...And we're back

Hello Dear Reader,

...and just like that...my leg is better! This morning, I got up in the early morning hours, waiting for there to be just enough light to be safe, and ran 5 miles. Ohhhhhhhh how sweet it is to be running. I felt so good. My heart was racing, my muscles were a'pumping, and the endorphens were freely flowing. I guess the good advice from my Ethiopian and oxen-like friend paid off after all.

Tomorrow, not to push my luck or anything, I'm going to do it again.

Yes, this is a tiny post, but hopefully just enough inspiration for you to get out there and get active!

What are you plans to get active this weekend?

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

Yours in (I'mma doing it again tomorrow and the next day) training,

Dani

Mixing it up a bit...family fun and hiking

Hello Dear Reader,

Over the past couple of days, I've been coming down from the high of my soon-to-be-sister-in-law's nearly two week visit and the relocation of my main squeeze down to the Mountain Kingdom. To "keep it real" with you, time spent at the gym and early morning runs were not as strong as I would have hoped. Hiking up mountains and lots of weekend family fun time, however, were at an all time high!

The weekend that my two Ethiopians arrived, we headed straight to the Malealea Lodge for pony trekking and hiking! As soon as we parked the car, we were off for a 3.5 hour hike up and down mountains, climbing up steep rocks, and sliding (me...by accident) in mud and streams. My urban-bound Ethiopians managed to stay dry the entire time (don't know how that happened). Because it was just that much fun (read: all of the other lodges were fully booked and I didn't want to spend the weekend playing "Angry Bird" on the iPad (him) or on Facebook (her)), we went back to Malealea the following weekend. Initially, I was unsure we would have a good time at the same lodge, two weekends in a row, and my companions were hella reluctant to go again. In the end, so much fun was had by all, we were all able to work up a sweat, and spent some of the best, quality family time!

Stunning!

After scaling a crazy steep hill! Pooped!

Embracing the inner child!

After seeing the fun, she joined in!

Not to be left out, he got his jump on!

Trip 2: Hike down to see the bushman paintings!

...soon enough all of my Ethiopian's residence and visitor's visas will be worked out so that we can go into South Africa for weekend races. Oh, on one of our hikes, my guy said he was really interested in going to some of the races with me. He even said that, if there were 10k's, he'd run those while I get my fill of the 1/2's!

Until next time...put on foot in front of the other....and keep it movin'!

Yours in (still getting there) training,

Dani



Gym Time

Hello Dear Reader,

It's about that time in the cycle of my fitness life that I sign back up for the gym! Yep, the dreaded gym. As the days seem to get shorter, I keep thinking about how I'm going to maintain my whole running and fitness plan. With almost 4 years of life in Lesotho, the reality says that the gym is the truth, the way, and the light (with sunshine only coming up past 6:30 am and darkness before I leave the office at around 5:30 pm).

Yesterday was my first day back and...would you believe it...I actually felt great! Twenty minutes was spent on the beloved stair master (with Drake's song "Fancy" playing on repeat), and the rest of my time was spent alternating between working out and goofing off with a friend. My dear on and off again New (Old) Trainer was happy to see me back. As per the norm, he commented on how in shape I looked (looks are deceiving) and told me I could stand to gain a few kg. He stood next to me and said..."Hey, come on...how tall are you? You're about my height, right? How much do you weigh now? Oh, 56.4 kg? (124.3 lbs) You need to be at least 69 to 70 kg." Hahaha...ummm...I'm sure that he's forgotten by now, but that was about almost about 2-3 kg more than where I was when I started. Not.A.Chance! Another guy I haven't seen in over a year approached me while I was working on the pull down weight machine (don't you just love my technical term) and said, "Hey! I haven't seen you in a while! I almost didn't recognize you. You've lost a lost of weight! You used to be...(and this is where he puffed up his cheeks and extended his arms to the side to indicate what could only be the size and shape of the Pillsbury Dough Boy). " Thanks for that, guy! Ahh...to be back in the gym again!

Dear Reader, I've always tried to be honest and up front with you. Me tells no lies! So I'm about to be completely honest with you. I really don't know if I'll ever be able to sustain a gym membership as long as there are free streets to run up and down. The thought of paying for a rat wheel is not my idea of an investment. I do, however, have a reason to try my best and stick with the gym for at least 4 more months! I have a very important photo shoot coming up in not too long. In this digital age we live in, photos posted to Facebook last forever. I need to look good. I want (almost) the arms of Angela Basset in "What's love got to do with it."

Look at those guns!

Ok, maybe not that cut, but my arms need to look good! If my legs could look as defined as hers (picture not shown due to overwhelming amount of muscle in one blog post), that would be even better! So you see, I have strong motivation to look my best. Remember digital photos...they'll be there for my grandchildren.

After work, I'm going to get it cracking at the gym. My clothes are already laid out and my body is ready to make things happen! The ultra marathon runner girl I have a secret running crush on told me this weekend that she will make sure I understand the meaning of her mantra, "Pain is glory!"

...and for your listening pleasure, enjoy!





I'm ready ya'll! Are you ready too?

