• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

No Regrets

July 27, 2011 | Uncategorized

 

HHHHIIII! I am happy today! I was afraid that when I woke up, my knee would be in some serious pain from going up and over a huge hilly bridge twice, totaling 6.75 miles (the farthest I have run since the Mardi Gras half in February!) I did wake up in pain….but it was my quads and calves that were SO SORE and not my knee! SCORE! Nevertheless, I am going to stretch and foam roll like crazy. I don’t want to get right back to where I was a couple weeks ago!

As sunshine and rainbows as this post sounds, I have to be honest and say the run almost didn’t happen, and the run itself was hard and miserable. Let’s rewind. A couple days ago I told Bobby I was going to head to the beach Tuesday morning to do a long run. He said he wanted to go too, and for me to wait until that evening. As much as I wanted to get the run over with in the morning, having a running buddy made me decide to wait for him.

Well I had all day to talk myself out of running, and I almost did. When husband got home, I asked if we were running, secretly hoping he would say he was too tired, which he didn’t. Rats. We ate dinner, then I checked the radar….rain. Could have bailed again, but said maybe the rain would cool things off? THEN Bobby wanted to just run around the small neighborhood we live in to which I said no, because I knew I would get bored and not go as far as I wanted. So we got in the car and drove 20 minutes to the nicer beach area and the big bride from THIS POST. The closer we got…the harder it rained. We sat in the car in the parking lot debating what to do…but we forced ourselves out of the car and into the rain.

rain rain go away!

The first two miles it rained on us pretty hard so we kept jokingly referring to ourselves as “hardcore” and any other runners we saw as well. Sloshing through the puddles, we made it back to the car and took a GU and some Gatorade before heading up the bridge. The rain finally stopped, and when we got to the other side it was dark, well…not really, because we were running in front of the brightly lit up casinos along the beach.

We ran a little past the bridges then back up over it. The way back going up the hill was so miserable. I just wanted to be DONE. I was tired, thirsty, and soaking wet. My muscles were aching from the hills, and I desperately wanted to quit, but I kept running. We made it back to the car and called it a day. I wanted to run between 7-8 miles, and we made it 6.75, good enough for my first long run back after injury, and I didn’t want to push it.

On the way home in the car, I told the husband that I was so glad we ran. That I had been dreading the run ALL DAY but now that I was done I had NO regrets. BUT, I know if I hadn’t gone on the run, I would have had a ton of regrets. The saying is so true, you won’t regret running, but you may regret not going. Next time I am dreading a run, I will do my best to remember the feeling of accomplishment I have after I am finished. Maybe it will help me get out the door.

QOTD: How do you psych yourself up to get out the door? Any tricks you can share?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen says

    July 27, 2011 at 8:14 am

    Great job! I love, love, love when I’m dreading a run but then I feel great during and after it. And a huge HOORAY for no knee pain 🙂 Hoping it stays that way!

  2. Rambling Heather says

    July 27, 2011 at 8:15 am

    It’s funny how we have to work at actually getting out the door but never once have I regretted going for a run. I want to know how you stay so cute after a run? I look hideous!

    • Stephanie says

      July 27, 2011 at 2:48 pm

      Rambling Heather… I am so with you on this one. How does she stay so cute?? I’m all sweaty and frizzy and all red-faced after my runs. Some people have all the luck!

      • Heather says

        July 28, 2011 at 8:33 am

        :oP you too must have missed some of my post workout pics!

    • Heather says

      July 28, 2011 at 8:32 am

      haha you are too sweet. Have you not seen some of my yucky sweaty post run pics? lol!

  3. A.Leo says

    July 27, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    This is too funny that you posted this today, because I was thinking the EXACT same thing last night after a workout! I was whining (to myself, mostly) all day about how I was tired, didn’t feel good, etc… but I went to the gym anyway and had an amazing workout. On my way home I was thinking about how I never regret a workout, but I almost always regret skipping a workout.

    Great minds think alike!

    • Heather says

      July 28, 2011 at 8:33 am

      great minds do think alike! glad you worked out!

  4. RunToTheFinish says

    July 27, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    I love those runs that just make you feel so hardcore, you feel completely amazed when you finished…and you’ve got some new swagger 🙂

    I think for me motivation is always just thinking about the fact that I am choosing to do it ..I don’t have to run, I get to.

    • Heather says

      July 28, 2011 at 8:34 am

      exactly. esp after being injured, I am totally not taking it for granted!

  5. Karolina says

    July 27, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    I am a pro at coming up with excuses to not exercise. It’s actually a little pathetic how good I am. But it always feels good to overcome those excuses and actually do it. I think the biggest way i overcome the excuses is to remind myself why I choose to exercise. Short term pain, long term gain!

    • Heather says

      July 28, 2011 at 8:34 am

      great tips!

