I have a confession...

Hi!

I bet you thought I wasn't going to come back :p. 

Well I'm backkkkkk!! And I have a confession:

I have really been slacking with my running and I mean really. I know I can sit there and make 1000 excuses about how super busy I was but it point blank comes down to I just didn't get up and run like I needed to. I didn't make the time, I just didn't do it. 

I really got caught up in doing races and most of my runs were stressing me out because if I didn't make a certain time I dubbed myself an ultimate failure. I almost made a fatal mistake and burned myself out. 

I know I have harped on slow runners before and I will try not to sound like a broken record, but there is something to be said about the "slower" runner who gets out there and completes it no matter what. There is something to be said about someone just simply trying to do it. I let myself get caught up in comparing myself to every runner that passed me (which is a lot of people :p) and comparing myself to people who have been running for way longer than I have. 

I began to feel sorry for myself and the fact that I am slow rather than just getting out there and trucking on. And believe me this is not easy to admit to literally everyone and anyone out there. 

In my little hiatus though I realized that I really missed running and that that was what it's all about. I missed it because I love it and it makes me feel wonderful. So I'm starting new this week and really going to be working through a lot mentally. I CAN do it, why am I so hard on myself? Also, I need to get un-caught up in comparing myself to "faster" runners and wondering what people think about the girl who comes in from the 5k at 42:xx. 

If I can inspire one person to get out there and try something new that is good for them, then I'm ok with that.

So to sum it up, I'm back!! I can't promise that I will be 100% consistent with my blogging the next two weeks because I am getting married in 12 days, but I will be around! 

I hope you have a wonderful day! I am off to the gym to run! : D

xoxo,

Regan 

I also forgot to mention  my sis-in law sister started an awesome Facebook group for moms to motivate and share their workouts with each other, it's called Mommy Fitness. I'm not a mommy but she let me join : p 

Check it out here: Mommy Fitness

Gracie's Gear + Weekly randomness!!

Hi!

Another busy week gone by..didn't get in my workouts like I should have. The weather was gorgeous though so I did take advantage of it and go on 2 runs! I went on another "naked" run on Monday! Well, I did have my music in one ear but no watch or no app tracking my speed/time. It felt great to just get out there and run and I did a great job (if I must say so myself :p) and I felt really strong and that's what it is all about! 

such a pretty day!

The Jeff Galloway training program for the marathon begins in July and it starts with 3 miles. I already have a solid 3 miles so I am concentrating on improving on that before really having to buckle down on my training schedule in July, I am excited though!

In other news, earlier this week I was contacted by a sweet lady named Gracie! She started a company in 2006 called Gracie's Gear; they make these awesome sports bras and tanks!

source

 They aren't just any normal sports bras and tanks, these have nifty 3 compartment pockets on the front of the for storing cell phones, credit cards, a key, etc. They also have iPod cord management, which is awesome because I am all of the time fighting with my iPod cords! 

To make a long story short, Gracie had a fight with cervical cancer in 2008 that lead to her having to shut the company down. She is on Kickstarter trying to kickstart her company again and needs backers to make a pledge so she can open her "doors" again! 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/drbotts/gracie-gear-and-powerpouchtm-designed-by-and-for-w

I really like this product though because I am all of the time putting my phone in my bra and wondering where to put my key at. I think this is so nifty and such a neat idea. They are also made for women by women and as of 2013 will be made in the USA! 

Let's spread the word and help Gracie's store open back up!

Check out her website: http://www.graciesgearandtraining.com/! 

Later!

xoxo,

Regan 

I promise I will be back several times a week after my wedding! : )

Run with the big dogs!

Hi!!

It's been a busy week! This time of year is always really busy; you have the end of the school year mixed with final wedding planning which equals a crazy time for me! 

This weekend was the Run with the Big Dogs 5k my step-dad puts on every year, well for the past 2 years. It's at a local high school and it is a route me and my mom run all of the time. I love it, it's such a nice run. It was also a PM 5k, which I was excited about! I am used to getting up at the buttcrack of dawn to run races so I was glad for an evening one for a change, I think more races should take note if this. 

Also, I talked Markus into running this one with me! We didn't train at all like we should have this week so I was quite worried as to how this was going to go over. By the time we got there my attitude was more of a "I'm just going to have fun and do my best because I love this route" kind of attitude. 

Me and Markus before the race (and his goofy shirt : p)

To make a long story short I felt great the whole time despite the muggy, humid GA weather. It was cloudy and overcast and had a little breeze every now and then, it was overall just so nice feeling outside. There were a ton of people I knew there and the atmosphere was great. I really had a fun time and came in at 42:23, and after the week of eating like I did and not properly training, I'll take it! 

Markus did great! He came in at 39:xx!! He really did such a good job. He also got 2nd in his age group; we will keep it a secret that there were only 2 in his age group. : D I am glad we could do that together, it really meant a lot to me. I really just had a lot of fun! I was shooting for 39 min but that's ok! I left feeling great and proud of Markus! I am already looking for another one to sign us up for. 

Us after the race!

