thebabyperks

As a little update for you all, my half marathon training has been going pretty well. I just finished up week 6 of my beginners plan. This week I ran 4 miles Tuesday and Thursday and on Saturday I ran 8.

I was really happy that I could do the full 8 miles with minimal walking because last week my IT band was causing some discomfort on my right knee so I stuck to the elliptical for 2/3 of the training days.

On most of my "off days" running I'm at the gym doing some kind of lifting/weights: arms, back, chest. I didn't do any leg days but those are my favorite so I'm going to try to reincorporate those in.

Wow yet another blog post where I put photos from my Hawaii trip even though it was 3 years ago. Anyway... this is a monumental spot for so many triathletes as it's the beginning of the swim and end of the run of the Kona Ironman and it was the most fitting picture I could find for this post.

Now you may be wondering how the "what I can" title fits into my update post. Well you see on Thursday of my training I was running my normal route when up going in on my second lap I saw a woman and a man way up ahead. The man had crutches so he was obviously moving pretty slow. I was able to complete the entire second lap and start the third when I finally crossed paths with them. 

When I run I put my hair in double french braids, I put my wireless headphones in my ears and then a running headband on over my ears to keep my hair out of my face and headphones in place. As I got closer to the couple I turned down my music because for some reason I anticipated him saying something to me. What he said has changed how I have gone about running this week.

The man on crutches told me that he wished he could move as well as I did and longed for the ability to run again. At the time I was caught off guard and my response was just a quick "oh" and a smile because I was still jogging past him. His words left an impact on me though. 

How many times do we take advantage of our bodies' abilities? I chose to sign up for this race so a part of that commitment is to train. I shouldn't be sulking that I have to run (x) amount of miles during the day. I have a body that can do incredible things. All that man wanted was his mobility back and here I am complaining that I have to walk more than 5 minutes to class or go out on a beautiful morning and run.

I thought about that man a lot when I was running my 8 miles yesterday because, let me tell you, it wasn't easy. But I just kept thinking back to "wow God gave me this body and I can do this." 

It's easy to make excuses. It would have been easy to give up yesterday and return to my bed before my other plans. But why waste your life laying around? Your body is capable of so many things, use it, cherish it, and make it the best it can be.

I'm thankful that I just so happened to cross paths with this man who helped me rethink my prospective. I wish I could have told him that I was grateful for his words and how they left a lasting impression on me.

Until next time,
Taylor xx

Whether it's journaling or talking out my life with some of my closest friends, I find that reflecting is a healthy and important part of growing.

As I look at my life over the course of my time in college I have learned so many lessons. These are just a handful of the countless ones and I know I'll share more in the future.

Saying no is okay, and that goes for a variety of things. Last year I had the potential for being one of Drury's first female triathletes. The sport of triathlon has played a huge role in my life and when I originally said yes I explained my prior commitments. It ended up not working out due to a lot of factors and honestly it was for the best. I already can feel swamped at times with what I'm involved with, I wouldn't have been ready to compete at a collegiate level. Nor would I have the friends I do this year because I would have always been traveling.

From saying no I learned that failure happens. Whenever people ask about my biggest fears I think of a lot of things but I usually say failure. I'm sure many people can relate. I don't think anyone wakes up in the morning and sets out to disappoint people but it happens. Unfortunately the cliche is true and failure is necessary. Without failure some of the greatest things wouldn't have come to be. While it can be disappointing to fail, I have used that as motivation to strive to be better.

I've learned to find balance. It can't be 90% school/10% fun, but it also can't be 90% fun and 10% school. You have to balance friends, a social life, jobs, extracurriculars, schoolwork, and free time. One way I have done this is by prioritizing sleep. I was pretty good at this in high school and I've been pretty good at it in college, too. A well-rested body is one that can get you through the long days. I try to sleep 7-8 hours a night so that I can achieve a healthier life.  

That brings me to my next point-- listen to your body. I am training for a half marathon in April while also continuing to lift on the days I don't run. It's easy for me to push myself even when I'm tired. That little push is good to an extent but you also have to tailor how you're living to your body's response. If I'm too tired I've learned that a rest day is okay. I have also learned that just because I didn't go to the gym doesn't mean I don't "deserve" that ice cream from Andy's (in fact- nothing makes you "deserve" some kind of food, eat what you want in moderation). 

These principles are things I try to remind myself of. Many of the changes I've made to my life throughout the past 1 1/2 years of college are ones I am proud of. I have also learned to accept my shortcomings and used what I learned to improve.

Until next time,
Taylor xx

The quiz was through a Christian stationary company that tries to share the message of God through cards, journals, and other gifts. 

My quiz result: joy.

This aligns pretty well with my goals through 2018. I want to take advantage of the opportunities I get and live to my fullest potential. I'm choosing joy for 2018 because I want to be a light to others. I want to celebrate every moment (even the little ones). It's very easy in today's world to dwell on just how much is going wrong. 

Despite all of the negativity, people every day are accomplishing great things. We need to recognize these efforts-- be joyous in the little moments and big achievements.

I hope that 2018 will be my time to grow into a secure, confident woman who believes in herself and chooses joy above all else.

Until next time,
Taylor xx

It's extremely easy to get caught up in routines and the daily patterns of life. If I am being honest I enjoy those routines, I enjoy knowing exactly what I am going to do at which times. With that, though, it is easy to get complacent. 
In my previous post I shared my new year resolutions. While those are great, I wanted to challenge myself a little more. Below is a list of a few things I want to try to accomplish in 2018. Some I know I will do, others are a stretch. What's life without a little bit of a challenge, right? 

___ Go hiking

___ Camping/Hammocking

___ Learn something new

___ Complete a half marathon

___ Visit a new place

___ Write more letters to the people I care about

___ Get an internship

___ Read at least 10 books (for fun, not including textbooks)

___ Go kayaking

___ Try to garden (or at least keep a plant alive)

___ Attempt to scrapbook

___ Host/participate in a cookie swap

___ Cook a new meal

___ Have an all day movie marathon 


I have a good feeling about 2018, I know that there will be times that I face hardships but I think it will also be a huge year for growth. I hope to wake up every morning with the motivation to live the best version of my life, surrounded by the people who make me happy.

What do you challenge yourself to accomplish in 2018?

Until next time,
Taylor xx