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

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 

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 

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 

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.