err...I meant Cape Gate Vaal Half Marathon

Hello Dear Reader,

On Friday night, the plan was to drive to Clarens, South Africa; get some rest; and wake up early in the morning to run the Surrender Hill Half Marathon. Work, however, had other plans. On top of the fact that I was super tired from being on the go for the past month, I had sundowners with a team of my primary program's funders and someone from my headquarter office. When we were finished, I simply couldn't muster the energy to drive to the race. Doc didn't seem too upset that I didn't go, because he spent a concerted amount of effort to keep me in Lesotho to run an 18km route he's been raving about. Although I would have preferred to get a medal for my long run, I agreed to go with Doc at 7am on Saturday morning.

Saturday morning= rain= our planned 7am meet-up wasn't going to happen. Laying in my bed, thinking of the work I needed to get done before I head to the US on Friday, and feeling terrible about not making the race, I took a chance and looked at the Nedbank Race Calendar to see if there might be any races I could attend. Just my luck...the Cape Gate Vaal Marathon...in Vereeniging, South Africa...not too far from many of the races I've completed. Score!

Doc paid me an impromptu visit on Saturday morning, forcing me to get up and start my day. After an extended lunch with Doc, I spent a few hours at work, and then hit the road for the Cape Gate Vaal Half Marathon!

Luckily, I arrived at the hotel early enough to relax, catch up with a few people on Skype, and get to bed early (for once!). At 4:20 am, I hit the road for the 30 minute drive to the race venue: Dickie Fouries Stadium.

As per the usual, after registration, I took the opportunity to relax and observe the madness. Yes, I did say madness! There were so many race participants, it was almost overwhelming. Usually, there is a great deal of fan fare at many of these races: tents, booths, food venders, other venders, etc. This race, however, had very little to do other than the race. Turns out that this event was the last opportunity for runners to qualify for the Two Oceans Marathon (56km) in April (remember, I'll be running the half).

The massive participant base created a totally different race experience than I've had to date. Usually, after the clock starts, the running pack tends to thin out rather quickly. During this race, the pack never really thinned...at least not where I was. The mostly flat course also made running a bit easier and prevented many people from falling back. There were several hills, but being Hillary and all...well...you know what I mean...easy! Speaking of hills, that's what I'll be focusing on entirely for the next two weeks...my taper weeks!

Long story short, with three kilometers to go, I picked up the pace and went into a

full on sprint. Might as well finish strong, right?! Good thing I put a little pep in my step, because it helped me set a new personal record (PR)...21.1 km (13.1m) in 2hr16min! Just in case you didn't know/don't remember, my last time for the same distance was 2hr18min in the Sasol Half Marathon! Woohoo!!!! Since every time I run a half marathon, my time decreases, I'm even more motivated to continue to run to see how low I can go! My next chance to test my skills in a half will be when I run the Two Oceans during Easter weekend. Cha-ching!!!

Race over, ready to head back to the hotel, I was

stopped by some of the guys Doc met while at the Crocodilian 32km. One guys said, "Sho! You love to run!" Now that I think about it...I guess I do! I, Dani, who, before August never ran more than a couple of minutes, loves to run! I went from never participating in a race, other than pass the potato relay race during school field days, I've run one 10km, 4 half marathons, and a 32km! Wow!

Now that my practice races have been completed, I have no more long runs, and only have two weeks left until the Publix Georgia Marathon, I need to do a bit of reading on how to successfully taper! One would have thought that I would have a detailed outline of tapering procedures since my 2nd job is also runner blog stalking, but nope, I don't! I knew that a taper would happen eventually, but wanted to focus on the task at hand...complete my (modified) training plan!

Well, that's all I have for now! Time to start thinking about this whole taper business!

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

Yours in (taper to the BIG ONE) 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

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

Yet another race: Sasol Half Marathon

Hello Dear Reader,

I know you're going to think I'm crazy for what I'm about to tell you, so I'll just say it straight: I'm signing up for the Sasol Half Marathon. There, I said it! Oh, I guess that me signing up for another half isn't so crazy-sounding. I mean, it's not like I haven't done it before. Well, here's the crazy part: It's this weekend! Yes, this weekend, as in exactly one week after I completed the Ottosdal Draf en Trap Half Marathon...as in Saturday, February 5th!

