When was the last time you paused and took a moment to think about how far you’ve come and where you are in your life?
For the first time, I’m participating in the Grow Your Blog Hop hosted by Kristy of Runaway Bridal Planner. If you’re a fitness or healthy living blogger, it’s a great way to discover new blogs in your niche!
If you’re a brand new visitor to Run With No Regrets, hello, and welcome! I thought now would be a great opportunity to re-introduce myself and give a little more insight to my current readers of who I am and why I Run With No Regrets!
[bctt tweet=”Allow me to reintroduce myself… #runchat “]
Who Is Janelle?
In the My Journey section of the blog, I give a brief overview of who I am, but I’d like to go a little deeper.
I’m a young engineering professional who was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and has lived in Philadelphia for over 10 years now. When I grew up, I loved running…short distances! I remember racing my friends and sister down the street. I loved being fast…it was fun.
Eventually in high school I joined the track team for a year, but I HATED it! I only did one event – the 4 x 400m, and I enjoyed it but wasn’t really motivated or coached to push myself. After that fiasco, I didn’t run again for 8 years.
Finally, I was encouraged to train for the Broad Street Run, the ultimate 10-mile race in Philly. I found a training plan, headed to the gym, and ran on the treadmill, going from a 12-minute pace to a 10-minute pace. I fell in love with running in the process, and the rest is history!
Today, I’m not a 10 minute/mile runner…I’m more in the 11-minute range. In the past 4 years, I’ve had several setbacks on my journey – runner’s knee, a stress fracture, and plantar fasciitis. Thankfully, I’m healthy now and have had some great experiences with my races over the past year a half, thanks to my running coach Kristy Campbell!
What Is Run With No Regrets?
Run With No Regrets is my personal running philosophy that I always keep in the back of my mind. Around the time that I was trying to find a name for the blog, I was out on a run, really pushing myself. What did I say to myself with labored breath as I pushed myself to keep going? “No regrets!”. Eureka!
Since starting the blog in July 2013, I’ve gone through a lot, and the blog has evolved from a personal journal about dropping a few pounds and getting back to running after my stress fracture injury, to becoming a place to talk about running with some wonderful people! It really feels like a community and I’m grateful to everyone who is a part of it!
It’s been a really motivating experience to see myself grow over time, and to share my triumphs and failures with others who can relate. Running is hard, guys! I really hope that somehow, my blog can help encourage others to challenge themselves in new ways, whether it’s running, trying a new sport (softball!), or getting out of your comfort zone (the Running Club Roundup!)
Running and Cross-Training
Run With No Regrets is a running blog first and foremost, so all of my fitness activities revolve around running. Right now I’m training for the Annapolis Classic Half Marathon, a new race for me. A couple of weeks ago, I did my first Tough Mudder. It really has been an adventure!
I’m fortunate that Philly has such a strong community around running and fitness. To be able to go to events like the Be Well Philly Boot Camp and the City Fit Girls Fit Retreat is such a blessing – I’ve discovered that working out really is one of my passions because I love the way it makes me feel. It just makes you want to get stronger and constantly challenged!
Right now I’m running 4 days a week with 2 easy runs, a speedy run, and a long run. That has been going really well and I think I’m finally starting to get faster! In between, I try to do core work and strength training twice a week, but I’m always looking for more ways to squeeze in fitness and work on my weak spots!
Race Recaps
I love writing race recaps! This year, I’ve been fortunate to run a lot of great races, and I still have a few left for the year to finish out the fall. Racing is the big test where you get to see all of your hard work training pay off. As a runner, there are so many criteria that can make a good race even better, so I like to share my experiences and recommend races that are fun, organized, and full of great value.
I’m hoping that I can continue to run more races outside of Philadelphia and go to NYC, DC, and beyond the East coast! Racecation, anyone?
Cooking Adventures
When I started seeing a dietitian a little over 2 years ago, I was inspired to finally get in the kitchen and make real food that requires more effort than pasta and broccoli every night….seriously. In the process, I’ve realized that I love cooking! I just started getting back into meal planning, so it’s a great way to ensure that I’m eating well. There’s so much creativity out there, so I’m hooked on Pinterest and collecting recipes from food and healthy living bloggers to try.
I can’t wait to move into a home with a bigger kitchen so I can buy all the gadgets and really get cooking!
