This was our second stroller run with baby Kiernan. The race started and ended in Centennial Olympic Park as part of the Fiesta Atlanta.
It was a small run of about 200 people. We started off along the park and did a loop around, ending up on Marietta and turning on Means Street, which is the turn for the final mile of the Publix Georgia Half Marathon.
Kiernan fussed a little bit about halfway into the race but settled down. Mom was pushing the stroller and we passed all kinds of people as we made our way to the finish line. I'm pretty sure we were the first stroller through the chutes (she placed 8th overall for women and I was 15th for men).
It was a nice bright day out and sort of an example of what's to come for summer races ahead.
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Temp: 75+ degrees
Gear: Technical T, short (Charles Harris 2009), shorts, Nike Air Pegasus+ 28.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Day 1,941: Kiernan's longest stroller run
This morning baby K. was even more fussy than normal so I decided to take him out on my regular run so the wife could try to sleep a little.
It turned out the 4.21-mile run was his longest run in a stroller. It definitely was the longest stroller run for me.
I found that pushing a stroller isn't exactly easy work. I seemed to be constantly pushing down on the handlebars, making my balance off. It also really gives your legs a workout, as you don't have the benefit of having your arms push for you.
Near the end of the run, I could tell my legs were getting spent on one of the last hills of the course.
And even though we'd run with him in a stroller in the Beat the Streets for Little Feet 5K earlier this month, I wasn't ready for the instability that running with a stroller can bring.
This model of stroller, the BOB Revolution SE, has a front wheel that turns for easier turning. They say that for running it should be locked in a fixed position. We never had any problems with it, so we kept it turning.
In the middle of the run, I was running down a hill and thought I would just keep up with the stroller's speed instead of trying to slow it. Somehow the front wheel must have turned a little and it was all I could do to keep the stroller and me from wiping out on the pavement.
Later on I tried to lock the wheel in place but it didn't seem like it could.I also found that while obviously tight turns are a challenge in keeping the stroller from tipping, uneven pavement can cause a problem. If the pavement caused one of the wheels to go up in the air, trying to control it with just two wheels can be difficult.
Yet in the end, it still was a careful run and now that I know these performance factors with the stroller future runs can be easier -- and safer.
Time: 9:40 a.m.
Temp: 49 degrees
Gear: Long-sleeve T (Braves red), shorts, Nike Air Pegasus+ 28.
It turned out the 4.21-mile run was his longest run in a stroller. It definitely was the longest stroller run for me.
I found that pushing a stroller isn't exactly easy work. I seemed to be constantly pushing down on the handlebars, making my balance off. It also really gives your legs a workout, as you don't have the benefit of having your arms push for you.
Near the end of the run, I could tell my legs were getting spent on one of the last hills of the course.
And even though we'd run with him in a stroller in the Beat the Streets for Little Feet 5K earlier this month, I wasn't ready for the instability that running with a stroller can bring.
This model of stroller, the BOB Revolution SE, has a front wheel that turns for easier turning. They say that for running it should be locked in a fixed position. We never had any problems with it, so we kept it turning.
In the middle of the run, I was running down a hill and thought I would just keep up with the stroller's speed instead of trying to slow it. Somehow the front wheel must have turned a little and it was all I could do to keep the stroller and me from wiping out on the pavement.
Later on I tried to lock the wheel in place but it didn't seem like it could.I also found that while obviously tight turns are a challenge in keeping the stroller from tipping, uneven pavement can cause a problem. If the pavement caused one of the wheels to go up in the air, trying to control it with just two wheels can be difficult.
Yet in the end, it still was a careful run and now that I know these performance factors with the stroller future runs can be easier -- and safer.
Time: 9:40 a.m.
Temp: 49 degrees
Gear: Long-sleeve T (Braves red), shorts, Nike Air Pegasus+ 28.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Day 1,932: I've registered for the Father's Day 4-Miler! (and once again a member of the Atlanta Track Club)
While procrastinating going to bed, I decided to see if registration was open for the June 16 Father's Day 4-Miler.
