I'm baaaaaaaaaack!

Hello Dear Reader,

I'm back in the game...or at least that's what it feels like. As we've previously discussed, my vacation really threw off both my running and healthy eating routine (sore legs and expanded waistline as proof). All of the workshops, holiday parties, road trips, vacations and just plain old laziness on my part (and associated guilt) consumed December. Preparing myself mentally to get back in the running spirit, in addition to the January 1st race seemed to do just the trick. My old motivation...the excitement I used to feel about running...is back or at least that's the way I've been feeling all weekend.

The day after the race, I looked outside of my hotel window to find rain. Rain, however, did not stop me from running an easy 30 minutes. Just as I said a few posts ago, daily rain storms in Lesotho have been my excuse for not getting up at 5am to pavement pound. Now, I can't blame it on the rain. The blame will now (and has always)fall squarely on me.

Back in Lesotho...you guessed it...still raining...but I woke up, threw my gear on and managed to run for a full hour. This morning's run gave me a small boost of confidence because I finally conquered several hills that, in the past, I've walked up. Upon returning home, I completed three different arm exercises...something that has also fallen a bit by the wayside. But that was all in 2010.

In 2011, I am motivated to get my butt in shape and keep it there! In order to do so, I'm going to participate in at least 4 races before March 20th. (Attaching dates/events to running goals seems to be the key). It looks as if my car will be getting a bit of exercise too!

So far, this is what I've come up with:

January 29th: Ottosdal's Night Race Half Marathon (21.1 km)-excited about this one! there will be a pasta dinner the night before the race.

February 12th: Crocodilian 32 km (20 miles)!!!!!!

February 27th: Township 15 km

March 5th: Maluti-A-Phofung Street Mile- will be a nice way to officially wrap up my training!

Well, that's all I have for now.

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

Yours in (road race running) training,

Dani