A recap: Atlanta Marathon 2022

Not all marathons are created equal and all marathon runners are just …. This is a brief recap of my experience at the Atlanta Marathon on February 27, 2022. 

I like to say, control the controllable and be ready for anything. 

My 4:30 alarm rang and I was feeling rested and ready to go. Until…. I looked out the window. It was raining. It wasn’t a soaking rain, but annoying enough to make the road slick and puddles on the corners of the road. 

I wear glasses and was conflicted as to what I should do. After going back and forth I decided to leave my glasses behind. Mainly because I didn’t want to have to carry  them if they fogged up, and I knew they would. I’ve practiced running without them so I knew I would be okay. 

With the rain falling from the sky at a steady clip I headed to the start line at about 6:50 for the scheduled 7am start. I couldn’t have timed it better. National Anthem a few well wishes and we were off and running. 

The first half of the marathon runs alongside the half-marathoners. We were a group of about 6 chit chatting and enjoying each other’s company. We also had our bike guides leading the way for us marathoners in the group. 

I decided to run by feel and everything seemed to be firing on all cylinders. All good!! The one thing I was fighting with was my mind. I don’t know what it was but I really felt like quitting between miles 9 and 13. It was this voice saying that I didn’t have to continue and why be in the cold rain. After some back and forth with myself, I ultimately decided to knock negativeity in the nose and give it my personal best for the present moment and focus on the things I could control. 

The second half of the run was interestingly easier. My form felt good and I was slicing and dicing through the rain and puddles. I continued to keep my eyes up and a smile on my face. 

With my newfound mindset I was truly able to find my 5 and get in the zone. It felt controlled and smooth. Like a warm knife through butter. 

With about 10km to go I decided that if I wanted a new personal best time I needed to pick up the pace (plus I was getting cold). I think I did. But what propelled me forward was getting a personal cheer squad at mile 21. After seeing family, I was eager to finish. 5 miles to go. 

The rain continued to fall, but I wasn’t paying attention to it. I was focused on the step in front of me. At this point I was all alone in the lead and I just wanted to be done.

Mile 25. The longest and loneliest mile of the marathon. There is much I could write. But what I could say is, I gave it everything. I was thinking of my amazing spouse, my running family, and everyone going through challenging times. I salute you and wish you all the strength, courage and grit to fight on for another day. 

Breaking the tape, seeing my spouse, and realizing I just bested my time filled me with tremendous positive emotions. It reminded me that we could do hard things. We could push ourselves beyond our perceived limits. And we could have fun doing it along the way!!

Thank you for taking the time to read this race report. If you have any burning questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Peace and cheers, Shlomo