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


Yours in (photo shoot...call me Mrs Good Body) training,

Dani

My Lenten Sacrifice: Excuses and Lazy

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 after, guilt crept in. Reality says that I don't really eat many fried foods, nor do I consume much soda, so this was no real sacrifice. Definitely, it was not a sacrifice comprable to the one made by the man I want to honor. He paid the ultimate sacrifice and here I am trying to cheat him, the meaning of this whole season, and myself by giving up something that is easily done. I might as well say I'm giving up my addiction to watching "Keeping up with the Kardashians". The thing is that I just don't do it.

Sitting on the church pew, straining to understand the thick accent of the Sesotho-speaking priest, one thing kept pushing towards the forefront of my mind: RUNNING. Yes, running is something that I've done before in a habit forming way. I can easily pick up and run 13 miles and not feel any pain or strain afterwards. The real problem is the times between those random 13 mile runs. I've found myself making every excuse in the book to not get up when my alarm goes off and go running. When it's really time to get up for work, I feel even more lame, because I've just laid in the bed for about 2.5 hours doing nothing when I could have gotten up and done something that makes me feel good, productive and fit. Unfortunately, for far too long, I've let my normally lazy, couch potato nature take over. Boo!

Last weekend, I was Skyping (don't you love how I made that a verb!!!) with one of my very good friends, and brought up that I've been seeking sources of motivation to drown out the lazy voice from within that makes one excuse after the next for why it's ok to lay in bed and not run. I asked how he stays so motivated to do what he does on a regular basis. He noted that there are plenty of times when he feels as if NOT doing something he needs to do is ok. When he feels that lazy voice inside of him trying to make an excuse for not being productive, that serves as an internal alarm to push himself to do exactly what he doesn't feel like doing, but knows he needs to do.  That totally made sense to me. When I feel myself making excuses, I need to use that lazy voice as a catalyst to make me be better and work harder.

My friend's advice helped me to confirm my Lenten sacrifice: I will give up excuses and being lazy for Lent. This will be a true challenge for me, because I've been lazy for a long time. My running habit has been overrun with excuses. After the conversation with my friend, I got up and ran, and have been running ever since. "They" say that it takes 21 days or so to develop a habit (although this has not been proven)...and there are 36 more days of Lent. Hopefully, on the other side of Lent (i.e. Easter), I'll be free of excuses to not run. To hold myself accountable (I'm going to need your help, Dear Reader), I plan to regularly post my progress on this little running blog o'mine!

Raise your glasses of water, ya'll! Here's to kicking bad habits and re-establishing good ones!

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

Yours in (good habit forming) training,

Dani

13 miles, and all before work!

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 need to pull all of the loose pieces together and put yourself back together? That's the catalyst for a "life care" activity. The actual activity can be anything that you make of it...for instance, you could take an unexpected weekend trip with a good friend to a town 2 hours away because there's a cute little pizzeria with the best pepperoni pizza this side of Bloemfontein. (like you've never done that before!) On other occasions, my life care activity is watching the entire season of "Parks and Recreation" with a side of apple pie. Yesterday, however, I needed a healthy, get fit kind of "life care" activity in my life. You see, when I was in the US, I binged on ever sweat and savory item I could get my hands on. I would not be ashamed to eat a large meal when I was still pretty full from the previous one, and still manage to throw in a midnight snack. As a (expected) result, my pants fit a little too snug and I feel things shimmy and shaking that weren't there before.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I'm engaged and said "Yes to the dress" during my holiday trip home. In addition to that, my Ethiopian will be here in a little less than a month, and want to look my best, and when he complements me, I'll coyly say, "Who, me? You silly sailor, you!" Ok, maybe not like that, but you get the point. I have more than one reason to get it right, get it tight (also that it's just the right thing to do...to be healthy for the sake of being healthy.) Going back to the second reason, I'd like to add that the dress is non-refundable...so...yeah...

Getting back to the story (I'm getting a little long winded, I see!), my running buddy asked if he could join. I told him that I was leaving at 4:30 am and planned to run 13 miles. Seriously though, I haven't run much at all. Very sad, but very true. The holidays and just plain lazy are to blame. No, I don't know why I just randomly set the goal to run a half marathon before work, but I did it and that's what I was set on doing.

...then...last night happened...along with a couple of adult beverages and not sleeping until 12 am. Thank goodness (or curse) the 4am sms message from my friend woke me up and reminded me of my goal. As my buddy was stretching, I added the disclaimer that, "Technically, I still may be a little intoxicated." He laughed, I tried to get my contacts to settle, we both set our watches, and hit the pavement.

For the first 5km, i cursed myself for putting myself though this run, and subsequently outpaced my friend. By the 4th mile, I lost my buddy. By mile 5, I was in a groove and hoped that my friend would be spotted soon (which never happened). I kept running...and running...and stopped for 2 bottles of very cold water...and kept running...and running, until I was back again at the entrance of my neighborhood. And as if on cue, my buddy pulled up in his car on his way home. He: 11 miles. Me: 13 miles. What? I can't believe I did it...and all in just under 2 hours! Awesome!

Lessons learned: 1) you can do anything you set your mind to; 2) my running route is the business; and 3) I've still got it! Yes!

Well, until next time...put one foot in front of the other...and keep it movin'!

Yours in (get it right, get it tight) training,

Dani

New Year's Day 5k

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 of her race got me to thinking about how special this festive season will be. I'll be home for Christmas...and I'm bringing along my handsome Ethiopian running partner! The blog post also gave me pause to reflect on all of the growth and achievements made during 2011 with respect to my running. I strongly believe that the commitment I made to bring in the New Year with running, specifically by participating in the "11km for 2011" race on New Year's Day, set the tone for the months to follow.

