tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67045056175177036682012-03-03T15:15:46.715+02:00One couch potato's journey to running a marathon (26.2 miles) for my 30th birthday and beyond! Lace up your sneakers and come along for the run!Daninoreply@blogger.comBlogger1521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-74180602859346124952012-03-03T14:48:00.002+02:002012-03-03T14:48:54.156+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, With a little help from my friends, I found the drive and determination to get up at 2:30 am, leave the house by 2:50 am, collect my new friend and get on the road by 3:00 am, to make it to Clarens, South Africa by 4:45 am, to register for the "Surrender Hill Half Marathon", which started at 6:00 am. Here's a little description about the race: Organised by the Bethlehem

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-51824399194746589782012-02-29T10:23:00.002+02:002012-02-29T10:23:54.876+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, I've really been working hard to not only strengthen my commitment to running, but my relationship with God as well. As I was sitting in church on Ash Wednesday, contemplating what I was going to give up for Lent, the usual suspects floated through my mind: fried foods (although I don't eat much of this) and soda. For a moment, I felt confident in my decision. Soon there

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-54418886724809502062012-02-15T21:38:00.002+02:002012-02-15T21:38:45.024+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to a friend about being 30, and all of the things I hope to accomplish by the time I'm 31. A couple of days ago, I was sitting at my desk, planning work activities for the remaining weeks of February, and had an "Oh Shit!" moment! Dear Reader, I'm going to be 31 in less than a month! Where did my year go? Whaaaa? Reflecting on the past

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-17732569966064729262012-02-06T11:19:00.000+02:002012-02-06T11:19:10.303+02:00

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-12380559048816796402012-01-20T10:34:00.003+02:002012-01-20T11:23:37.461+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Yesterday, whilst at work, my fun running buddy sent me an sms asking how I was and what I was up to. At that very moment, I was thinking of how in need I was for a "life care" activity. You may be asking what, exactly, that is. You know when you just need to take time for yourself? There's an urge from within reminding you that you are in need of a little boost, or that you

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-37224988380142329012012-01-09T10:29:00.004+02:002012-01-20T10:32:59.165+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Just as I said I would, my lovely Ethiopian and I (actually) woke up on New Year's Day, to run the New Year's Day 5km race in Chicago. We woke up super late, and almost bailed on the event because of it. Luckily, we were staying two blocks from Lincoln Park, so there would have been no real excuse to offer you (and ourselves).Chicago: ridiculously cold and windy for no good

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-11390737543263404152011-12-14T08:17:00.005+02:002011-12-14T08:44:28.356+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,This morning I had an energizing 5 mile run! Talk about a great way to start the day! But enough of that, I wanted to share some exciting news! As I was skimming through various running websites, on a search for inspiration, I ran (no pun intended) across the blog of a woman who recently completed a Jingle Bells race in NYC that qualified her for the ING NY Marathon. The theme

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-1123070203231366632011-12-13T09:47:00.003+02:002011-12-13T10:49:00.282+02:00

Dear Reader,Have you ever had so many conversations, thoughts and ideas running through your head at once, that you can't even hear that little voice inside begging to be heard...telling you to just...STOP? Thoughts of deadlines, projects, side projects, travel plans, friends, family, the gazillion emails I have to respond to, and making lists and checking them twice. Thoughts swirling around in

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-35470790708707428922011-12-11T14:56:00.003+02:002011-12-11T15:39:52.248+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,As I've mentioned previously, lately, I've been having a difficult time getting the motivation to run. Luckily, I have awesome friends and family who have managed to get me going when they see me dragging my feet. One friend in particular has really helped me to renew my passion for running by being so focused on and interested in talking about his own quest for a sustainable

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-5107143799544836942011-12-06T09:30:00.003+02:002011-12-06T09:58:33.953+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Lately, because of all of the changes going on in my life, I have sorely neglected running. Without daily runs, I've been totally off beat. I guess that sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in the frustrations, rather than focus on solutions to mitigate them. While running isn't the solution for everything, it sure does allow me the time and space to collect myself and improve

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-30948038581876133472011-11-14T11:18:00.005+02:002011-11-14T12:06:12.860+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I come to you today with a case of regretrospect...in retrospect, I regret my performance/attitude at the Irene Liquifruit Half Marathon this weekend.As promised, I headed up to Gauteng Province to participate in the Agricultural Research Council's Liquifruit Half Marathon on Saturday. My dear friend (the one who is working out like a beast) joined me in the associated 10km run.

