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.