 I am proud because this was the FIRST time I have ever run without my music, without my phone, without my watch or anything. I made the last minute decision to throw all of my stuff back in the car and just run, and I'm so glad I did! I actually may run more often without music. I really loved looking around and thinking and I spent a lot of time talking to God. It was overall very nice not to have the clock ticking and me stressing over that. I think everyone needs to run without all of their gear every once in a while. 

All in all my time was not what I wanted it to be but I am proud of myself because even though I am slow, I am now able to run 98% of a 5k. I only walked about twice and each time it was through a water stop. I may be slow but I am able to run the distance and I will take that, speed will come as I get more experience. I am going to be adding on some distance soon. I know I said I was going to do that a while back but things happen; I am still making progress though and getting stronger each time!

Happy running! The weather is supposed to be great here this week so I can't wait!

xoxo,

Regan 

Let's talk about "slow" runners!

Let's talk about being a "slow runner"!

After an inproptu 5k Saturday, in the pouring rain I might add, I came to the conclusion that it really is tough being a "slow" runner. It can be very discouraging to run as slow as some people are walking. It can be very discouraging to be running in the back with the walking croud. You wonder if you should even call yourself a "runner".

Those were some of the thoughts I had Saturday after the 5k, coming in at 45 minutes and who cares seconds. Granted it was pouring down rain the whole time and the 1st mile and a half was uphill, I for some reason just felt really "slow". Mostly because I could see people in  front of me walking casually and strolling about. It can make you feel very defeated very fast. Here I am struggling and working hard to run and here they are walking along.

But instead of feeling bad for myself I held my head up and finished. I only walked a couple of times for no longer than a minute each time. I am just really slow. But I get out there and I do it, I get out there and try and because of that I will get better.

I have earned the right to call myself a runner. You also have, no matter how slow or fast you may be. Running is such a personal journey, that's one reason why I love it. It's me, myself, and I. It's about me doing my best and making goals for myself and learning what I can do now and can't do yet but will be able to do. As I was watching the 20 minute 5k'ers pass me, I was thinking about how they have so earned that. They put in the time, effort, blood, sweat and tears just as I am going to do. One of my favorite songs came on at the end of the 5k Saturday, it's called "Your love never fails" and I love it. As I was coming in I couldn't help but smile and be thankful I had two legs able to carry me, slow or fast. 

Don't be discouraged because you think you may be too slow. Keep on keeping on and you will make progress. Hold your head up and be thankful you can run. It takes time and major effort to make progress. It is not guaranteed overnight, but I promise you you can do it!! Most of all have fun! It's a journey, one I will one day look back on and smile. I may be slow now but I'm not ruling out ever running in Boston. I'm not ruling out ever running 7 minute miles. I dream big and no one can stop me. : )

xoxox, 

Regan 

My first trail run experience!

So on Saturday I experienced my first (and last) trail 5k run. 

Oh boy. It was rough! The trail was very narrow, hilly, stumpy, winding, rocky, etc. It was overall just very difficult. I almost twisted my ankle like 3 times. I *knew* it was a trail run, but I guess I had a different image in my mind. And of course I forgot to take actual pictures of the trail. 

I went into this 5k actually feeling very mentally strong, I misread that not very much of the 5k was on the actual trail and so I was like "I've got this!" That mood quickly shifted once we started. I ended up turning off my Garmin around 1.5 miles because I was just as that point concerned with compleation not a PR. The trail seemed to be no problem for the "faster" people, I am going to go on the assumption that several or a lot of them had seen it before and maybe even ran on it, but I could be wrong.

Pavement, pavement, glorious pavement!! 

Out of this experience I did get to talk to some nice people! Most of the time I was alone on the trail, but every now and then I would come across someone looking about as *happy* as I was. I think most of us were just point blank period ready to be off of the trail.

As soon as I hit the pavement to the finish line I hauled tail, I just wanted to be done. See photo above :p

All in all, it supported a great cause and one close to my heart (my job), Autism Awareness, but I don't know if I will do another trail run anytime soon; maybe just solely to support a good cause but I will go in with the mindset that I probably won't PR.

Also, with this being such a small race, it wasn't chip timed annnnddd I did not turn in my time card at the end due to being annoyed (bad sportmanship, I know) annnnddddd my Garmin was turned off at about mile 1.5 so I don't have my exact time but I know it was around 49 minutes. Believe me, if I was going to lie I would make it much better than that.

Watch out, I plan to come back in full force! I may do another 5k this Saturday with my stepdad, I'm not 100% sure yet. Other than that my next one is May 11 at 6pm! I can't wait to do an evening one, I think it will be nice to do something different!

Later!
Regan



I can do all things through Him!! Marathon 2014! 

Hi!!

I really have a lot going on this time of year so I am trying to blog at least once a week, I will pick back up with it consistantly right after June 15; after my wedding!! Between work and wedding planning I really have been swamped.

