by Joe Domaleski | Jul 3, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, Front Page, News Center, Opinion
Depending on when you read this, there’s a good chance that I’m either preparing to run, currently running, or have just completed my 40th Peachtree Road Race (aka “The Peachtree” or simply “Peachtree”). Except for a few years when I was on active duty with the Army, I have run every Peachtree since 1981. This iconic race has been a constant presence in my life, marking the passing of years. In this blog post, I would like to take a moment to reflect on my four decades of participation in the Peachtree Road Race and share what this event truly means to me.
I think most everyone knows about the Peachtree Road Race, but in case you don’t know, the Peachtree is a 10K (6.2-mile) road race down historic Peachtree Street in the heart of Atlanta. First run in 1970, the race has been expertly managed by the Atlanta Track Club ever since. Local coach Bill Thorn has run all 53 Peachtree races since that first one in 1970. He recently announced his retirement at age 92 and won’t be running this year. The Peachtree course has changed a little over the years, but the most used and current route starts at Lenox Square in the Buckhead area of Atlanta and runs south along Peachtree Street to 10th Street in Midtown before heading into Piedmont Park. It’s an iconic race known the world over. Before COVID, it was known as the world’s largest 10K race, drawing over 65,000 participants (that’s about half the population of our county!). During COVID, they had a “virtual edition” of the race to keep it going.
Mary Catherine, Alex, and Joe Domaleski wearing their Peachtree finisher shirts from 2019. Photo/Joe Domaleski
The Peachtree has become part of my life. I first started running it when I was a teenager, back when I could show up and run fast without training. Over the years, I’ve run fast, slow, and mostly “slightly faster” than the average runner. When Mary Catherine and I got married nearly 30 years ago, I let her know that this race was going to be part of our life, and she has honored that and joined in on the fun as well. Our children ran with us over the years, making this a family event. Our oldest daughter, Alex, continues to run the race with us each year.
Looking back on 40 years of running the Peachtree Road Race, I am reminded of the profound personal growth, sweat, soreness, and pride that have accompanied each stride. From my early years as a novice runner to my current “seasoned” status, this race has been a continuous source of self-discovery and self-improvement. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of setting and achieving goals. Each year, I have challenged myself to become a better version of myself, both physically and mentally. That doesn’t always mean running faster, although at one time I was a fast runner.
The author as a much younger, faster runner back in 2002. Photo/Marathon Photo
My fastest Peachtree was 20 years ago, back in 2002. I ran a 38:04, having run a qualifier of 36:25 to get in the “top-seeded” category. With so many runners, the race is divided into waves based on expected finish time and places the fastest runners at the front of the race. The top waves require documented performance to “qualify” for a top spot. For the longest time, my personal goal was to run a sub-40 minute time, and I normally ran in the “sub-seeded” time group ahead of the lettered waves. As I got older, running a sub-42 minute became my new goal as it usually meant I would be in the top 1,000 and start in Wave A. The top 1,000 finishers, regardless of age or gender, were awarded special Top Finisher mugs. I have a collection of them.
Fast forward to 2023, and age has finally caught up with me. My goal this year is just to finish and have fun. We will be in Wave H this year, and I may do a bit of walking. Do you or anyone you know have osteoarthritis? Yep, I have it in my knees, but I’m determined to keep moving forward anyway. It’s important to keep my running streak going and, of course, add another coveted Peachtree finishers shirt to my growing collection. So, what has the race meant to me personally?
Mary Catherine and Joe Domaleski at the starting line of the 2022 Peachtree Road Race. Photo/Joe Domaleski
A Bond with the Running Community: The Peachtree has brought me into the running community. Over the years, I have forged deep connections with fellow participants, sharing the joy of accomplishment, the camaraderie of training, and the collective celebration of this remarkable event. The sense of unity and camaraderie that permeates the race day is unlike anything I have experienced elsewhere. The shared passion for running has created lasting friendships and a network of support that extends beyond the race itself. You’ll be proud to know that our local community is well represented at the race. Our own Peachtree City Running Club charters two buses to transport runners to the race.
