Official Race Photos

The Zooma site posted the race pics last night.

I still can't believe I did it. Glad I have the pictures to prove it.

Zooma Half Marathon

Good Morning! Getting ready for race day. This is my surprised racing face.

I totally had the Chateau Elan lady pose down.

Clay was ready to cheer me on.

Ready, set, GO!

Love the honey badger sign!

Hydrate, hydrate. I walked/ran the first 5 miles at a little better than a 13 minute mile pace, starting at mile 5 I started running and ran the rest of the race. I took 2 walking breaks, once when my thighs and hips were getting too tight and once more when I was feeling queasy going up a hill. I managed to maintain about an 11 minute mile pace for those 8 miles. I also realized that I cannot do math while racing because I was all excited at the 5 mile mark thinking I was halfway through, then it dawned on me at mile 7 that I had slightly miscalculated that. I had no idea of how I was doing after the 5 mile marker, I didn't check my time anymore. I dropped my camel back at mile 5 and stuck my phone in my jog bra so I didn't want to keep pulling it out and checking it.

This was a killer hill at mile 10, not the best time to eat the Gu I had but there was a water station to chase it so I did what I had to. I actually went a little past the Gu station and realized they had it and doubled back a few paces but was past the water so I held it until I got to the next water station. It was the chocolate which I had not had before. It tasted like brownie batter. The taste was great, but it was really hard to swallow, especially while running up a big hill. I also was worried that I was going to have Gu chocolate all around my mouth in the finish line photos.
I decided when I started running at 5 that I would try not to let anyone pass me and stay ahead of me for the remainder of the race. I also was going to count how many people I could pass before the end and set a goal of 30. I got to 30 and decided to try for 50. At the 12 mile mark I had 5 more to go, the first 2 were easy, the next 2 kept speeding up as I got closer but I finally got ahead of them and passed one more for a total of 51. I was worried that a couple of them were going to catch me in the final stretch so I really pushed myself and maybe too hard, I didn't realize that the last 0.1 mile was going to be UPHILL. I was almost to the finish line and got the urge to throw up, there was a lady in a white shirt standing near the end and just yelling her heart out, "come on, you got it, finish strong, smile to the end." So I smiled to the end while wanted to puke on the inside and certain that I was going to pass out as soon as I crossed the finish line. I just KNEW that the race photographers were going to get a photo of me slumping to the ground. Thankfully, I made it through ripped the top off a water bottle, sat my butt on the curve and put my head between my legs before I landed on the ground. Between swigs of water I started to feel better and realized that my legs were stiffening up already so I got up and walked around slowly while finishing my water and letting it sink in that I had just finished a half marathon.
I DID IT!!

Not only did I do it, but I noticed my time as I was almost to the finish line and kinda thought I was hallucinating. My goal was to finish in under 3 hours. My time was 2:33:46. I had definitely underestimated myself. What an awesome feeling!!

Then, the moment I have been waiting for....I put my 13.1 magnet on my car. I'm all official and stuff now.

These feet are seeing a lot of mileage this week. Last night of 3 at work tonight, heading out to Zooma race expo tomorrow morning, carbo loading tomorrow night, and then my first half marathon Saturday. Hoping for good weather!

Do Life 1/2 Marathon Style

Can't wait to sport my new "do life" shirt at my first half marathon this weekend. I am participating in the Zooma Atlanta race which is actually held at Chateau Elan. I am super nervous and super excited. I cannot believe how much can change in a year! The plan is, if I don't face plant at the finish line or before I plan on signing up to do a whole at Callaway Gardens in January when the do life guys come to GA again to run the 52 in 52.

Yellow is my new favorite color?

Got this shirt at Gap the other day, would NEVER have even tried this on before, and I was SHOCKED when I tried a large and actually needed a medium. The cashier asked if I had something to wear under it. LOL. Clay actually suggested the grey tank and I love how it turned out.

These are some old super cheap ankle boots I got at Target a couple of years ago.


Nice shoes chick! Hey they make those in giant clown foot size??

Sarah Mellor Photography: {Rebekah and Clay}

My sister Sarah took some great pics of me and Clay. Thanks sis!

Sarah Mellor Photography: {Rebekah and Clay}: { Rebekah and Clay Ketterman}

Pig Picking 2011

The Big House, where the pig picking magic happens.

Got to see my little nephew, Nemo.

It was just too crazy for some folks and they passed out on the couch.

Mema and her 4 children.

Aunt Johannah in all her silliness.

This face reminds me of that prairie dog from Youtube.

Kelly's Art Show

Kelly's beautiful mug.

Her son Isaiah is too cute and was running around checking things out.

Me and the sistah cheesing it up. Then super goofy shot.

Kelly with one of her pieces.

The graphite piece was another artist's at the show. I really liked his work too.

Sarah was taking photos for Kelly. I was taking photos of Sarah. LOL

Here's to Working Out

Even when and especially when you don't want to.

Loving Christmas Cards

After a long hiatus the crafting bug has bitten me again. I love Christmas and what better way to start celebrating early than to get stocked up on cards.

Want to see behind the scenes?