Go Commando 5k

Checking out the Start line for B's first ever race!!!

I can't believe this was my first race of 2014 and here we are nearing the end of the year. I took a couple months off from running with the move from SC to TN but I definitely have found my groove back and am loving it. A Co-worker of mine (Barbie- pictured above) has recently taken up running and she's doing great. We signed up for the Go Commando 5K Race back in August I think it was and have been training ever since. I struggled through two injury but managed to heel and recover from both before race day. The Owner of the School were we work at was also running the 5K race that morning. We saw him before hand and chatted a bit and then that was that. B and I didn't stay together, we didn't plan to either. We both run and different paces and so we knew that wasn't going to happen and we were ok with that. About 3/4 of the way through I passed Mr. H when he was going the opposite direction towards the turn around. I had quickly glanced down at my watch when he yelled "I'm gonna catch up with you". I looked up to notice it was him and said Yea Yea keep going. Sure enough I was about 1/10th's away from the finish line and I hear someone come up from behind me saying "I caught up with you." I couldn't believe that he did, I was either running slower or he picked up his pace quick. (Let's go with he picked up his pace) When we crossed the finish line I was just a few steps ahead of him, so not to bad. There was also a Half Marathon and a 10K race going on at the same time, so there was runners coming in from all three races. 

I didn't come in were I was hoping to time wise and I am completely ok with that. (I was literally a minute and a half off) I did however place 14th in my age group, 86th out of 309 females and 183rd place over all out of 482 people. So something to be proud of for me for sure.

I love the rush you get from racing I just HATE having to get up so early to be at the start line. The city we live in there's not many races that take place so you have to go to Nashville, which isn't a long drive at all, its just the getting up early part. Oh the feeling you have after you finish though is all worth it. 

There's a 5K coming up in January at the Nashville Zoo that I'm thinking of doing, looks like it should be pretty fun and best part is, it doesn't start till later in the afternoon. 

Back on the Streets

After what seemed like a eternity I finally slipped back into my running shoes at the beginning of the month. I took 4 months or so off with the move, stress of finding a new job and finding my grove in TN. Now that things have finally settled down, I've been hitting the pavement regularly and I feel so good about it. I started off short and slow and have built back up slowly. I wake up pack my bag and I don't even think twice about it. Most day's that is. I have been running on my lunch from work and this past week the weather has been pretty great. Not to hot, Not to cold. But the weeks before that its been horrifying hot. I'm trying not to push myself to hard but knowing what I have accomplished in the past makes me want to get back to that point. Sooner rather than Later ideally. One day at a time, One step at a time. I don't want to hurt myself again, training for my half I pulled a ten-dent in my leg which was awful. Friday I pushed through 5 miles straight, of course my time wasn't were it was at my last 10K race but I was pretty pumped with my end results. I've been helping a co-worker / friend over the last few weeks with running. She started off walking a few miles on her lunch, and slowly started running. Started at .5 miles and now she's up to 3.5 miles not straight only stopping once or twice but she's doing fabulous and to know that I've helped her get to were she is makes it all that much more worth it. Running has been a huge stress reliever for me and has helped me in so many ways, starting with feeling better about myself. B (friend from wrk) and I signed up for our first 5K. It'll be my first of the year and her first ever!!! It's not till October, we couldn't find anything sooner in our area. But we are still looking. I'm excited to get back in to racing, no I'll never win top in my age group or anything like that but I love the rush you get from it. And the since of pride from accomplishing each run and race. 

Just a bit of running selfie over load!!! 

Sorry I've been a little MIA...

1-First Day of Teacher work week. Getting ready for the new school year to start. I'm gonna miss my sweet little people. I just keep letting myself Change is good. 

2-Friday (last week) after I got off work, (hello half day's) the hubbs and I headed up to Charlotte to do a little shopping at Ikea and had dinner at On The Border. We came home with a new Entertainment unit. I absolutely love it. 

3-Monday on my lunch break I got dinner going in the Crock pot. Hubbs was home for the day already so I left him instructions on how and when to finish things up. I pre-measured everything and laid it all out for him. A little OCD maybe but hey makes things easier on him. 

4-Saturday after my morning run I came home to find this lovely giant truck in my neighbors drive way. They are moving!!!!! We knew they were moving this month just wasn't sure the date. They are by far the most un-sanitariest people I have ever lived by. Their house is infested with mice so badly the moving company set up by the army refused to move them. 

