I try to make a habit of running the route of an upcoming race at least a week or two before the event to get an idea of what to expect. There’s nothing worse than turning the corner and staring at a huge hill that you didn’t know was going to be there.

I’ve done that and may or may not have uttered phrases that are unprintable here.

So yesterday I did a quick trip through a nearby neighborhood that’s hosting a 5K Saturday to remind myself what’s in store. And, frankly, doing that run was pretty motivating.

We kicked this blog back into gear after one of the 11-week training groups for the AJC Peachtree Road Race got started, but it’s not too late to grab a running buddy and link up with one of the dozens of weekly running groups in metro Atlanta.

Chances are you’ll find someone preparing for the AJC Peachtree as well. And perhaps they’ll be willing to do a dry run on at least part of Peachtree in the near future.

Stick to the sidewalks, of course.

Meanwhile, a few reminders for veterans and newbies about the big event. Good luck, everybody.