But I am just going to be honest, I have a 5k tomorrow supporting Autism Awareness and I am very underprepared for it. My *goal* was under 40 minutes and I am going to be positive and say I CAN achieve that goal, but we all know what I'm thinking. I am just going to go into and just run, no thinking required. Tonight I have a spring fling at my job until 8pm so that won't help the issue any. No excuses!

I will have a race recap by Sunday for you guys!

By the way, who has tried these?

They are awesome! They make a great little snack and satisfy a chocolate craving for only 100 calories and only about 13 or so grams of sugar. (I couldn't find the sugar amount online : p) I will definitely be buying more of these though! 

So anyway send me good thoughrs and prayers for my 5k tomorrow! I know its only a 5k but still.... : D

Later!

Regan

I was not paid by Chobani to say that the Chobani Bites are delicious! : ) hehe.

Busy week + Wedding planning!

So this week was pretty busy! I am in crunch mode right now with my wedding being less than 2 months away. We have gotten most of the large stuff handled so now it's on to little details and stuff like that! I'm getting excited! Also, I went dress shopping yesterday and found my dress!! It's so me. I love it! Obviously I can't post a pic :p

Here is me holding my dress 

Anyway, my workouts this week slacked majorly. I could sit here and make excuses about how busy my week was blah blah but the fact of the matter is just that, that those are excuses. I had a wonderful almost 4 mile run on Tuesday that I managed to do in 51 minutes!! I felt wonderful and was really "booking it" (remember that term is relative to the person : p)! It was a nice run after Monday's run, which I felt like I could have done better.

As you know I have officially signed up for the Disney Marathon so it is time to get super serious. I have been making myself drink at least 2 liters of water a day. I'm not going to lie, some days it is very hard and by the end of the day I am so sick of water; but it is good for me to stay hydrated and just good for me overall. It makes me eat less because I feel full and I really am slimming down and toning up. A good idea is to purchase a water bottle that is 1 liter and carry that around with you everywhere you go. It is mentally easier for me to drink the whole liter and fill it up one more time rather than filling up a small one like 50 times, I'm not sure why this is. You can see my trusty 1 liter bottle with me in the pic above!

Also, I mayyyy have talked my fiance, Markus, into running the Rock-n-Roll Savannah half with me in Novemeber!! He has been going to the gym with me and running some and has been doing great. This makes my heart happy!

I love this time of year though when there are lots of fun races going on! I have an autism awareness 5k this Saturday and 2 or 3 more coming up in the next couple of months, I also have my 1st 10k coming up at the end of May!! 

Sorry to ramble on! I guess if you get anything from this post let it be that hard work and dedication really do pay off!! I am no where near running 26 miles yet, but I am getting stronger and a little faster over time! Running takes a lot of dedication and effort put into it, but I promise if you stick with it you will progress and be able to achieve your goals! You CAN do it! : )

xoxo,

Regan

Short and Sweet

Pray for Boston. These are scary times we live in, we can only cling to the hope that God has given us of much better days. He is ALL things good, we can't forget that! We aren't defeated, if anything we're going to run harder and with more heart!

Have a great week!

xoxo,

Regan

Weekly workout recap coming up on Friday!

3 Things Friday + Weekly Recap!

So I know it is usually "5 Things Friday", but this week I could only come up with "3 Things Friday"!

It is probably due to my brain being so extraordinarily tired; for some reason me and my mom are still dealing with jet lag. Anyways...3 things I loved this week:

1. Spin class!!

Generic photo from Google...

It was my very first spin class ever so I didn't want to weird everyone out by taking any photos! I must be a glutton for punishment because about 10 minutes into it I was cursing the instructor out in my mind. It was tough, so tough, but I loved it! And I will be returning, what is wrong with me??

2.Oranges!

Ever since I came back from CA, I have been obsessed with oranges! I HAD to go buy a bag Sunday afternoon because it was literally all I could think about (no, I'm not preg, I just watched my stepdad consume them at an alarming rate in CA)! I have been eating at least 1 or 2 everyday. They have to be cut a certain way though; cut in halves the those halves cut into 3 small pieces. This whole post is making me sound really odd...

3.McCafe Caramel Mocha!

Source

I know this is a little on the unhealthy side but it is seriously so good! I am a HUGE Starbucks fan and this drink gives Starbucks a run for their money at a fraction of the price, I really can't believe I just said that. I don't ever eat at McD's but we happened to go through a drive through in CA and I randomly got this and I am determined it was fate : P 

I have been a little obsessed with it this week. 

That sums up my "3 Things Friday", and my weekly workout recap is as equally unimpressive...

Monday- ran a little, walked a litte, total about 2.35. 

Tuesday-Spin class for 50 min!

Wednesday- Ran on the treadmill at the gym 2.01 miles in 29 min. Slow and unimpressive-I was insanely tired and had to drag myself to the gym to do that. 

Thursday and Friday- decided to take the night off and catch up on some rest! I am planning on going to the gym tomorrow after a trip with the fiance to Ikea. 

So pretty much this has been an uneventful week! I am going to catch up on my sleep this weekend and get myself back on track. I am not sure why I feel so out of wack this time, has anyone else ever had this problem from traveling??