5-This past week has definitely been a challenge for me, for many reasons. I've been put to the test in many ways but I've stood my ground and stuck to my guns and made it through. I know this life we live isn't always gonna be cookies and ice cream but I'm making the best of every moment and that's all I can do. 

6-I stepped out of my comfort zone last weekend and join a running group. I've been trying to pick up my running and add the miles to my long weekend runs. This was a first for me, joining a group not knowing a single soul. It was a great experience w/ great people and I plan to continue going every Saturday till my Full Marathon in November. 

7-Not that I'm counting but I was talking to a friend in Texas about NYC and it got me wondering how much longer we have till our trip. 125 days!!!! I can't wait to take the hubbs and show him around one of my most favorite cities ever!!! NYE IN NYC, I can't wait we are going to have a great time!!!! 

8-Wednesday after work Kelly and I were suppose to go run but for other reason's she wasn't able to go. That didn't keep me from going though, I did a good solid 4.5 miles around post before dinner. I Just went out to run, had no plan or set route in mind. Figured I'd take it as it came and it ended up being a great run. 

9-Sometime last week the hubbs and I were randomly searching on ebay at different fiestaware pieces when I came across this beautiful piece. It's a retired covered casserole dish in the color Juniper. I have a pretty good collection of fiestaware but I'm always trying to add to it and find pieces that I don't have yet. Especially unique pieces such as retired or vintage ones. I love it and am so happy with my purchase. 

10-Another Saturday run with the Trenholm Road Runners group this morning. There was a nice breeze through out the run and I did better at remembering the route this morning. I chatted with some of the other members of the group after our run and everyone seems really nice and welcoming. We are planning to run a race together in October, which many of them have ran before. I'm pretty excited about it and nervous at the same time. Apparently its a really awesome race here in the South. 

Hewitt 5K & Farmers Market Saturday

There's nothing more that I hate then waking up early on the weekends. Some how I continue to do it for one reason of another. This Saturday it was for a Race, so I wasn't to heart broken. Not to mention it was for a great cause. However I'm not a morning person by any means. Once I get up I'm good but its just getting my butt out of bed at first. 

This morning I "made" my oatmeal put it in the microwave to cook and went to the other room to finish getting ready. It seemed to smell funny but I didn't pay much attention to it, just figured it was cooking. The timer went off, I left if for a few minutes to cool down before getting it out of the microwave as I always do. Boy was I in for a treat when I opened the door. I noticed a black spot in the corner of the ball and the smell that followed was awful. OMG, it's way to freaking early I forgot to put the water in the oatmeal. YIKES, good thing nothing caught on fire because from the smell of it you would have though it did. I quickly tossed it in the sink and made anther bowl before I had to head out the door. 

This was the 1st Annual Hewitt 5k, as soon as Kelly told me about this race and the story behind it I HAD to sign up. She went to high school with the parents of the two beautiful children pictured below.  Haley- 3 and Parker- 5

4 years ago today (race day) they were both killed in a tragic car accident. They were way to young to leave this earth and no one will ever understand why it happened. They left behind their dad, mom (who was driving the car, NOT her fault at all) and now two younger siblings that came after them. The story of what happened broke my heart as Kelly was telling my I just chills along my body. 

The out pouring of support they had that came out for the race was amazing. The proceeds from the race went to the Hewitt Pavilion Fund at Chapin Baptist in memory of Parker and Haley. Strictly running is the big running sponsor and running store here in the South, they said this was the largest turn out they had ever seen for a first time race. Everything was done up so beautifully and the two sweet faces of these kiddos shined through every were. There were tons of people holding signs all through out the event with encouraging words and quotes. 

Not sure why but I was nervous as the first half mile of the race was on the soccer field. It kinda annoyed me that we had to run through the field but whatever. I've done much worse so its ok, I'll survive. My back was so sore from Thursday's work out but I pushed through and didn't think it would bother me that bad. Boy was I wrong I was in tears be time I crossed the finish line. But still proud of the job I did and for finishing strong. Full Marathon training has officially started and I'm stoked and nervous at the same time. 