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-83734447416348969872011-11-09T16:36:00.005+02:002011-11-09T16:51:06.238+02:00

Dear Reader,Just now I was looking on Facebook and an article asking "How frequently should you run a half marathon?" was posted by the good folks over at the Publix Georgia Marathon. Here are a few highlights from the article:A new runner probably isn't prepared to run a half as frequently as a more seasoned runner.If you're generally in good shape, you can probably run more frequently.Listen to

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-26868828973061021932011-11-08T11:38:00.004+02:002011-11-08T12:49:28.111+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,As mentioned in previous posts, the plan was to complete the Soweto Marathon, which took place this past Sunday. Also, in previous posts, I acknowledged the lack of structure I've had in my 'training plan' over the last few months. The reality of an approaching marathon, with little training, caught up to me a week before the event. That little reality check helped me to realize

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-18494899112721847232011-10-29T19:23:00.004+02:002011-10-29T19:53:45.080+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,This morning, I participated in the Pink Fun Run 10km in Maseru, which served to raise awareness of breast cancer. The organizers of the event are my friends who run the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon in their sleep (swoon). A big CONGRATS go out to the ladies for such a well organized event...with a purpose! The race route covered the majority of my usual running

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-9936083045140573162011-10-19T08:31:00.007+02:002011-10-20T12:03:00.394+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I feel like I just had a 'whoa' moment. Do you know what I mean? Let me explain: Earlier this week, I was Skyping with my dad about saving and organizing pictures and videos into iPhotos. Since I was looking at photos anyway, I decided to look in the search section of my 'All Images" file and started browsing photos I had not seen in a while. One of those photos, or rather a

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-16125455129316729002011-10-08T07:47:00.001+02:002011-10-08T07:50:10.125+02:00

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-33366373915674072652011-10-06T09:07:00.004+02:002011-10-06T09:47:48.179+02:00

Dear Reader,The time is fast approaching when I've gotta be, need to be, want to be ready for none other than the famed Soweto City Marathon on November 6th! I have very loosely (and when I say loosely, I really mean it) followed a marathon training schedule. Actually, that's a bold-faced lie...I'm not prepared...but I will be..."don't worry" (said in my best Zulu accent). To prepare (as best as

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-80621757391353077572011-10-04T20:39:00.009+02:002011-10-04T21:36:13.600+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I know! I know! It's been a minute since I last updated my blog...but trust me...it was for a good reason. For the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to visit my beautiful Ethiopian and his family...and run the Coca Cola Race Series 7km on September 18th! Since this is a running blog, I'll skip over the amazingly fun details of my trip and let you in on the race action!Prior

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-57150157569096047572011-09-11T15:05:00.002+02:002011-09-11T15:54:30.695+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,This morning, as promised, I spent my Sunday running in and around the Johannesburg Zoo in the Gerald Fox Memorial 1/2 Marathon. Firstly, I must give Mother Nature a big hug for really showing what she's made of today. It was BEAUTIFUL- the sun was shining, the morning weather was warm, the birds were chirping, the sky was blue...I mean, what else could you ask for in a spring

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-3657996727610784282011-09-04T05:57:00.006+02:002011-09-05T03:46:22.049+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, I'm typing this post a day after running the Lesotho Tourism Board's 1/2 Marathon- an initiative to get Basotho (people from Lesotho) to "see your country first". What I should also mention, is that I'm typing this post while laying in bed, sore and with a sunburn from the lower gates of hell. You may be asking, "Was it worth it?" Me: Absolutely. Let me explain: The story all

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-60104852294967906442011-09-01T06:29:00.005+02:002011-09-02T05:41:01.846+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, Often times I think that no one actually looks at this little blog, except for the people I send post updates to. My motivation for updating it has certainly wained as a result, but fear not, the lack of blog posts do not reflect my running/workout plan! It is in full effect! I think I mentioned that I wanted to get back into strength training....which means re-upping my gym

Daninoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-78988167148444632142011-08-28T15:52:00.001+02:002011-08-28T15:54:09.197+02:00

"I run because running is empowering. Running is my therapy: a chance to clear my mind, to challenge my fears, to find inspiration and powerful ideas." ~Karena Dawn

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-42308732550064053692011-08-19T06:46:00.005+02:002011-08-19T07:09:56.659+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, Ohhhh Snap! Ohhhh Snap!!!! This morning, as I was laying in bed, contemplating how I'm going to take over the world via my running (umm...), I was checking out the Nedbank race calendar for upcoming races. As I was doing that, my other favorite topic popped into my head: Ethiopia. My next thought was, "Hmm...how can I combine my love of running, my fascination with winning

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-74625798953953434852011-08-18T16:01:00.004+02:002011-08-18T16:18:27.419+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, This morning, my contacts were not completely in focus when I thought that I'd started my Garmin. It was only towards the end of my run that I realized that my distance and time weren't being charted. Bummer, cause I took a zig zag course this morning...which included a really steep hill. Don't worry! Tomorrow, both my Garmin and contacts will be on point. And speaking of my

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-80962878582094640002011-08-17T14:32:00.004+02:002011-08-17T15:16:02.979+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, For reasons I won't go into on this blog, for the past couple of days, there has been a nationwide labor strike in Lesotho. Perhaps I have a totally false sense of security, since I haven't seen any actual protests, but I feel 'safe'. Having said all of that, ever since my race this past weekend, I've been so geared up to go running! Monday, I was still a bit sore, however.