Also, I found Jeff Galloway's marathon training schedule for beginners and I am going to start it in July! If I stay on track with it I should be more than ready for my marathon in January! Has anyone had experience with this program? I want to hear about it. 

Have a great weekend!

Regan

Jumbo cinnamon rolls and baby kisses!

I'm baaaaaaccckkk! : p

I know you all missed me, but I had a great time in CA! I really didn't want to leave. The weather was amazing and there are so many awesome, flat running spots and also some of my favorite people in the world live there! I did have a difficult time running while I was there but I think it had to do with the amount of not so good food I was eating and the few drinks I had here and there. Oh well, haha.

To sum up the trip:

There was a lot of this...

A lot of this...

A little bit of this...

And some of this.

This week I am having a hard time getting back into the groove of things. I ran with mom yesterday but it is not even going to count as one of our training runs-it was that bad. I couldn't get into it and just never got in the groove so we cut it very short. That's ok though, there will be days like that.

In other news I am going to my first spin class tonight, I'm a little nervous. It is only 45 minutes though so I am sure I can survive!

Also, Disney Marathon registration opens today!! I have already signed up!! I am SO excited and can't wait for it! I can do all things through Him! Who else is signing up for it?

Later!

xoxo,

Regan

Later on this week: workout updates, 5 things Friday and more! : )

Randoms...

What is something that makes you feel alive??

In no particular order:

My job!

I LOVE my job! I work with children that have autism and they are the best. I am one of the few, lucky people that absolutely LOVES their job! April is autism awareness month so I challenge you to find a run that supports autism! There is one on my schedule that I will be doing and I can't wait! My job definitely makes me feel alive!

Running!

Here is an "oh-so flattering" picture from my 5k this past Saturday

Running makes me feel alive! No, I am not "fast" yet, but I absolutely love it! I love seeing my progress and challenging myself. Knowing that each time I run there are different challenges and hoops to jump through is what makes it so awesome. I love the soreness in my legs after a good run. 

Ok, so I only named two things, I was going somewhere good with this post but I am excited and scatterbrained right now. But I really could go on and on with this list and include my family, my fiance, my faith, etc. but I decided to spare you. :P

I am just a little distracted though because I leave Saturday to go to California to see my 7 days fresh nephew!! I am SO excited! In my excitement I have managed to get in 2 runs this week so far, one 2 miles and one 3 miles. I am going tomorrow after work to get in about 4 miles; I have 10000 things to do tomorrow when I get off but running is at the top of my list.

This is a picture my mom sent me, it's the view right outside of our condo (that's my grandfather in the picture). I SO cannot wait to run on that sidewalk along the beach! How lame am I?!

I am sure you can tell I am excited! I just wanted to let you all know I am going to be out of town until next Friday so you don't think I have gone m.i.a! : )

I leave you with some motivation: 

"The moon could not go on shining if it paid attention to the little dogs that bark at it."

xoxo,

Regan

Cherry Blossom 5k!

Hi!

I hope your weekend has been great! Mine has been pretty good! On Saturday I had the Cherry Blossom 5k, I was so excited for it. Of course, the weather had to be nasty. It rained all the day before and sprinkled the whole time during the 5k, luckily the heavy rain held off until right after I got done!

So after my last 5k, the Cantrell Center 5k, I vowed that I would not have another time like that again. And guess what? I didn't!

My time was 41:49!! I beat my previous time by about 8 minutes! I am so proud of myself, it shows me that my hard work will pay off. I ran the whole way, yes ran (I am still slow), except through the water stop. I am proud of myself for pushing through. I wanted to walk some but I kept telling myself to keep running. It can get discouraging when your running as slow as some people are walking but after mile 1.5 I was feeling great and began passing most of these walking people. By the last mile I was feeling awesome and high tailed it back to the finish line! 

I was feeling so good at the end that I really hated to stop running! I think a 10k is in my sights, in a few months of course. Also, I was super disapointed that there weren't any pink donuts, something happened and they ended up not having them. I got a banana muffin after instead, while not the pink donut I had my heart set on, it was still good. 

All smiles after my progress!

I realize my time is not amazing, but I am proud that my hard work logging miles is paying off. I hope that I can be an inspiration to someone just starting out with running. It may seem discouraging getting passed a lot, but just keep on going. I have another 5k planned for the end of April so I am going to focus hard on training this month and try to get my time down under 40 minutes. I know I can do it. Make a goal and stick to it, don't let it out of your sights!

I didn't get many pictures, as it was sprinkling the whole time so I kept my phone nice and tucked away in my bra. And Markus didn't get any either, he even missed me coming across the finish line! I finished a little earlier than we both anticipated. The race had a photographer and if those photos aren't too horrible I will post them when they get put up!

Overall I enjoyed this race! It was organized and had great post race snacks and entertainment despite the weather. My only complaint is that the shirts are super small and short. Mine is super tight and short and it's not any different of a size than I normally get, but oh well. 

