Monday, March 16, 2009

Pacing and Porta-Potties

First and foremost let me thank my sweet blogging friend, Katie Lake, for my goodies that I received in the mail last week. I love every bit of it! Thanks so much!


Next is the update on the Gate River Run 15K. First of all, if you've ever ran in a race, you know the deal with the bathrooms. You, without fail, always have to go and there is nothing but porta-potties. It's a straight line of hundreds of those blue boxes holding mobile potties and you're standing there watching everyone come out, trying your best to judge the bathroom abilities of each and everyone of them while choosing who you think did the least amount of damage before going in behind them. Do I go in after the man in spandex or the lady in cutoff jean shorts? The answer is neither. You choose the lady in black yoga pants who looks equally disgusted at the situation as you are. And as if this topic needs further elaboration, it's no secret that no one washes their hands, because there is no sink, which for some reason makes me blush a little. The whole scenario is enough to make anyone wanna run...

The race itself went pretty well. Actually, the run felt great. The weather was nice, except for the fog on the bridge, and it just felt right. This was the first run that I felt like I found my pace and stuck with it. Miles 1-3 felt fine as I was just taking in the scenery and getting warmed up. Mile 4 found me feeling a bit off, so on Mile 5 or 6 I took a Strawberry Banana POWERBAR® Gel packet and I really think it did just the trick. This particular brand is not as thick as other brands and was much easier to handle. I timed it so that I could take it as I was going through a water station so I could have something to rinse it down with. Mile 8 was all uphill, going up the Hart Bridge. And Mile 9 was almost entirely downhill with the last half mile or so a straightaway to the finish line. Although this was my fourth year running the River Run, it was my first year running it since having Kate. So needless to say, I was a little nervous as to how I would do. Child-bearing can do a number on ya, if you know what I mean. I finished in 1:30:13...and headed straight for the banana and bagel tent.

On this particular day I was painfully aware at how 'behind times' I really am. I ran with my headphones....meaning, my running radio strapped to my arm. I was at the mercy of whatever Mr. Jacksonville DJ wanted to play, which was all fine and dandy until he wants to bust out with "Nobody Knows" from the Tony Rich Project on my uphill climb of Mile 8?! Everyone else had there Ipod's jamming something motivational I'm sure. Again, where have I been? Oh that's right, living in the middle of a hayfield in small town Georgia. So now I'm on a mission to obtain an Ipod Shuffle...and earbuds. And mainly it's just because I like saying 'earbuds'.

I rode to the race with my dear friend Jobeth and it made the day ten times more fun.

Here's a pic of us after the race.









I am on Spring Break this week from teaching and although I think it's a little early to be having a Spring Break, I'm looking forward to spending the week at home with Kate. Today we went shopping for her some much needed Spring clothes. Tomorrow I think we're going to try and make it to the beach for a while with Sal Gal (weather permitting).



Whatever we do, I'm just thankful to have a whole week at home with my love.

She makes my heart sing.


26 comments:

d.a.r. said...

Awesome race, congrats!!!

EJ & Roo said...

congrats on the race.
enjoy your spring break with your adorable little one.

Puttin' On The GRITS said...

You were in my dream last night. I think you were at the grocery store buying produce? Yeah, I don't know...

Kristy said...

You are my hero! I don't think I could run down the street!!! =)

Unknown said...

Great job on the race! I think I should start up jogging ~ although I have way too much jiggling that shouldn't be jiggling! But I spose I could jog it of, huh? You look great Hollie ~ enjoy your week off with your sweetheart!

Elizabeth said...

Good job on the race. I was supposed to do my long run of 8 miles on Saturday but i had a migraine so now I feel so behind. ENjoy your week off!

Jon and Steph said...

Way to go!! Great job on your race!

Anonymous said...

I hate the porta potties!! Great job on the race! You look super cute! OH, and you are a lil behind - everyone has atleast a Shuffle! LOL jk. I couldn't run without my shuffle.

Melissa said...

Yay for YOU! Girl.. you are a better woman than me. I hate to run! I love to work out and all, but runnin' ain't my thing. It's the big boob thing!! HA! Have fun with your sweetie!!

Lindsay said...

Good job on the run, that is awesome! Enjoy your week off with Kate. I would love a whole week off with my kids but that is going to have to wait. :) Didn't know you were a teacher???

Sassytimes said...

Way to go with the race!!!

I love the binky kiss picture! So cute!

Rebecca Jo said...

You are my hero in that race!! And still looking fantastic afterwards too! You are TRULY my hero!

Living for the Little Moments said...

Cute gifts!
Awful portapottys!
Awesome race!

Enjoy your spring break!

Martha Jones said...

I love your blog! It's so cute. Great job on your race.

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

You are such a star. Congrats on finishing the race!

Adore that last photo of you & your girl.

Bran ♥ said...

CONGRATS on the race. that's fantastic! :)

enjoy your week with kate. the two of you are absolutely adorable together and i am sure you will have a great time!

Unknown said...

Wow, GREAT JOB HOLLIE!!!!!! I'm proud of you!

Love the pictures of you and Kate after the run...you two are gorgeous.

Kasey said...

That is so funny I was just wondering the other day if I could find my walkman- now who's behind!

Amber said...

How fun! You must have an ipod and earbuds my friend. It is the only thing that gets me to the gym! I'm so jealous of your running skills. Someone would have to be chasing my with a very sharp object for me to do any sort of running! haha

Shaina said...

Congrats on the race! I'm currently training for a mere 5k - I've never been a runner and am celebrating being able to run ALMOST 2 miles! I'm really looking forward to the point when I'll be able to do something as crazy as a 15k!

Come on over and enter my giveaway!

Chic Runner said...

Yay for the race report! What a great job. When it comes to earbuds, I would recommend the sony ones that loop around your ears, because the earbuds that apple gives you with their product fall out when you sweat (gross I know) but they also are softer and I like to be jammin' to my music not listening to whispers. :) Great job again!

MiMi said...

Congratulations! You look amazing even AFTER the race! So proud of you! And, of course, Miss Kate is looking adorable, as always!

TheVanzants said...

Had a GREAT time with you - and you're right, going with you made it MUCH more enjoyable! River Run 2010 (wow,that looks weird..) here we come!

The Regal Pup said...

Congrats on the race! You'll love the Shuffle! Have fun over Spring Break w/ your little one.

kaetrn said...

congrats on running a great race in a great time! wow! what kind of teacher are you? well, enjoy your break with your love(s)!

Darci White said...

okay girl, tell me what it is you do to stay so tan?

you look gorgeous and glowing - tanning bed, spray on, lotion? what is it? i need some of it!

;-)