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

Now what?

Hello Dear Reader,

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

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

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

Here's what I've been thinking:

Overall Goals:

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

Short Term Goals:

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

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

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

Yours in (back at it) training,

Dani

More of a good thing!

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 min

Entering the expo!

Enough bananas for you?

My two biggest supporters aka mom & dad

Brother & Me at the expo

Race bib up close and personal!

Dream Realized: The Day I Finished the Publix Georgia Marathon

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 what I thought I was capable of...the day that I, unbeknownst to me, changed my life for the better...the day that I decided to stop talking about it...the day that I started to be about it. Thank you. Thank you to Brieon, Kristin Margaret, Mom, Dad, Karl, Christina, Chris, Jestein, Gerald, Jami, Adrienne, Linesiya, Yonathan, Sipho, Max, Meena, BigPhil, Kyla, Uncle Warren, Carmen, Theo, Jennifer, Robin, Day Family, Michelle, Danielle & Family, Leslie & Family, Ken, Chris, Kevin, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Angelique, Franca & Ron, Gina, Maurice, Ginger, Christina & Marcella, Dave, Marti, Cari, Carey, Simran, Seeng, Nao, Mrs. Kennedy, Jeremy, Jeff, Grandma, Grandaddy, Kristen, Bakaffa, Keon & family, Blanche, ICAP-Lesotho team, and sooooo many more for all that you have done to get me to Sunday, March 20th, 2011 when I completed the Publix Georgia Marathon!!! Not that this simple 'thank you' will ever fully capture my sincere gratitude....

So...now to the juicey details!

I didn't end up going to bed on the 19th until after 1:30 am. Having two of my best friends fly in the day before the race, after not having seen them in a year, certainly made going to bed early both difficult and the last thing on my mind! We laughed and laughed and laughed...until I simply passed out! Luckily my borrowed alarm clock was set for 4:00 am, otherwise I'm not confident I would have made the race!

Up by 4:00 am as scheduled and out the door by 5 something. By the time we reached Peachtree Street, we met up with my father who landed in Atlanta from China at 12:00 am on the 19th just to support me during the race! Together, my two best friends and dad walked to the park and met up with my brother, sister-in-law, mom, and friend Kristin.

Wow...there were so many people at this race...over 16,000 participants! Much different than any of the races I've ever attended before! There were all kinds of booths to visit, music stands, group warm-ups, and much more. Usually, I'd take the opportunity to walk around and take it all in, but my amazing cheer team kept me fully engaged by all of the picture taking, motivation talks, dancing and generally acting a fool (Gerald and Chris specifically)!

Around 6:30 am, my crew ushered me over to my corral (L) on Marrieta Street. On the way, we ran into Kristin's friend Bakaffa who was also running the full. Luckily, he was in the corral head of me, so the party got that much bigger! We laughed, talked and laughed a whole lot more until the race whip cracked and we were off!

As I crossed over the starting line, all I could say to myself was "Ohhhhhhhh Mah Gawd...I'm really doing this! I'm really here! Seven months of training...I have no choice but to finish!"

Here's the mile breakdown:

Mile 1: My left Achilles tendon started to ache...but I pushed through!

Miles 2-3: I started experiencing very sharp pain in my left tendon, but figured that if I kept running, everything would be ok. I expected that adrenaline and endorphins would kick in at some point and I wouldn't feel it anyway!

Miles 3-20: From the time I started to run to this point, I ran the entire 20 miles...hills and all! Speaking of hills, yes, this race is as hilly as others have said but it felt like a complete breeze...at least for the first 20 miles! I didn't stop or slow down on any of them. I wasn't tired, I wasn't sore...I just kept on going!

At mile 3, I saw a sign that said, "If this was easy, we'd be doing it too!"

At mile 5, I ran into Little 5 Points and saw the funniest sign: "Once your time is on the internet, it will be there forever! Keep running!"

At mile 6, I saw my friend Brieon and her husband and got the best hug!

At mile 8, I saw my parents as I ran past Candler Park.

At the halfway point (mile 13), I entered Decatur and saw my parents again. I need to really give a big shout out to Decatur for having the best cheering section ever! The water stations were awesome, there were bands, they were blasting Stevie Wonder's "Isn't she lovely", and super funny signs for runners to follow along for the entire route through the city!

Somewhere between mile 14 and 15, I saw my friend Kristin Margaret and got a huge hug!!!

At mile 16, I passed my friend Phillip!!!