If your new to running, I know things can get discouraging. It is hard to be one of the slower people, but keep your head up! We all start somewhere. Keep on training and logging miles and you will get better! Thank God for what your body can do for you! 

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE these shoes?! : p

If you made it through this post than props to you!

xoxo,

Regan 

Happy 1st day of Spring!

Hi guys!

Happy first day of Spring!

I am so excited because my sister-in-law sister is in labor with my first nephew! I will become an aunt, hopefully today! He lives in CA though so I have to wait until my spring break at work to see him, but thats only 2 weeks away-hope I can make it!

Here is what I have done so far this week!

Monday:

Goal-no running, yoga class

Actual: Yoga class for 45 minutes

I enjoyed this yoga class, it was a nice change from running and a good rest for my legs. While it was not as hard as yoga that I am used to (I did yoga for a long time at a yoga studio downtown near where I live) I  did enjoy it. It gave me a good stretch and worked my core a little bit.

Tuesday:
Goal-no actual goal, I went into running today with the attitude to just run what Tuesday gave me.
Actual: 2.5 miles on the treadmill at a lot faster pace than I would usually do. I was feeling good so I decided to do some work with my "speed" and just do a good two and a half miles. I finished with 2.5 miles in 33:xx, so about a 13:20 min/mile which for me is fast! It felt great though.

I am not sure what I have planned for today, I want to do a yoga class at my gym but it is not until 7:30, which is a little late for my taste but we will see. I may run today instead. I am thinking of resting on Thursday and Friday since my 5k is Saturday. I know that is not a long distance but I want to do a lot better than my last 5k at the Cantrell Center.

I also heard that there were pink donuts at the end of this 5k, all the more reason to go faster! :p

So look out for a recap of the Cherry Blossom 5k sometime this weekend! Also, I just have to add that I am SO loving my new shoes, I have decided I will never go back to another brand-I am just smitten with my Newton shoes.

xoxo,

Regan

Motivational Monday!

Wednesday before I ran, I prayed for a run that would make me feel comfortable signing up for the Disney marathon when it opens soon. I  prayed for confidence in my self and my run; well, God blessed me with a great run! It boosted my self confidence so much and it confirmed my decision to sign up for the Disney marathon when it opens in April!

I also had the best run Saturday morning, I did 3.1 in 44 min, two confidence boosting runs this week! I am so greatful for runs like that and so blessed to be able to do this. It makes me feel accomplished and proud, even though I am not doing much compared to some, I came from being able to not run at all to building up to 4 miles in a couple of months. I think that's pretty good! It goes to show you with some hard work, determination and faith you can accomplish what you put your mind to. If your doubting yourself, just get out there and try! You CAN do it.

Me, red faced after my Saturday treadmill run!


I hope that  I can be a little motivation for someone who thinks they can't do it. I'm not naturally athletic, I don't look athletic and I am a pretty slow runner right now-but I am trying and the hard work is starting to show, so just keep on going!

I am excited for the Cherry Blossom 5k this weekend. I plan to totally redeem the stinky 5k I had a month ago!

Have a wonderful Monday and know that you CAN do it, whatever it is, no matter what!
xoxo,
Regan

Weekly recap!

Here is what I've done this week!

Monday:

Goal-4

Actual-2 miles, on the track at the gym. We just joined a new gym and I was excited to try out the indoor track! I figured out I didn't *love* it. I was constantly looking over my shoulder as the track was pretty packed. I think I like the treadmill better as far as indoor running goes! Also, never dry shave before you go run-ouch! 

Tuesday:

Goal-none

Actual-1 mile up the road just because it was pretty out. I just felt like I had to becasue it was such a nice day. It was pretty pointless though and I decided to turn around because my thighs were eating my shorts pretty bad. 

Wednesday:

Goal-4

Actual: 3.2 miles in 42 min on treadmill and 1.35 miles in 17:46 on track before that so 4.55-wow! I felt great today! I actually feel like I owe some of the credit to the girl beside me on the treadmill. She was booking it and because she was doing so, I didn't want to stop. So, thanks random treadmill girl! 

Thursday:

Goal-0, late work day

Actual-0

Friday:

Goal-Between 2 and 3 miles

Actual: 2.1 miles, not sure of my time, I had to restart my treadmill twice because I hit the stop button somehow with my hand..whatever, I know I got in 2 if not a little more. 

I am planning on going to the gym tomorrow morning to get in a few miles. I cut my workout short today (Friday) because I just wasn't feeling it, and after my treadmill kept stopping I finally just quit and decided to come try again on Saturday. I have been running indoors mostly this week because mom is sick and I am not a huge fan of running outside alone, where I live I really don't have too many options so the gym is a good place for me. Plus, I feel like I go a little faster that normal on the treadmill so I think it does benefit me, it is also a good morale boost. : D

All in all I have felt pretty decent about my running this week and I am still loving my shoes! I would like to keep my milage around at least 3.2 or higher everytime I run, I think I am getting to that point in my running where I need to do that. No, I am still not super fast but speed will come. It is not my biggest concern right now. 