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to me and Run With No Regrets, and if you’re new, I’d love if you would stick around and check out some really fun and useful posts about running from the blog. Here are just a few of my recent favorites:
- Warning: What NOT To Do When Running in the Dark
- Tough Mudder Philly Race Recap
- Running Club Roundup: Philly Runners
- 10 Reasons to Love Running in the Fall
- 10 Fabulous Running Tips for Beginners
If you’re interested in being part of the Run With No Regrets community, please sign up for my newsletter! I have huge goals in the next few months for some big things that will help you with your running, so if you sign up, you’ll be the first on the list!
Have you looked back at your journey of health and fitness lately?
I, too, was in high school track but only for a year. I wasn’t coached well and just didn’t enjoy it. I’m so glad I have running another chance my senior year of college! Growing up in the Midwest I love the photo of you in Nebraska 😉 I’m happy to have found you through the blog hop! I don’t follow many running blogs but would love to learn more about running and how other people train.
I was trying to be kind, my coach had his favorites and I wasn’t one of them…I was pretty much ignored! But yes, it’s great to be back to running. I’m glad I signed up for the hop, it’s been great getting introduced to new blogs 🙂
Hey there, FrIeNd!! Great to learn a little more about your background 😉 Congrats on all you’ve accomplished in a relatively short time! I hated running in high school, too. And I had no one (teachers, coaches, etc.) to encourage me…..I’m glad I discovered the sport of running, albeit “later in life.”
Hey Kim! 🙂 Thanks, I appreciate that. Better late than never, that’s what’s so great about running – you can get started at any time.
My fellow Philly girl, yah!! Love your spirit and your drive!! Are you doing any Philly races any time soon? Maybe we can meet up!!
Hey Lauren, I would love to meet up! I need to see if there are any local races I can join in before the year’s out – I’m not doing the Rock and Roll this weekend and I regret it now!
Fun to learn more about your background! As you know already a fan of your blog. Fun to be in the hop with you. Have a great day!
Thanks, Deborah! And you should know I feel the same about your blog 🙂
I love getting reacquainted with you! This is a great idea…I may have to do this over the winter!
And you know I’ll be reading! I love how much you share about your life through your blog. I need to do that more often!
Hi Janelle! I’m visiting through the blog hop, but I’ve believe we “met” through a blog hop earlier this year. Anyway, I think you and your blog are great! I think your philosophy and how you live your life is really inspiring. Keep on keeping on!
Hi Jenn, nice to see you again! Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it 🙂
love it! so glad to have connected with you through blogging 🙂 we will meet in Philly one day – I swear!
Yes we must make it happen!!
Hi Janelle!
That’s great that you came back to running and have fallen back in love with it! Keep getting faster!
I’m working on it, Erin 🙂 I’m just grateful that my body is cooperating with me!
I always admire runners! What do you focus on to keep your mind right aside from no regrets? I don’t feel mentally strong enough for running! I am fit, but I get super antsy! Nice to meet you on the blog hop!
Hi Mandie, so nice to meet you! Running has really taught me about self-discipline. Physically it’s tough at first, but the mental strength takes time to develop too! I think starting out, not having too high of expectations and getting going with a friend can make a huge difference. I’m sure you can do it! 🙂
It was great to read your story! I ran track in middle school (4x400m was my fave!) but couldn’t be bothered whe n the track coach came knocking in high school. I regret that but I got back to running later in life so it’s all good. All the best with your huge goals!
Thanks, Marcia! Gotta love the 4×400, right? I wish my elementary school had a track team, that would have been great.
Thanks for sharing about your journey! Like you, I truly love running. It has helped me through so much in my life and I’m truly grateful that I found it. There’s nothing like being injury-free and in god racing shape. It makes the experience so much better and all the training is so worth it after a great race! Good luck with your 1/2!
Right on! I co-sign everything you just said. Thanks so much, Marissa!
can we PLEASE meet at annapolis? it’s gonna be awesome!
YES!! I wouldn’t have it any other way! 🙂
What a great introduction to you and the blog! What’s your favorite thing to make now that you’re cooking?
Thanks, Cassi! I really enjoy making veggie burgers with black beans and quinoa, and the slow cooker is one of my BFF’s now! Skinnytaste really inspired me with all of her healthy recipes.
Love learning more about your background! I didm’ know you grew up in Buffalo! My boyfriend and his dad are big Bill’s fans :). I also used to HATE running in high school and my early college years, but now I don’t know how I’d live without it! I hope to see you in Philly when I’m there for the Marathon 🙂
Let’s go Buffalo Bills! 🙂 Unfortunately, I’m not sure if I’ll be back in Philly for the marathon because I’ll be in Annapolis that Saturday!