At mile 17, I met up with Gerald and Chris. These two guys were so freaking crazy! They ran next to me shout "Dani, Bomaye!" like I was Mohammed Ali in "The Rumble in the Jungle". Haha...a police car drove past and the officer got on the loud speaker and said, "Hey you guys, leave that girl alone! She's trying to win this race!" We all laughed at that! Once we reached Ponce de Leon, we parted ways and I kept on going!

Between mile 20 and 21, I was running ahead of the 4hr 15 minute pace setting runner. That was perhaps part of my slack off, because I began to slow down thinking that I had a bit more time to spare. Oops! I lost a bit of focus and slipped behind. Loss of focus and slowing down from my pace allowed the pain to creep in and I began to feel my aching left tendon. I started to walk. Dang! That was not cool, but the cheers from bystanders calling out my name (which was so conveniently plastered on the back of my shirt) and other runners who saw Chris and Gerald's tom foolery kept me going! I started to run again.

At mile 22, I entered Piedmont Park and saw Gerald and Chris again! They were the peanut gallery that I needed to keep going. Because I walked earlier, I began to see people I was initially ahead of. What's worse, I saw the pace setter for 5 hours just ahead of me. Not cool! When I saw that, it was as though a jolt of lightening hit me and I remembered why I was there in the first place...to finish...and finish before 5 hours! Adrenaline being my best friend creeped up from out of nowhere and I shot past the pace setter and ran the entire rest of the race!

At mile 23, just after exiting Piedmont Park, I ran up a huge freaking hill and was met by my beaming father! Later on he told me that I was one of the only people I saw actually running up the hill. He estimated that about 95% of the runners were actually walking!

Honestly, after mile 23 and until I crossed the finish line at mile 26.2, everything else was a blur! All I know is that I made it across with pure inertia...I just kept on going because I was already in motion!

At the finish line, I was met by my entire cheer section! Everyone, with camera in hand, gave my hugs, kisses and a big bouquette of flowers! I did it! I set out to run the Publix Georgia Marathon and I did it!

Once crossing the finish line, I passed by tables full of snacks (took everything) and took a photo in front of the GA marathon sign! Again, I was met at the end by my family and friends...and proceeded to stretch...slowly...painfully...OMG!!!

....And just like I said I would, over the course of the rest of the day, I walked 4 miles equaling out my 30 miles for 30 years!

After the race, I headed over to my brother's house for a party with friends and family, followed by another party with, followed by another party, followed by a huge basket of Taco Mac's hot wings, followed by talking and laughing until 3am, followed by passing out!

March 20th, 2011 will be a day I will never forget! It is a day that another one of my dreams was realized. It is not the end of my journey...but rather just the beginning!

Well, I've written a lot because there was a lot to tell! But don't stop visiting me, because I all ready have plans to run another one, and another one, and another one, and then the Soweto Marathon in Johannesburg, South Africa!

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

Yours in (on to the next one) training,

Dani

Moment for life (Part II)

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 Karl

Moment 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 Loading (part 1) at Eats with my homie Chris who flew in all the way from Seattle to cheer me on!

Moment 4:

Embracing all of the Publix Georgia Marathon signs around the city!

Moment 5:

Picking up my race packet at the Publix Georgia Marathon race expo with my family (and ran into the ladies of Black Girls Run! who will be completing the half)!

I look stunned...not a good look!

Moment 6:

Collecting my best friend/soulmate Jeb who flew in from NYC!

Moment 7:

Greeting my dad who cut his business trip to China short so that he could support me!

Moment 8 through infinity....knowing that a whole host of friends are supporting me who are not physically here...knowing that, setting goals and accomplishing them can happen at any age...knowing that, if I can get fit if I set my mind to it, SO CAN YOU...knowing that this is just the beginning...and on and on and on!

"I wish that I could have this moment for life. Cuz in this moment I just feel so alive..."~ Nicki Minaj, Moment for life

Yours in (savoring the moments) training,

Dani

Dirty 30!

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 weather, and the perfect scenery by going for a great run after sitting through a 16 hour trans-Atlantic flight?! Makes perfect sense, right? Although my ankles were crazy swollen from the flight, the run was perfect (hills and all)! I finally feel ready to spank this marathon silly!

The rest of my birthday...well, I'll spare you the crazy details! Let's just say that friends and lots of adult beverages helped me to bring in my 30's the right way! It also didn't hurt that random people would comment on how in shape I look and one woman (a restaurant hostess) asked me how old I was so that I could get the discounted breakfast rate for kids 16 and under (umm...)! ...And the best part is...the party has and will continue until after the race (friends and family coming in from all over to support and celebrate with me)!

