...And I'm feelin' good...

Hello Dear Reader,

This morning, Couch Potato #2 woke me up at a little past 4 am...we're gonna have to talk about that! Unfortunately, or fortunately, I couldn't go back to sleep but I didn't exactly want to get up and run either. Waking up in the morning, particularly since I returned from my family vaycay, has been rather difficult. Clearly, I'm not back in the swing of things! So, instead of moving from my warm resting place on the couch, I took to flipping channels and landed on E! Tv's show "Most shocking celebrity bounce back" on celebrities who've fallen off of (or were never on) the fitness wagon and the steps they've taken to get back in shape (don't judge!). Watching 20 minutes of that show got me to thinking of the pile of Reese's buttercup wrappers on my kitchen counter and the box of Betty Crocker cake mix tucked away in my cupboard that's been calling my name for a week now. Needless to say, I knew I had to bust a move if only for the sake of being able to fit more than my ankles into my brand new jeans.

Before making any real moves, I mapped out my running route, got dressed, and was out of the door by 5 am. The plan: run a little over 12 k. I've run this route "successfully" before. That might have been just the thing I needed to get me back into the running groove. Knowing the route helps me to plan, more or less, how to pace myself on the down hills and flatish surfaces in order to have enough energy for two of the more challenging uphills. Passing other runners that I see on a regular basis is another plus. It's always motivating to see so many women and men of varying ages, sizes and abilities out pounding the pavement. And what ever our respective reasons are for pushing ourselves up and down the streets of Maseru at such an early hour each day, we form a little community that is good for a motivating smile, nod, and a wave that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.

This run was actually supposed to take place yesterday after work, but I just wasn't feeling like it. To make up for being a little off schedule with my daily countdown goals, this afternoon, I'll spend an hour on strength training.

Well, that's all I have for now! Before I leave, I'd like to say thank you to those of you who have sent me playlist suggestions! iTunes is downloading as I type!

Until next time...one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours in (feeling good) training,

Dani