AllState 13.1 Marathon Atlanta

I won't lie. I was rather apprehensive about the Allstate 13.1 Marathon for several reasons. One, the packet pick up was a Roadrunners. Now I purchase online from them all the time but this particular roadrunners is a HIGH pressure sales environment and I don't like them (one day Ill share my story). Second, when I arrived they had a sign saying you couldn't exchange shirts. I thought this was just tacky. I mean I treasure each race shirt but particularly my first half marathon and sometimes these things come way to big or way to small. Third, I went to the information table to get a map of the event and was flat out told be there by 5:30 because there wasn't going to be parking. INSERT EYEROLL HERE. If there isn't enough parking then don't have a race or give other options.

My goal was to make to it to the race at 5:30 however, somehow I slept through my alarm clock for 15 minutes until the Champ woke me. I ended up arriving downtown a little after 6. As I neared the "start" line I pulled a u turn and drove back to a empty shopping center I had seen. I figured why waste my time. Of course when I pulled in there was a police rodeo. I figured since they were all standing there that I should check and make sure it was cool I parked there. As I walked up to them about 5 of them turned and watched me  and asked if I was from the race. Of course I wasn't and kinda got waved off about parking haha. I guess parking at a shopping mall isn't that big of a deal at 6am?

At the time I didn't think I parked very far and there were tons of people out prepping the course and walking. But post-race I realized I parked about a mile away. Oh and I'm thankful I took a picture of the police rodeo because if it wasn't for that picture of Rite-Aide in the back I wouldn't have found my car. Yeah, I didn't pay attention, looked at the photo and pulled up my navigator to make sure I didn't pass it.

Anyway, I met my friend Harley who scored a free entry the night before. We decided to pace each other as we will be pacing each other for the big 2-6.2. My goal is to hit 5:30. Remember in my last marathon I walked the last 4 or 5 miles and came in a 5:46? Well, I decided 5:30 is reasonable.

I found Harley easily. Everything was well lit despite the time of day and it wasn't chaotic. We got in line with the 2:30 pace group although we didn't plan on pacing with them. The race started on time from what I recall and we were on the course within 6 minutes of the start.

I was really tight for the first three miles and I was worried my legs weren't going to loosen up. I tried not to focus on my legs instead I immersed myself in conversation.

Typically I don't see that many people out there cheering for us runners but there were this time. Even the volunteers had clappers or bells. There were two high school drumlines and even original motivational signs...

I asked to take of a photo the gentleman that made this sign but he insisted that I be in the photo...

The course was hilly but for the past 2 months all of my long runs have taken place on hilly-ass courses so it wasn't to bad. In fact, around mile 6 I felt a-mazing. Like I wanted to sprint! But, I told myself I wasn't racing, I was pacing.
I wanted to stay strong and consistent for the marathon.
I needed to pace myself.

You ran down a partially closed off road for I think the first 6 miles, then it turned residential, then into a park, then back out on the road. Honestly, before the race I thought it was would be boring, I mean I've lived in Atlanta almost my whole life so I thought there wouldn't be much to see but the change in scenes was great.

There were plenty of aide stations that were headed by a variety of volunteers. I saw Black Girls Run out there and they were awesome. I saw a troop of boy scouts....

At mile 10 I decided to pick it up a bit. I had a lot of energy and since I didn't have to go another 13 miles I figured I should kick it up a knotch and I did.  I finished at 2:38 and felt strong and motivated to keep going. Where to? I don't know but I could have kept it up. Oh, I was very happy with this time since my goal is 5:30 for the marathon. Again, for me it wasn't about speed but pace.

Anywho..

The finish line was awesome. They had a nice thing for you to run through. Unlike my marathon there were tons of people there cheering for you as you finished.

It felt good.

As soon as you finished you were handed a medal, then someone offered you a water, you would walk a few steps and the next would offer you cookies, then the next chocolate milk.... your arms were filled with grub. I quickly exited the finishers area and plopped down on a nice grassy area and chugged my chocolate milk and nibbled on my bagel. I took in the scenery.
It was rad.
I was on a plot of land in the middle of condos and stores.
There were several vendors and....a tent of massage therapists.
The angels sang when I saw them.

I have been to plenty of halfs where there are chiropractors on duty or therapists but they had like 10 set up. I hopped in line and waited oh, a minute before it was my turn. It was awesome to get stretched out after a race. (something I don't do and something you cant do as good as the professionals in my opinion).

After my massage I felt great. I actually dried off, changed clothes and went shopping the rest of the day. I also didn't take a nap nor went to bed early.
















Actually I stayed up past midnight, I know wild woman, right?

Everything was perfect. the day, the weather, the race, the bling...

And the volunteers and police officers were really kick ass.

Race Menu
2 ibuprofens
half a redbull
1 salt stick
24 ounces of orange nuun
mile 4 one gu roctane and salt stick
mile 8 one gu roctane and salt stick
About two half cups of water throughout the race
And one orange slice because it was there at mile 8ish


Have you been skeptical about a race?
What makes a race "good" in your opinion?