...and the day after (March 13th)...dun dun dun duhhhh...a sinus headache from hell decided to rear its ugly head! I actually started feeling a bit sick on Ash Wednesday...the day Doc called me up at 6:30 am and told me that, for my birthday, he was going to save me from going to hell by inviting me to go to church later on that day! Traveling from Lesotho to South Africa to the US of A didn't exactly help matters. So here I am...a bit sick with a sinus infection but even more determined to get my mind and body right to run on Sunday! Sunday!!!! OMG!!!! Can you believe that we are finally here...only 5 days away?! After talking about this damn race for ages, it is so close I can smell it! In fact, all over Atlanta, I saw adverts for the Publix Georgia Marathon! Ahhhhh (I'm getting almost daily reminders from race organizers as well)!

ahhhhhhh!!!!

Tuesday and this morning, I made my final runs before the race. Next time my feet pound the pavement, it will be March 20th! Pavement pounding playlist (5hr 50min worth of music)- check! Race day supporters with awesome t-shirts- check! Race day outfit- tomorrow or Friday! Black Girls Run! marathon meet up- March 19th! Publix Georgia Marathon Expo- March 19th!

Freaking awesome!!!!!

Well Dear Reader, that's all I've got for now! I'm soaking in all of the excitement and will be counting down the days until I realize one of my dreams!

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

Yours in (I can't believe I'm here...staying focused) training,

Dani

Weight a minute!

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 FINALLY a new picture.

I don't know but something about the age "30" hit me and, as if in concert, the combined voices of all of the 30 and over women in my life said, "You can't keep eating like that forever. Do something about your body now, because when you reach 30, it all gets harder." Ok, so maybe it wasn't that dramatic, but the message was clear...I'm getting older and need to start taking more responsibility for my health and fitness habits, which included losing weight.


As many of my friends in Lesotho will tell you, I used to talk all day about..."Yep, this is the year I'm gonna get my body so right." Relatively little, however, changed about the way I ate (eating is my hobby!) and exercises habits (as in no exercise). Living in Southern Africa also doesn't allow you to be in denial about weight loss or gain, because there is always someone to remind you that your pants are slowly and visibly squeezing you in half.

Back to that fateful day in August...without thinking of what exactly I was doing...an email was sent out to 50 or more of my friends and family letting them in on what I was planning to do...get it right for 30 by running a marathon. Next, I did a quick Google search, found a race (the Publix Georgia Marathon), and paid my entry fee. Done and done! Signed up for the gym and a personal trainer...done and done. Danielle is getting her body right, will fit in those too tight jeans, and run a marathon!

Since you've been running along side me during this whole process, I'll spare you the details, but I do remember the first time Mad-dog Trainer proudly announced that I lost 6 lbs. Up to that point in my life, I'd never actually done anything intentionally to lose weight. Weight loss was also not the primary focus, but rather to be able to run a marathon on my feet...no matter what size I happened to be.

For a while after losing those first 6 lbs, nothing else about my body and weight seemed to change other than making more fitness strides. Fast forward a little and I cut the tether keeping me attached to the treadmill to focus on the freedom of pavement pounding. That, My Dear, took my fitness (and subsequently weight loss) to a whole new level. As my mileage increased, the more and more I started to notice things that I've never seen before (or at least not in a while): my collar bone (what?!), muscles around my knee (oh my!), my watch spinning around my wrist, clothes that used to fit well to snug became too loose, and my already big glasses (yes, I like them that way) looking much bigger on my shrinking face. With respect to my glasses, at least three different people in three completely different countries like to point out how huge my glasses are every time we speak.

During this whole process of getting in shape, I'v managed to go from about 67kg when Mad-dog first weighed me in August to my current weight of 56kg. If you're counting with me, that's 11kg (24.2lbs). 11kg lighter but a whole hellova lot more toned, which is the most exciting part. Finally, my grandma arms don't wave back at me! Woohoo!

Yesterday morning, I was standing around with several of the ladies in my office...the ones who always used to point out that my pants were bursting at the seams...talking about my birthday and final marathon preparations. One woman blurted out, "Your parents may not want you to come back to Lesotho because they think we're not taking care of you. You're too thin! When this race is over, you need to stop running and eat more." The peanut gallery began to chime in with their weight-related remarks. No matter how much I tried to tell them that I actually shovel food down my throat because I'm so hungry all of the time...they didn't want to believe me. I wanted to say, "Wait a minute, aren't you the ones who told me I was fat?" Meh...Oh well, can't please the crowd! Either way, I'm so proud of myself for making the strides that I have. I'm more than determined than ever before....and come March 20th, I'll run proudly across the "Finish Line" and know that I did it!