With minimal searching, I found the New Year's Day 5km 2012 race in Chicago! Awesome! Even better, the race starts at 11 am (SCORE!!!!), because I do plan on taking part in all of the New Year's Eve festivities! I must say, however, that the best part of it is that I've managed to convince my lovely Habesha man and my mother to participate with me. My guy says he'll be breaking records. We'll see! My father, well he's another story. He said he'll make sure to let me know if he'll join in. The jury is not so convinced with that response! As I told him this morning, at least we'll have great pictures of the race...with me crashing through the finish line at top speed, and my mom and my guy on a site seeing tour somewhere at the back!
I am over the moon excited about being home for the holidays with my family, and to have them join me in starting (what I hope will be) a New Year's Day tradition for me! How do you plan on bringing in the New Year? How will you act on your commitment to live a healthy lifestyle in 2012? I look forward to hearing all about it!

So until next time...put one foot in front of the other (Dani)...and keep it movin'!

Yours in (motivation) training,

Dani

Finding Peace

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 my mind, seemingly without any logical order, all started to make as much sense as Charlie Brown's teacher...wha, wha, wha, wha....

That, my dear, is how I was feeling yesterday and how I woke up feeling this morning.

When I woke up, laying in bed attempting to put these thoughts in order, I initially convinced myself that I could put off running for this evening or tomorrow so that I could focus on organizing my thoughts and myself for the day ahead. Luckily, that little voice from within...I think they call it the 'voice of reason'... stepped in long enough for me to hear, "RUN!" I dragged my bones out of bed, slapped my running clothes on, set my funky Garmin, turned my jazzy pink iPod on to the most upbeat of tunes, and hit the pavement. Within the first few steps (more like within the first mile), my mind was clear. All of those thoughts, feelings, and tasks on my 'to do' list seemed to fall in order with each foot step. My focus changed to the sound of my breathing, the rhythmic beating of my heart, the cold morning air on my face, and the bounce in my stride. I felt...at peace.

For many of us, the myriad of daily stressors are enough to overwhelm even the best of us. There are the bills to pay, deadlines at work, school projects, Occupy Wall Street protests, bad hair days, wearing white socks with black shoes, personal relationships, Kim K's divorce, traffic woes...heck, and now we have to worry about the upcoming rapture as a result of the Mayan calendar ending in 2012! We all have that little voice inside reminding us that we need to...STOP...take a breath...refocus...prioritize...relax. Unfortunately, it's often difficult to hear that little voice, so we keep chugging along in our daily lives with gazillions of thoughts running through our heads with no clear picture of how to move forward.

For me, running does the trick. Running helps me to settle my emotions, clear my thoughts, and put challenges and frustrations into perspective. Now, I'm not about to tell you how to deal with all of the things going on in your life, but I am encouraging you (as well as myself) to take time for yourself every day so that, at least in those few moments, you have peace.

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

Yours in (finding peace) training,

Dani

A little help from my friend...

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 healthy lifestyle.

Hearing him speak about his running ups and down reminds me of where I was about a year ago: unable to think or talk about anything else but long runs, proper fueling, strength training, and aching knees. During this period in my 'process', friends and family were uber supportive, albeit bored to tears because of my lack of anything else to talk about. Instead of rolling my eyes every time my good buddy mentions how many reps of sit-ups he's completed or the need to calibrate his running watch to get a more accurate picture of his distance and pace, I get inspired...motivated to pound the pavement.

This weekend, after hearing my friend talk endlessly about pushing himself to complete 9 or so miles on his Sunday long run, I decided to get in on the action and raised the stakes. "Nine miles? Really? We ran that last week. Let's go for the gold and run 10!" ...And ten miles it was! This morning, my good buddy and I drove a bit out of town, parked the car at a random stopping point, and...ran. If you were familiar with Maseru, I'd tell you that we ran from Lithabaneng to the airport turn off. Since that probably means little to nothing to you, I'll just say that we ran five miles one way, turned around and ran back in the opposite direction. What a perfect morning to run: slightly cloudy for most of the way, long stretches of calm roads, freshly plowed fields, grazing cows and sheep, gushing rivers...beautiful!

A while ago, I was so resistant to the idea of having a running partner. Honestly, I was afraid of becoming too dependent on someone else's workout whims. I feared that if they managed to talk their self out of running or quit all together, I would lose motivation to continue as well, as evidenced in previous workout attempts. This time around, however, I'm finding that, sometimes, a running partner is just what the doctor ordered to get me back on my running game. Sometimes all I need is a little help from my (running) friend!

I hope that, as I continue to jot down my experiences with the trials of making health and fitness part of an improved lifestyle, you will be inspired (however small or great) to get yourself off of the couch...put one foot in front of the other...and keep it movin'!

Yours in (getting back in the game) training,

Dani

Slightly off beat

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 my attitude. Every time my mother hears me complain, her answer is, "Girl, you need to get up and run." Real talk!