Last year's race was extremely fun, plus the technical T-shirt they handed out is one of my favorites.
So it was a no-brainer that I would want to run in the race this year, especially as a brand-new father.
The event is free for Atlanta Track Club members but costs for non-members. But if you aren't an ATC member you have to purchase a race package that includes a T-shirt but also a ticket to the Orioles-Braves game that day.
If you're an ATC member, you can purchase the T-shirt and/or Braves ticket separately.
So I hemmed and hawed and decided to just join the Atlanta Track Club. This move would have been beneficial if I'd done so in February so I would have had an automatic entry to the July 4 Peachtree Road Race.
But it's for a good cause and if I really want to go see the Orioles play, I think I can get tickets to the game for much cheaper than what they're selling on StubHub.
Last year's race was extremely fun, plus the technical T-shirt they handed out is one of my favorites.
So it was a no-brainer that I would want to run in the race this year, especially as a brand-new father.
The event is free for Atlanta Track Club members but costs for non-members. But if you aren't an ATC member you have to purchase a race package that includes a T-shirt but also a ticket to the Orioles-Braves game that day.
If you're an ATC member, you can purchase the T-shirt and/or Braves ticket separately.
So I hemmed and hawed and decided to just join the Atlanta Track Club. This move would have been beneficial if I'd done so in February so I would have had an automatic entry to the July 4 Peachtree Road Race.
But it's for a good cause and if I really want to go see the Orioles play, I think I can get tickets to the game for much cheaper than what they're selling on StubHub.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Day 1,931: Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K (Kiernan's first 5K)
It's safe to say I did everything I could to make sure we didn't run in this race. We'd signed up because we loved the Pete the Cat T-shirts from last year's race.
So even with a 24-day-old baby, we knew we had to participate, showing up this morning with our jogging stroller and baby. He was the only kid to be in an infant car seat attached to the stroller.
I deliberately wore brand-new running shoes that had not even been walked in. I also wore a shirt that would be warmer than needed for running.
When the race started, something interesting happened that I think it's fair to say has never happened to either one of us.
We were dead last.
And I'm not just talking about people in strollers. There was no one behind us. So when we neared the edge of the park, I really wanted for us to cut down the side street, hide our race bibs and go home.
But instead ... we ran.
Although we've run with the baby in Piedmont Park, I wasn't sure how the city's roads would be to a running stroller. The recommended age for running with a kid in a stroller is eight months.
But it turned out amazingly well. I felt super fresh and we blew by people up the first double or triple hill leading to Mile 1.
Mile 2 came super quickly and we still were passing people. It was surreal to see people really struggling to make pace.
When we returned to the PATH, I knew the race would be over in a half mile. There was a dude just in front of me, I ran up toward him, knowing that he'd try to run faster.
I was hoping he'd kick and then I would just ignite the jets and leave him in the dust. But when he kicked, my normal pace just outgained him. At the end of the race, the wife, who was pushing the stroller, also passed him.
We finished in 30:26, which is slow, but we didn't really start running until .2 of a mile into the race. I felt like I had a lot in the tank.
I didn't expect this to be a warmup kind of a race but it made me feel good where our running is at.
Time: 8 a.m.
Temp: 50 degrees
Gear: Long-sleeved T (Braves), shorts, Nike Air Pegasus+ 28/A.
So even with a 24-day-old baby, we knew we had to participate, showing up this morning with our jogging stroller and baby. He was the only kid to be in an infant car seat attached to the stroller.
I deliberately wore brand-new running shoes that had not even been walked in. I also wore a shirt that would be warmer than needed for running.
When the race started, something interesting happened that I think it's fair to say has never happened to either one of us.
We were dead last.
And I'm not just talking about people in strollers. There was no one behind us. So when we neared the edge of the park, I really wanted for us to cut down the side street, hide our race bibs and go home.
But instead ... we ran.
Although we've run with the baby in Piedmont Park, I wasn't sure how the city's roads would be to a running stroller. The recommended age for running with a kid in a stroller is eight months.