On another note, this will officially be the last post I write you from the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho...because I'm taking a 16 hour flight headed to ATLANTA, GEORGIA tomorrow!!!! So next time we speak, I'll be a much more wise, beautiful, smart, self-fulfilled, self-assured, got-it-going-on 3o year old!!!!!! Woohooo!!!!

...and the countdown begins (continues)...only 10 more days until the Publix Georgia Marathon!!!!


Yours in (so close I can feel it) training,

Dani

Am I ready?

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 confirming that I've registered for the race, also gives out other interesting information:

Several enhancements are being added to the 2011 Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon to improve the runner experience and celebrate the 5^th anniversary of the Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. See below for all the details.

Publix - We welcome Publix as our new title sponsor. Learn more about Publix Super Markets Publix has been the Food Sponsor for the Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon since the inaugural year, providing a great variety of tasty fruit, yogurt, pretzels, and mini bagels to participants after you cross the Finish Line. This year, Publix is providing additional food items and a surprise 5^th anniversary treat!

Marathon and Half Marathon Shirts - The tech race shirts are different colors for Marathoners and Half Marathoners, making it easier to distinguish between the two races.

Publix Goodie Bag - Each participant will receive a commemorative drawstring goodie bag at packet pickup, courtesy of Publix.

Expo Parking - Participants will have access to a discounted parking lot for the Expo. Expo parking coupons will be available online and emailed to all participants in March.

Course Enhancements - A special "Support Station" featuring orange slices has been added to the Marathon course. A GU Station has been added to the Half Marathon course in addition to the GU

station before the Marathon/Half Marathon split.

New Medal Design - The 2011 finisher's medal designs are race specific and feature the Atlanta downtown skyline in 3D!

VIP Race Package- Looking for the ultimate race experience? New for 2011, participants have the option to purchase a special race package which includes:

• Express Packet Pick-up Line at the Expo
• Reserved Race Day Parking
• Private Restrooms
• Private Gear Check
• Pre-race Continental Breakfast
• Free Post Race Massages
• Post Race Buffet
• Printable Results Available Immediately Post Race

* Ooooh! Post Race Massages....sounds good to me!!!

Now that I have less that two months before the race, an increasing "To Do" list is being developed.

To Do

1) Book accommodation near Centinnial Olympic Park in Atlanta

2) Start thinking about my race day outfit (my friends own a company called Basotholand, Inc., which represents all that is Lesotho. They've promised me a couple of race shirts!)

3) Study and become one with the Publix Georgia Marathon race route

4) Complete my training/race plan (and I use this term loosely):

Feb 05- Sasol Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Feb 12- Crocodilian 32 km (20 miles)
Feb 19- Winburg 10 km (6.2 miles)
Feb 27- Township 15 km (9.3 miles)
March 5- Maluti-A-Phofung Street Mile (1 mile)
March 20- Publix Georgia Marathon (26.2 miles)

5) Add more tracks to my Pavement Pounding Playlist

I'm just so excited!

Well, let me get up so that I can knock out my morning run!

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

Yours in (Publix Georgia Marathon) training,

Dani

The Universe is trying to tell me something

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 random people, some of them avid runners, calling me to task because they didn't see me pounding the pavement on any given day. I guess that's one of the benefits of living in a city...let's keep it real...a country of 1.8 million people: everyone knows everyone (we're talking 1 or 2 degrees of separation) and most people are willing to help out their neighbor in need.

On at least three different occasions within the last three weeks, I've been asked to run by an individual or a group. Either the person or group is starting to run or in the full Two Oceans Marathon (2O) training swing. In a recent post, I explained how I'm becoming a lot more open to running with a group of ladies who are training for the 2O. Because of conflicting schedules, however, most of the ladies have been unable to run but are still interested in getting together. Even though the ladies running group has been a fail so far, now that the group running seed has been planted...I'm actually pretty interested in running with others who have lots of experience running (ultra) marathons.

Of late, I've been trying to keep up with my ad hoc running program and going on evening runs with a friend who is wanting to recover from his lengthy leave of absence from running. I do, however, feel the need to step it up. Can you believe I only have 55 days left until the BIG DAY?!