 1 week from tomorrow I have the Cherry Blossom 5k so I am excited about that! Have a great weekend!

And if your not surre you can do it, just hold your head high and keep on keeping on! You can do all things through Him!

Regan 

Just a mid week update!

So I'm thinking that I may do a weekly recap of my workouts instead of boring you with a work out post everytime I run. So look out for that later on in the week!

In other exciting news, me and Markus joined a gym that is literally 3 minutes from our house! I am excited, it offers all kinds of classes, an indoor pool, an indoor track, etc. I'm excited to be able to pop into a yoga or zumba class every now and then!

Do you ever get tired of eating the same recipes over and over?! I do! I need some new, healthy recipe ideas. Me and Markus have been in such a recipe "rut", I would love to hear some of your healthy recipe and snack ideas!

Later!
Regan

 



So I was excited to run today but plans changed; mom was not feeling well so I decided to try out the indoor track at our new gym. I managed to get 2 slow miles (no need to embarass myself with posting the pace lol, slow is slow), and for it being just me and my thoughts, that's not horrible. I could have gone longer but I got a late start waiting for Markus to get home, so I did 2 miles and decided to just stop there so we could come home and fix dinner, etc.

Running on the indoor track is a hard thing for me, I think I prefer the treadmill if I have to do any sort of indoor running. It made me feel extremely slow, and the fact that you had to go 12x around to make a mile instead of 4 times really messed with my head. 

Buuuuuuuuuuut all in all at least I got out there and did something. I could have easily made the decision to stay home on the couch. So I will pat myself on the back for that. Did I run what this Monday gave me? Honestly, no. I should have gone longer and pushed harder, but I got out there. I plan to go conquer the indoor track again tomorrow and I hopefully WILL come back with a better report! 

Later!

Regan C.

I just loved this when I saw it

My week this week has not been good at all running wise. I am not sure what happened. It is a week I wish I could do all over. I ran Monday and I am so embarassed to say that that was it. I have such a hard time running alone, and mom couldn't run with me Wednesday and we both weren't feeling well Friday. I KNOW running alone is something I am just going to have to get over because I WON'T have any more weeks like this past one. 

We are running tomorrow and I can't wait!! I need to get out there, I did miss it everyday I did not run. I wanted to be out there, I am just not sure what happened. I battle so much with myself about not being able to do it, and sometimes those voices win. At the stage I am at with my running, I really think it helps for me to run with someone else, my self esteem about my running is horribly bad. I am excited though that I have talked my fiance, Markus, into doing a 5k with me in May. So that will be great for me; on days me and mom don't run I still have a running buddy! 

I will conquer this whole running alone issue, it is something I just am going to have to get over. Motivation is welcome though : ). And I am still registering for the marathon when registration opens-I am so excited!! 

All in all I just had a sucky week but I am declaring that next week will be better!

Later!

Regan 

Liebster Award

Thank you to Forty before 40 for nominating Regan Runs for a Liebster Award! : ))

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

What is a Liebster?

The meaning: Liebster is a German word and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

Here are the rules for recieving the award!

• Tell 11 random facts about yourself.
• Answer 11 questions the nominator has asked you.
• Choose 11 new bloggers (with less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link to their blogs in your post.
• Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you passed the award to.
• Go back to their pages and tell them about the award.
• No tag backs.

11 Random Facts about Reganruns!

• I am a lefty!
• I can write backwards as fast as I can write normal.
• I work with autistic children and I LOVE it!
• I have only been seriously running since October 2012.
• I have a brother who is a Marine and stationed in CA
• Some of my favorite foods in the world are onions, mushrooms and radishes.
• I could easily go without eating meat, most meat creeps me out.
• I have expensive taste!
• Although I am not a huge girly-girl, my favorite color is Pink.
• I love comic books (The Avengers, Thor, The Walking Dead...)
• I am shy when you first meet me!

I hope those facts are random enough! : )

Questions I had to answer:

1. What is your favorite book? This is a hard one because I really don't have a favorite book, I LOVE to read. I have about 12 pages of books on my Nook and bookshelves full of books, comic books, etc. I just love to read so I can't answer this : )
2. What is the one blog you check every day? I love Mile Posts. She is so inspiring and I just love her blog. I also like From Icecream to Marathon, who is also inspiring and seems so sweet! So I guess there are a few I look at everyday.
3. What is your favorite city to visit? My favorite city to visit would have to be.....around here I guess Atlanta. Good food and shopping not too far from home.
4. What is your pet peeve? I have a lot of pet peeves; stupid people being a big one. Haha.
5. What is your go to meal to cook? I really am not the cook, my fiance is, lol. My go to meal probably would be tacos, quick and good.
6. Do you go to yard sales/tag sales?  I don't go to yard sales as much as I would like to! But I do love a good sale.
7. What is your favorite yard sale/ tag sale find? I got jeans on black Friday one year at Gap for $19.00!! Would this be a tag sale? lol.
8. What is the best piece of blogging advice you have received? I really have not recieved much advice yet, so bring it on! : )
9. High heels or flats? Flats!!!
10. What bad habit would you love to give up? Picking my cuticles, haha.
11. Mac or PC? I have a PC but would love a Mac.

