Cochran Shoals

Cochran Shoals is my newest running discovery! It is pretty much the most perfect running path I could ask for:

1. Not too far from my place - a 15 min ride on backroads (which is really fun with the windows down and music blaring)
2. Mostly shaded
3. Nice scenery - the Chattahoochee on one side and small mountains and greenery on the other
4. One hill and a few small hills so it's not completely easy
5. Connects to Columns Dr. which coincidentally connects to Johnson Ferry. So technically I could run from the trail to church. Not that I would do that. But I would maybe park at Columns Drive entrance rather than Interstate North, then do 1 loop on the trail and 1 loop on Columns Drive to break up the surface & routine.
6. Is a perfect 3 mile loop, with an inner 2 mile loop. Perfect for running odd & even distances!
7. Pretty popular, lots of fun people-watching and I feel pretty safe there. Lots of bikers too.
8. Gravel/dirt trail which makes running a little harder, but is better for the knees.

The only cons are that the restrooms are shut down for renovations and parking costs $$. But it's only $25 for an annual pass which I find completely acceptable, especially since you can use the pass for any of the Chattahoochee Recreation Areas.

Also on my list to do...shooting the hooch. Who wants to do it with me?

getting nervous

The hours are ticking away...I'm getting closer & closer to my first 10K. I was googling "running first race" and came across a cool blog:

Running Chick

And particularly her articles on Complete Running

Her 5 tips for running your first race, I found very helpful!

1 - Find the start & finish lines

Cool, I think I can remember to do this tomorrow.

2 - Bibs & chips

Bib pins to front, got it. Don't tear off the bottom til I'm in the finish chute, got that too. Don't pass anyone after you finish...sounds like common sense but something I would probably forget to do!

3 - Final check

20 min before race, make sure you have everything you need. Well, being a not so seasoned runner, I have no idea what gel & Body Glide are. Good thing I'm going to Sports Authority tonight! She also gives a little pre-race warm-up: 10 min jog, 10-20 sec sprints, light stretches. I was definitely wondering what to do about this. I was just going to show up, stretch, and get in line for the start. I wasn't really sure what else to do about warming up! But now I'll have to find a little area to do this in. Go to the bathroom! And try to relax. A lot to remember!

4 - Remember manners

Don't think this will be a problem. I intend to line up near the back with the other slowbies and take my time! I'm not in a rush, I just want to finish. Gradual start will probably help me! =)

5 - "All systems are go! Smile. Wish your fellow racers “good luck” and then run your little heart out! Run your little feet off!"

I love this...gotta run my little heart out and run my little feet off tomorrow!