Mayors 5k on the 5th runway experience
What an amazing 5k to run on Atlanta’s Hartfield Jackson runway, the busiest airport in the country that brought in over a billion dollars last year. So often we fly in and out of the airport, in and out of the country. We recently even made first time memories with baby Amelia. We flew her out of the country to Cuba and it was fabulous. So to be able to run practically side by side with our Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, at the airport, was a privilege.
My SnapBack journey has been going pretty well. After running in the Peachtree Roadrace on the 4th of July, I felt like I was back in the game. However trying to stay consistent when there is no race to train for has been a challenge. So having the ability to jump in on this race was exactly what I needed. I wasn’t running as much over the last month of August and I found out the week before that I’d be running in this 5k. I wasn’t quite ready, to say the least but mentally I had been exploring the thought of taking things to the next level in my life in general. Aside from getting an opportunity to potentially run with the Mayor, it was a no brainer that I needed to whip into shape quickly. So I prepared!
The entire week leading up to the race, I woke up every morning at 3am to run for 15 minutes on the treadmill. Now a 5k is a little over 3 miles and could take at least 30 minutes to run depending on your pace. But I knew that as long as I prepped for some pacing and consistency then mentally I’d be ready. I prepped by drinking plenty of water the day before and eating some pasta the night before for an energy boost.
It was inspiring and the race felt long because it was lonely, quiet and dark on the runway. At the very start of the race you can see nothing but the arm band reflectors on each runner as they trotted along. I trailed the Mayor and her group front and back, just pacing myself. I’m pretty focused when I run so I tried not to talk too much to anyone. Although it’s good to encourage others while you are running, you also want to preserve your energy and focus on your breathing. Midway through the race I began to feel nauseous and anxious. I kept wondering if we were close to the finish. For some reason I kept thinking I saw the finish line but when we got to that point, we weren’t quite there yet. I had to really talk to myself and ignore the sick feeling. I had to muscle through it in order to regain my SnapBack. I couldn’t fall short so I put on my big girl pants and toughed it out. By this time the sun was rising and the end was near. The few airport employees that were on the runway shouting out encouraging words, were so helpful. The mayor and her crew began to sound off on their last sprint and excitement was in the air. Praise the lord the end is near and I’m not stopping or changing my pace. I’m going and going! Then finally we get to the end and everyone is cheering for the Mayor. We lifted our arms for the photo op on the finish line and it was over. Thank God! I snagged a quick picture with Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and strolled out of the crowd as they rushed towards her for more pictures. I grabbed two bottles of water, peanut butter granola bars, and some fruit. We were awarded a metal and t-shirt at the exit and I was ready to go home and relax.
Until the next race! The SnapBack journey continues and I’m back in the gym at 3a every morning for mental clarity and some “me time.”
