Ahhh...the running-induced endorphins are still coursing through my veins after this morning's run! I feel high (in a very legal way, California!) on life right now...all thanks to running!
Although I didn't go running yesterday as planned, due to several commitments, I thought about nothing else but running...and work...and the marshmallows I've been thinking of introducing to a box of rice crispies...and my Ethio Running Buddy (of course)!
Yesterday evening, all of the running stars must have been aligned: 1) I was with Doc (remember him?); 2) I ran into my running friend who ran both the full Two Oceans Marathon, and a couple of months later, the Comrades Marathon (crazy, right?); 3) I ran into my friend's dad who is a running coach, who runs the Comrades every year, and trains his group on the highest of high mountain peaks in Lesotho; and 4) I met up with several friends for dinner. One of my friends, who steered the group conversation around his increasing girth, asked if I was still running. "Errr...umm...uhhh...Yeah", I said sheepishly. "Great!", my friend replied. He asked to join me on my "regularly scheduled" morning runs. Sure, I neglected to tell him that I haven't run consistently since March (sad face), that I was sure to be waaaaaay out of shape (so don't expect any broken records or anything), and that I was desperately looking for a (some poor sucker) morning running partner for safety. He didn't need to know all of that...I immediately said, "Hellz yeah! Let's do it!" He set the time for 5:00 am...awesome! He even sms'd (texted) twice last night to confirm that I would be ready at 5 am!
5:00 am- Running clothes on, running shoes laced up, and ready to go!
5:15 am- Still waiting
5:45 am- Fug
6:00 am- What's a girl tah do?
6:30 am- Get up and GO!!!!!
By 6:30 am, I was out on the roads pounding some serious pavement. Yes, it was cold as a deep freezer outside. Yes, it was still dark outside, but nearing sun rise. Yes, there were lots of people outside headed to work. Yes, I actually did feel very safe. And within about 30-40 minutes, the sun was fully up!
YES!
YES!
YES!!!!
I feel AMAZING! All of this time, I made up excuses for not running...and thanks to a failed running date...I got up the gumption to get out and do it!
Woohoo!
And the best thing is that I'm not in any pain from being so out of practice! Alright!
Now that I have the experience of and courage to run outside in the mornings, there is nothing standing in my way of accomplishing my goals. Speaking of goals, I know that, for me, it's super important to have reachable goals to work towards. Like to hear it? Here it goes:
- Lose 2-3 kg by the end of September
- Run one half marathon in July 30th (Jumbo Jolly Half Marathon) and August 27th (Wilge Spring Half Marathon)
- ...and when the running calendar is up for September, a marathon.
So, Dear Reader, it looks like I might be on a role! Come along with me as I attempt to put one foot in front of the other and keep it movin'!
Yours in (morning running again) training,
Dani
..and for your pavement pounding playlist: Go!
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