Now what?

Hello Dear Reader,

It has officially been one week since I completed the Publix Georgia Marathon. Perhaps it is the fact that my trip home has been so consumed with traveling up and down the east coast, or the fact that I've seen soooo many people, or even because there are other things to think about...that it doesn't feel like the race really happened at all...like I'm still waiting for the big day (although the lack of rest and the 26.2 miles sure have done a number on my still lightly throbbing Achilles tendons). I guess all of this adds up to just not having a moment to myself to really reflect on my personal accomplishment.

Since the race (and because of my heels), I have not had a moment to myself and have been on a super odd sleep schedule, and thus have not.run.at.all. True, indeed, I need to allow my body to recover (although it really does seem to just be my tendons), but I can't help but to think about running all of the time. I now see runners everywhere. Running is in my blood (don't want to come down from that prolonged runner's high). Not running makes me feel guilty...a bit lazy...antsy...slightly frustrated...ugg! I'll get back to where I want to be as soon as I properly heal and don't want to rush the process of recovery lest I re-injure myself. So in the meantime, while I have an opportunity to reflect on how I got to this point, I've also been considering the question: Now what?

Hmm...now what? Well, I know that I work best when I'm working towards a time sensitive goal.

Here's what I've been thinking:

Overall Goals:

• Run a marathon every quarter...as in June, September and December with the plan of running the 2011 Soweto Marathon usually scheduled in November.
• Set new personal records (PR) 5km and half marathon times

Short Term Goals:

• Run the Two Oceans Half Marathon on April 23rd!
• Wonderwater NG Vaalpark Half Marathon on May 7th
• Race for Friendship 16km or the Zio Cash & Carry 10km on May 17th
• Maintain a continuous running schedule both in "training" and regularly participate in events.

For now, that's what I think I'll do.

On another note....following along with the development of this blog...from an idea to dream realized...I hope that you will continue to follow along with me as I attempt to document my journey. Yes, journey...not simply to run a marathon...but with the bigger dream of becoming a runner and making fitness and exercise part of my life and not just a once off deal. As such, I hope that you continue to run along with me as I make running a lifestyle choice. Hopefully I can help to motivate you and others, through my successes and challenges, to get off the couch and pound the pavement!

Yours in (back at it) training,

Dani