Alex's 5R Life: 2022

Saturday, July 9, 2022

2022 Peachtree Road Race

I ran another Peachtree 10K after missing it for a few years because of COVID. It was back to normal this year with large crowds, jets flying overhead, the huge flag, and typical Georgia July 4th weather (hot!). I was in section E and started at 7:20 a.m. The temperature was in the low to mid 70s but with the high humidity it felt brutal. They changed the risk code from orange to red midway through the race after I was already done. I just wanted to run a steady race and not overheat. I stopped at most the water stations for a quick drink and to dump a cup on my head, and still managed to average about a 9 min/mile pace. I was pretty happy with that in those conditions (and I haven't been running as much as I used to).

I tried some new running shoes from Allbirds called Tree flyers I believe. They make super comfortable environmentally friendly shoes and I have several pairs but they just started adding running shoes to their lineup in the last couple years and this is my first pair. My left Achilles has been tender for weeks and I'm hoping some new shoes help. These shoes were not cheap, and they are kind of weird looking, but they are super comfortable and I think the lightest shoe I've ever worn. I only wore them one time for a short 3 mile run before race day but they felt great and didn't need any time to break in. Let's see how long they last.

Took photo of new shoes while waiting for Mart train

Some folks get into the 4th and dress up. A nice Captain America sighting.

Approaching the starting line.

Pre-start selfie. Really appreciate the smile from the woman behind me LOL.

Post race beer in the in the Atlanta Track Club members only post race social.

I really missed this race and I guess races in general. I hadn't signed up for any races for a long time and forgot how much i enjoy the event. There is something special about being together with so many people who love to run. I hope this inspires me to sign up for a couple a year. I definitely need to sign up the the local Run the Reagan race again. Happy 4th!

Sunday, May 15, 2022

Late Mother's Day

Since the kids weren't home from UGA on mother's day so we had to delay our annual mother's day trip to Brusters for ice cream. Today was the rain check day and this was our post ice-cream photo.

Highlands Ride and Glenn Falls Hike

Took quick ride up to Highlands for the first time in a few years (day trip). We were bummed to find out a lot of the places we used to eat were gone or closed (Ruka Table, The Pizza Place, Sports Page Deli, and Bucks Coffee) but we still had a nice lunch at the little grocery store and a beautiful hike down to Glenn Falls which is only a few miles from downtown.

We also re-discovered the first hotel we ever stayed at in the Highlands which is called The Wells Hotel...at least that is what it is called now. I went to their webpage and it looks like the inside has been totally remodeled. Might be an option for a future trip though.

Monday, May 2, 2022

Snowbird Lodge 2022 Spring trip

I realize i really don't like blogging. I just don't have the patience or time to sit down and write. So I'm just going to mostly share photos of the motorcycle trip back to Snowbird Lodge in the North Carolina mountains. We went from April 23-26 (3 nights). We did:

Entire Cherohala Skyway
9 of the 11 mile Tail of the Dragon (accident closed the rode)
Bald River Falls toward end of the skyway
Dale's Wheels Through Time American motorcycle museum in Maggie Valley (about 90 min ride)
Some great spring birding in mountains: rose-breasted grosbeak, black and white warbler, black-throated green warbler, scarlet tanager, and hooded warbler to name a few!
listened to some great live music in the evenings in the lodge library by an old-time string band called Boogertown Gap (Keith Watson and Ruth Barber)
hiked a little bit around the lake; dirt road on the RT was a little rough
And ate some great meals as always!