Several times over the past couple of months, I've spoken a lot about how undisciplined I've become in my marathon training schedule. Now that I'm less than two months away from the Publix Georgia Marathon, it's time to step it up in a whole new way...safely. I need to ensure that my body has time to adjust to the high milage that I'll be asking it to cover soon enough. In order to hold myself more accountable, meet milage milestones, and add a little bit of excitement to training, I've decided to enter weekend races of varying lengths.

The Sasol Half Marathon was an unexpected find. I wasn't exactly looking to run a race this weekend, but what the heck! Why not?! ...And surprisingly, I'm not sore at all from this past weekend, so I think I'm in good shape to run another one (Linesiya, I'm listening to my body and it says "You go girl!")

Instead of continuing to blab, I'll let you in on the race description:

Difficulty Rating: 2.

Route Type: Lap

The marathon is two-laps of the half marathon route. The course is mainly fast and flat with gradual gradients. There is a fairly challenging 900 metre long hill in the last third of the lap. The race is run through the residential, industrial and commercial precincts of Sasolburg.

Sasol Half Marathon

After comparing the route description and the route elevation, I'm trying to figure out how the picture can possibly be call "flat". I guess I'll see when I get there.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on my progress, as usual.

On another note, keep your fingers and toes crossed that my side of town finally gets running water restored- 8 days and counting without it!

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

Yours in (unexpected race) training,

Dani

PS: I'm still looking to update my training playlist. At this point, I only have about 3 hours worth of songs and I somehow suspect that more than 5 hours of music is needed for the big day! Thanks in advance.

Ottosdal Draf en Trap= Best Race Ever!!!

Hello Dear Reader,

Yesterday morning, I woke up on my couch after a long night out on the town- contacts still in my eyes, makeup on, and Couch Potato # 2 snoring up a storm. Not exactly the perfect condition to drive 4 hours and run a 1/2 marathon! As I lay on my couch with one eye half opened, every single reason for NOT running ran (no pun intended) through my mind: My eyes are killing me; I'm too tired; I don't want to drive 4 hours; I can't go if there's no water at home; there's a party tonight; I haven't run consistently for weeks, how am I supposed to run a race...and the list goes on. Perhaps the ONLY reason I managed to get up, packed, and out the door by 6:45 am was the thought of having a shower waiting for me at the other end of my 4 hour drive (the 6th day without water in the entire city of Maseru)!!!!!

Luckily, I arrived at my hotel room early enough to take a looooong shower, get a bite to eat and take nap long enough to trick me into thinking that I could run 21.1 km (13.1 miles) later in the day. The actual race was about 1 hour away from where I was staying (no accommodation near the race venue) so I left at 3:00 pm. Let me tell you this- if I blinked, surely I would have missed the tiny town of Ottosdal. Just as all of the reviews said, the highlight of the town is the annual Daf en Trap night race!

The Daf en Trap event is comprised of a cycling competition, 42.2 km (26.2 miles), 21.1 km (13.1 miles), 10 km, and 5 km race. I was rather surprised to see so many people both watching and participating in the race. People came from all over South Africa to take part (I didn't feel so crazy for driving all the way from Lesotho).

Since I had several hours to kill, I did what I always do- observed runners' various warm-up strategies/habits: Stretching, warm-up runs, chatting with friends, listening to music, smoking (YES, SMOKING), resting, and watching others. Additionally, I grabbed a mealie (corn on the cob) for a little pre-race fuel. Later on during the race (about 10 km in), I would regret chowing down on the whole thing when I thought I was going to puke on the side of the road. TMI?

As I waited for the race to start I sat on the field and did a bit of stretching with several other runners. I tell you, I've never been so at home than I did with so many people who have worse tan lines than I do. Remember the ugly tan line I posted after the Ficksburg Cherry race.