Later that afternoon I met up with my friend Jenna and her little guy for lunch at one of my local favorites. Its a Deli called The Other Store its in the back of a old gas station. The gas pump part is closed but the store its self is still open and they have a lot of older candies, treats drinks and goodies. Its really a cute little joint all the way around. Side Note: if your in a hurry you'd better call ahead because they run on Aloha Time for sure. We waited about 25 minutes for our SANDWICHES to come out. Sandwiches people but when I tell you I'd do it again any day that's because its SOOOO worth it. I've had this thing for pasta salad here lately so I though I'd give their's a try. It was so yummy, I could have made a meal out of that alone. We saw that they have Chicken Bog on Fridays so we are def. going to plan a lunch date to go back and try it out soon. 

After lunch we headed out to the state farmer's market in Gatson. The hubbs and I have been several times last year but we haven't been this year yet. Jenna hadn't been at all so it was a fun adventure for the both of us. I had a long list of things I needed and only $20 in my pocket to spend. Talk about a budget people. We spent almost 2 hours at the market, its so big and there's so much to see. I was able to get everything on my list plus a little extra and still managed to stay under my $20 budget. I can't wait to go back again and restock up on our fruits and veggies. 

Today was a great day, I had such a good time at the race earlier this morning and this afternoon out with Jenna. I can't wait to do it all over again soon. I've been so blessed to make some great friends here in the South it will def. be hard when we have to leave. I finished the evening with a little dinner date out with the hubbs at Bone Fish Grill. He'd been wanting to try it out for a while and I agreed to go. Not being a sea food eater this was a big deal for me, good thing they had steak. It was fabulous!!! He has tomorrow off (Sunday) and we have no plans, so I'm looking forward to enjoying a lazy day at home.

Get In The Pink 10K

Getting up at 5:00 - 5:30am on a Saturday is not how I enjoy starting my weekends. Heck I don't even get up that early for work. But when it's race day I seem to be able to pull myself together a little better. Thankfully. 

This morning I met up with Kell at her house and we headed down for the 5th annual "Get In The Pink" 10K race. The is a race in memory of her dear friend S that passed of cancer a few years back. I love running races but running a race with a cause is so just that much more enjoyable. Running a race for someone that Kell actually knew was so touching, knowing I was doing something to help warmed my heart. 

It was a pretty good course, parts of it were the same that we run on a weekly basics. Some areas were what we ran during our half marathon back in March. Knowing the streets and neighborhoods has its advantages and disadvantages. It was a HOT morning, probably one of the hottest we've had this spring so far. Of course I had to wear my Hot Pink pants but boy was I regretting that a couple miles in. I was definitely hot and feeling it. I think I could have done a bit better had I had shorts on. Oh well live and learn right. Still had a great time and I got 6 miles in before 9am. 

With Kell being from the South she knows tons of people when ever we go to races. Me on the other hand I never see anyone I know. I recognize people from previous races but that's about it. Today was different I saw someone I knew before she did. As we were walking up to the start area I saw one of the Hubbs good friends (they call themselves manpanions) that he works with. I just so happen to know him as well along his beautiful wife & daughter (who sadly weren't there). We've all gone to dinner quite a few times and he's over often doing gun stuff. We chatted for a bit and wish each other best of luck before we went on to get started. I didn't expect to see G at the finish line knowing he was going to be finishing quite a bit earlier than me. As soon as I crossed the FINISH LINE I though I was going to be sick. I've never had that feeling before, I don't know if it was because I was so hot, maybe. I looked up and didn't see K right away or the water table. But there was G I asked him were the water was and told him I needed some. He pointed in the direction of were it was a ran ahead of me to get some. I'm so glad we've been able to meet some great people here in the South. 

I had a great run, do I wish I did better of course I always do but I'm not going to beat myself up about it. There's always next time. I have a goal I'm trying to reach (well a couple) by the end of the year and I was hoping to come a little closer during this race but not quite. Although I didn't go over my last 10k time I finished right at the exact same time as my last one. I suppose that's better than coming in slower, I really would beat myself up if that was the case. 

Next set race isn't till the end of June and its a 5k, so I've really got to work hard over the next month because I want to get my 10k down. 