  6. Steven says

    July 27, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    Well done Heather, no matter how you managed to get out there and do it you did and thats what counts!
    Lack of motivation is the very reason so many people don’t run. Unfortunately motivation is very personal and what works for one often does not work for another. I have heard people run because, I like the pain, I like the exhilarating feeling it gives me, I feel invigorated afterwards, I love running, etc, etc, etc….. Well, none of those work for me! I don’t particularly like to run. I am a goal orientated person so I run to reach a goal. My motivation is that if I don’t run when I need to I will have failed myself in not doing my best! Sadly this has a downside, once training is broken by injury, family emergency or something unexpected for more than a couple of days I have lost the motivation.

    I am currently sitting here after not running now for 16 days due to an injury. I was supposed to be running a marathon in 4 weeks time and I know that I am not going to be fit enough to do that so my maiden marathon is going to have to wait. I have a new motivator, or rather an old one. I have the Adelaide City-Bay 3 weeks after the marathon. Its a 12km fun run that I have been trying to complete in under 60 mins for the last few years since I started running. So, I have to focus on returning to training for that. Careful not to rush back to hard for fear of injuring myself again.
    It would be unusual to use the same motivation all the time. New goals can help, goals with different requirements like long distance, short sprints, hills or climate. All these need different training and so can provide a different focus to keep running interested.
    I don’t like running but its something I can do and get better at it the more I do it! That’s big for an uncoordinated person like myself that can not achieve in any sports! It brings a different twist on the “I do it because I can” phrase. It doesn’t make it any less true 🙂
    If you are interest in following my progress then you are welcome to follow my blog at http://www.pcsa.net.au/

  7. Grace says

    July 27, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    It’s nice to see that I’m not the only one who fights these feelings of “Should I/shouldn’t I run today?” Oddly, I pretty much faced the same conditions yesterday–it was pouring rain and I tend to chicken out on days like that. The way that I overcame that feeling was that I reminded myself how far I had come to developing into a runner and that I didn’t want to backslide into how I used to be. Most of it is mental visualization, but it sure does help!

    And yes, I felt hardcore running in the rain, too!

    • Heather says

      July 28, 2011 at 8:34 am

      thats awesome! I agree it is ssoo mental!

  8. Jordan Trump says

    July 27, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    I LOVE running in the rain! Couldn’t pass it up! But props to you for getting out the door when you were thinking about not doing it!

    For me, having a schedule of when to run helps me stay honest. I use a schedule for my fitness workouts, but my running “schedule” is just running every day. If I know I can’t miss a day, I always run! It’s super simple but super effective!

    • Heather says

      July 28, 2011 at 8:35 am

      I am a schedule girl too, and I dont mind the rain but oh it made it sssooo humid! The rain actually felt nice, except for the water squishing in my shoes!

  9. Mallory @ It's Only Life, After All says

    July 28, 2011 at 12:49 am

    Great post!!

    For me, I try to envision how I feel AFTER getting through the run. Mood boost, energized, overall more positive outlook. That’s usually enough to convince me. A great playlist (updated ones are the best) helps too!

    • Heather says

      July 28, 2011 at 8:36 am

      yes! endorphins!

  10. Karen says

    July 28, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    That’s so awesome, Heather! I’m glad you had a great run! I love that quote about no regrets!! :0) Way to kick some booty and show that knee who’s boss!!! lol

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age
  • Late Spring Events Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
  • 6 Ways to Make Mother’s Day Special This Year
  • Exciting News: Allegiant Air Launches New Knoxville to Gulf Shores Nonstop Flight
  • 8 Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Activities that are Perfect for a Family Spring Break

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🏰 We have been planning this for months. I th 🏰 We have been planning this for months. 

I thought about the right time to surprise her, and after then lost the state AAU tournament in the championship game, AND she was sick (crazy cough at the end of the video haha!) 

I knew this would be the perfect time to cheer her up. I think it worked. 😜

Check out my story highlight on my profile called “Disneyland70” if you missed all the fun! 

#disneyland70 #disneyland70th #surprisedisneytrip #disneycreators #disneylandpark #disneylandsurprise #disneyland70thanniversary
GIFT-AWAY! 🎉 I feel so blessed to be at openi GIFT-AWAY! 🎉 

I feel so blessed to be at opening weekend of @disneyland’s 70th celebration, that I wanted to give something back to one of YOU! 

I picked up the light up balloon 70th popcorn bucket AND a travel wine tumbler that I am gifting to one of my followers just for following along and being here. 💙 (I really want to keep them both but I’d rather spoil one of yall!) 

See below for entry!

1.) Follow @heatherslg 
2.) ❤️ this post 
3.) tag at least 2 friends in separate comments (can tag more, each tag is one entry!)
4.) Tell me your favorite Disney movie 

BONUS!
Share this post to your stories and TAG ME! Counts for 5 entries ONLY from this account! 

BONUS 2: F0llow @bobbymontg  for 3 extra entries! 

