My First 5K

As many of you know, I have been training to run a 5K since the beginning of August. Yesterday, I completed my first race with a time of 36:10! This was a personal record for myself based upon my training times. I also came in second in my age division, 15-19 years of age!

Best photo ever taken of my- said by no one!

I am in the green! To my left was my running buddy for this race, Tara. And to my right, in the rink, was my mom who joined me for the last leg of the race!

After I had finished the race! I was the 144th person to cross the finish line!

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My medal, which congratulated me for coming in second place of my age group.

I feel so good to be able to say I completed my first 5K. I worked super hard and I am positive that this will not be my last!

Running for the Non-Athletic

Which would be me, the non-athletic. There came appoint, early August for instance, that I became sick and tired of rude comments pertaining to my lack pf physical activity. I'd like to blame this on the fact sports teams at my high school are chosen based upon politics- if you're parents aren't high-class or beneficial to the school, you're cut. It's bluntly obvious, and considering my dad is a machinist, my mom a nurse, we are useless, so I refrained. But lack of self-confidence played a contributor to this... after trying out for three different sports during middle school, and being cut from each, I gave up. Everyone was taller, skinnier, or richer, than I. The summer going into my ninth grade year, I started Couch to 5K the first time, made it to week eight (out of nine) and quit due to family issues. However, this summer, I regained interest, laced up my running shoes, and set out for my second go round. Here I am today, a full graduate from the Couch to 5K program, preparing now for my first actually 5K, which will be in seventeen days!!

I am writing this post in hopes to aspire some of you to take up running, and/or make you're running journey easier using personal tactics. Below are some suggestions to tweak you routine, and some quotes to keep in mind when you're in a slump before, during, or after your run...

1) Don't listen to the professionals, do listen to music while you run. I chose to listen to music I wouldn't typically listen to and didn't know, so I spent my run learning the lyrics instead of clock-stalking. 

2) The hardest step is the first one out the door... no one regrets running/ working out, but people do regret not running/working out. 

3) Have cute running shoes, preferably two pairs. I read somewhere that alternating shoes helps your feet. I do it, so why not trying. Oh, cute shoes help. You'll want to get running to show them off!

4) You're lapping everyone on the couch. Don't let the time per mile discourage you. We aren't all speed-demons. If you are comfortable with your pace, and don't have to stop to catch your breath, you're doing great! Keep pushing. 

5) Make a list of why you want to start running at the beginning of your journey. Refresh your memory over time if you begin to feel discouraged. Also, try to write down how many days a week you want to run. For my program, Couch to 5K, it called for three days a week. If you get it in your head by writing it out and make it a priority, it is more likely to happen. 

6) Tell people about your running! Everyone needs someone to be enthusiastic and positive throughout the journey. For me, it was my mom.  A year and a half ago she began the Couch to 5K program... this summer she ran a half marathon! The way I take her advice is with the mindset "she's been there-done that, listen to her!" 


I hope these tips and suggestions make a difference in your physical-activity side of life! Anyone can become a runner!

High Five Letters

Happy Friday! The title of this post might confuse you, it did me the first time I saw it on another gal's blog. You've all seen the "High Five For Friday" link up hosted by Lauren, and the "Friday's Letters" link up hosted by Ashley! Both are fantastic link ups... so why not combine them! So that is why this fabulous post is titled High Five Letters! 

{one}

Dear Thirty One package that arrived earlier this week... I am lovin' what you contain! Can't wait to share what I bought! Next Saturday I will reveal, can't before them because the photos showcase my mom's birthday present and my school lunch box! 

{two}

Dear Couch to 5K... thank you for exsisting. I started this program again (more details on why later) and I am so happy to be considered a "runner" again. I feel so great about myself post-workout! I will confess my previous couch to 5k experience later, along with the whole gist of Couch to 5k. If you are dying to know now, Google it.

New kicks I purchased for running, working out, and school! 

{three} 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace, your everlasting forgiveness, and your willingness to listen and understand. Talking to you like I would to a friend is the perfect way to end every day, and begin one. You are an amazing God.♥

{four}

Dear Tyler, thank you for all you say and do for  me. Knowing I have your support means the world too me. Everytime something happens in my world, I want to run and share it with you asap. You are that person for me. "Boyfriend" has became a universal term for all things you are- they're are too many to type. Thank you for always being you, and for always loving me!

{five}

Dear Myrtle Beach, look out! Dad, Tyler, and I are headed your way!! Please grace us with great weather, and slim crowds! Thanks, you're the best!!