2nd Half 1st Trail.....Race

After a week of nagging and sweet talking me in to doing this race with her I finally caved and said yes. I was hesitant at first because I haven't ran long distance since my first half last month. I've only ran 3-5 miles at a time to keep up my speed and endurance. But with a little twist and pull and convincing I said YES. Just two days before the race I signed up for my 2nd Half Marathon, My 1st Trail Half Marathon. My only dilemma was that the race was in Charlotte, NC which was about a hour & half drive away. I had the option of going up with Kelly Friday night and staying with her at her families farm in Rock Hill. I didn't mind the drive but with the hubs being away I would be left having to find someone to look after the pups over night if I decided to go up that night. Just getting back from Vacay a couple weeks ago and having to ask some one to watch the puppies I didn't really want to have to do that again. So I decided to stay home and just wake up early Saturday morning and drive up. Thankfully the race started at 9am so I didn't have to get up crazy early. 

Registration was $35 so really what did I have to loose. It was the day before my birthday and I would be able to have another Half under my belt. Great way to kick off my b-day weekend, sure thing!!!! 

The Trail Half Marathon - Tuck Fest was located at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. I've never been here before but have heard great things about it. And I'm looking forward to going back with the hubs to take advantage of some of the awesome activities they offer. 

Before I left my house I had to snap a pic for the hubs of course!!! Kelly's so sweet with her birthday treats, love her!!!! 

At the start line waiting for the "Ready set GO"!!!!!!!! 

This was by far one of the most challenging runs / races I've ever done to say the least. The scenery was great and the weather was perfect but the terrain was crazy. I've never enjoyed running on dirt or a soft ground and this definitely just proved once again that I wasn't a fan. I absolutely LOVE hiking though the mountains and wooded area however running a race through it is totally different. 

We decided at the beginning of the race we weren't going for time. This was a first for both of us, (a trail run) so we were just taking it as it came and having fun with it. We wanted to get another long run in before it got to hot out. South Summers are KILLER. We took advantage and had some fun with it snapping a few photos along the way. At about mile 9 we were completely DONE. We had agreed that trail running was NOT for us and we'd be happy just getting this race over with. There were only 3..THREE..3 water stations through out the whole 13.1 miles and they were very pouring placed. The route was poorly marked, I think if I was doing it by myself I would have been so lost. We had fun and there were lots of laughs through out the morning along with a few frustrating moments. We each took a fall during the race and we most def. did not run the entire thing, it just wasn't possible. We went in to it blind not knowing what to expect. We had a great time but both agreed NEVER AGAIN. At least we can say we did it, got another long run in and marked off the miles. Even if it did take us 3.08 hours to complete it.

 Unfortunately I had to be back in the South by 1:30 that afternoon (totally didn't happen) so we weren't able to get any after pictures. I was kind of bummed but didn't realize it till after I was on the road headed back home. I crossed the finish line running and just kept running to my car. It was definitely a race I wont forget, and what better way to start off celebrating my 27th Birthday. 

Runners will Run

My heart simply aches for those affected by the horrible tragedy that happened yesterday in Boston. We will never comprehend why people do the things they do. What they intend to get out of it and how it makes them feel any better. Yet we are left with broken hearts, incomplete families and a shaken community. As a avid runner myself I know the feeling you get from running competitively, running races and running just to run. It's my time to get out clear my head, reminisce on my day and life in general, its my ME TIME, its my Therapy. To have that completely taken away would be just devastating. I wont let this affect me were I live in fear and shelter myself from the world. However I only plan on embracing life even more. You NEVER know what is going to happen next, what's around the corner or just up the street from you. Whom ever did this trying to break us down was sadly mistaken........This is not only going to bring the running community together more but the entire United States. I'm deeply saddened for the ones who lost loved ones and were injured during what is suppose to be one of the greatest moments of their life. Running the Boston Marathon is such a honor and gift to those who do so, it will have even more meaning in the years to come. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to each and every person involved and effected by yesterday's events. If your a runner I encourage you to get out there and run for those who can't. Run for those who weren't able to finish the Boston Marathon. And if your not a runner well there's always a time to start!!! No time like the present right :)

PRAY FOR BOSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got my run in for the evening did you??? I'll be running my race this weekend in memory of Boston!!!!

My 1st Half Marathon

Finally the day I've been training for, over the last two months was here. I couldn't believe it was all coming together and I was really going to be doing this. I had my moments during training were I didn't think I was going to be able to complete the race but I kept going. And I'm so so thankful that I did because I'm not one to quit or throw in the towel. 