It seems as if my friends also know what to say- run! One of my good friends in Lesotho, who has now been running and working out for several months (and has made amazing strides in his own personal health and fitness), picked up on my frustration and asked, "Why aren't you running?" In his very gentle way, he managed to talk me into supporting him in his running endeavor by joining him on his Sunday long runs. His Sunday long runs, over time, have motivated me to revive my mid-week runs. Isn't it funny that helping others often helps you to help yourself?!

Several weeks ago, we ran 8 miles around the city. Prior to the run, however, I was pretty nervous that I'd be too out of shape to complete it. Not.at.all. The run, in fact, made me feel sooooo good (like I knew it would). I wasn't sore or stiff! Wow, my body is forgiving! This past weekend, we completed 9 miles. Awesome! Not only am I proud of my running buddy for his own accomplishments, but I'm proud of myself for getting back out there and hitting the pavement as well.

Sometimes it is so easy to allow frustrations to distract me, but I need to be more diligent to not let these temporary moments derail me from accomplishing my goals and doing what I enjoy.

"We fall down, but we get up!"

...and I'm saying this to myself right now...put one foot in front of the other...and keep it movin'!

Yours in (getting back up) training,

Dani

How often should you run a half marathon?

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:

1. A new runner probably isn't prepared to run a half as frequently as a more seasoned runner.
2. If you're generally in good shape, you can probably run more frequently.
3. Listen to your body.
4. Consider the difficulty of the course and the weather.
5. People who are in generally good condition usually run 4 races a year.
6. Run at least 1 half between 4 to 6 weeks prior to your marathon.

On November 20th, I will celebrate my year anniversary of "competitive running" (i.e. 1 year since I ran my first race). Here's where the bragging rights come in...

In one year of race-running, I've completed:

2 10 kms

1 11 km

9 half marathons...and come hell or high waters, I'll be running the Liquifruit Irene Half this weekend...bringing my annual 'half' total to 10!

1 32 km

1 Marathon...

...so I'd say that I'm not your average runner!

Boom!

Thanks for letting me have a 'moment'!

One foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours is (get on the good foot) training,

Dani

Reality strikes back

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 that there was no way (no how) that I would be prepared in time without hurting myself. Long story short- I didn't run the Soweto Marathon. Go ahead...cry about it! Beat your fists on the wall in anguish! Just let it all out!

...Ok, are we done now? Have we learned to accept the reality? Cool, now let us continue...

While the Soweto Marathon was my running goal, I'm actually not too bummed out about not having achieved it. I've always looked at this running thing as a lifestyle change, a way to get healthy, an opportunity for 'me time', and a way to have pure d fun. While it most certainly has been that for me, of late, there have been a few other things dominating my focus. Unfortudamente, training for a marathon has not been part of that focus. Wait...wait...don't get me wrong...I'm not saying that I've been sitting on my bum...oh no...I've been running...just not as intensively as required for 26.2 miles.

...So since we've gotten that out of the way...let me tell you about some fun things I've been up to.

Remember I told you about a friend of mine who claims I've inspired him to get his health-act together? Yes, I'm happy to report that he's still at it...over 10 weeks of get-it-right-get-it-tight training! AWESOME! In that time amount of time (he's been working out at the gym, running on the rat wheel, and eating healthier), my dear friend has managed to lose 12 kg (~ 26.4 lbs)! What a remarkable achievement!

Recently, we were talking about how he feels that he might have hit a weight loss plateau. The suggested solution: trying to convince him of the wonders of outside running (new challenge, FREE, etc). Two weekends ago, he finally hit the pavement in the Pink Race 10km for breast cancer awareness. Initially, he was going to run the 5km fun run, but that iron will of his pushed him through all the way to the finish line of the 10km race!

Even greater persistence was required on my part to convinced him to take run one of his long runs outside. "Break the tether to the rat wheel!", I said! Let's just say that the tether is showing signs of wear and tear! This Sunday, with yours truly as the course marker, we ran 8 miles around the city of Maseru...his longest run yet! I tell ya, this guy is inspiring me! While the good news is all his, I was happy that the run was easy breezy for me. I could have continued to run more...not sore...not tired...just feeling great that I could support my friend...and all of this without running that distance for a minute!

Returning to my house after the run, for stretching and a cup of chilled apple juice, my friend confessed that he is ready for an even greater challenge...a half marathon! What What! Yes! His go-get-it-ness motivated me to get my act together and complete my running goal of running a 26.2 miler. This idea just so happened to coincide with an email I received to inform me that registration for the Ottosdal Draf en Trap night race will be taking place on January 28th...just enough time for me to prepare! If you remember, I ran the half last year and it was one of the best, if not the best half I've run to date! Instead of running the half (my friend will, however), I'm going to run the full race...in the dark! To ensure my participation, I'm going to register and pay the entry fee over lunch! Yep...putting my money where my mouth is. My friend has already done so...I'm so proud of him and need to let his energy and enthusiasm catalyze me! In fact, I informed my parents about the upcoming race. My dad even booked it in his calendar.

If the aforementioned isn't already exciting enough, my same friend asked if I could give him a ride to Jozi this weekend. While I love Joburg well enough and helping out a friend in need is a pleasure indeed (sorry for the rhyme), I needed that extra motivation to drive 4.5 hrs one way. ...Yes, you guessed it...I found a race on Saturday morning. This Saturday, I will be running the Liquifruit Irene Half Marathon and my friend (who is a beast) will be running the associated 10km!

