The Peachtree Road Race Through the Eyes of the Athletes

July 30, 2015 Kyle Pease

As Brent and I have expressed on many occasions, The Kyle Pease Foundation was created for a far bigger reason than for me to see my name in lights. Any of you who know Brent and me are aware that KPF was formed to allow others to experience the same feeling of joy that we feel every single time we compete. Witnessing smiles on faces is a very greater feeling than collecting personal press clippings.

From the very first race, we experienced a feeling of accomplishment, a sense of belonging and the ability to experience what it feel like to compete after living much of life viewing from the stands. To share that feeling with other athletes is an incredible gift to be able to give.

It gives me equal pleasure to turn the blog over every once in a while to the athletes of the Kyle Pease Foundation allowing them to share their feelings with our loyal readers.

This week, it gives me great pleasure to hand over the blogging reigns to Justin "J-Dude" Knight and Matt Shectman, who experienced the Peachtree Road Race together earlier this month. I know you'll be inspired by their words.

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Through the Eyes of J-Dude: This was my 2^nd year running the Peachtree Road Race. I was so excited to have lightning speed Matt pushing me. I knew it was going to be a great race with my buddy Kyle. It was an early morning, it was raining, but I didn’t care. I was ready.

After getting settled in the racer, we headed to the start line and we were all smiles. Of course I still had to talk a little smack to Kyle and Brent along the way.

The race started and it was so cool. I was cheering Matt on and blowing my air horn as we blazed through the streets of the ATL. We were so fast that the water station volunteers didn’t even have time to set up before we were flying past them.

I loved cheering Matt on and I could hear the crowds cheering us on as we flew past. What an awesome feeling to be racing neck and neck with Kyle and Brent. It would crack me up as we would pass them and then they would pass us.

I think the funniest part of the race was at the finish line when we were running so fast, we were drenched, the road was so wet that we actually couldn’t stop. To quote Matt, we did a “Flintstone stop”.

Racing with KPF gives me a feeling of happiness that no other sport does. Running these races helps me to feel that I can do anything I set my mind to, and has helped to build self confidence that I had lost at one time.

I am forever thankful for everything that KPF is and will be! I can’t wait to race again at the upcoming triathlon and IRONMAN FLORIDA!

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Through the Eyes of Matt: About two months before the Peachtree Road Race we were contacted by the Kyle Pease Foundation about potentially doing another event for the Foundation (we had done some great stuff with KPF over the past year, so it was time to up the ante a bit).

Given everyone's interest in running and what better event out there than the 4th of July, we all decided that we should do a big event for the Peachtree Road Race. It was my first experience pushing an athlete for KPF and so I was a little apprehensive, but once we got the ball rolling with Lululemon and KPF, there was no turning back!

All of the events and fundraising leading up to the main race on July 4th were amazing. We had such great support from our students, the KPF donors, and so many more people. It was truly incredible to be part of.

By the time a rainy July 4 morning rolled around, it almost

seemed surreal, like the event was finally happening. We were so thrilled to be out there and I couldn't help but put a smile on my face happy to be a part of the race when it was clear that Justin and Kyle were ready to go and compete!

Even though the rain kept the crowd turnout pretty low over the early miles, we were amazed by the turnout at the Shepherd Center and toward the finish. I don't think I've ever pushed so hard in a race, and I was sore for a few days afterward, but reveled in all the fun and hard work put forth by everyone involved.

It was a truly special time for me and for all of us at Infinity Yoga. We are truly blessed to be part of such an amazing organization!