In 2018, I ran the Alpharetta Women‘s 5k while 25 weeks pregnant (you can read the recap here). This year, I ran their half marathon at 8 months postpartum! Right after running their 5k last year, I signed up for the half marathon knowing that it would be my peak distance race event during my postpartum 2019 running journey.
What a journey it has been! 8 months of rehabbing my body, rebuilding my running base, and all the sleepless nights! I approached this race with a warrior mama mindset the entire journey. I signed up for training through Strong Run Coaching, I found Betsy through the race’s website. More on that soon.
After participating in the event in their inaugural year and their follow up race, I wanted to write a recap because the experience was different in a couple of aspects.
Bib pick up: This year, they added a 3rd location for runners to pick up their bibs and tee shirts. We had a choice of bib pick up at Lululemon or Athleta (both at Avalon) or Big Peach Running Company. I chose Big Peach because parking is easier.
However, I picked up my bib at Athleta last year and they gave out their classic white and silver reusable bags to race participants (I think Lululemon also gave out their bags too). So if getting a bag is important, go to Avalon and head to Lululemon or Athleta, you will just have to deal with crowded parking but Avalon does have several metered parking spots right outside of the stores.
Race Day Parking: Speaking of parking, the race did a great job this year. Last year was a MESS because they placed vendors in the parking lot so racers were left scrambling for a spot in a parking garage. This year, they moved the vendors to the finish line. That left plenty of free parking on site and the in their parking garage. Due to improved parking, the race started on time (last year’s race was delayed due to the parking fiasco).
Course: The half marathon course was tough. The race started in Avalon. Mile 1 starts with huge hill. The course took us through the streets of Alpharetta, which isn’t the prettiest but we got scenery during the Big Creek Greenway segment of the race! The Greenway is flat so this was an opportunity to speed up and gain a time cushion. Strong Run Coach, Betsy, wrote motivational messages the entire course in the Greenway so runners got to laugh, smile, and focus on the words instead of our pain.
After leaving the Greenway at mile 11, we were hit with another ridiculous, brutal, long hill. This hill caused just about every runner in front of me to walk. There was a final hill around mile 13, shout out to the spectators who stood there knowing this was a vital place to cheer on runners! This particular hill is tough and long but not as bad as mile 11. The race ended in Avalon.
SWAG: The medal looked the same as last year’s and all of their events around the country but I don’t mind that they stick with a specific look; when I see their medals, I know what company put on the race. The tee shirt is an upgrade, last year’s was a white tech tee that I wear for running. I will wear this year’s cotton blend short sleeve tee while I’m out and about!
Result: 2:12:57! Just a 3 minutes off my half marathon PR. I wonder what kind of time I could have nailed if the course wasn’t so brutal. However, I’m not going to beat myself up. I had a baby 8 months ago and I’m not sleeping. This is the best that I could do.
Other quick thoughts:
- Cheap race: When I signed up for the half marathon, I paid $10. Others got in for $1-$5. If interested in running the 5k or half marathon, look out for the “bid” registration so you can run it for CHEAP! This is very gracious of them because we know how expensive racing can be!
- Men: Yes, men are welcome to run this women’s race. In 2018, I heard a few men complained about it being a women’s race so they opened it up to guys. I believe men can’t podium though. And sorry guys, the women 100% took over the men’s restroom.
- Pacers: I’m so glad the race offer pacers! They kept me on track, especially after conquering the hills at the end. For runners in my time range (>2 hours), there were 2 hour pacers, then it jumped to 2:15 and 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00 (not sure if there were more beyond 3 hours). For the faster runners, I think I saw 1:40 (or 1:45) and 1:50.
- Strong Run Coaching: An advantage our training group had was running the course during the long runs over the 12 weeks we spent together. We knew what to expect at the Greenway and the hills at mile 1, 11, and 13. It didn’t make racing those hills easier, but knowing where to expect the hard parts of the course was great for my mindset and strategizing. Speaking of training, after every long run, Betsy offered pickle juice and electrolyte popsicles, water, and was so encouraging every single week. Furthermore, it was nice to see so many familiar faces on race day.
Well, that’s a wrap on my 2019 postpartum return-to-racing journey. I have a fun 5K on Thanksgiving but I will be jumping into a training block for the Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon soon! I’m also looking forward to attending the Olympic Trials Marathon HERE IN ATLANTA at the end of February!
What event/races do you have coming up?
Awesome job on a hard course! I know that starting off a race with a hill could not have been fun!
Wow that is quite a comeback post baby! Huge congrats to you
Deborah Brooks recently posted…5 Ingredient, One Pan Vegan Jambalaya
Great job with the race. It seems to be very tough. But you made a solid comeback. Congratulations!
Madhusree Basu recently posted…Running Brain Training: 7 Super Effective Ways to Develop Mental Toughness
Welcome back, Mama! So impressive. You did great!! Glad you enjoyed it and ready to Conquer more. Great work!
Congratulations! I believe that the hills were ridiculous – Alpharetta has that going for it! Way to have an incredible race after all this time rebuilding! You should feel so proud!
Jenn recently posted…week 45: november goals + holiday running