Lesotho Tourism Board 1/2 Marathon

Hello Dear Reader,

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

The story all starts off on Friday, when I registered myself and Doc up for the race. Somewhere between that time and race day, I realized that I'd lost my phone (think it's gone for good this time). Was supposed to meet up with Doc and our friend Nthabiseng the next morning at 5 am, so that we could collectively head out to the beautiful town of Teya- Teyaneng- (TY for short- the arts and crafts capital of Lesotho). Well, let's just say it was a journey in and of itself to catch up with two different people at 4 am without a phone and a race to go to. Needless to say, we met up in the nick of time and road out together to reach the venue not too much before "start time". (On the ride there, Doc and I recounted our Crocodilian 32km race, when we got to the race 30 min after it started). Luckily, this is Lesotho (where things don't exactly start on time). We got there and stood around for a little over an hour; caught up with friends, laughed, tried to figure out when the race would actually start, looked at what all of the local runners were wearing, and took turns guessing which one of the guys running up and down the street warming up would actually win (none of them). Speaking of catching up with friends, I spoke with three of them who have run both the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon more than once (swoon)!

Finally, the race started off at 8 am. For a good 2 km, Doc and I had fun pushing/pulling each other behind one another. Unlike all of the other races I've run, this one was the most fun and relaxed because I was with friends...running side-by-side! The hills, however, were.not.as.fun!

Doc & I continuing the harassment post race (I won...as always)!

The race started by going through the central business district (CBD) of TY and down a nice hill for the first 2 km. The hills started immediately after that. Not even 5km into the race, I got tired after running up a ginormous, never ending hill. Doc gave me a smirk as he continued to run, but you know I couldn't let him win. Every time I'd drop back, he'd keep running, and next thing he knew, I was running right next to him. That lasted for the first 6-7km. I ran the first 5km (3.2 miles) in 30 minutes and reached 10km (6.2 miles) in under an hour.

Just outside of Ty CBD

My time was pretty on point for this race, and felt really good...that is until about 10km, when we reached the point in the race that started the slow (at times) assent up a seemingly never ending hill. There were some spots in the race with hills that were more like mountains. fugg! At one point in the race...when it was clear that there were no more down hills in the foreseeable future and one mountain (literally) that was just redic...I remember saying to myself, "After this one, I'm quitting the running game. This is my last one!" Similarly, the support team for the race kept driving up and down the long stretch of race route, collecting people who'd quit. I seriously considered catching a lift. Ya'll it was just that crazy!

The only saving grace that kept me running was the fact that, on what had to be the most beautiful day all year (clear skies, peach trees in full bloom, grass and other plants turning green, sun shining), the view was stunning, each little village we ran through came out to cheer us on, and the water stations were well attended and on point! Plus, I knew I'd regret it if I did...but don't think I wasn't willing to humbly submit to Lesotho hills/mountains!

At mile 9, I really wanted to cry! I was running by myself...with no one in sight both ways. I was so thirsty, tired, and ached. It was as if the Georgia Publix Marathon was sent to Lesotho in a compressed zip file and spit out as the Lesotho Tourism 1/2 marathon! The angels above must have been with me...or at least heard my call...cause an Ntate (Sesotho for 'Sir'/'Older Man') running in black Reebok high tops, jean pants, and a whistle around his neck was all of a sudden next to me (yes, he was an actual race participant). When he'd attempt to run, I would too. When he took a break, so did I. Eventually, we realized that we were running at about the same pace...and stuck together until the end. He barely spoke English, which was ok, cause I wasn't much about talking at that point. Even though I'm sure he could have continued to run when I took walk breaks, he stayed with me and tried to explain what people along the way were saying: "You're almost finished. One more big hill and you're there." (Note: there was always "one more big hill and you're there"). Finally, we hit the peak of the mountain from hell with less than a mile to go until the finish line based at Kome (Kome is known for its caves with ancient Bushman paintings).

The decent into Kome was on a rocky road which went STRAIGHT DOWN! On the way down, BoNtate (men) wearing traditional clothes on horseback rode past. Me and my Ntate met a young girl who was running the race. We all finished together, side-by-side...met by cheering crowds, music, people selling food, and a medical area full of people laid out on the ground getting their respective injuries nursed. My ultra runner friends had finished maybe about 10 minutes or so before me. While standing around, waiting for the rest of my crew to arrive, one of my friends talked me into joining her running club...they train in the mountains. She looked like she'd just finished a walk in the park. Next year, I want to run this race again and look like her when it's all over and done! Doc came along about 20-30 minutes after me and Nthabiseng, not too much longer after him. My finishing time: 2 hr 30 min. Not a bad time (under the circumstances)!