And just piling on the good news- for many months, I've received emails from a group of ex-pats (The Hash House Harriers) about Monday Hash Runs. Because I'm not so into the expat scene, I've done my best to avoid them at all costs. Yesterday morning, however, my "boss" came into my office and said, "I'm setting the Hash Run today. So you're coming, right? Ok, see you later", and that was that. Just a little on Hashing Runs: the run organizer sets up a running course, but you have to figure out the route. Markers are left around for your group to find the path, however, markers are also set out to throw you off and lead you in the wrong direction. Long story short...it was lots of fun, I managed to get 5 miles worth of running in, and I've now found my new after work hobby.

Whew! That was a lot of information jam-packed in this tiny blog post! To not overwhelm you further, I'll end it here. But before I take leave, I have to (once again) thank you so much for all of your love and support as I am to make exercise a permanent lifestyle change!

So until next time...put on foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours in (re-focusing) training,

Dani

Whoa...I've come a loooong way!

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 series of them, stopped me in my tracks. It was a photo of me at my brother's wedding in 2009. OMG...how far I've come! My experience reminds me of the gazillions of 'before' and 'after' photos of someone who has completed some amazing new 6 week weight loss program and, as a result, dropped 97598375298 pounds. The stunning new hard body in the picture recounts how they saw a picture of their self at a company picnic/child's school play/sister's wedding/family vacation and realized that they were too big for their liking. This single image served as a catalyst for them to get off of the couch and shake a tail feather.

When I made the decision to run, it was more about doing something 'radical' for my 30th birthday (OMG...5 months until I'm 31!!!). "Getting my body right" was an added plus. Sure, I'd always joked with my friends that I was going to 'get it right, get it tight' this month, but 'this month' turned to 'that month' and then to 'another month'. Yes, I knew that I was gaining weight as time went on, but I was still comfortable with how I looked and figured I had a little more time until I reached epic proportions. Luckily for me, I didn't wait to reach that "catalyst photo" before I did something to get back on track (but whatever works for you...works for you...so if it's that photo...get moving!!!). I'm happy I can look back at that photo, and say that, 'I'm in a much better space."

It's funny, I never thought I'd ever be in a position to have one of those weight loss infomercial-type before and after photos, but now that I do...you know I have to share. I hope that in sharing, you won't have to wait to have your own 'before' and 'after' photo. You can do something to manage your weight, your health, and body image by finding ways to incorporate exercise and healthy eating into your life. No, I'm not saying that you have to run like a maniac or go full force in the gym. Make small, manageable, realistic changes that fit into your lifestyle so that you won't crash and burn after 2 months, but rather go for sustainability. Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs. Go outside and play with the kids. Take a morning/lunchtime/evening stroll with your Boo. Whatever it is...put one foot in front of the other and keep it moving (yes, I'm going to say this one more time in this post).

So you ready for it? You sure? Ok.... Here we go:

Before: Me at 147 lbs/67 kg

After: Me at the Two Oceans Marathon in
April 2011 at 125 lbs/ 56 kg (and I'm still there)

Yeah, so do you see what I'm talking about now? Yep, I look different, huh? In case you didn't do the math, I've dropped about 11 kg or about 22 lbs. Exercise and a few changes to your diet work!

So to not belabor the point, I'll end it right here! Like I said before, you don't have to take the train to your destination like I did...heck, you might want to boogie board/skip/ankle express/'do the Dougie' to get there. It's not a matter of 'how' you get there (as long as it is in a healthy way), it's that you get there! Now get off of that well-worn couch and put one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!!!!!

Yours in (still 'training' for Soweto) training,

Dani

Kick it up into high gear!

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 I can...), I'll be doing what it takes to get myself together (read: running my arse off).

Up to so far (do only South Africans/Basotho say this?), I've been fairly consistently running 21.1 km races. I took a bit of a running break while in Ethiopia (although I did run a few times). Next up, I'm planning to get serious and run the BASF 32 km (20 miles) in the Vaal Triangle on October 15th! Eish! Wish me luck!

Well, that's all I've got for today! Oh...one more thing...I'd really like to congratulate one of my good friends for being so inspired as to get serious about his health and well-being. After talking his ear off about all of the positive benefits I've experienced as a result of running, he has not only changed his diet for the better, but now works out regularly with a trainer, and ran his first 5 miles on a treadmill the other day! (***Dani pumps her fists in the air...a sign of her slow and sure way of taking over the world through running...one new convert at a time***evil smirk develops on her face***) He even purchased his first iPod to keep him focused during his workouts! At one point, I told him how I first started off with the Nike +iPod contraption...and how I have transitioned over to my beautiful Garmin to help keep track of workouts. To encourage him to keep it moving, I've decided to pass on my Nike+ thingy to him...with the condition that, once he's on to bigger and brighter things...he too will pass it on to a budding runner! Somehow I don't think he really needs it since, in addition to the iPod, he purchased a sexy watch similar to a Garmin...so maybe it's the positive energy emitted from the Nike + contraption that will provide some level of comfort/inspiration/motivation...like training wheels! Anyway...congrats to my friend...keep it movin'!

Also...I'd like to send a huge AWESOME CONGRATS to my friend Linesiya for running her first race...an 8km! Look at you girl! I'm so proud and inspired! She has been plotting and planning her first race for a while...and now that the race has been won...she is unstoppable! Keep it moving girlie! If you want to read all about her race and see pictures, head over to her blog (found on the left toolbar of my blog)!

