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 

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.

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