We are so excited to be bringing you the “Shamrock Spotlight Series” on our blogs! The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 8k Races bring thousands of runners, of all ages, abilities and locations, to the Virginia Beach oceanfront every year! As J&A Racing Live Love Run Ambassadors, we decided we wanted to celebrate these races, J&A Racing, and our community by doing a series that highlights participants, both local and out of town, on their journey to this years’ races.
We were incredibly fortunate to get the response we did when asking for volunteers to be spotlighted, and are grateful for the opportunity to share their stories with you!
Kristy and Lesleyanne
SHAMROCK SPOTLIGHT: Holly Kline
Blog: Road Runner
Age on Race Day: 29 years old
Current City: Fort Myers, Florida
Training for the Shamrock Marathon
“I first started running in 2011. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2011 and the next day I signed up for Race for the Cure. I ran it in October of 2011 without any training and having never been a runner before. Since then, my mom has been there to cheer me on every time I have done a new distance. She is now cancer free and is my inspiration for everything and since she lives in Virginia I decided to do my first marathon where she can cheer me on!”
Why you are running a Shamrock race in 2014? Shamrock was my first ever 8K in 2012. I had only been running for 5 months and decided to go for it after only doing two 5Ks. It was my first half marathon in 2013 and it will be my first full marathon this year!
When did you start running? October of 2011, Race for the Cure Tidewater, VA
How many races have you done and what’s your favorite? Sixteen 5Ks, two 8Ks, four 10Ks, one 10 miler and three half marathons. My favorite is the Wicked 10K. I love to look at all the costumes people run in!
Where do you prefer to run? I prefer to run in Virginia. It’s too humid here in Florida!!!
What’s the longest distance you’ve run? 15 mile training run last weekend for Shamrock!
What is the one thing you DON’T like about running? You take off a couple days and it feels like you have never run before!
Favorite post-run indulgence? my protein shake, Tropical Punch ULTRAGEN by First Endurance….honestly! Its sooooo good
Favorite running shoe? Asics Gel Noosa Tri series (I have the 6, 7, and 8…)
Favorite song to run to? Anything by Rise Against…perfect beat for running!
Favorite website to waste time on? Pinterest! I’m a pinaholic…Is there a twelve step program for that yet??
Favorite running moment? Finishing the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon in 2013. My dad died two months before the race and he never saw me run. When I finished my mom told me that he finally got to see me cross the finish line.
If you could pick one celebrity to run with, who would it be? Will Ferrell…he would keep me laughing so hard I would probably miss the finish line!
Want to continue to follow Holly on her road to Shamrock 2014? You can follow her on Facebook facebook.com/hekline, Twitter twitter.com/waterbugva, Instagram http://instagram.com/crazyflrunner, and on her blog http://vatoflrunner.blogspot.com/
GOOD LUCK HOLLY!
If you are participating in one of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 8k Races this year and are interested in being spotlighted, please email breathofsunshineblog@gmail.com
Kristy Maute 
I love this series! I cannot wait for Shamrock!
Me Too 🙂 I’m loving reading everyone’s emails as they come in!!!!
Awesome story. Keep it up Holly – you’re an inspriation!