Whew! Now, I can finally end this post! So until next time...One foot in front of the ______ (fill in the blank...sounds like mother)...keep it______ (fill in the blank...sounds like groovin')!


Yours in (Soweto Marathon training),

Dani

My take on being competitive

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 membership. Yep, I did that and started working with New (old) Trainer twice a week. We're now in our second week together and it certainly feels AWESOME! Yes...I said 'awesome' in all caps, because it's just that good. Firstly, it's awesome because I can personally tell the difference from when I first started training (struggled to lift a weight and complained the whole way) to now (feeling the burn, can lift heavier weights, and asking for more)! Secondly, both my trainer and other trainers remark how much my body has been reshaped as a result of running. My legs, specifically, are getting toned. HOTT!

That aside, or rather in addition, I've also been consistently running. Some days I'll run in the morning and work out with my trainer in the evenings. A full day of working out is the future! I really believe that, with science backing me up, this will improve my running tremendously. Haha! A couple of weeks ago, I was explaining my new workout schedule to my beautiful Ethiopian man, telling him that I'll be able to run faster and harder during races. Plus, I want to look more fit and toned. He said, 'I thought you were just running for fun. Sounds like you're getting competitive!" To answer both him and you (cause I know you may be asking yourself the same thing): No, my goal has never been to win like Hailie Gerbersalasie, but rather to feel like I'm personally improving. Sure, I'm competitive about things that don't matter much like getting to an imaginary finish line first, way ahead of Doc...even though I knew I would cause he was a mile behind me at any given point on a run. I like to stand there with my chest puffed out, gloating that I won, meanwhile, he's not paying me any mind! You see, that's my competitive nature for ya! The reality is that I like knowing that I can continue to push my (perceived) limits. I want to run up that monster hill leading up to my house without stopping. I want to make new personal records (PR) on my 5km time. I want to lift weights until my thighs are defined. Anyway, no need to belabour the point.

...But, before I totally give up on said point...about pushing my limits and being personally competitive...yesterday, I ran like a beast and made a new personal record for my 5 mile (8km) time! I know I also PR'd my 5km time, but I wasn't paying attention to my watch. Right out of the gate, I knew I was running faster than I usually do. Normally, I try to keep my pace around a 10 minute mile. Today, there must have been a fire inside of me, cause I just booked it up and down hills. The gazillions of ladies headed to work at factories in the industrial area have learned to clear a space on the side walk when they see me, but they move a bit quicker today! How much quicker was I running, you ask? Well, anywhere between 9 and 9.4 minute miles. I know it doesn't sound like much but that extra time I saved burned more energy faster!

Final distance/time: 5.02/49 min...and there were hella hills, because I added a few to my normal running route! haha! Just imagine the runners high I had today...in addition to making a PR and being able to gloat about it all day to Doc! Jackpot!!!!

Anyway, the plan for tomorrow...since it is a gym day...is to leave work right at knock off time...park my car at the gym...and go for an hour long run right before my training session starts at 6pm! Nice! And, we're going to be working on legs! Yesssss!

On another, yet equally awesome note, while at the gym, I found an advert for a 1/2 marathon in Lesotho! Ohhh Snap! A bus will collect runners from town and take them to and from the race venue. Knowing that Lesotho is a big mountain range, I should be expecting hella hills. We'll see...wish me luck! ...And, I've managed to recruit at least 4 of my friends to run it too! The best part, however, is that immediately afterwards, we're all meeting up in a little town in South Africa for a day of paint balling! Ohhh yeah!

...and the good news keeps on coming... last weekend, after much hype talk from Doc about how many things we can do if we all had bikes...I got a BIKE!!! Yes, it's pretty awesome! If I weren't so concerned about the ridiculous drivers in Lesotho, I'd be so inclined to ride my bike to work. I'm working up the courage to do it. Plus, I look forward to taking it out for a spin in countryside.

...still coming...next weekend, I'll be heading to Joburg for the Gerald Fox Memorial 1/2 Marathon in...wait for it...the excitement is mounting...are you ready?...naw, you're not ready enough...ok, I see you jumping in your seat...the Johannesburg Zoo! Cha-ching! I hit the mother load with this one! I can't wait! The combination of running, zoo animals, winning a medal, and treating myself to a homemade blueberry muffin, can't be beat!

...ok, last one, but this one is just too much (for me) to handle...the weekend after that, I'll be headed to the land of the Lion of Judah to see my favorite Ethiopian and his loving family, and running in the Coca Cola Race Series 7km on the 18th! September is just a good month, neh?

Since this was an action packed, runner's high-induced post, I'll leave it there! I hope that you're getting active where ever you are! For my American folks, you should be taking advantage of the last few days of summer...cause it's our turn now to have fun in the summer sun!

So until next time...one foot in front of the other (one weight lift, one bike ride, one trip, several races)...keep it movin!

Yours in (summer sun September) training,

Dani

Why I Run

"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

Come hell, high waters or nationwide strike...I run this city!

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. Tuesday, I had to monitor the safety situation and didn't know when the cards would fall, so to speak. This morning...I.just.couldn't.take.it! I just had to run!

