Talked about it. I AM about it.

Hello Dear Reader,

At exactly 6:oo am on New Year's Day (as in this morning), I pulled into the quickly filling parking lot of the Pretoria Botanical Gardens to register for the 11k in 2011 road race. After purchasing my temporary race license (is this common in US road races?), I had the opportunity to take a tour of the garden grounds (which is definitely not as stunning as the one in Cape Town) and observe all of the warm-up/race preparations made by the various participants. Some people found a seat and observed as well. Other runners stretched, walked around, took warm-up laps, greeted friends, and meditated on the task at hand. Several women donned running skirts. One man wore compression socks. Several women pushed prams and one man ran the entire race barefooted. <----I hear this becoming somewhat of a trend. As I become more acquainted with the road race circuit, I wonder if I'll develop a pre-game routine. Thus far, I've enjoyed watching people do what they do, but that's not much different than what I do anyway.

Approximately 10 minutes prior to start time, a crowd began to gather around the finish line which was towards the back of the park. Promptly at 7am, the mass of runners began to move forward and we were off! The path that we were on led out of the service entry of the park, spilling out onto the road leading to the main entrance. The majority of the race was spent circling the perimeter of the gardens, which was lovely in and of itself. With the exception of two steep hills, the course was pretty flat...(If this were Facebook, I'd press the "like" button). At kilometer 7, the course entered the park and lapped around twice, before leading runners into the finishing corral- 1 hr and 8 minutes.

Coke was made available once runners reached the finish line. As I reached for a cup, an old man shook my hand and said, "You did a really good job out there. Finished strong." That made me feel terrific because it was random and unsolicited. We could all use a few unsolicited pats on the back, don't ya think?

I'm soooo happy that I talked myself into participating in this race. It could have been just as easy to sleep in today, nursing a New Year's Eve hangover, than be in running condition on New Year's Day. (Trust me, I considered this option of a brief moment!). Instead, I chose to make the commitment to myself that I'm going to finish what I've started. I vow that this year, my New Year's Resolutions will not be empty words scribbled on a piece of paper (in the bin), but concrete actions.

What a great way to enter into 2011!

Dear Reader, I hope that you had a wonderful time bringing in the New Year.

2011 will be what you/I/we make of it! For me, 2011 will be the year of "Don't talk about it, be about it. Talked about. I AM about it!"

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

Yours in (about it) training,

Dani

PS: Check out my first piece of racing bling! Check for me, I'll be wearing that beast for the next week!

New Year's Resolutions

Hello Dear Reader,

Christmas at the beach with Couch Potato #2 and some pretty amazing people was just what Santa Claus ordered! Clearly, Old Saint Nick thought I was good enough this year to be rewarded with such an amazing experience (or he chose to overlook one or fifteen small things)!

As I begin to prepare for the excitement that is New Year's Eve & Day, reflecting on all that has taken place this past year never ceases to amaze me. Specifically, I've grown up a whole helluva lot both personally and professionally. Frustrating experiences have been turned into lemonade, which have been turned into a thriving lemonade stand, if you will. Things that were great from start to finish were the quintessential cherries on top.

This new endeavour of running has been both frustrating and extremely rewarding. In the past 137 days/4.5 months, I have gone from being unable to run 8 minutes straight to running my first 1/2 marathon. There were times that my knees wanted to take a rain check. At one point, my ankles gave me an ultimatum- quit now or never walk again. I went from feeling uncomfortable running outside in fear that I would have to walk all the way back with tail between legs. I managed to run my first non-stop 5k in 41 minutes, two weeks into this journey. Now I can run a 5k in 31 minutes (and the time keeps dropping). Finally, I have managed to fit back into pants that have been keeping the back of the top shelf of my closet company for two years. My shoulders are set back just a little more than they were initially. My chin is raised ever so slightly higher than before. Most importantly, the word "can't" and all the ways it manifests itself are slowly, but surely slipping away.

Four days away from 2011 or as they are starting to say in South Africa- 2000-elevation, my resolution for the new year is to use the lessons learned from 2010 and apply them in all things that I do moving forward. It is my hope that I continue to break down the barriers I've set for myself (many of us have that problem); set ambitious goals and achieve them; and continue to seek a healthy lifestyle through running, eating well, and maintaining a positive outlook.

Concretely, in 2011 I plan to do the following:

1. Run 1 marathon in a country other than the US of A before the end of the year.
2. Every quarter, run in at least one race.
3. Renew my membership to the gym.
4. Encourage one person to begin a regular exercise and healthy eating routine.

So there you have it good people! I'm still working on getting my mind back into running shape...a lot more difficult than it has been before...but I'm getting there!

Until next time...come up with a few of your own realistic and measurable goals for the New Year (and don't forget to share them)...and of course, keep it movin'!



Yours in (still getting my act together) training,

Dani

P.S. Within the next day or so, I have to decide if I'm going to run in the "First Eleven" New Year's (11.1k) race at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens. This morning, I called the race organizer to find out the details...that's the first step, right?!

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

Personal Needs Assessment

Hello Dear Reader,

Of late, I've been re-assessing my overall training needs: running schedule, coaching needs, and overall motivation/determination. Preliminary results from said needs assessment have lead me to believe that I need to revamp my training plan. As I mentioned a few posts ago, I want to step up my workout schedule to include a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday running schedule. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be reserved for strength training. Furthermore, on the M/W/F plan, I'd like to run for an hour each day.