..a fugly ring around my mid-calf (it's gotten worse)? Other runners have it much worse...short-shorts lines on their upper and mid-thighs...razorback stripes on their backs...lines on their arms...outlines of running sunglasses...a runner's badge of honor, if you will.

Just before the 42.2 km race began, the loud speaker came on and the announcer began to say a whole bunch of stuff I didn't understand because it was all in Afrikaans. The only time I heard what was being said was when the speaker started praying...in Afrikaans, English, and Setswana...and when he counted down from 5, followed by a gunshot, the song "Chariots of Fire" playing, and a mass of bodies crossing the starting line.

The marathon was followed by the 1/2 marathon. Again, a prayer in 3 languages, "Chariots of Fire", and we were off!

Can I just tell you that this is THE best race I've run thus far. The event was well organized, water satchels and Coke were plentiful, kerosene lamps lining the lane divider at sunset, awesome race volunteers, machines spraying mists of water as runners passed, and best of all...the course was ah-maze-ing (read: relatively flat!!!). I am convinced that training in Lesotho (read: high altitudes and steep hills) allowed me to run the majority of the race. Let me say that again...I ran the majority.of.the race!!! I wasn't even tired! I started off slow and maintained a steady pace, which is a strategy I've been putting into practice of late. Hopefully, the same will be true when I get to Georgia on March 20th!!!

By the time I reached the 17 km mark, I almost didn't feel like running. Again, I wasn't tired...I was just ready for the race to end. However, as I was just at the brink of walking, a fellow runner caught up to me and said, "Keep it slow and steady, we're almost there." This anonymous comment gave me the motivation to continue running. About 1 km later, I was about ready to walk again...the song on my playlist threw off my pace. Once again, the anonymous man ran up to me and said, "We're almost there. Keep going. Just keep it steady." Instead of running ahead, I ran next to the man at his pace. The simple act of running with him gave me the motivation I needed to finish strong...with a faster pace for the remaining 3 km (two km away from the finish line, my running partner encouraged me to run fast and go ahead without him). I never got my running partner's name nor did I ever see his face, but I thanked him profusely for helping right when I needed it most!

My finishing time: 2 hours 25 minutes (about 40 minutes shorter than the Ficksburg Cherry Half)!!!

After my amazing experience at the Ottosdal Draf en Trap, I look forward to getting

more serious about my training, and getting out with the local running club!

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from the race...and the race t-shirts were finished by the time I registered, but I do have a sexy medal (my 3rd one, by the way) to show off...

Next up on the race schedule is either the Crocodilian 32 km (20 miles), which is in the same region as the Ottosdal Draf en Trap or the...

Kloppers/Adidas Festival of Running marathon or half marathon. Yes, you read it right, I'm kinda considering the marathon. Many of my friends want to run this one, but I'm reluctant because a) I'd like the GA Marathon to be my 1st marathon; and 2) I don't know if my body would be ready to run a marathon on February 12th, just to be ready again a month later. One of my friends suggests that I use it as a training race for the big one...or that I duck out at 32 km...but that's just silly.

Or the Godrich/Toyota Bronkhorstspruit 32 km, which is near Johannesburg.

With the exception of the Kloppers race, all of them require another 4 hour drive, so we'll see! If the water isn't back on in Maseru, God forbid, a drive will definitely be tempting...for a hot shower, at least!

Well, I need to rest my finger bones a bit! Until next time...one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours in training,

Dani

No Rest For The Weary!

Hello Dear Reader,

Do you remember me telling you about the Two Oceans Marathon- the crazy 56 km (34.8 miles) Ultra Marathon held annually in Cape Town, South Africa? The marathon that seemingly everyone in Maseru is out running through the streets day and night for? No...I didn't sign up for the Ultra marathon...I'm not that crazy, ok!...but after so much talk about the race and seeing as how it's snuggled right in the middle of a (long) Easter weekend, I've managed to (almost) secure my spot in the 1/2 Marathon on April 23rd!!!