As I've mentioned in several posts, running is my cure all drug although I've unfortunately defaulted on my treatment during this past year! When the hormones are out of wack- run. When a headache sneaks up on you- run. When I'm feeling a bit jiggly- run. When I'm super happy- run. When I need to be productive- run. When you just need time to think- run. When there's something I'm excited about and want to get even more geeked- run. When things are just a bit too unclear-run. When I need the courage to put my big girl panties on and deal- run. To quote a Dixie Chicks song, "I'm ready, ready, ready, ready to run! All I want to do is have some fuuuuun!" (The rest of the song doesn't apply to me, Yonathan!)

This morning (and frankly since Monday), I've had the "I need to be productive-I'm feeling just fine-I'm feeling a bit jiggly-I want to allow my mind to wander" type of feeling...so the logical thing to do? A: RUN THIS CITY!!!

Nothing about today's route was particularly interesting, except I was keenly aware of the eerie silence/calm of the city due to the strike and work stay-away. The run, however, did just the trick...just like I knew it would! I felt soooooooooooooo good! I ran 5 miles in 48 minutes, which was nice too! Oh, ya'll...My God! Where has running been all of my life!?! I wish my younger self had the confidence and the motivation to get out and pound some serious pavement! Who knows how peppy and perky I could have been. But since I'm not a "shoulda, coulda, woulda" type of girl...I know what works for me and vow that we shall never part!

"So...what's on the running agenda for the rest of the week?", you may ask. Well, folks...running every day is certainly on the list! Sunday, I plan to head back up to Jozi (Johannesburg) to run in the Vodacom Country Half Marathon Challenge! Make sure to drop by my little blog for updates on the running this week!

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

Yours in (feel soooo good) training,

Dani

It's my 1 year Runniversary!

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 (yeah, I know everyone gets one if you cross the finish line prior to the off time, but I live for them! It's the simple pleasures of life!).

In honor of this special occasion, I planned to run a 15km and a half in Joburg. Unfortunately, I left work late on Friday and could not safely drive up to Joburg to attend the race on Saturday morning. *Not an excuse, but safety comes first. The poorly maintained roads I've spoken about in previous posts, have not gotten any better. In some cases, they've gotten worse. With no street lights, poor road conditions for at least 2 + hours of the drive, and by myself- driving is a no-go. As such, I've decided that, unless I have company to drive with me, I'll refrain from Saturday morning races to take the pressure off and increase the safety* So having said that, I left The Kingdom on Saturday afternoon and drove up to Jozi (aka Johannesburg), checked into my hotel, ate dinner, and crashed.

Bright and early, I was up and ready to run the 'Old Ed's Virgin Active Sports Club' Half Marathon! The good thing about 'winter races', is that they start around 8:00 am, since there's no rush to beat the intense heat of summer.

Old Ed's Virgin Active is a posh gym in the middle of a very nice area in Johannesburg. Per the usual, after signing up and pinning on my race number and temporary license, I began my favorite pre-race routine of watching people...and boy did I wish I had my camera. Some of the fun things I saw: a man with a very serious mullet, a few people I met during the Wits Half Marathon two weeks ago, a pregnant runner, the biggest behind I've ever seen on a white guy (sorry, I just had to mention it), a lady with the best 'runners legs' I've ever seen (leg envy), and two very old black ladies who told me that they've both run the Comrades Marathon several times (ouh la la)!

Now to the actual race details:

The 21.1km course was a double lap around the neighborhood surrounding the gym. From start to about 6km, I was doing fine. Not too many big hills (actually no big hills on the entire course, but rather steady inclines), which was nice. Everything was going well until I started to lose steam from 6km to about 8km. <----this is a note to self about proper pre-race fueling, which I haven't done so well.

Just after 8km, the Coke I'd been drinking at every water station finally kicked in...but not for long. Good thing is that I reached a personal record (PR) for a 10km, which was 55 minutes!

Long story short (sorry, I've been trying to write this post for the past couple of days), I need to work on several things:

1) Pre-race fueling
2) Workouts between races (read: not enough)
3) Getting my head game sorted (which will come along with the first two, and by sticking with it)

But hey...I'm not about listing problems without identifying a way forward:

1) I'm working on it. I've been bringing apples and peanut butter to work for breakfast and in-between stacks. Smoothies, here I come! Will start incorporating more complex carbs in my life and need to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

2) Yesterday, I re-engaged New (old) Trainer. I'll be working with him every Tuesday and Thursday after work. Now that it's getting a bit lighter earlier in the morning, there are no excuses to maintain this workout schedule:

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Trainer (core strengthening & legs)
Wednesday: Run
Thursday: Trainer
Friday: Run
Saturday: Run
Sunday: Race

3) Workin.on.it! This is especially important, because I plan to run the Soweto Marathon in November. I'm still waiting for the confirmed race date with baited breath. I look forward to put my money where my mouth is and registering.

That's what I've got people!

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

Yours in training,

Dani

1 year Runniversary!

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 role.

3) Thinking about my running career and making a few plans.

Speaking of #3, as I was reflecting, I realized that this up-coming weekend marks the one year anniversary of the beginning of my running career! Woohooooooo!!!! On August 13th, 2010, I started this little blog by announcing that I'd just potentially made the biggest blunder by sending an email out to about 50 or so of my closest friends and family members saying that I was going to run the Publix Georgia Marathon in March 2011. If that was a mistake...what a great mistake to make! Now, a few days away from when it all began a year ago, I've not only accomplished my running goal, but I've also run 6 half marathons, 1 20-miler, and 1 10km race!