11 Questions for people I nominate:

1. Why did you decided to start a blog?
2. Where do you work? Do you like it?
3. If you could be anything in the world what would you be? Could be a certain job, an animal, etc..be creative!
4. Where did your blog name come from?
5. Do you excercise/work out? If so, what is your favorite thing to do?
6. What are 3 of your favorite "get pumped up" songs?
7. How would you describe yourself?
8. What is your favorite color?
9. What hand do you write with?
10. Knock Knock?
11. What is the last book you read? Was it good?

People I nominated! Sorry if some of you had more than 200 followers, I couldn't tell!

• Mae Movement
• OlivetoRun
• Fromicecreamtomarathon
• See Jackie Runn
• Making a Run for It
• Run Eat Date Sleep
• Rebecca Roams
• Hot mom Hot Wife
• The Wannabe Athlete
• A Runner's Pursuit
• Full Crazy 262

Wow, so I finally finished that! It was quite a chore. I do have to say I have been slacking on my workouts this week, I have just been having a rough week as far as being dog tired and other personal issues. Don't worry,  I plan to pick back up full force on Monday!!

Later!

Regan 

Oh Baby!

Things have been busy this week, I have not forgotten about my beloved blog though!

My brother's wife started having contractions this afternoon, so my little nephew should be here any day! I am super sad though that I will be left out because I can't afford a plane ticket to California. My brother is a Marine and is stationed in California, I would love to be able to go out there when Hudson is born! My mom is going along with my nana and grandpa, so I am feeling a little sad that I can't afford to go because I am getting married in June! : ((

I had a good run Monday of 4 miles with my mom, and I am getting ready for the Cherry Blossom 5k the 23rd of this month, I WILL have a better time!

Just wanted to do a short update of this busy week, I will be back soon!

Regan

Motivational Monday!

So I am going to start this dreaded day of the week, Monday, out in good spirits!

To anyone who thinks that they are not athletic enough to run-If my non athletic self can do it, you CAN do it!

To anyone who thinks they don't "look like a runner"- hey, curves are nice too!

To anyone who thinks that they are slow- slow and steady wins the race!

 Mentally tune out everything around you, thank your body for what it has done and will do for you whether slow or fast. 

God is bigger than any problems you may have in your life, turn it all over to Him. 

Running is such a good escape from everything. Make today's run amazing no matter how many miles you do or how slow or fast you go! Clear your mind have enjoy it! You can do it, I promise. Your hard work and dedication will pay off. I know my journey isn't even half way compleated but I have faith that I can do all things through Him.

So with that being said, happy Monday!

Later!
Regan

5 things Friday, on Saturday!

5 things I love Friday!

1. My new shoes!!! I had yet another great run today in my new Newton Momentums. I felt amazing! I am seriously giddy over these shoes. If you ever think you are having shoe issues, get it checked out, I promise you that it can make all of the difference.

See, I felt amazing today-progress! 

2. Radishes! I know this is seems like a very odd one, but I have been loving radishes this week. Raw radishes, that is. I cut them in half, wash them and stick them in a container in my fridge for a quick snack! I have also found that when I have a healthy snack already washed and prepared, I choose that over something that may be junky. 

3. Lush Cosmetics! After waiting for what seemed like forever, I finally got my Lush products I ordered offline. Totally worth the wait! I ordered 5 different bath bombs and they stuck in a sample of some handmade soap. Lush Cosmetics are fresh, handmade cosmetics; they also are against animal testing. I have only tried 1 bath bomb so far and I loved it. It made my water turn bright pink and it smelled great, it also moisturized me pretty well. I will definitely be ordering more!

This bath bomb is called "Sex Bomb" haha

4. My Garmin watch. I really have been loving my new watch. It took me no time to figure out how to use it and even using Garmin Connect online is super easy, and I love looking at all of my stats. If you are in the market for a simple, easy to use, and cute running watch then I highly recommend this one. It is also very lightweight, I hardly notice it on my arm. 

5. Last but not least, I have been loving Starbucks this week. I usually make my coffee at home, but this week I have been in the mood for Starbucks twice. I could probably drink their overpriced (but sooo good) coffee everyday, oh and indulge on some of their delicious cake pops while I'm at it. Some weeks more than others I really want Starbucks, and this was one of those weeks. 

I apologize if this post bored you! I just wanted to try something new. I also know that I am posting this on Saturday, not Friday, but we can let it slide this time. : p

Later!

Regan 

Hello!!

I cannot wait to tell you about my week! So you know my grand plan of rocking our new run on Monday?? Well, we opted to go to a local running specialty shoe store instead, as it was raining and we aren't crazy about the treadmill. As you know, I have been having some major shoe issues so this was ok with me. 

Turns out the shoes I was running in, my Brooks Glycerins, weren't the right shoe for me. They had too much cushion on the heel and various other things. It was a shoe they fit me in originally but its ok, everyone's feet aren't identical! 

