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.

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 

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 

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