Before heading west on our California Adventure, MJ and I made a brief stop in Atlanta so she could run in the annual Peachtree Road Race . I am not a runner, and had zero desire to spend my July 4th with 60,000 crazies battling a hilly 10k course in the heat of Atlanta. What I am great at, however, is professional spectating with an ice coffee in hand.

The sun peeking over the start line...

I'm accustomed to the early wake-up call that comes on MJ's race days, but unlike some of the more brutal ones - think: 3am - I was able to sleep in until a whopping 6:30 before heading downstairs for the race. While waiting for the elevator from our room at the Westin Buckhead, I caught a glimpse of the first wave of elite runners starting the race.

After a quick stop at Starbucks for the previously mentioned ice coffee, I commenced the most important part of the entire day...finding a spot. The perfect location for spectating has to have a great view, ample shade, easy access to a restroom - remember the iced coffee - and a stress-free escape route once MJ passes. Thankfully, I found this spot right outside our hotel, on a ledge beside the Palm restaurant. Sure, I had to stand in a flowerbed of thorny rose bushes, but such is the sacrifice of a professional spectator.

While there are plenty of runners that take the Roadrace seriously, there are just as many that use it as an opportunity to connect with their inner Will Ferrell. The costumes get more creative every year, and are half the fun of spectating...

There's always patriotic flag runners...

The Harlem Globetrotters were in town...

The Justice League was on hand to ensure a safe event...

Local news personalities fumble their way through "embedded reporting"...

And then there was this guy....

But as with every race, the best sight of them all is this one...

So if you find yourself joining the 60,000 crazies running this thing next year, keep your eyes peeled for a guy in flip flops with an iced coffee, and feel free to give me all the dirty looks you want. Or, if you happen to be looking for more information on the Peachtree Road Race, head over to my friend Raul's site for his take on this year's race . A 10 year veteran runner is probably a more valuable source than yours truly.

Enjoy Your Stay