Running on empty

Oh, being laid low by a head cold stinks. Especially when you are scheduled to run a 10K on a Saturday morning.
I had been suffering all week with a bad head cold when it was time to run the Atlanta Track Club's Singleton 10K on April 19. I really NEEDED to run 6.2 miles to keep up with my training for the upcoming Rock N Roll Portland Half Marathon.
But, alas, a virus or just the common cold laid me low.
I initially thought I just would not run that weekend, but I woke up that morning, and even though it was raining, I decided to drop down to the 5K.
This is what I REALLY like about Atlanta Track Club races. The club allows you to step up or drop down to another level if need be without cost.
So, I drove up to Norcross, Ga., Thrasher Park and ran the 5K. I was so glad I did. The 5K was an odd, winding course, in a light rain. I would not have made a double loop on this one.
And I met some runners with Black Girls Run. We stood around in the early morning, chatting about running. It was wonderful. I love the community of running.
Here's me before the race:

Before the Singleton 5K

I didn't do too badly on this race. I actually ran a few seconds faster than the week before. Geez! Maybe I should have a head cold before every race. Or not.
It's not good to run on empty, and I'm glad I had a full running experience that day.

Pushing up daisies

After a two week hiatus, I'm back to running 5K races.
This weekend, it was the Run Like Hell: Pushing Up Daisies 5K in Oakland Cemetery.
This race had historically been in the fall, around October and was one of my favorite October races. I wouldn't miss it for anything. Well, unless the race organizers decide to move it to April!
And so, that is what has happened.
I must say I was at first disappointed, since I loved the Halloween theme the race took on in October.
But after seeing the cemetery in the spring, I can certainly see why race organizers made the switch.
Spring has finally sprung in Atlanta.
My friend Rachel and I ran this one, and the cemetery put on quite a show for us.

some pre-race posing at the cemetery

 

Among the phlox

This is also The Masters weekend at Augusta National, and golfer Bobby Jones is buried at Oakland Cemetery, so we had to make a pit stop to pay our respects before the race, too.

Bobby Jones' grave, where folks leave golf balls, tees and ball markers in tribute

At the race, the organizers also hired a performance artist, a Bobby Jones statue! He was great, taking photos with folks and doing various poses. I wonder how he keeps all that makeup from running when it gets hot!

Bobby Jones performance artist, posing as a statue 

Count none but sunny hours

We even wandered around and I found my favorite grave marker again. I love this!

Soon the race began and we hoofed it around Grant Park. The weather was just perfect, other than the pollen is out in full force.

We finished with a good time and sense of accomplishment.

Finishers among the dogwoods

 So, although one of my favorite races has moved dates, it still ranks among my favorites and I did not mind pushing up daisies at all.