Up at 5am this morning to eat a yummy breakfast, get dress, make sure my hair was pulled back nice and tight. Everything else I got together and ready the night before so I was set to go. I'm not a morning person at all, but once I'm up I'm good to go. It's just that initial getting up that sucks. 

I met up with Kelly at 6:15am at her house and we headed down town it was time to face the starting line. Was this really happening, are we really here today. It's not a dream, its really happening. All of these emotions kept going through my head, I wasn't sure what to expect with this being my first big race. There was going to be a ton of people, I didn't want to be left in the dust at the end the last one to cross the finish line. What if no one talked to me or if I choked and got nervous, I was feeling a bit over whelmed but I put a smile on and made my way to the start line. 

Ready or not this is really happening, I'm about to run my first ever (but not last Half Marathon). Yesterday at Packet Pick Up, I signed up to run with a Pacer. (If you don't know what a pacer is here's a quick example, bc I didn't know before this past week. Race's have pacer's to help runners meet their goal time. Example: if you want to run a marathon in 3 hours you sign up to run with the pacer that runs at that mile a minute pace, if you want to run a marathon in 5 hours you sign up with that mile a minute pacer. I highly recommend this for first time half / full marathon runners) I had a goal time that I really wanted to meet. So I signed up with the pacer that best fit my goal time. Knowing that if I ran with them or ahead of them, never letting that pacer or other runners in that pacing group pass me then I'd make my goal time. It made perfect sense. 

Kelly and I before she decided she needed to go wait in the 10 minute long potty line umm......7 minutes before the race was suppose to start. I went ahead and met up with my pacer, this way I could put a face with the people I'd be running with. 

The race started and I was feeling good about things, it was a little chilly but I knew it would warm up as soon as I got going. At first I was nervous about running by myself (not with K) for say but I really think it help me alot. I was able to focus on myself and stay in the zone. I knew the route of the last 5 miles but the first half of the race I didn't. I think knowing some and not knowing helped me in different ways. I was able to stay with the pacer through out the first 5 1/2 - 6 miles, I never let them pass me. There was 4 other runners running with her as well, they were all running the full marathon though. There was water and first aide stations at every mile marker which was really nice. I only grabbed water three times out of the 13 miles. I'm used to running with out water so I didn't need it so much. I'm sure on hotter days it will be more welcomed but I did fine with my Gu pack. A good amount of the time I stayed a few feet ahead of the pacer or just right behind her. As we would reach a water station I would hear her tell the other runners that they could walk through this one and take a break. Are you kidding me......no way I'm not walking, I'm not stopping. I kept going and when I would grab water I would get it from the last person handing it out. Everyone seems to go to the first person they see, which causes a mass cluster and I've learned in race's that I tend to go to the last person. 

When we passed about mile 5 1/2 -6 I found myself a good few blocks ahead of the group. I'd picked up my pace a little and just kept going. I wasn't going to slow down to wait for them. As long as they DIDN'T pass me I was golden and had nothing to worry about. I had a goal and that's all that mattered, if I came in under FABULOUS but if I came in at my goal time I'd be just as stoked. 

I paced through mile 7, 8, 9, 10 all by myself, I never stopped, never let up and never looked back. Passing mile 10 there was a few people cheering that it was just a 5k left. Hey a 5k, I've done plenty of these I've got this. (speaking of people out cheering, they were EVERY WERE through out the city, the different neighborhoods and along the streets cheering us on. The support from the community was outstanding) I came up on mile 11 and I recognized some of the voices coming up from behind me. It was the pacer and the other runners I'd ran with the first few miles. Are you kidding I though I lost you people. One of the guys (I'll will call him N) said to me "alright your about to smoke us out of here and fly away" I replied laughing "I though I already did that". Then came a awful hill, the largest one of the course, I pushed through it as hard as I could but I seriously though I was going to die. 

But I DIDN'T stop. "NEVER STOP ON A HILL", I just kept repeating that to myself. 