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-54627262052343646372011-08-15T12:57:00.004+02:002011-08-16T11:38:55.159+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, This past weekend marked my 1 year runniversary!!! Wow, never in a million and one half years did I think I'd get this far! From the girl who thought that running was for those 'other' people! A year ago, I didn't know anything about 1/2 marathons, hill training, marathon training schedules, laps, shoes, Garmins, running clubs, nor did I know about the joy of winning a medal (

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-623285472939589622011-08-09T11:59:00.005+02:002011-08-09T12:27:40.987+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, I'm sorry for loving you and leaving you lonely for the past month! To provide you with a little recap: 1) I had a sinus infection from hell for about 2-3 weeks which put me out of commission for a little bit...with the exception of the Wits Half Marathon I completed in 2 hr 23 min on July 31st. 2) Working my behind off at work lately since I've assumed (temporarily) a new

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-59096149436459957802011-07-19T16:55:00.003+02:002011-07-19T17:17:39.093+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Over the past couple of weeks, my beloved Mac has been giving me much attitude. First, it started with having to jiggle the power cord to charge. Now, two weeks later, it's just not charging at all. I'm crying a little on the inside right now! I started to slowly die on the inside when I realized that the closest Apple repair store is in Johannesburg- a 5 + hour drive away. Now

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-42759693955984625492011-07-18T11:22:00.003+02:002011-07-18T13:00:15.490+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Thanks to my friends and family who, after reading yesterday's post, gave me a collective pep talk. I feel much better...thanks again!I woke up this morning with a renewed sense of determination to get back into running full force. Initially, I spoke of training for the Vic Falls Marathon in August, but I'm definitely not in shape for that. Instead, I've decided to aim for an

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-74822774602575355242011-07-17T20:11:00.003+02:002011-07-17T21:16:54.338+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,This has been a super rough weekend. Friday, I was annoyed. Saturday, I was irritated. Today, I was just plain ole pissed off. Not a good look. There were plenty of things that I could do to make myself feel better: spend time with friends (did that), did a bit of work (did that too), address the primary frustration (working on it), and run...From day one of my running career, I

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-3972022713604997262011-07-13T19:43:00.003+02:002011-07-13T19:54:19.007+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I tried running outside this evening after work. I even left right on time (5:00 pm) for the first time in a minute just so that I could get some pavement pounding in. Running, running, running my usual route when I was passed by Doc. Doc, being the talkative guy that he is, pulled over to chat me up. Chat, chat, chat is all Doc did. In the 15 minutes that he was gum-flapping,

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-17090801126368433422011-07-12T13:02:00.002+02:002011-07-12T14:48:34.378+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,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

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-15367058610646801872011-07-10T13:22:00.005+02:002011-07-10T14:43:18.799+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,This weekend, several things have been on my mind:I really, really love to run...and I miss it. Similar to having a best/good friend who has "drifted away" over time, you find yourself remembering the laughs, smiles, good and bad times you've share...you want them all back. Finding a way to reconnect is the hitch...Yesterday, I drove into Ladybrand for a massage and facial. As I

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-38753414556904013312011-06-28T08:43:00.005+02:002011-06-28T09:25:49.784+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I've been gone from my little blog for so long, it seems as if we need to get reacquainted with one another. So here goes nothin': Hello, my name is Dani and I'm sorry to say that I'm a Couch Potato. ***Dani hangs head low*** Rather...Hello, my name is Dani and I'm addict. I fell off the wagon (again) and I need to get back up and get moving.The scariest thing is that my mind no

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-17175341693023694192011-05-30T13:24:00.004+02:002011-05-30T17:43:42.994+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Yesterday, my friend Doc called me and asked, "Dude, are you watching tv right now?" to which I replied, "Uhh...no, I'm cleaning my house." In an excited voice, Doc said, "Dude, you're missing out on the Comrades! Come over to my place and watch it with me." Ohhhhh...the Comrades...I totally forgot that it was this weekend! In fact, my friend Morosi and several other people from

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-9728728198337393412011-05-29T09:20:00.003+02:002011-05-29T09:50:16.679+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,After Wednesday's run, I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about slapping the running clothes on for a bit of pavement pounding, but I sucked it up and did it anyway- 4.2 miles to be exact. True, it's not much, but at least it was something to get me back on track. Furthermore, I was a bit moody yesterday evening and have found that running is the best cure to get over those bad

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-83867921005636165782011-05-25T06:45:00.004+02:002011-05-25T11:28:24.626+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,This morning, I woke up with a smile on my face, because it's not only Hump Day, but a public holiday too! And if that's not good enough, the weather gods cooperated enough for me to consider getting in a morning run! I slapped on my running gear (Garmin and jazzy pink iPod, too) and hit the road. The run down the hill I live on to join my regular route should have given me a

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-12543800055169356532011-05-22T13:27:00.002+02:002011-05-22T15:15:58.344+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Ok, so maybe the prediction about Christ's second coming is off by a day or two. This morning, I was expecting to wake up to earthquakes, raging waters, and hell fires. Opening my bedroom curtains, however, I saw life going on as usual, so I took the opportunity to get one more run in...just in case dooms day really is tomorrow. I got up, slipped the same running clothes I had

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-15693156655506997892011-05-21T07:35:00.006+02:002011-05-21T13:49:04.000+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Since the folks are saying that today, May 21st, will be the commencement of the lead up to the days of judgment, fire and brimstone...the Rapture, if you will...I couldn't go up in flames without doing what I said I'd do: RUN MY ASS OFF. So bright and early this morning, I squeezed into my running pants, dusted off my barely used running shoes, prayed that my jazzy pink iPod