This morning, I waited for the rain to lighten up (YES! It's still raining!!!) before I hit the ground running! Today was probably one of the better runs I've had recently: well hydrated, cool outside, hills, quiet streets...a little over 10k (I forgot to start my pedometer). Midway through the run, I cross from one side of the street to avoid (hard to do) giant pools of standing water and mud. Just as I was about to hop over the guard rail, I pickup truck made a U-turn and pulled up next to me. Normally if this happens (yes, it's happened before), I just ignore the guy and keep running. This time, however, the man yelled out the window, "Are you training for the Two Oceans?" I had to stop. The man, it turns out, is a seasoned ultra marathon runner who is an organizer of a running club that is currently training for the 2O and the father of a friend. He said that, because of the rain, the group didn't go for their regular Sunday long run today, but that they run 10k every day and are currently working on hills...in the Lesotho context...he means mountains...literally.

Ok, Dear Reader, I've fought off the idea of running with others for a while now...5 months to be exact...but when the Universe is offering assistance to slackers/strugglers like me...I'm no fool..I'm taking it.

Please note that on the 23rd Day of Our Lord, Two thousand-elevation...Dani is fully committed to running with this training group. The man took my number and told me that I should be expecting someone to collect me from my house tomorrow after work...and be prepared to run!

I'm ready (although I know better than to run 10k every single day)!

Hopefully, running with this group for a few days this week will be just the thing I need to gear up for my evening 1/2 marathon this weekend!!!

On another, still related point, my flight has been booked to head back to the US of A for my 30th birthday aaaaaaaaaaaaand the Publix Georgia Marathon! I was talking with my parents yesterday and they seem to be in the process of producing an army of supporters for race day. My mom was even talking about getting t-shirts made for everyone! Speaking of t-shirts, two of my friends in Lesotho are the owners of Basotholand Inc., a graphic t-shirt company that promotes all things Lesotho-pride. They have committed to making me a few race day shirts so that I can represent my home away from home when I'm at home! Yea!!! I'm excited!!!

Well, that's all I have for now...I promise also to be more active on my blog...been kinda slacking off on the posts.

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

Yours in (the big day) training,

Dani

PS: The ladies over at Black Girls Run! will be running the Public Georgia Half- Marathon. Follow them as they train!

PSS: Here are two songs I've added to my growing playlist. If you have anymore suggestions, please pass them along...I need enough for a 5 hour run...and I'm only at 3 hours! Help!

(I have the original version of this song on my playlist)

Tis the Season

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 between now and the BIG DAY. Although the Ficksburg Cherry race was a great start, I'd like try my (feet) hand at other events...just to get used to the whole race-day climate, varied running conditions, etc.

By the way, if you happen to be in Southern Africa at some point and want to get involved in races this side, check out this Runner's Guide to races taking place throughout the region (primarily South Africa). After taking a quick look at the race schedule, this is what I've come up with so far:

• New Years Day- New Year 10k & 5k at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens- What a good way to kick off 2011! I'll sign up for the 10k.
  
• February 5th- Sasol 1/2 Marathon at the de Villers Stadium in Bloemfontein
  
• or (my personal favorite)- February 12th- Drakenstein Correctional "Freedom 27 km" at the Drakenstein Prison...I personally get a kick out of the irony of the name and location!
  

Since this issssssss the season after all, have you started to/already set goals for 2011? Do you have any health/exercise specific goals?

In addition to identifying potential races, and continuing to prepare my mind and body for the Publix Georgia Marathon, I've started thinking of the "what next"? What are my running/exercise goals once the marathon has been completed? There are 9 more months of 2011 to attend to after all. As much as it seems as though I'm set in a good running routine, I'm not crazy enough to think that I don't need a running-related goal to work towards. 2011 clearly won't be planned out today, and it would help to get March 2011 under my belt before committing April through December, but it certainly doesn't hurt to start thinking about it.

As far as my countdown goal for the next 96 days (until the GA marathon) goes:

96: run 10 k (weather permitting)
95: strength training (repeat of 98)
94: run 5 k

Well, that's all I have for now. Oh, and if you'd like to share some of your 2011 fitness/health goals and/or suggestions for my pavement pounding playlist, I'd love to hear them! A BIG THANK YOU goes to my friend Dave for his playlist add!

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

Yours in training,

Dani

99 days/99 goals

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 over the next 99 days. Here are a few to get me started:

99: Complete a 6k evening run

98: 60 sit-ups, and three reps of twenty-five for the following exercises- lunges, bicep curls, shoulder raises, calf raises, triceps dips, and triceps push downs

97: Complete a 15 mile run

Those should get me through the weekend. I actually look forward to "98" because my strength training exercises have fallen short of where they should be.

Well, that's all I have for now! As always, I'll keep you posted on my daily goal success!

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

Yours in (one day at a time) training,

Dani