Transportation back to the starting line was provided, but only after speeches from the Minister of Tourism and Culture, other folks, and singing. Doc, Nthabi and I, however, were ready to get some serious food and go home! The trip to the race was an adventure, add a grueling race course to the story, and top it all of with the story of how we had to get home. Since people were ready to stick around for the event and not planning to leave any time soon, we were on the look out for anyone who might be going at least to the main road so that we could catch a taxi. Finally, we talked an Ntate into dropping us off at the main road for a 6 pack of beer- SCORE! Once at the main road, we tried to negotiate with a taxi driver to take us back to TY. You see, when I say taxi, think of a VW love bus from the 60's, which can take up to about 15 people. We were negotiating to pay what he would make with a full taxi. No luck there. Eventually, Nthabi thought she saw a friend of Doc's driving back to Ty. Doc ran over to see if we could get a lift. Even though it turned out not to be a friend of Doc, the nice man decided to give us a free lift...in the back of his bakkie (pick-up truck). Dude drove like a bat out of hell! His three stowaways in the back laid flat in the back, with one (me) praying not to spray the other two with vomit (felt like a freaking roller coaster). Dusty, hair standing up on our heads, we rose out of the depths of Satan's 4x4 once reaching TY. We walked through town with many stares. Doc jokingly saying what onlookers must have been thinking, "Eish! Poverty in South Africa!"

With a headache and sunburn from the dark side, I was F-I-N-I-S-H-E-D! Well, that is, right after I ate the best pizza in Lesotho at the Blue Mountain Inn (check it out when you're in TY).

And that, my dear reader, is my story. I have a sunburn on my face (did I already mention that?), two different tan lines on my legs marking the two different running pants I use (my multi-colored legs might scare off my soon-to-be in a couple of weeks...sorry in advance, my dear), and a reminder of how Lesotho's beauty never ceases to take my breath away (scenery and running...lol)! So, I'd say that the Lesotho Tourism Board 1/2 Marathon was a great way to appreciate the country's stunning view...however, next time, I think I'll drive!

Next up...the Gerald Fox Memorial 1/2 Marathon in the Joburg City Zoo!

Until next time, walk/run it instead of taking your car...so put one foot in front of the other...and keep it movin'!

Yours in (recovery) training,

Dani

Surrender Hill (Half) Marathon...Oh My!

Hello Dear Reader,

The name of the race alone has me concerned. Period. The location of the race is near that of the Ficksburg Cherry Half (the one that took 4eva to complete because it was straight up the entire side of a huge freaking hill!!!!)! Crazy. Period. Indeed, my name is Hillary. Yes, I run hills because I have to (and sometimes for fun). True, I have attempted and failed several times during the course of my running life to master the huge freaking hill I live atop. I have not, however, "surrendered" and plan to give the Surrender Hill (Half) Marathon my best shot this Saturday!

Here are the details if you happen to be interested in participating on Saturday or in future:

When: Saturday, 05 March 2011
Where: Clarens
Categories: Marathons & Half Marathons / Sporting Events

Surrender Hill Marathon

Organised by the Bethlehem Marathonklub with 3 options a 42.2km, 21.1km and 5km races. The start is the Martie Lotz Hall on short street, next to the tennis courts.

Starting in Fouriesburg, this is a race with great reward, for the magnificent view of the mountains is both memorable and breathtaking. Surrender Hill is a historical site where more than 4000 Boers, under General Marthinus Prinsloo, surrendered to the British during the Anglo-Boer War.

There are a number of demanding challenges on this route. Make no mistake; this course is tough, at times unrelenting. But during this race, more than almost any other, you will find that the wonderful scenery, coupled with the champagne air, fully compensates for the rigour of a hard marathon.

Oh crap...what am I getting myself into? I guess it's fitting that, on my last race before THE BIG RACE, I go back to (or nearby) where it all began. Doc has agreed to run with me...or as he put it last night..."not with you, but in the race, cause you're a beast". Thanks Doc!

Work is keeping me pretty busy so I probably won't be able to post anything until after the race.

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

Yours in (awe shoot, it's hill time again) training,

Dani

Hillary (Part II) & Road Trip Mayhem

Hello Dear Reader,

Just in case you forgot...I'd like to reintroduce myself: My name is Hillary and I run hills for fun. Yesterday morning, Doc called and said, "Hillary, it's that time again. Be prepared to run hills after work."

