Friday afternoon I picked up my personal cheerleader, Tracy, and we headed up to Amelia Island. Amelia Island is about 3 hours from Orlando. We left around 3 and managed to avoid most of the Jacksonville rush hour traffic. The Google Maps App TRIED it’s hardest to get us lost (it kept telling us to go South on I-95 and then would randomly shout out direction to us like “Go right!” and “Go East!”), but the hotel (Ritz Carlton Amelia Island) was very easy to find.
After checking in and picking up my bib, I did a quick change and met up with a few of my fellow ZOOMA Ambassadors at the Mocktail hour. They had fruits, veggies, and deli meat as well as wine and beverages from Honest Tea (I tried a Mocktail from Honest Tea that was really good!).
It was really nice to finally meet Tricia (who has been in charge of wrangling the Ambassadors/social media aspect of ZOOMA), Lorraine, Renee, Presley, and Caitlin – as well as see Rachel and Julie again.
We chatted about blogging, running, baby names, and books for a while before calling it a night. Tracy and I headed back to the hotel room (which was REALLY nice – I felt incredibly adult staying at the Ritz!) for a room service dinner (pizza!).
I waaaay too much food, but in retrospect I think that’s what got me through – so it wasn’t a bad thing!
I was up the next morning at 6, which is possibly the latest I’ve ever gotten up for a race! I was originally worried about the 8am start (considering it was 85 degrees last weekend during the Disney Half) – but thankfully we Florida got a little bit of a cold snap this week and the high for the day was 62. At 7, when we got on our buses to the race start, it was 52 degrees. That’s cold for this Florida girl.
We got to the race start by 7:15 and then hung around for 45 minutes. I used the porta potties and then found Rachel, Julie, Caitlin, and Mary (<-also an ambassador) trying to keep warm by one of the buildings. It wasn’t so much the cold that got to us – but the wind. It was coming at us from all sides.
Finally around 7:55 everyone starting lining up and after a few pictures we were off!
The race started in the Fernandina Beach area. We ran through their adorable downtown…
Past a cemetery…
Over a small bridge…
Then into Fort Clinch State Park.
I ran the first 1.5-2 miles without stopping and they just flew by. I hung with Rachel, who just finished the Disney Marathon last Sunday and was not running for time either.
Around Mile 3 I made my first of MANY porta potty stops and she waited for me. We kept a pattern of running and then walking through water stops. This worked until about Mile 6 when I just felt like my thighs were going to give out. Good thing it was so pretty.
Around Mile 7-8 we came out of the State Park and onto A1A.
Rachel told me she wanted to run and I told her to go on without me. There was no way I could bring myself to run. In fact, I was really questioning my sanity at that point.
WHY was I running a half marathon at 24 weeks pregnant?? I know people do it all the time – I actually saw two pregnant woman doing the Disney Marathon the week before who looked like they were in awesome shape at Mile 11 – but what exactly was I trying to prove? And then the damn song came on. The same damn song that came on during my marathon that made me snap back together and finish the race strong. Yes, it was Coldplay’s Fix You. Why do I keep putting that song on my playlist?? I guess it’s probably for this very reason. (I thought it was SO creepy that this song came on AGAIN though. Is that fate or what?)
So, I started running.
It wasn’t fast (I don’t even want to know my pace), but running was faster than walking. My pelvic bone and my thighs were KILLING me – but it pretty much hurt regardless of what I was doing at that point, so I figured I might as well get to the finish line faster.
A selfie, just for you Julie.
After running for two songs, I walked for two songs — and then repeat. This is pretty much what I did (in between bathroom stops) until I hit the beach.
Oh, did I mention that the finish was on the beach?
It was awesome, in theory. It was a gorgeous day and there really is nothing better than running on the beach, but it was a challenging finish. I watched 5 women ahead of me slow down to the point that I knew if I (insanely) kept running that I could beat them. I may be pregnant, but damn if I’m not still competitive. So that’s what I did. Booyah!
And somehow, someway I managed to come in BEFORE the time limit (which was 3:30) and I was just so, so happy to be done. I even celebrated with a little champagne (you don’t know how bad I wanted the whole bottle).
I also found Rachel, who I’m SO proud of — because I know she was hurting too. I don’t think I was even working out 6 days after my marathon, let alone running a half marathon!
And of course, I’m so thankful for Tracy – who hung out by the finish line in the wind and ran in with me on the side as I crossed the finish cheering for me!
I have to say – the whole ZOOMA race experience was awesome. The course was SO well planned (by runners, you can just tell), there were plenty of water/Cytomax/porta potty stops. This is a PR course for sure. Oh, and the after party was fun! Wine, food, yoga, foam rollers, massages, and a band? How can you go wrong? I kinda wish I had gotten there sooner :/ Plus the location was gorgeous.
After slowllllly getting ready and checking out, we headed into Jacksonville…
And I celebrated with lemonade and a fantastic burger salad from Ted’s Montana Grill (seriously – why don’t we have one of these in Orlando yet?).
I finally got back to Orlando around 6, where my family was patiently waiting to give me hugs, snuggles, and kisses. Finishing a race, personal besting (or even worsting) and race medals and bling are all fine and dandy. However, I don’t care what anyone says – the best part of EVERY race is coming home to hear that my family is proud me and my kids saying they are going to race just like me some day. I just hope I can run it with them!
And with that my race season comes to a close. It was a short one for sure! The next time I run a race I will be a mother of THREE…and possibly even more insane. I have to say, running while pregnant has given me big goals. The search for fall races has begun. Better start on that race savings account now, Paula.