Hi Janelle! It’s so nice to meet you through the blog hop! I’m a first-time reader, and love your story. So happy you found your passion and are living it each day! It’s such a great feeling! So funny that you mention cooking pasta and broccoli every night before you got into eating healthy… I used to do the same thing! I could follow a recipe, sure, but it was too much work. So I’d just boil water and make pasta with jarred sauce or add veggies just about every night. Now I know better. It’s such a good feeling to be nourishing a hard-working body the way it deserves! 🙂 Hope we can stay in touch!
Hi Ellyn! So nice to meet you too! Pasta and broccoli…I only make that now when I’ve run out of food, lol. Yes, don’t be a stranger 🙂
Love learning about you and hearing your story!! “Run with no regrets” is a fantastic mantra that I need to remind myself of!! So excited to see how you crush your goals this year 🙂
Thanks, Rachel! It’s been a great year, I’m just so relieved that I can run as much as I can. 🙂
I’m so glad I found your blog through the hop! I loved learning about your story, and am a new (within the past year) runner and I am totally addicted. Looking forward to reading more race recaps and recipes 🙂
Hi Wendy! This hop is pretty fun, isn’t it? Running can definitely be one of those good addictions! So glad you like it here 🙂
What a great blog, and a great journey. My favorite line is “Running is hard guys!” and that is SOO TRUE!!! I have run 5 halfs and few shorter races but haven’t run any long distances in years since I took up lifting. My goal is to run another half next August! I look forward to reading your blog and using you as motivation to get my butt in gear to train.
Hi Ryanne, thanks for the kind words! LOL, running is no joke and we’re crazy because we do it, lol! That’s awesome that you lift – I am sooo weak, I need to work on it. Hope to see you back soon 🙂
Great blog! I’m glad I got to “meet” you!
Thanks, Crystal! Nice to meet you too!
I was in team sports, and I ran because I had to. I took a break after college but I started realizing I needed to start running again for my sanity. The real world is full of crap and I was stressed out.
Running is such a great stress reliever…I don’t know what I’d do without it!
What a beautiful story! I love all of your running goals – so inspiring! Great photo of your medals and bibs 🙂 Such huge accomplishments!
Aw, thanks Portia! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Great to learn more about you! I didn’t run until after I had kids, so I have no early running story.
Always fun to learn more about bloggers.
What I love about running is that you start at any time and you can always come back to it.
Love this idea to “reintroduce” yourself! I probably need to take a look back and remind myself where I’ve come from sometimes!! Have fun with the blog hop. I did it last year and it was a lot of fun!
I think I sometimes forget to get more personal here on the blog, but it’s great to look back and reflect on everything.
Love the smile on your face in the Zooma race pic! I think it’s wonderful you’ve been able to continue running even after encountering a few setbacks along the way. Your current training sounds great and I look forward to following along and seeing how your next few races go 🙂
Thanks, it was hot and humid as heck at Zooma, my goodness! I do hope you come back and visit 🙂
Nice to know a bit more about you! I also did track in high school but really short sprint distances (a 400 was too far for me) and jumping. My track coach would probably be surprised that I’m running half marathons now. 😉 Hey are you doing the Trenton 10k?
Sharon, it looks like I’m not gonna make it to Trenton :(. I’m going to talk about that in tomorrow’s post. I would have loved to try hurdles in high school, but I wasn’t one of the cool kids haha. I remember thinking I could never run a mile back then!,
I enjoyed reading your background! Isn’t it funny how our minds change about things as we get older? I’m currently sidelined with a stress fracture, as you can appreciate. I like how you chose your blog name. Make it count is something I say to myself. It’s good to see someone I know in the hop too!
Thanks! “Make it count” is a great mantra! When I feel sluggish I need to say that to myself. Yay for the blog hop, so much fun!
I was a high school runner too, but just the opposite I loved it. I look back at them as my “fast running days” I only wish my pace was what it was then, LOL
I love how you found later in life it was something you loved to do. I think sometimes when we find things in our own way and at the right time, that is when we find the best experiences in them, and look at all that medal bling, I’d say your totally hooked and that is AWESOME!
I do love your Run with No Regrets motto!!!! A friend and I were talking the other day about her runs, and if I had read your post I would have totally given her this exact advice. I think each days run should be no regrets no matter how it turned out, I think that is part of the love for the sport! So fun, loved learning about you!