Remember the post I wrote about becoming more open to the idea of running with a partner(s)? The idea was to train with two ladies who are preparing for the 1/2 and one lady who is training for the ultra. We met up one evening to discuss the logistics for signing up for the race, but unfortunately, the 1/2 marathon registration filled up soon after it was opened for applications. Boo! When I heard that there was no chance of registering, I gave up on the idea, but due to the industrious nature and ambition of one of my friends, she found out that registration was only closed to the residents of South Africa! 1 Point for the US of A! As soon as I heard this information, gazillions of emails were sent back and forth to other 1/2 marathon hopefuls in Lesotho. A whole convoy of interested folks from Lesotho is being formed as I type...we' headed to CPT! I've even booked my flight! I'm ready!!!

I just had to share in the uber exciting news! See, just as I said, my commitment to running/living better goes beyond March 20th!

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

Yours in 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)

I'm baaaaaaaaaack!

Hello Dear Reader,

I'm back in the game...or at least that's what it feels like. As we've previously discussed, my vacation really threw off both my running and healthy eating routine (sore legs and expanded waistline as proof). All of the workshops, holiday parties, road trips, vacations and just plain old laziness on my part (and associated guilt) consumed December. Preparing myself mentally to get back in the running spirit, in addition to the January 1st race seemed to do just the trick. My old motivation...the excitement I used to feel about running...is back or at least that's the way I've been feeling all weekend.

The day after the race, I looked outside of my hotel window to find rain. Rain, however, did not stop me from running an easy 30 minutes. Just as I said a few posts ago, daily rain storms in Lesotho have been my excuse for not getting up at 5am to pavement pound. Now, I can't blame it on the rain. The blame will now (and has always)fall squarely on me.

Back in Lesotho...you guessed it...still raining...but I woke up, threw my gear on and managed to run for a full hour. This morning's run gave me a small boost of confidence because I finally conquered several hills that, in the past, I've walked up. Upon returning home, I completed three different arm exercises...something that has also fallen a bit by the wayside. But that was all in 2010.

In 2011, I am motivated to get my butt in shape and keep it there! In order to do so, I'm going to participate in at least 4 races before March 20th. (Attaching dates/events to running goals seems to be the key). It looks as if my car will be getting a bit of exercise too!

So far, this is what I've come up with:

January 29th: Ottosdal's Night Race Half Marathon (21.1 km)-excited about this one! there will be a pasta dinner the night before the race.

February 12th: Crocodilian 32 km (20 miles)!!!!!!

February 27th: Township 15 km

March 5th: Maluti-A-Phofung Street Mile- will be a nice way to officially wrap up my training!

Well, that's all I have for now.

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

Yours in (road race running) training,

Dani

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

A little more than halfway...I went all the way!!!

Dear Reader!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I DID IT!!!!

I DID IT!!!!

I DID IT!!!!

I DID IT!!!!

I DID IT!!!!

I DID IT Dear Reader! I did it! I completed my first ever 1/2 marathon (23k/14.3 miles)...The Ficksburg Cherry Festival 1/2 Marathon!

This morning, my nerves were all over the place. Instead of waking up with my alarm clock, which was set for 4:30 am, my mind/body woke up at 3:45! Up and at-em, dressed to impress, and out the door at 4:45 am!

The drive to Ficksburg, South Africa was about 1 hour, but seemed much shorter because the scenery is so incredibly beautiful. In case I haven't stressed this enough, I live on top of a mountain range which spills into South Africa...and all throughout Ficksburg...trees, rolling hills, farm animals, beautiful birds, fields full of wild flowers...amazing...what a way to start my day!

I pulled into Ficksburg and headed directly to the registration center/starting line (aka Ficksburg Primary School). As I mentioned in a previous post, the late registration fee and temporary runner's license (this was a NedBank sponsored, qualifying event) was paid and I walked around watching the crowd build with nervous energy (or was the nervous part just me?). Bib # 690.

