtree Road Race. This is a 10k race (6.2 miles) and is held annually on July 4th. Only 55,000 people get in, and many of the runners qualify in previous races in order to secure a spot. None of us are anywhere near qualifying-speed runners, but we got a copy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution early Sunday morning, filled out the application and put it in the mailbox with a check that afternoon. Earlier this week, my fate was sealed...the check cleared. I'm running in the Peachtree Road Race!

Here's a little history of the race:

On July 4, 1970 in Atlanta, a group of just over 100 runners made history, just by running down the street. What began that day as a simple fun run has grown over the past forty years into one of the city’s signature events and favorite Fourth of July traditions. Each year on this date, 55,000 runners gather at Lenox Mall to run 6.2 miles south on Peachtree Street in the largest 10K road race in the world. Along the way, they are cheered by almost 150,000 spectators and aided by more than 3,000 dedicated volunteers.

For the elite runners, the race is a chance at prize money and one of the most prestigious titles on the international circuit. For the “weekend warriors” at the middle—or farther back—in the pack, it’s a day to have fun running with friends and family, maybe achieve a personal best time, and earn their own prize: the famed Peachtree T-shirt.

Over the years, Atlanta and its favorite race have grown and changed, but one thing stays the same: Atlanta loves to celebrate the 4th by having some guests over and “doing Peachtree.”

So, now comes the panic. I have to train - really train - in order to not cross the finish line on my hands and knees. I know I'll not be one of the "elite runners", but I also don't want to make a fool of myself. So, I've signed up for several 5ks leading up the to 10k in July. Here's my schedule:

April 26th - Cedartown - Cedar Valley Arts Festival
May 17th - Cartersville - Duck Dash
June 14th - Cave Spring - CS Art Festival Road Race
July 4th - Atlanta - Peachtree Road Race - 10k
August 16th - Rome - Clocktower 5k

I've thrown the Clocktower 5k in there because that was the first 5k I'd ever run in 2006, and I'm excited to see how my time will have improved. So, if you're in the area and want to come and cheer on me, Meaghan and Susan, this is where we'll be!