So glad you enjoyed this, Kristy! I can definitely agree that I was a lot faster in high school than I am now…I definitely couldn’t run the track in a minute and some change now! I think no regrets is just a great way to look at it. We can beat ourselves up so much mentally on our runs. Thankfully the mantra has helped me!
I love being able to look back through my blog to see how I’ve evolved over the years. It always amazes me to see just how much things have changed, even in such a short period of time.
That’s the best thing about blogging and journalling – you have something tangible to look back on!
I love your “re” introduction! I was a cheerleader growing up so I never ran track or ran at all other than laps for warm-up before cheer practice. Starting 4 years ago I fell in love with the challenge of running. It’s amazing how many people you touch by sharing your journey, so keep sharing! I look back how far I’ve come and I’m amazed and grateful because I’m doing something I never thought I would be able to do.
Cheerleading always looked so fun – except on those cold days outside! Running is pretty easy to fall in love with, isn’t it? It’s such a great challenge 🙂
You have already inspired me! I myself am currently at a 12 minute pace! And my goal is to get to 10. 😀 So any tips or techniques you’ve used in training shared would be awesome! Love the vibrant smile you put on your face and your running mantra! I love running with a mantra in mind which I just keep repeating whenever the run gets tough! Speaking of tough I definitely would like to try a Tough Mudder myself one day! Thanks for sharing your story!
Glad you enjoyed, Caroline! Well, I think when I got to my 10 minute pace, I just kept at it until it started to feel comfortable. I didn’t really know what I was doing back then. Now I realize that running more frequently helps you get faster, and doing a speed work run once every couple of weeks makes a big difference. Oh and I’d definitely recommend doing a Tough Mudder to say you did it!
What a great reintroduction!
It’s fun to look back to see how far you have come. You look so happy in your photos! I’m a runner too and see a lot in common with what you have written. I’m a member of a running club and reading your club round ups made me think it would be interesting to see what the other clubs around me do.
Hi Nicola, nice to meet another runner! I try to “Run Happy” as much as I can. I’m glad you enjoy the roundups – I do hope at the end I’ll have a running club that I consider to be “home”.
You’re just about an hour north of me 🙂 Love you mini-quiches. Cooking posts are some of my fav!
Cool! Yes, I love reading about people’s recipes, but all I can do is follow what other people do. Still, it’s great to be back in the kitchen 🙂
Hi Janelle! Its so great to meet you through this blog hop! I want to say that I really love your blog title, I think that in life we should really live with a similar philosophy – no regrets! Speaking of which, I think that I need to start running again! Its such a stress reliever for me, and after seeing all of the strong, seasoned runners in the sweat pink community, I don’t want to regret not running more! I absolutely love getting creative in the kitchen too, and since we recently moved houses, I have a whole new playground to work with 😉 I really enjoyed this post!
Hi Miranda, so nice to meet you! Sweat Pink is such an inspiring community…I can’t keep up with all those badass ladies! I hope you get back to running, this is a great time of year right now! I’m so glad you enjoyed learning a little bit about me 🙂
Hi…..again 🙂
I like the deeper intro!
I love your attitude, motivation and focus!!!
Cute pic from Nebraska…how old were you there?
I ran the 400 and 4X400 also….I did love it though 🙂
Hey hey! Lol, that picture is from this year! It was my first time going to Nebraska when it wasn’t cold and dreary – I loved running along the corn fields, it really is an amazing experience!
I too was a runner in high school. I gave up cause I didn’t enjoy it anymore.
I started running again back in 2011. I gave myself a goal of running a 5k race without stopping. That’s when I fell in love with running again.
One thing for sure, running is my therapy.
Running is so therapeutic, I went on my run yesterday and even though my body didn’t love it, my mind did!
I love your mantra and blog name, it’s so good to get to know you. I look forward to reading more about your journey.
Glad you enjoyed it, Kelli! So nice to meet you 🙂
Wow, that’s impressive that the race that got you back into running was a 10 miler! That’s pretty hardcore!
Even though I’ve been following along with your blog for several months now I enjoyed getting to know you a little bit better. Good luck in your Annapolis Half! I hope your training continues to go well!
Thanks, Aimee! Thankfully the Broad Street Run didn’t intimidate me too much back then…it was fun trying something new, every run was an accomplishment! 🙂
It’s nice to meet you, Janelle. I love how you came up with your blog name/theme, and I have to say your racing medal collection is quite impressive. I’m still not “in love” with running, but the more races I do, the more I get hooked.