Nostalgia and Milestone Moments: Each Peachtree holds a special place in my heart as a milestone in my running journey. The memories of crossing the start line, hearing the cheers of the crowd, and pushing through the physical and mental challenges have become ingrained in my being. I recall moments of triumph, moments of struggle, and moments of pure joy. These memories serve as a reminder of my own resilience and determination, and they motivate me to keep going, year after year. It’s really hard to describe; you just have to experience it.
Embracing Atlanta’s Spirit – The Peachtree is more than just a race; it is a celebration of Atlanta’s vibrant spirit and rich culture. As I traverse the course, passing iconic landmarks and immersing myself in the cheers of spectators, I feel a profound connection to the city I call home. At the top of “Cardiac Hill,” the race passes by Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, where all of my children were born. Peachtree Street is the heart of Atlanta. The race embodies the city’s resilience, diversity, and unwavering sense of community. It is a reminder of the indomitable spirit that defines Atlanta and inspires me to carry that spirit with me in every aspect of my life. People all across the Atlanta area will be wearing their hard-earned Peachtree finisher shirts after the race. Just seeing another Peachtree finisher creates an instant bond.
Gratitude for the Journey – Above all, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude. Although I’m not as fast as I once was, I am grateful for my health and the ability to participate in this event year after year. I am grateful for the support of my loved ones, who have cheered me on through every step of this journey. I am grateful for the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the memories created. The Peachtree Road Race has enriched my life in countless ways, and I am honored to have been a part of its legacy.
Members of the Peachtree City Running Club at the finish area of the 2022 Peachtree Road Race in Piedmont Park. Photo/Peachtree City Running Club
As I reflect on my 40th Peachtree Road Race, I carry with me a lifetime of memories, lessons, and cherished experiences. This event has shaped me as a runner, as a member of a supportive community, and as an individual. It represents personal growth, camaraderie, and a deep connection to the vibrant city of Atlanta. The Peachtree Road Race is not just a race—it is a part of who I am. And as I cross the finish line once again, I am reminded of the endless possibilities that lie ahead in my ongoing running journey. Are you running the Peachtree this year? If so, meet us at the Peachtree City Running Club tent in the Piedmont Park finish area and say hello. If not, consider running (or walking) it next year.
Happy Birthday, America! We live in the greatest country in the world.
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Jun 26, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, Front Page, News Center, Opinion
Keeping up with everything I need to do is a never-ending struggle, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this regard. There’s no doubt that technology has improved the tools for managing tasks and staying organized. However, there’s a downside to all this technology—it has created more inboxes and ways for tasks and to-do’s to fall into my lap. You know what I mean?
Being an effective leader requires staying organized and productive. A leader’s own organizational skills and ability to manage tasks directly impact their team’s success. A personal productivity methodology is essential for leaders to maintain focus, manage time effectively, and prioritize responsibilities. By implementing a productivity system, a leader can streamline workflows, make informed decisions, and ensure their actions align with strategic objectives. A structured methodology allows leaders to optimize productivity, minimize distractions, and dedicate time and energy to high-value tasks that drive results.
When I started my business 20 years ago, I researched different productivity methodologies and systems used by entrepreneurs and business leaders. At the time, the Getting Things Done® (GTD) methodology really resonated with me. Developed by productivity expert David Allen, GTD provides a comprehensive framework for organizing tasks, managing priorities, and achieving a state of “mind like water.” It’s a simple, yet powerful system. While GTD works well with software tools, it is equally effective with a paper-based system. I read Allen’s book “Getting Things Done,” and it opened my eyes to some subtle but powerful ways to stay organized. The GTD methodology has aged well over the years and I still use it. What follows is not a commercial for GTD but simply an overview of what it is and how I use it.
At its core, GTD is centered around five key actions: capturing, clarifying, organizing, reflecting, and engaging with our commitments and responsibilities.