But it turned out amazingly well. I felt super fresh and we blew by people up the first double or triple hill leading to Mile 1.
Mile 2 came super quickly and we still were passing people. It was surreal to see people really struggling to make pace.
When we returned to the PATH, I knew the race would be over in a half mile. There was a dude just in front of me, I ran up toward him, knowing that he'd try to run faster.
I was hoping he'd kick and then I would just ignite the jets and leave him in the dust. But when he kicked, my normal pace just outgained him. At the end of the race, the wife, who was pushing the stroller, also passed him.
We finished in 30:26, which is slow, but we didn't really start running until .2 of a mile into the race. I felt like I had a lot in the tank.
I didn't expect this to be a warmup kind of a race but it made me feel good where our running is at.
Time: 8 a.m.
Temp: 50 degrees
Gear: Long-sleeved T (Braves), shorts, Nike Air Pegasus+ 28/A.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Day 1,915: First stroller mile
With the little one riding shotgun, we walked to Piedmont Park mid-morning. I let mommy cat run around the perimeter while I walked the tot around the short loop where Wild Bill Hickok used to perform before audiences.
About halfway, however, I realized the park's paths were smooth enough, so I started to do a slow trot with the stroller.
Right away, it impressed me as somewhat of a task, since you don't get the pushing benefit of your arms. I ended up just holding on with one hand and letting the other one free, stopping if the tot seemed fussy.
But it worked and I look forward to more stroller runs with him in the future!
About halfway, however, I realized the park's paths were smooth enough, so I started to do a slow trot with the stroller.
Right away, it impressed me as somewhat of a task, since you don't get the pushing benefit of your arms. I ended up just holding on with one hand and letting the other one free, stopping if the tot seemed fussy.
But it worked and I look forward to more stroller runs with him in the future!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Day 1,912: Lottery winner!
Finally ... my streak of not getting into lottery events has ended. Early this morning I was notified that I got into the July 4 Peachtree 10K Road Race!
I'm 0 for 2 for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler in Washington. I'm also 0 for 2 for the Virgin London Marathon (although they only take 1,000 people from outside the UK).
Next year, of course, I'll join the Atlanta Track Club for a guaranteed spot in the Peachtree. It would make sense. This year will be my 8th running of it and you get special privileges after 10 times.
I'm 0 for 2 for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler in Washington. I'm also 0 for 2 for the Virgin London Marathon (although they only take 1,000 people from outside the UK).
Next year, of course, I'll join the Atlanta Track Club for a guaranteed spot in the Peachtree. It would make sense. This year will be my 8th running of it and you get special privileges after 10 times.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Day 1,906: The 2013 Publix Georgia Half Marathon registration blitz!
For the last two years, I've had a little secret regarding the Publix Georgia Half Marathon.
I never paid full price. For the race that happened Sunday, people were trying to buy bib numbers for as much as $92.
That's because for the 2011 and 2012 years, I took advantage of early, early bird registration specials that made the race cost as much as it does to enter a 5K.
This morning was no exception. The race registration began at 7 a.m. Even though I didn't go to bed until 1:30 a.m. or so, I had my smartphone's alarm clock set up.
So at about 6:45 a.m., I was at my computer waiting. When 7 a.m. finally rolled around, I was in!
The race cost $35, including the Active.com fee.
The hilly course is pretty brutal but for that price, why not? I can endure it another year.
I never paid full price. For the race that happened Sunday, people were trying to buy bib numbers for as much as $92.
That's because for the 2011 and 2012 years, I took advantage of early, early bird registration specials that made the race cost as much as it does to enter a 5K.
This morning was no exception. The race registration began at 7 a.m. Even though I didn't go to bed until 1:30 a.m. or so, I had my smartphone's alarm clock set up.
So at about 6:45 a.m., I was at my computer waiting. When 7 a.m. finally rolled around, I was in!
The race cost $35, including the Active.com fee.
The hilly course is pretty brutal but for that price, why not? I can endure it another year.
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