Prior to the 1/2, the crowd running the 4.8 k fun run took off at 6:30 am. Soon there after, runners (of all shapes, sizes, athletic abilities, etc.) lined up...and ready to go. Approximately 10 minutes to 7 am, a man got on the loud speaker and started speaking in Afrikaans. I didn't understand everything that he said, so I walked up to a nice gentleman and asked for a translation...he laughed and said "he's preaching to us". A few minutes later, the speaker switched to English, followed by Sesotho. "This is a race, an amazing race. But who are you running for? For yourself? For someone else? You should be running for Jesus' salvation..." Ummm....

Promptly at 7am, a horn blew and we were off! Now before giving you a kilometer by kilometer run down, let me just tell you that I did little to no research on this race other than to find out the date and registration details. With that caveat...I was caught.off.guard! The first three kilometers were slight, yet rolling hills. Drinking station #1...they were unprepared for the number of runners...the water and coke were finished. Wha.da.hell!?!

Just after kilometer 3, a group of ladies and children were standing on the side of the road. As I passed, they yelled "Ausi waka (My sister)!" in Sesotho. At that very moment, I felt tears welling up in my eyes! Yes, I was in the process of running the longest distance I've ever run in my life. I was doing it! My two feet-two legs were carrying me closer and closer to a goal that I'm not sure I even believed I would be able to accomplish. I felt absolutely incredible!

Kilometers 3.5-ish to 17, on the other hand, were all a blur. A big freaking blur! Why you ask? We.literally.ran.up.the.side.of.a.freaking.mountain!!! Straight up a mountain. If you didn't understand what I just said, let me repeat: STRAIGHT UP THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN!!!! Meaning no flat area, all off road (rocks, mud, mountain, rocks, mountain). At several points during this literal uphill battle, I wanted to hit myself for not praying with the man on the loud speaker at the start of the race. I mean, to run this race, you need God! I should have listened!

The water station at 6k was down to one bottle of ice with a bit of water by the time I arrived. A young girl literally poured about 3 tablespoons of water in my hands to drink. Whaaaaa...... It was work just to get there, up the side of a mountain in death's-door-heat! Water station service started to improve from there on. Somewhere around 17k, I stopped to get a cup of coke. The man handing me a cup told me that he was going to remember my bib number for the rest of his life. He asked if he could get my phone number to call me after the race. (Blank stare).

From the 18k mark, the laws of gravity went into full effect. "What goes up, must come down." Down, down, down the endless mountain I had to climb! At one point, I thought that the path would never stop going UP!

At about 19k, I took another pouch full of water and started walking (again). As I approached town there were tons of road side supporters out cheering people on. I walked by one such group and a woman yet at me, "Ratsamaya Ausi, ratsamaya! (Let's go sister, let's go!)". What a motivation when you know someone is speaking directly to you...I picked up the pace. Children ran along side me saying "Go sister, go!" Lots of high-5's. A group of children singing the South African national anthem. Women yelling "You're almost there sister, keep going!" in Sesotho.

At around 21k, the path took us through a residential area. A group of runners were standing around what seemed to be a doll, but clearly...it wasn't a doll but a woman who was passed out on the ground...out cold! Luckily emergency services were there. That scene alone was sobering. Long distance running is a serious sport which comes along with serious risks. For as much as you prepare for a long distance road race, so many things can happen: heat stroke, dehydration, salt imbalance- you name it! This is why proper training and well organized events (with medical stations along the way, race monitors, hydration stations, etc.) are essential!

For the rest of my journey, I did walk run intervals until I finally reached the FINISH LINE approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes after I started. <-----definitely not the finishing time I was hoping for, but the mountain had other plans for me. Still, not bad for my first race. Plus, If I can cover the distance that I covered today, on pavement, and not climbing up a ginormous mountain, I am certain that I will do better.

To sum up this very long "race report", I'd like to suggest a new slogan for the Ficksburg Cherry Festival Half Marathon (if it even has one). Would you like to hear it? Here it goes-

Ficksburg Cherry Festival (More Than A) Half Marathon: Makes every other 1/2 marathon look like child's play! Or this: Up a f**king mountain!