The main idea behind GTD is to free up mental space by externalizing and processing all our tasks, thereby enabling us to focus on execution rather than mental clutter. Key principles of GTD in more detail:
Capture Everything: The first step to achieving a clear mind is to capture every task, idea, and commitment into a trusted system. This can be done using a physical notebook, a digital tool, or a combination of both. By capturing everything, we prevent mental leakage and ensure that no valuable thoughts or tasks slip through the cracks. Personally, I use an app called “Things 3,” which works seamlessly across my iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac computer. I can capture tasks from anywhere, and they automatically sync across all my devices. It’s fascinating to tell my watch to remember something and then see it appear on my computer later.
Clarify and Organize: Once tasks are captured, the next step is to clarify their nature and determine the desired outcome. Each task should be processed to determine if it requires immediate action, delegation, deferral, or elimination. Clarifying tasks helps prevent getting overwhelmed and provides clarity on what needs to be done. Once clarified, tasks are organized based on their context, priority, and deadlines. Personally, I go through my inboxed tasks once a day to ensure they are appropriately clarified and organized.
Use an Organizational System: Establishing a reliable organizational system is paramount to GTD’s success. This system may consist of project lists, next-action lists, reference files, and calendars. By having a structured system in place, we can easily access and prioritize our tasks, ensuring that we’re always working on the most important and relevant tasks at any given time. For work organization, my team and I use an online tool called Basecamp, which not only helps us stay organized but also enables seamless collaboration with clients. Personally, I rely on Apple Notes and Apple Calendar, which is integrated into all my devices. My wife and I even use Apple Notes for shared grocery lists, which keeps things efficient and synchronized.
The author feeling a sense of accomplishment after checking off items from a GTD to-do list. Photo/Joe Domaleski
Regular Review and Reflection: GTD emphasizes the importance of periodic reviews to reassess our commitments, projects, and priorities. Regularly reviewing our tasks and goals enables us to make informed decisions about what requires our attention and what can be deferred or eliminated. Reflection helps maintain a clear perspective on our responsibilities and ensures that we’re aligning our actions with our long-term objectives. Personally, I dedicate Sunday evenings to a weekly review and planning session, where I lay out the week ahead and beyond, ensuring I have a clear roadmap for success.
Benefits of a Good Personal Productivity System:
- Enhances Focus and Reduced Stress: A good system, such as GTD, allows us to externalize and organize our thoughts, freeing up mental space for focused action. By knowing exactly what needs to be done and when, we can eliminate the mental clutter that leads to stress and distraction, enabling us to work with greater clarity and purpose.
- Improves Efficiency: With a reliable organizational system in place, we can easily locate and prioritize tasks, making it easier to complete them efficiently. A system like the GTD I use helps us identify the next actionable steps for each task, eliminating decision paralysis and enabling us to make consistent progress.
- Increases Agility: A good methodology equips us with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. By regularly reviewing and reassessing our commitments, we can quickly adjust our priorities and reallocate resources as needed, allowing us to navigate unexpected challenges and seize new opportunities.
- Heightens Creativity and Innovation: When our minds are clear and unburdened, we can tap into our creative potential and generate innovative ideas. Time-tested systems like GTD enable us to focus on important tasks and projects, freeing up mental capacity for creative thinking and problem-solving.
- Inspires Others: Systems like GTD can inspire others by demonstrating the tangible benefits and positive impact of an effective personal productivity system. Although I’m by no means perfect, I do like to hear when someone says, “Joe, you’re a busy person but somehow you seem to get everything done.” While that’s not entirely true, I do strive to be helpful and productive.
Busy times call for powerful tools and system. A system like GTD is a potent tool for enhancing personal productivity in both professional and personal pursuits. Personally, GTD has helped me increase focus, reduce stress, and improve efficiency. Regardless of the system you choose, having an organized and task-focused system is important. Being an organized leader who gets things done not only empowers you to achieve your personal goals but also enables you to inspire and uplift your team and others on their own paths to success. What system do you use to stay organized and productive?