As we reached the top of the hill N kept encouraging me along the way and telling me the next few turns before I reached the finish line. He was a great supporter and I can not thank him enough for pushing me that last mile and half. We rounded the last corner and you could see a large crowd of people in the distance about 3/4 of a mile down. N knew my goal time and told me if I didn't slow down there would be no doubt that I'd make it and be really happy with myself. I asked him what the time was and then quickly said NO NO don't tell me, I wanted to be surprise. (even though I had my watch on me I hadn't looked at it) He told me to sprint it out the last 100 yards and push out everything I had in me. I said my good byes to them and wished them good luck as they were about to start on their 2nd loop around and the really left them in my dust. I pushed it out and ran my little heart out as fast as I could. 

(the picture below was taken after I crossed the finish line)

All of a sudden I hear to my right some people yelling my name and I look over and its Kelly her husband and one of their friends. I looked over at them with a big smile and waved as I kept going, I was ALMOST THERE. My husband was waiting for me at the finish line some were and I wanted him to see my finish strong. 

I DID IT!!!! 

I'm a Half Marathon Runner and I finished UNDER my goal time!!! 

I was so freaking stoked!!!! 

My Goal time to finish was 2:30:00

 My final finish time was 2:27:03

That's right 3 minutes under my goal time. Sure its not much but its under and I'll take that any day!!!! With that being said and seeing that I can do it, I know I can push myself that much more next time. I've already set a new goal time for my next Half Marathon!!!

 (no, there's not a race planned yet, looking for one though. )

My Love and I after I finished. He is the best husband, supporter ever. I can't even begin to Thank him enough for always supporting my love for running and encouraging me to follow through with my dreams and goals. Having him there at the finished line made it that much more sweeter. While I was running knowing he was going to be waiting for me only made me want to push through that much stronger. 

side note: out of all the races I've ran he's only been able to attend one of them because of the army, so this was a big deal.  

Kelly and I after I finished. She is definitely a rock star, with out her it would have taken me a lot longer to train up and get ready to run a half. When we first talked about doing it and signed up for it I though no way will I be ready in two months. Let me tell you about a month and a half into training I was ready. At that point I had the confidence that I could do it!!! I impressed myself more and more every day with training, running and working out leading up to today. 

After today I have more confidence in myself that I can do a FULL MARATHON. I've always had a goal to run a Full before I'm 30, it's on my 30 before 30 list. (thankfully I have a few years till then lol.) Prior to running the half I told myself, the hubbs and Kelly that I wasn't at all going to try and push myself to do one this year. I didn't think it was possible at all. However I believe I can do it this year and I may just take on the challenge if I come across good race and location.

Seriously one of my most favorite people I have here in the South!!! Love Love her!!! I'm so glad that I've finally found someone who I love hanging out with and spending time with. We can joke around, be goofy and crazy and have a great time doing just about anything. She's def. made my time here in the South more enjoyable. 

Half Marathon Finisher!!!!! Metal!!!! 

I had so much fun running the half, the course was great the weather was perfect the support from the community was amazing and I can't wait to do this race again next year. 

All the tears, blisters, shoe issues, sore leg and every ounce of pain was totally worth it. I'd do it all over again and can't wait to!!!! 

I'm taking the week off from running to let my leg fully heal from a injury I've been nursing and then its back at it full force hitting the streets. Thanks again for following along and supporting me through this journey. Stick around because its not over!!!!!

Color Run!!!!

This morning a few friends and I got together to participate in the Color Run here in the South. There was 6000 other people that had signed up to run it as well. It was crazy crowded, but they had some jammin music playing. It was freezing cold out, but we got the blood flowing by watching every one else act like crazy people while we wait for it to start. 

Jenna and I ready to get our Color on. This was her First 5K. 

"Let's get this party Started "

Who knew the Color Run had a Mascot ?!?!?! 

 Jenna did awesome, during her first race!!!! 

 PINK!!!!

 BLUE!!!

 GAMECOCK RED!!!!

 Motivating Jenna to push and give it all she's got to get through the finish!!! 

 We are COLOR RUNNERS!!!!

 Love these girls!!!!

 Kelly, Jess, Myself and Jenna after we finished the Color Run. It was fun, crazy madness with the amount of people but we had a great time!!!! 

 Miss. Color Run 2013, watch out people I'm running a half next weekend stay outta my way!!!! 

hahahahahah Totally kidding, on the staying outta my way but I am running a half. 

 It really is the Happiest 5K on the Planet along with 6000 other people from SC, I'm pretty sure its the largest race I've ever ran.