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-61266649998990328342011-05-18T17:40:00.005+02:002011-05-18T18:08:20.034+02:00

Hello Dear Reader (Dani says with head hung low),Needless to say, tis been waaaaaaaaay too long since I've updated my blog and for no good reason (only lame excuses that shame me to even think of them) at all. Simply put, my running career is in serious need of resuscitation! As in...life support. Code Red! Code Red!Since I feel the need to say something, I'm going to go ahead and say all of the

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-63675346424287228132011-04-25T05:30:00.008+02:002011-05-01T16:03:39.195+02:00

Hello Dear Reader, On Saturday, April 23rd, I brushed away my running fears (What if my ankles aren't ready? How am I supposed to run a race when I've only run once this month? What if this race is a career bust? Blah? Blah? Blah?) and ran the Two Oceans "Most Beautiful Race" Half Marathon. Because of all of my fears and concerns, I did not commit to running the race until I landed in the

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-91677310924532747822011-04-20T11:44:00.004+02:002011-04-20T12:45:22.688+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,It is officially wintertime in the Kingdom of Lesotho. I'm sure that you folks in the USA are gloating and pointing your fingers at me, saying, "It's your turn now!" True indeed, you good folks have had a hellish winter and need a break...but I still wish (selfishly, I admit and frankly don't care) that it was you and not me. Le sigh!Winter in Lesotho, for those of you who do

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-84839691796573662572011-04-19T12:20:00.005+02:002011-04-19T14:06:10.341+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,The combination of guilt, peer pressure, caution, the Two Oceans Half Marathon, and the tipping hand of the scale motivated me on Sunday to strap on my dusty Garmin and running gear, and pound some pavement...almost 6 miles to be exact! Nope, I didn't stutter...I said almost 6 miles!Garmin set, jazzy pink iPod on..ready, set...GO! My pace was decidedly slow at just a little over

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-72328215834532154832011-04-12T15:08:00.003+02:002011-04-12T18:25:49.177+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I've been in a running slump ever since I got home. Ugg! Not that I don't feel like running, I do! In fact, I think about running all of the time and feel hella guilty that my mind has been the only part of my body running. Why the slump, you ask? Well...(and cue the violin)...I'm nervous about running too soon before my tendons have a chance to heal, lest I damage them even

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-20270625635540334592011-04-05T06:07:00.000+02:002011-04-05T06:08:32.281+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Just thought I'd share a brief convo that took place between me and a random guy:Random: Were you a client at the gym?Me: Yes, but I stopped going a while ago.Random: Are you still training?Me: Yes, I'm still training, but just not at the gym.Random: Why don't you still train at the gym?Me: I've found another way to train.Random: Oh, so you're lazy?Me: I just ran a marathon, and

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-80227947509767973332011-04-04T14:39:00.003+02:002011-04-04T17:59:24.732+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Over the past three weeks, while in the US of A, I've run 3 times: 1) Ran on a hotel treadmill for two of those days, and 2) the Publix GA Marathon. In the past three weeks, I've managed to eat my way across the country as part of my homecoming tour. Over the past two weeks since the marathon, my freaking kankle has been too sore to do anything other than a sad shuffle (my BFF

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-33008251228229626642011-04-02T19:29:00.003+02:002011-04-02T19:44:05.358+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,The Publix Georgia Marathon recovery...the pain that will not go away! Ok, well that's not totally true...let me explain. As I've mentioned in the past couple of posts, my left Achilles tendon is still a bit tender. After the race, I literally had to shuffle...painfully...for about three days. Over a week later, my ankle is getting much better, but not enough to go for a run.

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-23681754068933227392011-03-30T05:35:00.004+02:002011-03-30T05:44:59.883+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I have a few more goals that I want to work on:Lengthening my strideTraining for a 7 to 8 minute mileLearning how to monitor my heart rate as a tool for improving my performance....and here are a few pictures I'm "borrowing" from the official race day photographer!Yeah, I know this is a lame, short post!Until next time...one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!Yours in

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-82345181648984044222011-03-29T03:04:00.002+02:002011-03-29T12:31:28.141+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,It feels like Christmas! Santa decided to overlook a few things this year (thanks for that) and bring my gifts for 2011 a little early:Sure it looks like the watch you had in 6th grade in 1986, but this watch is the business. It's the Garmin Forerunner 110! Not only will this watch keep track of my running distance and pace, but will also monitor my heart rate, provide a summary

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-49632864883696200652011-03-28T15:54:00.004+02:002011-03-28T19:09:02.105+02:00

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

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-42164799821076804452011-03-23T12:16:00.006+02:002011-03-23T14:02:42.613+02:00

Waiting for the race to start!Bakaffa in Decatur!Just crossing the half!Fan support!Cheer section!Brotherly love!The actual moment: 4 hr 58 minEntering the expo!Enough bananas for you?My two biggest supporters aka mom & dadBrother & Me at the expoRace bib up close and personal!