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Jun 5, 2023 | Blog, Business, City, Columnists, Community, Fayetteville, Front Page, News Center, Opinion, Top News
Let me get straight to the point: this past weekend’s Bicentennial celebration for the City of Fayetteville, Georgia was a resounding success, regardless of how you measure it. Our community should take pride in how everyone came together to celebrate the past, present, and future of our great city on Saturday, June 3rd. We’re not perfect, and we make mistakes, but look at how far we’ve come and how bright the future looks. I’m not a journalist, nor am I writing this piece to promote an agenda. As most readers know, I’m just a private citizen and local business owner. However, I feel compelled to share some things that made our city’s 200th Birthday Bash extra special from my perspective. In a news landscape often filled with negativity, let’s highlight something positive and see what we can learn from it. Leaders, take note – some of these things might help you in the future.
Joe and Mary Catherine Domaleski with Fayetteville Police Officer Kathryn Johnson Gonzalez. Photo/Joe Domaleski
Diversity: What immediately caught my attention more than anything else was the number of families in attendance, representing a wide range of ages, races, and backgrounds. Although there were no labels or signs, I believe there was a diverse representation of faiths and political beliefs. Notably, there were no protests or actions seeking undue attention for any cause or issue. The celebration showcased one of the most diverse gatherings of people I have ever witnessed in Fayetteville, and it was truly amazing. The diversity felt genuine, proving that we can all coexist harmoniously.
Activities and venue: The celebration offered something for everyone. From history tours and food trucks to adult beverages, entertainment, live music, art, vendors, nature, playgrounds, splash pads, and an impressive fireworks show, it was clear that this event was meticulously planned to cater to a wide range of interests. Pulling off such a diverse and engaging event is no easy task. It’s worth mentioning that just a few years ago, the Fayetteville City Center served as a parking lot and bus barn for the Board of Education’s fleet of school buses. It’s incredible to see how the same spot has transformed into a grass lawn where we can now enjoy concerts and fireworks.
Safety: Hats off to Police Chief Scott Gray and Fire Chief Linda Black for their exceptional leadership in their respective departments and their coordination with supporting agencies from the county and other municipalities to ensure our safety. Public safety personnel were were everywhere, answering questions, directing traffic, providing first aid, and keeping a watchful eye on the event. I can honestly say that I have never felt safer in our city than when I was enjoying the festivities on the lawn of City Center last Saturday night. Despite the long day for the first responders, they even seemed to be enjoying the celebrations, as evidenced by some of them dancing or tapping their toes during the concert.
Start of the fireworks grand finale at the Fayetteville 200th Birthday Bash. Photo/Joe Domaleski
Sponsors: As someone who has both sponsored events and sought out sponsors, I know firsthand that an event cannot take place without their support. I want to express my gratitude to Trilith (yes, Trilith was a major sponsor), Brightmoor, Georgia Military College, Fayette FACTOR, Falcon Design, Clearwater, Walmart, Kroger, and even the Atlanta Falcons for taking a chance and supporting this fantastic event. I understand that sponsoring an event can be a significant financial commitment, but your contributions did not go unnoticed and were greatly appreciated.
Community leaders: There is much to be said about the upfront and personal leadership that I witnessed at the event. It was wonderful to see Chick-fil-A Chairman (and Trilith leader) Dan Cathy and his lovely wife Rhonda walking around, greeting people without an entourage or special security detail. They appeared to be “normal people” who exuded pride about their city. It was also great to see Peachtree City Mayor Kim Learnard and Fayette County Commissioner Chuck Oddo in attendance supporting the City of Fayetteville. While there may have been other community leaders present, these are a few I personally noticed and spoke with. I also had the pleasure of seeing several fellow business owners and peers at the event. It was truly a joy to see all of you there.
City council leaders: I believe every City Councilperson was present that night. I had the opportunity to personally speak with most of them, including Rich Hoffman (who serviced my cars for years and now serves our community on the council), Scott Stacy, and Joe Clark (who always brings so much energy). I believe I also spotted Darryl Langford (go Army!) and Dr. Niyah Glover, although I didn’t have the chance to speak with them from a distance. It was impressive to see all of them mingling with the crowd, answering questions at the City tent, and engaging with the public as true public leaders should. When is the last time your organization (or elected officials) had its full board support and attend one of its own events? Noted and appreciated City Council.
