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

Pink Fun Run 10km- Breast Cancer Awareness

Hello Dear Reader,

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

The race route covered the majority of my usual running course through the Maseru city CBD...but in reverse...which added a whole new dimension to my workout. It was cool to run the course, because I new exactly what to expect yet challenged me all at the same time! The downhill parts that I was so used to, suddenly became huge uphills. The uphills I know so well were a welcomed relief. From tomorrow, I plan on running my course in reverse to shake it up a little.

This race was particularly awesome, because I don't think I've ever run a 10km race before and it gave me a chance to keep score on how my time and endurance have improved. To get to the race by start time (6:00 am), I ran to the race venue, which was about a mile (1.6 km) away from my house. Still feeling fresh and full of energy, I was left with some time to goof off with several of my friends (including Doc and his brother). <----you

know we always have fun! Start time, and we were all off! To keep pace with one of my friends who recently started running, I lagged a bit behind and about 15 or 20 people were ahead of me for a while. The competative nature I have...when it comes to (always) beating Dock soon kicked in, however, and I quickly caught up with the leaders of the pack. For the majority of the course, I was in 5th place. The feeling of being so close to #1 stirred something in me...never been so close to the front (and unless I'm running with Doc, don't think I'll have too many of those opportunities again).

Feeling like Rocky Balboa, I pushed through until...duh duh duh duhhhhh...Asthma decided to play a little game with me. On several occasions near the 7km mark, I had to stop to catch my breath. My breathing sounded more like a whistle (not cute) than the breathing of a well seasoned athlete (smirk). Damn Asthma...in the final stretch, I had to stop yet again to catch my breath...allowing one of my friends to beat me...pushing me back to 6th place. I guess 6th place is better than my usual 235879258795th place... Next time, my inhailer will be safely tucked in my little fanny pack...I.Will.Win!!!!!!!!!! An I completed 10km in 53 minutes! Nice!

After the race snack!

I feel pretty freaking awesome about today! Lately, I've been a bit stressed and this personal victory did just the trick to boost my spirits (via that natural running high!)! Tomorrow, with my fully charged running buddies (i.e. Jazzy pink iPod, Garmin and inhailer), I'll be pounding the streets of Maseru...in reverse! ...And although I AM NOT prepared whatsoever for the Soweto Marathon, the goal is to bust it out next weekend! Let's do it!!!

...and if I can do it...I know you can do it to! So get off that couch, Dear Reader! Put one foot in front of the other (cause that's all it takes)...and keep it movin'!

Yours in (are you seriously about to run a marathon next week when you know you're not prepared) 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

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

Bib #80267 and Runner's High

Hello Dear Reader,

This morning, I received my official confirmation of participation in the Two Oceans Half Marathon- Bib # 80267! Even though the half marathon is about two months away and I have about 5 "training races" and THE BIG ONE in between, I'm super jazzed about running the Two Oceans! A great deal of my excitement stems from the fact that several of my good friends, in addition to the larger Maseru running crew, will be running in this race. The fact that the race is over a long weekend in Cape Town is surely a plus. However, the two biggest factors are that 1) I would have completed my goal of running the Publix Georgia Marathon and will be alive and well; and 2) The Two Oceans is a BIG DEAL in South Africa.

For the duration of my long-term relationship with South Africa (about 10 years now), I've come to realize that there are three races that everyone talks about: Comrades Marathon (Durban), Two Oceans Marathon (Cape Town), and the Soweto Marathon (Johannesburg). These races, in my opinion, are deeply interwoven within the cultural fabric of this beautiful country, amongst many other things. I look forward to joining runners from around South Africa, Africa, and the world to take part! At some point within the next two years, I would like to commit myself to running the full marathon (56km/35 miles), which will take me from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean (hence the name of the race). And, as part of my New Year's resolution to run a marathon in a country other than the US, I WILL be running the Soweto Marathon on November 7th, 2011!

On another note, I have to admit that I have not experienced a runner's high in what seems to be a long time! The last time I remember feeling the amazing adrenaline rush that running can bring, was during a run in Zambia...when I encountered three Zebra walking towards me. Who wouldn't get excited to see that?!

Although I was pretty damn geeked to have completed the Ottosdal Draf en Trap with a PR of 2 hr and 25 minutes, I didn't get that very distinct feeling of can't-sit-still/super-productive/alert/motivated/Energizer Bunny/Redbull "it gives you wings" without the Redbull!

This morning, my alarm clock went off at 5:00 am, but I couldn't seem to muster up the energy to get out of bed...it was so comfortable after all! Instead, I decided to check my email and received a message from a friend who left Lesotho six months ago. The email asked, "Are you still running?", that was it! After that, I couldn't continue to lay in bed when I could/should be running. Up and out the door in 10 minutes.

Initially, I was going to follow my regular route around the industrial area, but in a last minute and random decision, I cut across the street to run up a huge hill I've been trying to conquer for a while now. Danielle=1; Hill=0! And I kept running and running until I met up with my regular route. Now,I could have continued with the regular route, but again, in a last minute move, I ran up another hill along side my former stomping ground...the gym. A quick nod in acknowledgement, but continued to run. Finally, I met up with tail end of my regular route, which includes a short, but steep hill. Something within me, however, told me to keep running right up the steep hill that leads to my house. Usually, I fast walk this hill as a cool down of sorts, however this time...I slowed down my pace and...kept running all the way to the top!

Clearly my name is Hillary today, because I was all about those hills!

By the time I finished stretching, that ah-mazing runner's high set in! Thank you G-O-D! Luckily, the high tends to last all day so I'll be on high-drive. So, if you see me smiling with a wild look that says, "I'd rather be running", you'll know the back story!

Well, that's all for now. Wish me luck in tomorrows half race! And as always, you'll be the first one to get the results!

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

Yours in training,

Dani