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-81504208676528915112011-03-22T14:23:00.011+02:002011-03-22T22:27:36.036+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Baie Dankie! Ke a lebohoa! Saha! Hartelijk dank! Toda raba! Shukriyaa! Muchas Grasias! Ngiyabonga kakhul! So many, yet not enough ways to say "Thank you" to you and every single person who helped me...supported me...encouraged me...pushed me...vented with me...cried with me...cheered me on every single day since August 19th...the day that I set my sights on pushing the limits of

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-49229913213372145482011-03-19T11:18:00.017+02:002011-03-20T00:11:49.779+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I'm embracing all of the moments...each experience helping me to prepare for TOMORROW...and beyond!Moment 1:Sorting out the perfect pavement pounding outfit with my brother KarlMoment 2:Designing "Team Dani" t-shirts with my sister-in-law Christina & friend Kristin! (Big Frog Custom T-shirts in Atlanta did an amazing job on both my team shirt and tech shirt!)Moment 3:Carb

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-75164808634540044822011-03-18T20:31:00.003+02:002011-03-18T20:49:21.893+02:00

Dear Reader,I'm overwhelmed now...the love, support, friendship, motivation, dedication, sweat equity, focus...that went into me getting to this very moment.There were definitely days that I doubted that I'd be here right now. There were definitely days when I had to talk a good game...talk each step of the way into existence...when it was just as easy to quit and go home.In two days, I will do

Daninoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-71391522533228315872011-03-16T20:20:00.003+02:002011-03-16T20:58:58.341+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I have officially entered the dirty 30's in style! On my birthday- March 12th- I landed in A-T-L-A-N-T-A...and the party started from there! As soon as I landed, I immediately headed over to my brother and sister-in-law's house. They live in a lovely part of Atlanta that is prime running landscape...how foolish would I be to not take advantage of a beautiful day, wonderful

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-49704531715726176142011-03-10T09:32:00.004+02:002011-03-10T12:33:07.594+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,One Saturday morning in August 2010, I was in my office taking care of a few work-related things, as well as re-subscribing to my Skype account. Part of re-subscribing included filling in the my birthday. At that moment, I realized that there were only 7 months until I was slated to hit the BIG 3-Ohhhh, which would also mean that my driver's license would need renewal...and

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-36941217041994696912011-03-08T05:57:00.004+02:002011-03-08T15:51:34.848+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I've neither forgotten about Ethiopia nor my promise to post two running related photos...actually the only photos I took that are not of semi-rural health facilities or nurses. Also, I found the Haile Gerbersalasie/Johnny Walker advert for your viewing pleasure(?).Too bad I won't be there!Can you guess which one(s) I got?On another note, my plan is to get back to pavement

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-85964006830423804492011-03-07T06:52:00.001+02:002011-03-07T06:59:59.426+02:00

(Source)It may seem strange to suggest, but the three weeks prior to a marathon are best spent taking it easy.That's assuming you've got a solid few months of training behind you.This period is called tapering and while it does involve some running, all athletes benefit from letting the body recover for the big day.The Academy finds out why:WHAT IS TAPERING?Put simply tapering is the phase in an

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-86055936727036821592011-03-06T14:26:00.004+02:002011-03-06T15:20:07.245+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,On Friday night, the plan was to drive to Clarens, South Africa; get some rest; and wake up early in the morning to run the Surrender Hill Half Marathon. Work, however, had other plans. On top of the fact that I was super tired from being on the go for the past month, I had sundowners with a team of my primary program's funders and someone from my headquarter office. When we

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-11189815748553621922011-03-03T10:53:00.003+02:002011-03-03T11:11:15.847+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,The name of the race alone has me concerned. Period. The location of the race is near that of the Ficksburg Cherry Half (the one that took 4eva to complete because it was straight up the entire side of a huge freaking hill!!!!)! Crazy. Period. Indeed, my name is Hillary. Yes, I run hills because I have to (and sometimes for fun). True, I have attempted and failed several times

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-22586967768831425962011-03-02T06:39:00.009+02:002011-03-02T09:47:05.322+02:00

Teanaste'lle'n (Hello) Dear Reader,I'm coming to you with gifts of fruit, honey and nuts requesting forgiveness for my absence from my little running blog! Over the past couple of weeks, things at work have been ubber hectic...but in a good way...a great way actually! After many bumps in the road, I managed to successfully (and finally) push a really exciting research study through the ministry

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-25135572699186722662011-02-16T00:43:00.006+02:002011-03-02T06:38:46.979+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Just in case you forgot...I'd like to reintroduce myself: My name is Hillary and I run hills for fun. Yesterday morning, Doc called and said, "Hillary, it's that time again. Be prepared to run hills after work." At exactly 6:00 pm, Doc and I set out to pound the pavement in downtown Maseru. Initially, I was going to take him on a tour of my long route which encircles the city,

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-18178965797861450872011-02-12T18:39:00.013+02:002011-02-12T22:18:31.483+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Right after work...well...right after the early part of a birthday party...Doc and I hit the road and headed back to Vanderbijlpark (the place we stayed last weekend) to get some shut eye for the big race- the Crocodilian 32 km- this morning. Lots of laughs- check. Alarm clock set for 4:30 am- check. Shut eye-check (but not nearly enough).When the alarm went off at the