I definitely didn't think I'd get this far. Sure, I've certainly had my up hills and down hills with running: I've doubted myself and my abilities, I succumbed to the winter running blues, I've made some awesome friends, I've learned to take 'can't' out of my personal dictionary, I've gained weight, I've lost weight, and I've managed to encourage other people to get off the couch and keep it moving...even when I've stumbled in this area myself!

Now, on the eve of my 1 year runniversary, I want to mark this special day by upping the stakes! This weekend, I plan to run a 15km race on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday!!! YES!!! Furthermore, I plan to ready myself for the Soweto Marathon, which is usually held in November (although the date has yet to be posted)!

So...to help me celebrate this special occasion, howz about we make a deal: Make this weekend about doing something active!!!!! Go out and walk the dog! Walk your children! Run a lap around the park! Go roller skating! Go dancing! Play football/baseball/basketball/tennis/soccer ...you know get creative...get out there...get to it...get active!!!!

An on a sentimental note, a GINORMOUS THANK YOU!!!!!!! Goes out to all of my (new and old) friends, family, and to the love of my life for supporting me this year in all that I've done! Honestly, without your love and support, I wouldn't have been able to get this far without you!!!

So until next time...put one foot in front of the other...and keep it movin'!!!!!

Yours in training,

Dani

Change clothes and go!

Hello Dear Reader,

This weekend, several things have been on my mind:

1. 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...
2. Yesterday, I drove into Ladybrand for a massage and facial. As I was changing back into my clothes, I caught a glimpse of my "on a break from running" body. By no means am I big at all. Simply put- I know I can be/look better. The "extra me" that's starting to form as a result of eating more than I'm burning (you get the picture)...I want to get rid of it.
3. My Ethio running buddy and I were in the midst of a Skype convo, when he asked, 'Aren't you supposed to be in a race this weekend?' Oh...ummm...no! Which then prompted me to look at races on www.runnersguide.co.za and noticed that the racing season is picking up again in preparation for the spring and summer. And later on in the day, I was vaccuming my carpets when I knocked over a couple of my running medals. I thought, "Are these things just going to collect dust as relics from a brief, yet fulfilling running career or am I going to find ways to add to the collection to pass down to my half-alien/Ethio-American great grand children?" (Sorry, still chowing through Octavia Butler's 'Lilith's Brood').
4. I want to look good in my wedding photos.
5. Over the past few months that I was broken up with running, I've noticed that I'm not as chipper, sunshiny, and excited.about.everything! Instead, my humor is a bit more dry than it has been, I'm a bit more moody (sorry friends and family), and I just don't feel...right. Running is the best cure-all drug for me, ya'll! I stopped taking my "meds" and the world is a lot less bright... The label on my running shoes and/or clothes should read like this: For best results, use every day. Should be taken with water and a balanced meal. You may experience side effects such as cheerful disposition, increased productivity, weight loss, increased appetite, glowing skin, and calloused feet. Do not discontinue treatment unless instructed.

After thoughts like these, I had no choice but to get my big body up and out from under the warmth of my electric blanket set to 'hot as hell', change clothes, and GO! I slipped on my running essentials (without my underused Garmin), and hit the pavement! My first inclination was to blast off, but instead, I set a slow and steady pace, and stuck with it. The feeling of pavement pounding was awesome! It was as if I were in a zone...completely focused...and feeling great!

I should know the distance I covered, because there are only so many viable routes around town, but it must have been around 8 to 10 km. The surprise of actually running that entire route without stopping, after having been on such a long break, was unbelievable...especially since I'm not in pain (yet)! Thank GOD for 'muscle memory'!!!

Tomorrow morning, I will be back at the pavement pounding. Expect a report back! Since I'm trying to get back into racing (and collecting medals to pass down to my Alien spawn), I need to do a bit more training. I am committed to running on July 30th- The Jolly Jumbo Half Marathon!

So until tomorrow (when you return to read my "back at it" report)...one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours in (get it right, get it tight) training,

Dani

And for a bit of running motivation (for both yourself and me)... Jay-Z's "Change Clothes" and GO!

Suck it up Sunday

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 news moods! Just as I knew it would, my run, however brief, cleared my mind and gave me a rush of endorphins that will surely last me for the rest of the day...bring it on world!

Since I started running, I've noticed that I'm more likely than not in a very chipper mood...and my outlook on life and the little annoyances that pop up is even better than it usually is. My head is much more clear. I like myself and everyone around me even more. From sun up to sun down, my days tend to be super productive. I have more energy. I smile a lot more. My body functions like a well oiled machine (j/k...but for real!). The roses smell sweeter. The sun is brighter. The air is fresher. The birds sing louder. The food tastes better....ok...I'm getting a little dramatic...but you (and I) get the point.

They (who ever "they" are) say that "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure". Simply put, I need to run so that I like the world and the world likes me.

A special thanks to my friends and family for continuing to hound me about my running...especially mom and Bakaffa. B...it's super annoying every time you pressure me to join the Daily Mile...and although I won't do it any time soon...it does keep running in the forefront of my mind!

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

Yours in (still getting my mojo back) training,

Dani