Shamrock Spotlight: Michelle Domholdt

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:  MICHELLE DOMHOLDT

Age on Race Day:     34

Current City: Virginia Beach 

Training for the Shamrock 8k

“I decided this past August that enough was enough, I was ready to lose the weight and be happy again. I started following Weight Watchers again and this time I told myself that failure was not an option. I started walking daily and eventually running felt much better. I have lost 47 pounds now and I am looking forward to losing more. I have never felt better and it is a great feeling to get dressed and realize your clothes are too big!” 

Why you are running a Shamrock race in 2014? I am running the Shamrock because I have never run more than a 5k and I am ready to push myself further. 

When did you start running? I have only been running for about 4 months 

How many races have you done and what’s your favorite? I have walked in a few 5k’s but this will be my first real race! 

Where do you prefer to run? I love to run around my neighborhood for now, I am looking forward to some warmer weather to try out running at the ocean front. 

What’s the longest distance you’ve run? So far the longest I have run is 3 miles, I am looking forward to pushing my limits by increasing my distance. 

What is the one thing you DON’T like about running? I think the only thing I don’t like is the pain of discovering new muscle groups that seem to never stop hurting, but so far the pain has all paid off! 

 Favorite post-run indulgence? My favorite thing after a long morning run is really yummy coffee!!! 

Favorite running shoe? New Balance 

Favorite song to run to? Eminem’s “Berzerk” and usually all my music I can’t listen to around my kids! Anything with a good beat that I can get lost in! 

Favorite website to waste time on? Facebook and Pinterest 

Favorite running moment? I decided I would wake up early one morning and get my run in, (I am a scaredy cat when it comes to being outside in the dark) I thought I planned the run so the sun would come up while I was running. I was about 30 minutes early for sunrise, so I put a flashlight in my sports bra and went for it! I was able to take 1 minutes of my time per mile and I felt awesome and it was the first time I realized I was a real runner! 

If you could pick one celebrity to run with, who would it be? It sounds silly but I want to run with Tinkerbell at the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon someday! Not sure when but it will happen!

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