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-5819469867719657242011-02-10T16:14:00.004+02:002011-02-10T16:49:43.144+02:00

Dear Reader,If you would have asked me to go running last year, I would have given you the side eye at your bad joke. Fast forward to the present, when I ask people to run with me (even some people who would consider themselves runners), I'm the one getting the side eye.It seems as though just about everyone in this small town has seen me running through the streets, up and down hills, and either

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-64257462633377693292011-02-09T05:20:00.005+02:002011-02-09T16:42:10.530+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Dani aka Hillary ran hills last night. Alright, I'll stop referencing myself in 3rd person. Wouldn't want to be confused with Bob Dole or anything.So yeah, right after work, as promised, I went straight home to change into my running gear. Surprisingly, I arrived to find Doc sitting in my driveway ready to go as well! Isn't that somethin'?! As soon as we changed, we headed out

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-47717990503828725642011-02-08T12:17:00.004+02:002011-02-08T14:33:34.485+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I'd like to reintroduce myself. My name is Hillary and I run hills for fun. Wait, wait! Let me redo that. Hello, my name is Hillary and running hills isn't fun, but I still do it anyway. Ah, yes, much better!As I stated in yesterday's post, my mission over the next couple of weeks is to run all of the roads (without stopping) that lead to the new Lesotho parliament building. I

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-35380405219572786082011-02-07T10:12:00.006+02:002011-02-07T10:50:02.022+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Today is the day that I try to conquer one hell of a hill. Just call me Hillary until I do!:I know you must be saying to yourself, "That's not such a big deal. My 3 year old nephew could do that!" If that's what you're thinking, and I'm sure it is, let me give you a different view of this mighty hill:When I started training in August, I made a very first attempt at giving this

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-11263311302288304482011-02-06T09:34:00.002+02:002011-02-06T09:43:45.494+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Every once in a while, I make mention of Couch Potato #2's (whose real name is Beef-Wellington) activities. I'm here to let you know that he actually has his own "lifestyle" blog that he updates for his family and friends around the world. If you want to check him out...hop over to Cuts of Beef.Yours in training,Dani

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-86226597581513818972011-02-05T17:28:00.007+02:002011-02-05T18:53:37.149+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,You read the title of this post correctly, I ran the Sasol Half Marathon in 2 hours and 18 minutes. If you do the math, that's 7 minutes minutes, yes, 7 minutes off of my time from last Saturday's Ottosdal Draf en Trap! Woohoo!!!Now that you know the good part, let me rewind and tell you the story from the beginning:At about 8:00 pm last night, my friend "Doc" and I left Maseru

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-82531472314381658822011-02-04T09:39:00.004+02:002011-02-04T12:25:47.846+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,This morning, I received my official confirmation of participation in the Two Oceans Half Marathon- Bib # 80267! Even though the half marathon is about two months away and I have about 5 "training races" and THE BIG ONE in between, I'm super jazzed about running the Two Oceans! A great deal of my excitement stems from the fact that several of my good friends, in addition to the

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-57042363288567291452011-02-03T04:48:00.005+02:002011-02-03T06:16:49.963+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,The question I find myself asking on an almost day-to-day basis is, "Are you ready to run the Publix Georgia Marathon?" Well this morning, Dear Reader, my an email in my inbox gave me an answer. It said, "Ready or not, here it comes!":Can you believe it? I got my first race update! This means that it's official-the race is right around the corner! Update #1, in addition to

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-28919496742402355842011-01-31T21:04:00.004+02:002011-02-01T04:55:52.904+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I know you're going to think I'm crazy for what I'm about to tell you, so I'll just say it straight: I'm signing up for the Sasol Half Marathon. There, I said it! Oh, I guess that me signing up for another half isn't so crazy-sounding. I mean, it's not like I haven't done it before. Well, here's the crazy part: It's this weekend! Yes, this weekend, as in exactly one week after I

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-54534305994683756072011-01-31T06:28:00.002+02:002011-01-31T06:40:47.670+02:00

Dear Reader,On the drive back to Lesotho from my race yesterday morning, I got to thinking about how my life in Southern Africa is good for my running career. As we're all well aware, I never ran a day of my life whilst living in the US of A...other than running from one base to another during my jr. high and high school softball days...so my familiarity with the running set there is limited. All

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-61649888544229942052011-01-30T11:32:00.004+02:002011-01-30T14:00:03.810+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Yesterday morning, I woke up on my couch after a long night out on the town- contacts still in my eyes, makeup on, and Couch Potato # 2 snoring up a storm. Not exactly the perfect condition to drive 4 hours and run a 1/2 marathon! As I lay on my couch with one eye half opened, every single reason for NOT running ran (no pun intended) through my mind: My eyes are killing me; I'm

Daninoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-67240265438473167592011-01-28T13:05:00.005+02:002011-01-28T14:59:20.099+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Do you remember me telling you about the Two Oceans Marathon- the crazy 56 km (34.8 miles) Ultra Marathon held annually in Cape Town, South Africa? The marathon that seemingly everyone in Maseru is out running through the streets day and night for? No...I didn't sign up for the Ultra marathon...I'm not that crazy, ok!...but after so much talk about the race and seeing as how

Daninoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-25839799738848027892011-01-27T16:16:00.003+02:002011-01-27T16:32:38.310+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,The ironies abound this week in Maseru, Lesotho.Isn't it ironic that, since November, it has rained in Lesotho nearly every.single.day. yet for the past week, the entire city has been without water? Wait...wait...it gets better. The week that the entire city has been without water...there has been very little rain (usually only in the evening hours)!I did my part and prepared in

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-23968969914729154322011-01-24T15:46:00.003+02:002011-01-24T17:19:24.912+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,The other day I was speaking to my parents about how 2010/2011 has been so good to me. To be honest, the beginning of 2010 was rather challenging. When I made the commitment to turn over a new leaf with running as my catalyst, things started to improve. Sure, the way things have turned out since August 2010 (the month I started running)...and even the way the year started...is

Daninoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-50224653879680083162011-01-23T15:42:00.002+02:002011-01-23T16:45:25.697+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Just as I was forced to listen to my body when running, I've also learned to take a hint when the Universe is trying to tell me something. Let me explain...Over the past couple of months, I've met many new people by running like a mad woman through the streets of Maseru. On the days that I can't muster up enough discipline to run, it always comes back to haunt me in the form of

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-26111444724956202242011-01-18T15:12:00.006+02:002011-01-18T16:34:58.291+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Now that we're 18 days into 2000-elevation, I'm sure that most people have long forgotten about those pesky New Year's Resolutions to [insert random resolution here]. For many a'New Year's, I too jumped on the resolution bandwagon, making commitments to somehow improve myself/ change my behavior/adopt new behavior. Similarly, I too forgot them by the time the clock struck 12:01.

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-62566299625504917262011-01-14T16:48:00.004+02:002011-01-14T17:43:08.031+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I'm sensing a change in my attitude in 2011, specifically about running partners. Gawk! I know...I'm the one who was adamant about not wanting Mad-dog trainer standing next to me on the treadmill while I ran...well, that's just annoying. I'm still the one who has refused to take on a running partner, other than my jazzy pink iPod, for fear that I might be distracted.Now mind you

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-18734220076179258592011-01-13T10:20:00.004+02:002011-01-13T11:24:07.253+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I'd like to tell you the REAL story about how the (Maseru) West was won! First, a little background.As with most cities, Maseru is divided up into small communities. One such friendly community is known as Maseru West. This area of town boasts several notable Maseru movers and shakers such as the US Ambassador, the Lesotho Prime Minister, the guy down the street, and my boss!My

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-65219655447898725342011-01-09T20:11:00.005+02:002011-01-09T21:28:47.793+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,All day today I've been in recovery mode from the four hour hike and slumber party (nice combination?) with friends yesterday. The hike was actually supposed to take only 2 hours, but my tour guide got us lost and we ended up wandering around several little villages trying to find our way back to the main road. Needless to say, we had loads of fun and made it back in one piece.

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-31669788963467706372011-01-06T12:35:00.007+02:002011-01-06T13:46:35.317+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,As promised, through monsoons and other forms of rain-related natural disasters, I've been running. Before I start rambling on about the running, I really have to emphasize that the rain I speak about isn't "normal rain". The type of ran that leaves you hopping over a puddle or two. I'm talking about waterfalls and community swimming pools forming down hills and in the middle of

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-17983061600176581792011-01-03T10:15:00.004+02:002011-01-03T13:18:16.709+02:00

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

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-1285711847552123992011-01-01T19:47:00.004+02:002011-01-02T17:05:59.662+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,At exactly 6:oo am on New Year's Day (as in this morning), I pulled into the quickly filling parking lot of the Pretoria Botanical Gardens to register for the 11k in 2011 road race. After purchasing my temporary race license (is this common in US road races?), I had the opportunity to take a tour of the garden grounds (which is definitely not as stunning as the one in Cape Town)

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-69913950663300581352010-12-30T15:01:00.004+02:002010-12-30T18:03:20.147+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Round trip petrol (R300) + Hotel Accommodation (R650) + Race Entry Fee (R50)= Running 11k for 2011 at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens (and having someone to take photos)...Priceless!At 7:00 am on January 1st, I'll be running in the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens New Year's 2011 Run/Walk! A healthy and fun way to start the new year is at the Pretoria[National Botanical

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-52772091546957392762010-12-28T15:54:00.005+02:002010-12-28T16:51:53.969+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Christmas at the beach with Couch Potato #2 and some pretty amazing people was just what Santa Claus ordered! Clearly, Old Saint Nick thought I was good enough this year to be rewarded with such an amazing experience (or he chose to overlook one or fifteen small things)!As I begin to prepare for the excitement that is New Year's Eve & Day, reflecting on all that has taken place

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-13941986836429836382010-12-24T13:22:00.005+02:002010-12-24T14:06:40.014+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,In addition to being somewhat of a slacker with respect to my running, the barrage of daily grapefruit-sized raindrops has really really put a dent in my weekly milage. Boo...just...boo! Every morning, I wake up with morning baited breath to check for friendly running weather. During the past five days, I've only been able to maintain my morning pavement pounding once. You'd

Daninoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-3612199952064557672010-12-16T22:27:00.005+02:002010-12-16T23:31:21.437+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I've got four things on my mind:1) Something I've noticed: when the goal is to run a 5k (which takes about 33 minutes), I feel super tired and I'm ready to call it a day. When the plan is to run for about an hour or so, I get tired initially, but seem to get a second wind and feel like I can go for days. My conclusion is that a mental and physical warm-up (for me) takes a good

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-30264744614256302082010-12-14T06:54:00.006+02:002010-12-14T07:55:53.666+02:00

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

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-24265231588541217662010-12-13T11:14:00.005+02:002010-12-13T12:38:58.076+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Tis the season to be jolly, reflect on the past year and set goals for the new year. I'm working on the jolly part and I'm not ready to reflect just yet, but I sure do have a few preliminary running goals for 2011, at least for the first quarter. Whilst watching my favorite movie "Coming to America", with my feet propped up and iced, I got the idea of entering a few more races

Daninoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-73828739189979471392010-12-12T08:56:00.005+02:002010-12-12T09:38:43.504+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Yep, you read it right! I just completed 15 miles in 2 hours and 43 minutes (10.86 minutes/mile), and all before 9 am! What's next?Unlike the Ficksburg Cherry run, I was well stocked with water and sugary treats to keep me going (thanks for the water belt and Reese's buttercups mom and dad)! Additionally, save for rolling hills, I wasn't running straight up a mountain, but I

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-42267087215234298972010-12-10T09:53:00.003+02:002010-12-10T10:13:46.808+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,We are officially down to double digits...99 more days until the Publix Georgia Marathon! Time has certainly moved quickly...just as quickly as I hope to be moving in 99 more days (even faster than that would be nice)!In an effort to regain and intensify my focus, in preparation for the big day, I'm going to do my best in setting a daily running/motivational/nutritional goal

Daninoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-17829045877400942552010-12-09T19:24:00.003+02:002010-12-09T20:30:52.932+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,I clearly underestimated the power of my vacation! Time spent with my parents was surreal. It was as if I had been transported from business as usual to a magical fairly land full of love, beautiful things, and great food. For two weeks straight, I talked about running (sorry parents) from sun up to sun down, however only managed to run 4 (approximately 30 minutes each) times.

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-4239912026164799452010-12-04T19:41:00.008+02:002010-12-04T20:57:16.777+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Yes, I know that it's been a while since my last update, but there was a good reason for my absence: vaycay with the parents!About the vacation...I can sum it up in one word: WOW! I had the opportunity to give my parents a small taste of why I love living in Southern Africa. Many of the things that I endlessly ramble on and on about over Skype, they were able to experience...

Daninoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-49251290727677178452010-12-04T19:28:00.003+02:002010-12-04T19:39:58.349+02:00

Couch Potato #2 Post Race Recovery NapReally Bad Tan & Really Dirty Feet (even though I had shoes on)Finish Line Photo....thanks random lady for taking the pictureWhere it all began: Ficksburg Primary School

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-65922062949529852252010-11-20T13:20:00.005+02:002010-11-20T14:48:04.772+02:00

Dear Reader!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I DID IT!!!!I DID IT!!!!I DID IT!!!!I DID IT!!!!I DID IT!!!!I DID IT Dear Reader! I did it! I completed my first ever 1/2 marathon (23k/14.3 miles)...The Ficksburg Cherry Festival 1/2 Marathon!This morning, my nerves were all over the place. Instead of waking up with my alarm clock, which was set for 4:30 am, my mind/body woke up at 3:45! Up and at-em, dressed to

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-121315453606593992010-11-19T14:58:00.005+02:002010-11-19T15:54:22.910+02:00

Dear Reader,In 24 hours, I would have long since (hopefully) completed my very first 1/2 marathon...the Ficksburg Cherry Festival 1/2 Marathon (In Afrikaans: Kersie-Wedloop) to be exact! This is it...the midpoint in my ultimate goal to completing the Publix Georgia Marathon (no longer the "ING Georgia Marathon"). This is also the halfway point in my training schedule...I started training four

Daninoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-18743942549728481402010-11-17T12:37:00.002+02:002010-11-17T12:57:06.697+02:00

Dear Reader,I must be crazy...me, Dani...running 13.1 miles in 3 days? Wha.da.hell-o?! Am I ready? Can I do this? Will I remember how to run? What if my pavement pounding playlist isn't long enough? What if I'm passed up by a 15 year old? Oh, wait, you have to be at least 16 years old...ok, so what if I'm passed up by a 16 year old? What if my running pants split at mile 5? What if I need to take

Daninoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704505617517703668.post-27081326365326482192010-11-16T09:51:00.005+02:002010-11-16T11:03:53.126+02:00

Hello Dear Reader,Let me tell you about 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. It's an interesting story, really!:Five (5)...5:00 am is for the time I started running this morning. For some unfortunate reason, Couch Potato #2 was having stomach issues all night and woke me up at 4:00 am. After letting him out for a much needed potty break, I figured...what the heck...I'm already up...why not get to stepping...

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