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aww this made me get a little misty-eyed at the end. i know i wanna continue to run, even when i’m pregnant/have kiddos, and you are SUCH an inspiration that it’s possible to do just that. great job at the race!
Rachael @ Happy Healthy Runner recently posted..The Truth About College Binge Drinking – Infographic Friday
Thank you for the sweetest comment ever! Yes, you can definitely stay fit, healthy, and have fun when you have a family (and I can’t wait for that to happen!).
You know, if you had to walk a lot of any race, this looks like the one to do it because damn, those are some pretty pictures. If you were running more, you might not have noticed as much!
We need a good travel race for the fall/winter!
Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run recently posted..What’s Next
Yes! It was a good one to walk. It would have been even MORE AWESOME to run and PR on though!
I won’t be able to travel too far this fall/winter – but yes, we need to find something. Maybe we need to start looking in N. Florida where it’s cooler?
Congratulations on race #13! My last half was a struggle and did a bunch of run/walk combos, but I’m glad you finished it through. I love the Walt Disney quote pic you snapped!
Stephanie recently posted..The Florida Panthers are Back!!
Thank you! And yes, I love that Disney quote too.
I have the utmost respect for people who walk/run half (and full!) marathons. None of it is easy!
You’re awesome, Michelle! I still can’t believe you ran that far while carrying a small human.
You got so many great pictures of the course! I loved reading your race recap – you’re inspiring!
So sad I missed seeing you!
Ashley@cupcakesncrunches recently posted..ZOOMA Florida Half Marathon
Thanks Ashley! I’m bummed I didn’t see you either. I think we must have *just* missed each other. We’ll have to meet up at another race soon
Congrats again on your PR and placing! You are a rockstar!!
I am so excited for you–what an inspiring and motivational recap! You are so strong and rocked that race! Way to keep going and to finish strong!
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups recently posted..Final preparations
Thanks! I definitely didn’t feel my strongest – but those ARE the days that make you feel stronger, right? So when am I convincing you to sign up and run a half??
You are amazing. Both running a half marathon and being pregnant are hard. You put them together and it is exponentially hard.
It looks like a beautiful race and I may have to add it to my lists of races to do. If you are looking for a fall race, the Zooma Great Lakes course would be beautiful. It is in the town were we got married.
Hopefully your crotch is feeling better today : ).
Heather recently posted..Real Yoga and My First Blogger Meet Up
Thanks Heather! My last half at 17 weeks was MUCH easier — it’s amazing what 7 weeks can do and how your body change.
I didn’t know that you got married in Great Lakes! That is a beautiful area!
Ha – my crotch is feeling better.
Nothing like combining dehydration post race with alcohol while preggers…
Not sure if this is facetious or sarcastic or just out of concern, but I definitely wasn’t dehydrated (hence the numerous bathroom stops along the course) and it was all of two sips of champagne — the guy didn’t pour me a whole glass! I guess I’m more open about what I eat and drink during pregnancy than most?
HAHAHAA I had the same thought, the sand was awesome…in theory
I am so sad I didn’t get to spend more time with all of the other ambassadors. I just couldn’t afford the hotel with the flight, which was a major bummer. I thought everyone was so darn nice!!
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..The Unrace Race Week
I definitely stole a couple sips of wine while pregnant, as did 90% of my friends. It’s not like you had a whole (or even half) glass. I also ate deli meat and didn’t always microwave it first – risky business!
I am really impressed with you running this. Inspiration for if I ever have another one!
Victoria recently posted..Dick Batchelor Run 5k Recap
Yep, I also eat deli meat (from Publix and it’s fresh cut) AND sushi. Don’t tell
You could definitely do it – if you have another. Hell, I was impressed you were running even 2 miles ON your due date!!
Way to go lady! I am so impressed with your motivation! I got teary eyed when you wrote about Fix You–one of my favorite songs of all time–it almost always makes me cry!
Kelly @ Runmarun recently posted..Happy Friday & My Husband Rocks
Thank you!
Yes, it’s such a great song (and even better live!) and has so much meaning behind it.
Way to go and I think that definitely deserved a sip or champagne at the finish!! I can’t imagine runnin that long while pregnant I’m just hoping to run through more of this pregnancy than I did the last.
Glad you had fun!
I hope you can too! I really never thought I would be running at 24 weeks – so it is possible to do things differently – even the 2nd (or 3+) time around.
What a beautiful location for a race! You are a total rock star for doing a half at 24 weeks. I am jealous that 52 is cold in your area… high of 28 here today!
Jen recently posted..Pregnancy workouts – what I did last week
Yeah, I don’t think my brain would be able to function in a high of 28. I lived in it for 11 years, but for the life of me cannot remember what that feels liked. Yes, I am so spoiled!
I am a die-hard New Englander and have lived here most of my life, but as I get older (you know, the ripe old age of 32) I find that winter gets to me more and more. Luckily my bestie (a New Englander herself) lives in Florida so I can visit her. Going there in a few weeks and I can’t wait for some Fla sunshine!
Jen recently posted..Pregnancy workouts – what I did last week
Jesus Christ. You are such a badass! Congrats on another half!
Lol. Thanks girl! So, you’re going to take it from here right?
Umm…. you’re pretty bad ass. That is all.
Meghann recently posted..Ironman Training Phase 1: Building My base
That actually means a lot coming from a bad ass like yourself! Thanks
Wow, a finish on the beach? Sound beautiful, but even more brutal than the bricks at the end of the OUC half!
Congrats! You are a total rockstar!
Diane @ DixieJulep recently posted..Toddler Vacation Survival Guide
I don’t know – I think the 2 miles on brick is still harder than running on the beach. At least that’s what my ankles think (don’t ask my crotch though!).
Thank you!