I had the best time this morning! Everything aligned to make the perfect race. I see why Lee likes to run the Peachtree City Classic 15K so much. It really is a great one!

As you already know, I woke up bright and early to hit the road for the over hour drive to the race venue. I grabbed my bib number and met up with Lee about an hour before the race started.

We spent the time catching up since more than two months had quickly passed since our last time hanging out. How does that happen??

Finally, the announcers let everyone know the race would be starting in just a couple short minutes. I was ready.

And then, I was off!

The race course has to be the best one I have run yet. I felt so happy running the entire thing! The course itself winds through golf courses, some residential areas, and next to a beautiful lake.

For some reason it felt so cheerful and serene. There weren’t a ton of spectators, but some of the people would stand in their driveways and cheer people along. Plus, there was an entire strip along one of the paths with “Good Luck” messages in sidewalk chalk. It put a smile on my face.

I’m like the wind and the camera can’t catch me. Ha!

Crazily enough, the entire thing passed by in a blur. I felt like I ran a 5K, not a 15K. I could hardly believe when I suddenly found myself hitting mile 4, then mile 7, then mile 9, and not too long after the finish line.

PS – extra nice touch = ^this guy^ calling out and cheering each person on by name as they came up to the finish line. How awesome!

Now for the racing deets…

For the race, I decided to take the advice of reader/friend, Cindy, who suggested running the race at the pace I hope to run in my half.

She explained that I should still finish with energy, since the race distance is only about 3/4 of the half marathon distance, and get a good idea of how the pace will feel for Savannah. That sounded very reasonable to me, so I decided to take that approach. What a great balance to hopefully have no burnout but still get in good practice for my “A race” in a few weeks.

I didn’t really know what pace I planned to shoot for in my half, so I settled to aim for around 9 minute miles, 15-20 seconds faster than my standard long run pace.

How did it go?

I finished in 1:24:33 clock time. A 9:05 average pace. My chip time will likely show even closer to 9:00 minute average. Perfect!

And to top it all off, I felt like I could have easily run four more miles. Hopefully that’s a good sign for Savannah! I’m soooooo excited now! I can barely contain myself!!!! Time to celebrate! With none other than one of these and some of this . Ohhhh yeah! Happy Saturday!

• What is something you are looking forward to right now?

Today was what every Sunday should be about - resting and recharging for the week ahead. I have officially caught up on sleep – 10 hours of sleep last night!! – and once again had a very low-key day. In fact, most of my day was brought to you by the all so fabulous Ms. Clean Eating Chelsey.

A couple weeks ago we both decided to do an impromptu gift exchange because:

a) we both love packages in the mail
b) we love each other a freakish amount (read Chelsey's beautiful tribute)
c) why the heck not?

Friday afternoon I received the mother load of goodies from this fabulous lady and used many of them today – from the nut butter in my pumpkin oats breakfast to a bit of reading during the kiddos’ naps. She knows me well. We’re like one and the same person, so it makes sense. Check out the goods!

First up, some foodie love. I received some new bars to try, Archer Farms nut butter blend (rocks on pumpkin oats!), and Trader Joe’s peanut flour. Oh, how I have longed to try that stuff. I may need some suggestions on how to use it though.

Next, I found goodies to keep me company after a long day – an easy mix to fancify wine for a fruity cocktail and Lindt chocolate. Should it surprise me we sent each other the same bar? No. No it shouldn’t.

And she knows I can use some ways to decompress - with a pumpkin candle and two really good sounding books. I cracked open The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake today. I already love it! Which I should since my most recent reading has consisted solely of muscle talk and tables that make my head spin.

Plus, she sent me the cutest little Halloween socks for the cutest little wee ones. Along with some new headbands to try out.

Lastly, we cannot forget the best part of the package.

I may or may not have opened that bag immediately following that picture.

And Peter & I may or may not have conquered it over the course of the weekend. Ahem. Candy corn = a weak in the knees Tina. I have no shame that my “lunch” yesterday actually consisted of numerous large handfuls of candy corn followed by a 2.5 hour nap for dessert. I call it the long run recovery formula for champions. Hey – it must work seeing as I had zero soreness today!

• What would you  put in a blogger gift exchange care package?
• How do you like to use peanut flour?