Welcome back!

Want to run with me in Atlanta this October?

So… it’s been a little while, hasn’t it?

The last time I wrote to you was three weeks ago, which feels like an eternity. So much has happened since then, including a vacation with my family that gave me lots of time to think about The Half Marathoner, the direction in which it’s going, and where we’re heading together.

I’ll share more of my thoughts about all of that in a future newsletter, but for now I wanted to share with you my idea for our fall race get-together, which follows the races we ran together in the fall of 2023 and 2024.

What’s the race I have in mind? Actually, it isn’t a half marathon — though, my plan is for us to run 13 miles, or even more, over the course of the weekend.

The event I think might be perfect for us is located here in my backyard: the PNC Atlanta 10-Miler, which is set for Sunday, October 19.

Why this race? Let me count the ways:

• I’ve loved both of the events we’ve run together so far; the Richmond Half Marathon in 2023 was especially fun. In fact, I considered selecting it again for this year. But it takes place on a Saturday, and I’d like to have a day to do more with you all before the race.

• Hosting here in Atlanta, a city I know (very!) well, allows me to do things like schedule a short, three- or four-mile pre-race run with you on Saturday followed by a pre-race dinner, to give us ample chances to connect in person.

Here’s how I’m thinking the weekend will go:

• If you choose to attend, arrive on Friday evening or Saturday morning, and stay at a hotel near the race starting line in the Atlantic Station neighborhood.

• On Saturday afternoon, we’ll go for a run together along the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile-long series of trails that wind through parks, neighborhoods and historic districts.

• That evening, we’ll get together for a pre-race dinner (maybe even right after our run along the Beltline).

• We’ll finish up with time for you to get back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep, and then meet up at Atlantic Station the next morning for the start of the race.

I considered another race here in Atlanta the following weekend (the Silver Comet Half Marathon, which is run on what used to be a railroad, just outside the city). But the PNC 10-Miler — even though it’s a few miles short of a half — shows off the best parts of the city, and it just felt perfect.

And, the chance to combine it with a run the day before along the Beltline, a trail I absolutely love here, felt like a way to introduce you to the place I’ve written about so often here in the newsletter.

To prepare, we’ll follow my 10-mile race training plan, which I’ll share with you in weekly installments here (and make adjustments as needed).

👉 You’ll need to be a paying subscriber to receive the training plan — to get it each week plus a downloadable copy, all you need to do is sign up here.

Interested? I hope so — I’m really excited to get the chance to show off my city to you, and explore with you some of the places I love to run, as well as get the chance to know you a little better.

I’ve had such a blast meeting in person those of you who’ve had a chance to attend our race meet-ups so far; October is usually a beautiful time of year in Atlanta, and I think you’ll love it.

Let me know what you think! And, as always, keep in touch and let me know how your running/life is going.

Your friend,

— Terrell

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