Hi Catherine, thanks! The good thing about running is that it’s something you can pick up for a while and ease back when you want to. Racing and getting medals does get really exciting 🙂
Love my running girls!! I love the enthusiasm, positivity and motivation you have. It’s one of those things that rubs off on other people in a good way. And I know what you mean about your blog evolving into a journal. If a blog stays up long enough that’s what happens and that’s when the best stuff really comes out. That’s when we get to do life together as a community. And really that what’s its all about at the end of the day. Keep up the good work and maybe we’ll bump in to each other at a race one day! Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words, Brandy!
It was fun to read your background in more detail. I have read your blog for a while as we both post B2B: Natural Living, Wellness, and Fitness Facebook group. I love reading your training recaps! It is nice to hear what other are doing and how it is going. Good luck with the Annapolis Half Marathon!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Missy! Yes, the B2B group is pretty cool – such a variety over there! Thanks!
Hey Janelle! Love that we are in the blog hop together. Your photos are so cute!! I really enjoy writing the race recaps too. Although, this year hasn’t been the best for me and races. I’ve barely run any. Super sad face. 2016 is a new year though and hopefully injuries will be behind us!!!
Hey Lara, nice to see you! Sorry your year hasn’t been going so well – to 2016!! 🙂
Hello from the blog hop! Thanks for the introduction and back story to what got you to where you are today! I am glad to see that you were able to find your love for running despite a not so awesome high school experience! It looks like you have some great races coming up! Can’t wait to read more about them!
If I ever come run in Philly I will have to let you know 🙂
Hi, Esther! Yes, definitely let me know if you’re running in Philly! Glad you enjoyed the intro 🙂
Great to meet a fellow runner and see what you’ve been up to. I haven’t been running much these days because I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis pains – I ran today and am trying to deal with the backlash now but honestly… It’s worth it.
Ohhh – sorry to hear about your plantar fasciitis…wish you a speedy recovery (I’ve been there!). Thanks for dropping by!
What a great way to get to know more about you and Run With No Regrets. Love the idea of the blog hop.
Yes, it’s been fun getting introduced to different blogs – you know there are so many of us out there 🙂
Hi Janelle! How are you? Found your link from the blog hop.
I enjoyed reading about your background – impressive! I was never really into running until one day I’ve decided to ran a 5k. I’ve been running ever since! – NO REGRET (AT ALL)!
PS: I can’t wait to be part of Run With No Regrets community, See you around! <3
Hi Polly, so glad you enjoyed this post! That’s right – no regrets!! 🙂
I enjoyed reading more about your running story. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Sam!
I really love the idea of “run with no regrets”. I need to remember it when I’m running! Thanks for sharing all your great philosophies! Can’t wait to go back and look over some of your blogs.
Thanks Allyson – I think it’s so important to stay positive, because running is so tough and it’s all too easy to get bogged down on the negative. Hope to see you again soon! 🙂
Hi Janelle! I’m sorry to be late on the blog hop and am glad I’m getting the chance to circle back around to you. I loved your Runfessions. I had a very similar year not getting to do a lot of the races I had originally planned. I figure it just gives me some things to look forward to next year! 🙂 I love your story and meeting you, too. Definitley going to be following your adventures as a fellow runner and wish you tons of luck in your upcoming half-marathon!!!
Thank you for sharing you story. I recently found your blog and have enjoyed reading your past and present articles.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia around Broad and Olney Ave. I have been running since 2008, and live in Texas now because I had my fair share of bad winters.
Thank you for sharing, and I look forward to reading more of your articles.
Hi David, thanks so much for your comment! I’m glad you enjoy the blog. Woohoo, Philly! It must be much nicer running in Texas than Philly in the wintertime! 🙂 Look forward to seeing you again soon!
Loved reading all about you…I know I’ve come across your blog before but it’s great to “meet” you. 🙂 I love the Broad Street 10 miler…I’ve done it the past two years and if I get in next year…I’ll be there again! I ALMOST signed up for Annapolis Half…but I’ve been on a SLOW come back to running, after suffering a blood clot in my lung and being side lined for two months…I agree…running is HARD…something I think I took for granted prior to taking ill.
Look forward to following your journey!
Hi Safari, nice to meet you too…and thanks for the kind words! I haven’t run Broad Street since 2012 and after watching this past race, I’m tempted to sign up again. I wish you a speedy recovery!