They got several new pairs for me to try on; several pairs of Brooks and a pair of Newton Momentums. I had heard great things about Newtons(not that Brooks aren't great! : p) so I went for those first and fell in love! I ended up leaving with a new pair of Newtons and also scored a pair of Zensah hot pink compression socks thanks to my stepdad! 

Pic I snagged from my Instagram 

How do I like my new shoes? I LOVE them!!!!!! I am seriously so excited. Me and mom did our new run today and I rocked it! I am insanely happy with these shoes, I am now a firm believer that the right shoe can make all of the difference in the world. I had ZERO leg pain, other than the usual calf soreness, muscles working, etc. and was literally smiling on the way back! I am so proud of myself and so thankful for the guys at Run Fit for hooking me up with an awesome pair of shoes!! All of the glory goes to God though for giving us a gorgeous day and allowing me to run! 

Did I mention the hills on our run were beasts?? Well they were! A picture doesn't do it justice!

A beautiful day and a pain free run= a very happy me! 

Can you tell my spirits are lifted?! I can't wait to run again! 

Later!

Regan 

Sunday I was going to run, but decided instead to take a little hike with Markus at a local college near my house. It was a gorgeous day out!

I thought more and more about the 5k that was on Saturday. I realized how I did not practice what I have been preaching at all. I gave up very quickly because my mind was telling me to. I am not proud of how quickly I quit trying. I guess I can say that it was a lesson and a prime example that I should push through what my brain is telling me and not to listen to those demons telling me that I can't do it. There are lessons in everything and here is a great one for me. I can push through, I am not going to give into those thoughts anymore.

Me and Markus on our hike : )

So all in all maybe flopping my 5k was something I needed, in a weird way. Maybe it was a mental hump I needed to get over as a runner, yes, I call myself a runner. I am planning to redeem myself today when me and mom run. Our training schedule goes up to run 5 minutes and walk 1 minute seven times, and I plan to rock it.  I ate well today and have had plenty of water so we will see what happens. My new shoes should be in this week and I can't wait to try them out!

Until next time!

Regan

Cantrell Center 5k Recap 

Oh, let's see, do I really want to do a recap? No. 

But I did say I would write about the good times and the bad. So, here goes. 

Despite my pain the last few runs I have done, I was feeling excited about this 5k. It started raining Friday morning and continued all day long, and was expected to rain all day Saturday, which it did. Me and Markus drove to the race Saturday morning and it was just sprinkling the whole way, so I was feeling optimistic. My mom and stepdad were also on the way which was exciting, it is always a good time when my family is involved. 

We pick up our packets, and the rains begins to get harder. We go wait in the car, and it begins to rain harder. At this point we get out and go meet my mom and stepdad under a tent, and it starts to really pour down. I had on a shirt, my Reebok pullover, my North Face rain jacket and me and mom got the bright idea to put trashbags over us. Our top halves stayed dry but I got insanely hot during the run, as I had way too many layers on. 

So me and mom, all bundled up in trash bags and jackets, made our way to the start line where we waited in the rain for a few minutes and then we were off. 

Me and mom in our trash bag attire : )

Mom lost me before we even got to mile 1, which I knew would happen. She is a good bit faster than me. I started out feeling pretty decent despite the pouring rain and freezing weather. I had my music in and made it to mile 1 in 14'13, which for me is great. 

I guess this is where things began to go down hill. My shoes were sopping wet, my hands were cold, and the pain in my legs decided to join me. I kept trucking through for a little while after mile 1, doing a slow run with some walking involved. I am not sure why but I was getting more and more irritated by the minute. 

During mile 2 I stayed pretty much at this super slow run with more walking involved then running. 

I was slowly drifting in with the speed walkers, and it was really irritating me that my running was as slow, or fast, as their walking was. With that being said I sulked about 75% of mile 2, only running down hills and in small spurts. I didn't have my Garmin and I quit taking my headphones out to listen to the guys every so often that were calling our times out. 

The last mile.2 was the same thing pretty much as mile 2, so I won't bore you with the details. Although I must have been walking like I was hurting because a random nice guy asked me if I was ok, or maybe it was the irritated look on my face? 

Finally, I round a corner and a guy is yelling out that there is only half a mile left, I know mom and everyone is waiting on me so I begin running pretty fast for my short little legs. I run the whole .5 back and make it back in 50 sad little minutes. 

Photo of me coming in, courtesy of Markus. Not sure why that guy is going the opposite way??

Overall I was pretty irritated with this 5k. I was irritated with the weather, irritated that I hurt so dog gone bad, and irritated because I know that I could have pushed and done a lot better. I didn't check my official time, and I am really not too worried about it. My morning was made better by a trip to I-Hop with Markus and the fam!

I then came home and signed up for the Cherry Blossom 5k on March 23, 1 month away. And you better believe I am going to be booking it across that finish line, no more sad little 50 minute 5ks for me. 

My new shoes should be in next week and I may explore options with compression socks to help. I am also going to begin stretching every night. I'm going to keep keeping on. 

So until next time,

Regan