At exactly 6:00 pm, Doc and I set out to pound the pavement in downtown Maseru. Initially, I was going to take him on a tour of my long route which encircles the city, but my little friend complained that the streets were still way too busy...unlike the quiet streets around his neighborhood outside of town. Just because he complained, I took him on a super hilly route through Maseru West!

On the first hill, he managed to reach the top without incident. By the time we completed the second major hill, Doc was out of breath! Hahaha (or in Lesotho, "kwakwakwa")! I asked him if he needed a break, but the little pony's pride is that of a stallion! Onward!

In total, we ran up about 5 steep hills and the remaining course consisted of slight, but steady inclines. To put it plainly, Lesotho is known as "the mountain kingdom". Pretty much any street you run will include running up a hill, down a hill or along the ridge of a hill! Additionally, the elevation of Maseru is approximately 1600m (5249 ft) above sea level. Hopefully, this will come in handy during the marathon in Atlanta, Georgia at an elevation of 225 to 320 m (738 to 1050 ft)!

Like I said before, however, I won't feel ready until I am able to run up that donkey kong-sized hill behind my house! Until then...my name is Hillary!

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

Yours in (hills) training,

Dani

PS: Just for your entertainment, I've included some pictures of the ginormous potholes Doc and I encounter to reach the world outside of Maseru...into South Africa!

Doc representing the Crocodilian 32km




Instead of fixing the potholes, you'll see an exclamation point (!).
Just know you're in for a bumpy ride/flat tire!



One of MANY potholes!

Hillary (Part I)

Hello Dear Reader,

Dani aka Hillary ran hills last night. Alright, I'll stop referencing myself in 3rd person. Wouldn't want to be confused with Bob Dole or anything.

So yeah, right after work, as promised, I went straight home to change into my running gear. Surprisingly, I arrived to find Doc sitting in my driveway ready to go as well! Isn't that somethin'?! As soon as we changed, we headed out to tackle hills! First, we ran down the front side of the hill, which is part of my normal running route. At the bottom, we made a U-turn and, at a turtle's pace, headed right back up. All.the.way.up.up.up.up.

That darn hill went up forever and then we turned right back around and ran all the way down. Initially, the plan was to take a few laps up and down, but instead, we continued to follow the street until it reached the main road. Doc suggested that we take a left through an area of town called "White City". You may not have ever heard it called by it's formal name (Pope John Paul Rd), but I've spoken about this street several times before. This is the street that, when I first started running, would make my shins ache and dared me to continue. I took this street during the early days of my Sunday long run trainings.

When Doc suggested that we take Pope John Paul, my heart started to beat quickly (not because I just took a lap or two up and down a steep hill) and all of those failed long run attempts flooded my memory bank. Would I be able to run the entire street, finally, without stopping? Would my shins ache? Would I have to tell Doc I was out for the count?

Unequivocally and emphatically "NO"! Finally, after months and months of training, my old haunt is a haunt no more!

Once we hit the end of the street, we headed left towards the mother of all hills...and uuuuuuuup we went! Slooooooooowly! On our way up, several runners gingerly trotted down, making it look like a walk in the park. Up, my friends, is a totally different story. Just as we thought that the hill was coming to an end...oh no...not so fast...there's was more waiting for us just around the corner.

Long story short, my name is still Hillary and I'll be working on my hills!

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

Yours in (hills) training,

Dani

Hello, my name is Hillary and I've got a bum toe!

Hello Dear Reader,

I'd like to reintroduce myself. My name is Hillary and I run hills for fun. Wait, wait! Let me redo that. Hello, my name is Hillary and running hills isn't fun, but I still do it anyway. Ah, yes, much better!

As I stated in yesterday's post, my mission over the next couple of weeks is to run all of the roads (without stopping) that lead to the new Lesotho parliament building. I was supposed to run hills with my friend Doc yesterday, but he tricked me to get me out by his way so that I could hang out with his friends and take a break from running. He thinks I'm too intense. I guess I wasn't too annoyed, because we did have fun and it was raining anyway.

To make up for the trick, Doc sent me a message this morning saying, "I hope you're not doing anything today, cause we're running hills straight after work." Hmm... We'll see if he shows up... he is a lazy bum after all (jk).

Either way, I AM RUNNING HILLS TONIGHT...rain or shine...because I mean business! Tonight will be the first post- Sasol Half Marathon run. The 3 day break from running has actually been a great, yet unplanned, decision. All of the delayed aches and pains have subsided, and my toe is not throbbing like it has been. Additionally, my energy levels are fully restored and I'm ready to go, go, go!