City staff: City Manager Ray Gibson, you have an excellent team, but I’m sure you’re already aware of that. Alongside the public safety personnel, I noticed many of your other department heads in attendance. It was pleasing to see that ALL of them appeared to be enjoying themselves, even as they worked tirelessly throughout the long day. It brought a smile to my face to witness the public works staff actively participating in the festivities, even while handling trash bags. Mainstreet Fayetteville, you all are amazing! I loved the t-shirts and promotions. This is government at its finest, serving the community with cheerfulness. At no point did I sense a “government attitude” from anyone. Well done, Ray, and the entire city staff.
Promotions and communications: PIO Danny Harrison, you and your team did an outstanding job. The lead-up to the event, signage, flyers, newsletters, online updates, social media presence, and especially the infographics were all well-executed. The city’s communications were immensely helpful in keeping us informed about what was happening, when events were taking place, and particularly where to park. As someone whose company has some knowledge of marketing, we recognize a job well-done when we see it. Kudos to you and your team.
Parking and traffic: Seeing is believing, and now I am believer that the city can handle traffic. The city did an excellent job designating parking areas in collaboration with adjacent organizations and ensuring that both vehicular and pedestrian traffic flowed smoothly. The county and local churches also provided much-needed parking areas. Like many others, I often worry about overcrowding and traffic in our city, but on Saturday, everything worked seamlessly, reaffirming my confidence that we can handle it well.
Risk-taking: It is important to acknowledge that organizing a first-time event like this carries significant risks. It can be challenging to predict attendance, determine the level of support required, handle emergencies effectively, and even anticipate the financial outcome. As a private citizen attending the event, I did not have access to the operational details. However, from my perspective, it appears that the event was a tremendous success for all involved. Vendors seemed to be profitable, attendees appeared satisfied, and there were no noticeable safety issues. It seems that the risk paid off, and other community organizations should take note of this success and be inspired to take similar risks. As the saying goes, “build it and they will come.”
City of Fayetteville Mayor Ed Johnson with the author, Joe Domaleski. Photo/Mary Catherine Domaleski
Mayor: Fayetteville Mayor Ed Johnson, though not one to boast about himself, deserves personal commendation from me. Mayor Johnson, a humble Navy Veteran and Pastor, clearly loves our community, and that love is evident in his actions. It is difficult to find another leader in our county who is as grounded in the present while simultaneously inspiring a vision for the future. He has achieved something that very few have been able to accomplish in our community: bringing together a racially and politically diverse group of people to achieve common goals for the betterment of all. I am taking notes, and I encourage other community leaders to do the same. Thank you, Mayor.
Was the event perfect? No. As you might expect, some people got carried away with alcohol (although I didn’t see any major problems). There were long lines at some of the vendors (to be expected on a hot June night), and some people were confused by the activities on the Square versus activities at the City Center. Also, there should have been more restrooms and more frequent cleaning of the restrooms during the event. By the evening, the restrooms were in rough shape. On the whole, it was an outstanding event. One of the best parts? We didn’t have to drive up to Atlanta to sit in traffic to see a concert and fireworks. Mary Catherine and I were home and in bed by 10:30 pm! When was the last time that happened? The party came to our home city, and we’re glad it did.
The Bicentennial celebration in Fayetteville, Georgia was a success, regardless of how it is evaluated. It is a testament to our incredible community, and we should all take pride in the way we joined forces to honor our city’s past, present, and future on Saturday night.
As we move forward, remember the spirit of this celebration. When we come together as a community, great things can be accomplished. Let these observations serve as a reminder to my fellow community leaders that embracing diversity, fostering engaging activities, prioritizing safety, nurturing strong relationships with the business community, and taking calculated risks are essential ingredients for future success. Together, let’s continue building a future for Fayetteville and the surrounding areas that shines even brighter than its storied past.
[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year. Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran. He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]
