Now it's time for another runner spotlight! If you would like to be spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com. I am running low on spotlights and would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! :-)
Today I am super excited to be spotlighting Holly from Running and Baking, Oh My! If you read my race recaps then you know that this girl is my pace partner! She has an amazing story! And she is also wonder woman! She balances being a mom and wife and working full time and still manages to find time to run! Keep reading to learn more about her!
Name: Holly Johnson
State: Alabama
When and why did you start running? I started running in December 2011. I tried twice
prior to this to run the C25K, but was unsuccessful. I recruited some ladies to
join the Sole2Soul Sisters group in Daphne and most of us have been running ever
since. It seems like for the past year and a half, my whole life has revolved
around running, it’s been so much more than just a way to get fit though. It
has helped me breakout of my shell, I tend to be a little shy. I think it has
also helped to encourage my kids to be active.
What is your favorite race and race distance? My favorite race distance is the half. I really enjoy running
the longer distances and just getting out there and having two hours or more to
run, talk and enjoy the moment. And to be honest, I love the medals, lol! My
favorite race so far has been the Seaside Half, it was just a perfect run and
beautiful scenery. It was also a pretty
big PR for me as well as my first
race-cation, I am really looking forward to running it again!
What is your race day routine? I try to wake up an hour before I
need to leave. Most of my stuff is laid out the night before and my running bag
is packed. I showered the night before so all I need to do is get dressed and
go. I eat a protein bar or drink a shake on the way to the race and also drink
some water on my drive down. I like to ride with someone to the races so I can
relax and take my mind off the race, I tend to get nervous prior to the race,
it seems to help to have someone else there to distract me.
What is your most favorite piece of running gear? My favorite pair of running gear is my shoes. Without great
shoes, I couldn’t run all of these miles. I have a bad back and have had a hip
injury. I need all the support and cushion I can get. My Asics 2170 GT are my
current favorites.
Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement
your running? I have
gotten into trying different protein powder/shakes here lately. I usually drink
a shake for brunch at work. Then have some sort of yogurt & granola or
fruit snack. I love the shakes before my
runs. If there is one supplement I would recommend other than a multi vitamin,
it would have to be Advocare O2. It helps to oxygenate your blood. Love it! It
really gives you that extra kick!
What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? I wish I had understood that it never gets easier, you just
get better. I always doubted that I could do it. But once you build up and
train, anyone (medically fit of course) could run these races. You just need to
stop letting your head tell you different. Our legs and body can far outlast
our doubting minds!
What is your fondest running memory?
I really
cherish my group runs with Mindy and all of our Sole2Soul Sisters! I have not
listened to music since I joined the group. We run and talk. Or run and listen.
It is so nice to have the support of these great ladies.
What is one thing that most people do not know about you? I am very shy!, I think running and blogging has helped me to
be less shy, but it can really be an issue.
Here are all the different ways you can connect with Holly!
Twitter: www.twitter.com/running_baking
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hollylolly
Instagram:
Thanks so much for sharing with us Holly!
QOTD: What is the weather like where you live now? Is it still feeling like winter or has spring sprung?