But wait, let me rewind a little bit and speak about my toe. So, early last week, I was washing dishes and dropped a really heavy metal knife on one of my toe nails. If that wasn't enough trauma to my toe, I then had to go and run a half marathon. Poor little toe! After the race, I had Doc take a look at it and in his shaky medical opinion, he thinks my nail is going to fall off. Eww! In a resting state, my achy breaky toe is fine. When any pressure is applied to the nail (yes, I've got issues to do that), it's sore. Clearly, hill running and the upcoming Crocodilian 32km race won't keep me still...but it's the price we pay for 26.2 miles, right? I promise I won't take a picture of it and post it to this here blog (I hope), but forgive me in advance cause I will feel compelled to spill the yucky details every once in a while.

Ok, now back to running. We're all very well aware of the fact that, between November and December, I lost touch with my running mojo. Very sad. Very true. One of the best decisions I've made recently is planning weekend races to get my long miles in. Not only have I been able to knock out long runs, but the excitement and motivation I initially had around running is back and in full effect. Not sure if it's possible, but I'm still burning running high fuel. Setting targets and achieving mini-accomplishments has done the trick to make me want to get up every day and run (and getting a metal and race t-shirt doesn't hurt either). I mean really, how many marathon trainers can say that every time they complete a long run, they get a t-shirt and a medal for it? I know I can!

The other day, I was having an email conversation with one of my friends in Rwanda. We'll call her CPT. CPT is an amazingly witty lady with a passion for baked goods, hiking tall mountains, and lives by the motto..."Why stop at 26.2?" My lovely friend CPT told me that she is now training for a 100 mile race. I'll pause here for you to collect your jaw off the ground.......here's some elevator music to aid in the process....

......better now? Whew! 100 miles?! No way. No how. I asked her if she had reinforced steel legs and a mission to prove everyone in life wrong. I wanted to know...what's the secret.

My secret? i run very slowly. very consistently (as in consistent throughout the run and consistently through life). and with absolute pleasure- running is my favourite activity on earth (unless there is hiking as an option).why stop there when you can keep going? why hike kili when there is everest? that is the kind of mentality I have with exercise. I fail often and that is ok. But the only true secret to running is that it is all in your mind. if people realised that, the whole world would be runners. in fact, the whole world used to be runners before the invention of electricity.

Perhaps she has the right idea: trying in the face of failure and remembering that running is 95% mental. I forget the last part often. With that said, I'm going to level a few hills tonight and if it doesn't happen tonight, well, I'll keep trying until I do!

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

Yours in (95% mental) training,


Dani aka Hillary

One hell of a hill!

Hello Dear Reader,

Today is the day that I try to conquer one hell of a hill. Just call me Hillary until I do!:


I know you must be saying to yourself, "That's not such a big deal. My 3 year old nephew could do that!" If that's what you're thinking, and I'm sure it is, let me give you a different view of this mighty hill:


When I started training in August, I made a very first attempt at giving this beast of a hill a new name: "Mine"! One quarter of the way up the hill, when I had to literally stop and gasp for air, the hill yelled at me, "I don't think so!" I've done my very best ever since then to avoid it like the plague. However, I know that this hill must be run before I can feel totally confident in my ability to run the Publix Georgia Marathon- a race full of hills!

Yes, I'm going on and on about this hill and still, I feel that you're closely examining the pictures and doubting my sanity, because you don't think it looks big at all! In my last attempt to illustrate how insane this hill is, before I invite you to personally run it yourself, take a look at this picture:


...and even still, this picture doesn't do the hill justice, because once it reaches the top of the road, you have to turn the corner and continue up the side of the hill on the left (you can kind of make out a path through the middle)!

This week, I've tasked myself with running up and down this entire hill without stopping. Surely, it will take several attempts over several days...and perhaps a couple of weeks, but I'm going to get there! This afternoon I will take a first stab at it and give you feedback on the results.

Wish me luck, Dear Reader! I think I'm going to need it!

And on another note, I will be running the Crocodilian 32km race this Saturday (with Doc, I hope) and "God willing and the creek don't rise" (yes, I'm a Southerner), I'll run the Dairy Belle Naval Duiwel Half Marathon (a recent add to the race roster) on February 19th!

As always, you know I'll keep you posted on my hill training this week!

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

Yours in (hill) training,

Hillary (aka 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