I'm still working on slogan ideas, but you get the point!

The reality of what I've just accomplished still hasn't hit me yet. Wow, I actually did it- me, Danielle who never thought I'd ever get this far several months back. Guess what though, I did!

I'm more than halfway there Dear Reader, and I'll keep going until I reach 26.2 miles in exactly four months from today! Keep running along with me and you'll see!

Until next time...One foot in front of the other...Ain't no river wide enough! Ain't no valley low enough! Ain't no mountain high enough...to keep me from my goal!

Keep it movin'!

Yours in (awesomeness) training,

Dani

P.S. My boss was 2k down the road completing a full marathon...on bike. There was a mountain bike race associated with the Cherry Festival. One group completed 42k and the second group completed something like 60k. He came in 10th in the 42k group. I told him that he was a show off...and to try covering that distance on foot!

P.S.S. I saw several ladies running in skirts! Can't wait to try mine out for size!

P.S.S. I will definitely make use of the water pack my parental units are bringing...could have used it today!

P.S.S.S. The picture taking was super limited...there was no space for spectators during the majority of the race. I asked a lady to take a picture of me near the finish line...she captured the "s" and "h" of finish and my head...that's all you need to know, right? I finished! :-)

Exactly half!

Dear Reader,

In 24 hours, I would have long since (hopefully) completed my very first 1/2 marathon...the Ficksburg Cherry Festival 1/2 Marathon (In Afrikaans: Kersie-Wedloop) to be exact! This is it...the midpoint in my ultimate goal to completing the Publix Georgia Marathon (no longer the "ING Georgia Marathon"). This is also the halfway point in my training schedule...I started training four months ago (August) and I have four more months to go. Tomorrow, November 20th, 2010 is four months exactly to the day of "the big one". At 6:30 am, I will begin my quest to running 13.1 miles and in four more months, I'll be running double that distance-26.2 miles- halfway across the world in Georgia, US of A.

With all of these halves and midways, I just hope that all of this training, preparation, swollen ankles, sore knees, and official gym rat status will all add up to a whole...a whole 1/2 marathon completed...a whole marathon completed.

This evening, I will carb load like there is no tomorrow. Upbeat music will be blasting to keep the momentum going. My camera will be charged and ready for tons of pictures (even if I have to get a random cherry fest-goer to take them). Ankles will be iced. The classic movie "Coming to America" will be playing (random, yes, I know). Bed time will be early. All of this in preparation for a 4:30 am wake up- an hour drive to Ficksburg- late registration (R65 + a R12 temporary runner license)- and a 6:30 am starting time!

Although I'm a bit nervous, I'm ready to get this party started! Wish me luck and I'll see you on the other side...of 13.1 miles!

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

Yours in (I'm about to run a half marathon) training!!!!!!,

Dani

...And in the immortal words of Spongebob Square Pants...(say it with me now...) "I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready!I'm ready!"

13.1 miles in 3 days!!!

Dear Reader,

I must be crazy...me, Dani...running 13.1 miles in 3 days? Wha.da.hell-o?! Am I ready? Can I do this? Will I remember how to run? What if my pavement pounding playlist isn't long enough? What if I'm passed up by a 15 year old? Oh, wait, you have to be at least 16 years old...ok, so what if I'm passed up by a 16 year old? What if my running pants split at mile 5? What if I need to take a potty break at mile 1...and mile 3...and mile 5...and mile 6...and mile 6.5...and what if I ran out of toilet paper at mile 4? Will I be crawling over the finish line? Will I be on my feet? What if I chicken out? What if I forgot to put my right sock on? The race starts at 6:30 am...will I get there in time? Will I be the last person to cross the finish line? The race must be completed in 3 hours and 30 minutes...will they give me a medal if I cross at 3hr31min? I feel like Carrie on prom night...her mother taunts with those memorable lines..."They're all gonna laugh at you".



Just playing! Seriously though, I'm kinda nervous about my first road race!

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

Keep it movin'!

Yours in (1/2 marathon on the way to a full marathon) training,

Dani