Not associated with IG. Must be 18 to enter. US only (sorry to my international friends!) ends May 25th, I will announce in stories! 

#disneyland70th #disneyland70 #popcornbucket #disneymerchandise #disneylandmerchandise #disneyland #disneygiveaway
We spent the evening at Mountain Mile in Pigeon Fo We spent the evening at Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and it was one of those simple, sweet evenings that just felt good. 

Located right in the heart of Pigeon Forge, @mountainmilepf is an open-air shopping and entertainment area with gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains (seriously—those views 😍). It’s super family-friendly, easy to walk around, and there’s so much to do without feeling overwhelming.

We wandered through cute boutiques and shops, played yard games, and just enjoyed being outside in such a pretty setting. There are over 40 shops and restaurants here—plus thrill rides if that’s your thing (we skipped them this time, but they looked fun!).

It’s one of those places where you can go slow, let the kids run around a little, sit and relax with a coffee, or get your shopping fix—all in one spot. And the giant lawn area with yard games? Perfect for kids (or tired parents 😅).

If you’re visiting the Smokies and want something fun and low-stress that everyone can enjoy, I definitely recommend adding Mountain Mile to your list.

🎯 Free parking
📍Central location in Pigeon Forge
👟 Easy to walk + stroller friendly
🍽️ Restaurants, snacks, coffee, and more (Azul was delicious!)
🛍️ Shops from boutique to big brand
🎡 Rides + a massive lawn space for kids to play

Let me know if you’ve been or are planning to go—I’d love to hear your favorite spots there! #mountainmilepartner

#PigeonForge #MountainMile #FamilyTravel #ThingsToDoInPigeonForge #TennesseeTrip #TravelWithKids #SmokyMountainViews #FlourishAndGlowTravels #OutdoorFun #TravelWithFamily #FamilyAdventure #TravelTip
He did it for the gram 💁🏻‍♀️ #instagr He did it for the gram 💁🏻‍♀️

#instagramhusband #blooper #instagramfunny #funnyfails #funnyfalls #doorbellcamera
Before & after… and I’m honestly still in awe Before & after… and I’m honestly still in awe of the difference this rug made. 😁 

I found it at @revival and couldn’t be happier — it’s soft underfoot, doesn’t shed (huge win), and is stain-resistant, which is exactly what we need in a house with kids and pets. It also came with free shipping and easy returns, which made the whole process so simple.

Made in Turkey and beautifully crafted, it feels like the perfect mix of style and practicality — especially for a home that sees a lot of paw prints. 🐾 

Use code 10OFF-HEATHERSLG for 10% off, but this offer won’t last long! (🔗 in bio!) 

#RevivalRugs #RevivalPartner #beforeandafter #homedecorrefresh #newrug
✨ Ready to escape to the Shire… in Tennessee? ✨ Ready to escape to the Shire… in Tennessee? ✨ (ad)
Tucked away just outside of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Howard’s Hollow is a one-of-a-kind Hobbit-inspired hideaway that brings the magic of Middle-earth to life in the Smoky Mountains.

Here’s why this unforgettable vacation rental should be at the top of your bucket list:

🟢 Whimsical Hobbit Design

Round doors, mossy rooftops, and charming woodwork that make you feel like you’re living in a Tolkien tale

Fully themed with cozy, earthy vibes and magical details in every nook

🛏️ 3 Unique Bedrooms

Each room is carefully crafted with its own personality—whether you’re drawn to elven elegance, dwarven strength, or hobbit coziness. There are also 3 full bathrooms. 

🔥 Spacious & Cozy Living

A stone fireplace, frame TV, plush seating, and rustic design invite you to slow down and stay awhile

The full kitchen and dining area have ample seating—perfect for a family getaway or friends’ retreat

🛁 Relaxation Meets Nature

Soak in the hot tub under the stars after a day of exploring

Enjoy peaceful woodland views around the fire pit and a quiet, tucked-away feel

🌲 Set in a Unique & Enchanting Neighborhood

Part of a small fantasy-inspired community that feels like stepping into a storybook

Minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg—close to fun, yet a world away

Whether you’re a lifelong Tolkien fan or just craving a truly magical mountain escape, Howard’s Hollow is a place where memories are made and imaginations run wild. ✨

Ready to book your adventure? Visit howards-hollow.com or @howards_hollow  and enter the Hollow. 🌿🏡 
(🔗 in bio too!) 

#howardshollow #vacationrental #smokeymountains #pigeonforge #pigeonforgevacation #lordoftherings #harrypotterfan #lordoftheringsfan
Just a trio of mother-daughter magic. 🪄 One t Just a trio of mother-daughter magic. 🪄 

One taught me, one’s watching me—and together we’re laughing through it all. Happy Mother’s Day to the best and busiest job ever! 🥂 

#happymothersday❤️ #mothersday2025 
#myminime #motherdaughterlove #threegenerations

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d