Hotlanta Half Marathon 2016 - Consecutive year !!

12th June 2016

After last year’s run in the rain, Hotlanta Marathon 2016 really went on reclaim its title ‘HOT’lanta. Yes this time it was a really hot run. I did register for the race early this time unlike last year’s and save some bucks. Had ample of preparation time and preparation for the same I ran River Run for Hope 10k, which was a really good run for me and got my personal best for the 10k. I was pretty confident for the run on 12th June. Also excited as it was my Father’s Birthday day too. I did plan to do something different that day and wore a tag on my shirt that said ‘Happy Birthday Dad’.

But start of the day was not exciting, train service was halted for whatever reason it was. I realized it after waiting for 20 mins at the stations and planned to join couple of other runners on a car pool. It was nice of them to get in a stranger in their car but yes it’s a runner community and every one unknowingly knows every runner. We were just in time for the race.

Race started pretty good to me, I was cruising and maintaining my pace all through. I reached 10kms mark in 58 mins and was hoping to get the 2nd half of the race in same time. I ran a good 3kms with an elderly gentleman who had run 35 marathon in different states of USA, that was incredible and he was 60, and that’s amazing. By this time sun was out and it was showing up on me. My pace got a bit slow and I was trying not lose out on the energy. I blame this of my lack of runs under sun. Well, its race day !.

Meantime wishes were pouring in for my dad. Runners and people who watched the tag on my shirt wished my dad a happy birthday. It was exciting to hear them wish. Last couple of miles under scorching sun were bad, I could have done better this time but no excuses can do better next time. I finished in 2.15 mins around the same time I finished last year but enjoyed the run thoroughly. I love this race and the good photos they take and allow to download free. Below some pictures and my timing.

633

Prashant Patil

Atlanta

GA

617

31

M

30-34

2:15:42

2:17:42

10:22/M

Happy Running !!

River Run For Hope - 10kms

4th June, 2016 River Run For Hope 10k

Officially my first timed run this year, never late but registered right around the time Hotlanta Half Marathon was in close quarters. I learned this 10k was conducted to help African community. Also the official t-shirt had the map of Africa and on the race day could see few African families around the start line which was the Church. I drove to the starting point, it was around few miles from my place. Collected my running from the beautiful old lady who greeted very well. Could see couple of Indian faces at the start line. As the usual practice for this run, they recited quotes from Holy bible and took blessings from the God. As I was seeing it, a wonderful day for running with very moderate temperature. I was looking forward for the good run. Ended up doing one of my best run.

Route for the 10k River run was one of the best routes I had run so far. Along the river for few kilometer made it a very good experience and added pace to my run. Run started at 7 am in the morning. As I started, looked at one of the T-Shirt back quote ‘Someone said it’s RUM !!’ moment of smile, I said the guy who wore that t-shirt that’s funny. I took first 3 kms at normal pace, realized I am going good and continued to increase my pace. Saw a lady on the run, who ran along with her son who happened to be on the stroller. That’s great energy and she was consistently running at very good pace, same time managing the stroller. Really amazed with dedication of some people, inspiring. 

Half way mark I had clocked 26mins and still looked better. Went on continue with increase in pace and hoping to complete within an hour. Wonderful climate and the route assisted me all through the course. Sometimes it was wonderful people, some aged 60 and running so elegantly kept me going and pushed me to hit the best run I had so far for 10k distance. Time I hit the last kilometer, I pushed to hit the finish line in 56 mins. A wonderful run and I was excited to see my running time displayed and standing 8th in my age category. Loved the run and efforts that’s went in. I am not a person to hit my best, sacrifice to enjoy the run. This was one of the run I had good fun, same time could hit my best. 

Soon I finished, I could see the lady with the baby stroller finished. I went to her and appreciated her for the run. I told her someday wish I would be able to do what she did today. Reason I love running, people around keep amazing me all time. In all, a very good run.

Here is the result and some pics - 

91

Prashant Patil

Atlanta

GA

5576

31

M

30-34

56:04

56:17

09:01/M

Start of the race

Age category results

At Finish

Finish Line

After Finish

Award ceremony

Me :)

Happy Running !!