With all of this additional running time, I started to consider my coaching needs. Do I really need two trainers? Do I really need/want to have someone standing next to me for an hour (doing what I don't know...hopefully not talking to me) while I run? As I've said before, I'm not really a fan of people talking to me while I run...not good for the focus I need to keep going beyond the first 1.6k (1 mile)...I like to zone out. So, after a bit of close consideration, I think I've come to a decision: Let my credit expire with Mad-dog Trainer and start working with New (old) Trainer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I think that New (old) Trainer will be of most help since his passion is really strength training, whereas Mad-dog is more of a general fitness coach. I've always thought that New (old) Trainer secretly has plans to enter me into a female body building competition. Working with him two days a week focusing on toning will balance my 4 intense days of cardio. Sound good to you? Sounds good to me! Now let's put our hands in the middle...on the count of three...one...two...three...Break!

****And "Break" I did! The first half of this post was written early in the morning (since I failed to get out of bed in time for my 5:30 am appointment with the gym and Mad-dog Trainer***

Now that I have a new plan and increased motivation/determination to see this plan through, I made sure to hit the gym after a long day at work. My running goal for today: 10 k in 1 hour and 10 minutes (which I didn't manage to do on Sunday since I was in recovery mode from the concert on Saturday). P.S: A special thanks to Linesiya for motivating me (threatening me if I didn't) to push for my goal by sending me cool messages throughout the day! Ok...back to the running goal. Go ahead, ask me who managed to run 10.6k (6.625 miles) in 1 hour and 6 minutes. Go ahead...it's ok...ask away! Woohoo!!!!! I feel super fantastic! And by that I mean super-fantastic-feel-like-I can-do-just-about-anything-maybe-even-run-for-another-30-minutes-no-that's-just-crazy-but-I-still-feel-amazingly-fit-and-feeling-fine-as-wine!!!! I nailed it!

Whew...got that out of my system!

Since tomorrow is another day and the next day is yet another day, I'll be excited for now but not rest on this accomplishment alone. I've got BIG plans, Dear Reader! ...And lest I forget...I still have 31.32 miles left to train for!

I want to do it! I can do it! I will do it! Hopefully, you'll come along for the run!

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

Yours in training,

Dani

Call me "10.6k" Dani

Hello Dear Reader,

As you know by now, Sundays are reserved for my long runs. Since I did a little backtracking on my training program, in order to build up strength and endurance, I'm now at week 5...or 6 miles (10k).

Having not run much last week planted a seed of doubt regarding my ability to run 6 miles today. I guess that's why I was so anxious about running a few posts ago...could I do it? I mean...I've never run 6 miles in my life. Is my body ready for that type of distance? Will my legs fold up like a picnic table? Well, as someone from the South(ern America) once said, "Ain't nothin' to it, but to do it..."

My game plan was to first tackle a route near my office building which was mapped out a long time ago...approximately 4k. That took me 21 minutes. Next up, hit the treadmill for 6k (interval program, level 2, pace 9.4-9.6). I completed 6.6k in 43 minutes. All of that combined (10.6k) took 64 minutes! Woohoooooooo!!!!

Wow! I can't believe that I actually did it! I feel sooooo good!!! The best part about it was that there was no knee or hip pain, and I wasn't tired during or after the fact. If coaxed, I'm sure that I could have done more. Additionally, it would have been better if the trip wasn't broken up...from outside to the gym.

So, you may be wondering why I broke the trip up in the first place...or better yet, why am I not running outside completely. There are two reasons: 1) In lieu of a pedometer (my iPod will be here next week by the way...yea Nike +!!!), the treadmill allows me to keep track of my distance and time; and 2) Safety, safety, safety! As a single girl running around in spandex pants with headphones on, I am asking to make myself an easy target for all of the would-be weirdos in this town. Guess it's time to find a running partner?

And on a side note, as you may be able to tell, I ended up not going on vaycay as planned. There was a mass exodus at the boarder into South Africa. It literally took me 2 hours of sitting in my car with the windows down, only having moved 1/2k to 1k, to make staying around for the weekend look like a really fun idea. Be that as it may, I'm really geeked to have accomplished my running goal for the week! Next Sunday, I only have to run 3 miles (4.8k...but we'll make it 5k for good measure!).

Dear Reader, I hope that you're enjoying your weekend as much as I am!

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

Yours in training,

Dani

Darn!

Hello Dear Reader,

My cold from a couple of weeks back has trailed off for the most part, but there's a slight (yet annoying) cough lingering. It's irritating enough to still take a bit of cough syrup every couple of days, right before bedtime. Last night was one of those nights, plus I stayed up several hours past my now normal bedtime of 9:30 pm on Tuesday. Having said all of that, I was super drained and sleepy! Last night, my head hit the feathers around 7:30 pm and I woke up SUPER refreshed this morning for my gym appointment with mad-dog trainer.

Time on the treadmill was set for 50 minutes. The aim was to warm up for about 3 minutes and see if I could get 7k (4.35 miles) for the remaining time. About 15 minutes into the run, I let my arms drop, hit the emergency stop button by accident, and reset my program. Dang! I didn't even know how many kilometers I ran. Mad-dog trainer gave me the side eye while resetting the time to 30 minutes. Within that time, I managed to get 4.3K.

So, let's do the math: 4.3K/30 minutes= 6.97 minutes per kilometers (6.97 x 1.6= 11.15 minute/mile). If I continued at that pace, it would have taken me (6.97 x 7K= ) about 48.79 minutes to run 7k. So, I would have been about 7 minutes short of my goal.

Hmm...with an 11.15 minute mile, that means that it would take me about 1hr and 9 minutes to complete a 10 k; 2 hr and 42 minutes to complete a half marathon (13.1 miles); and about 5 hr and 26 minutes to complete a marathon. (For the sake of my entire elementary school education, I hope my math is correct). I understand that this time may shift as I progress (I might run at a turtle's pace or that of a slow hare). At this point, I'm not preoccupied with time. I really just want to accomplish my distance goals, and in the end, (as mentioned in a previous post) cross the finish line before the sweeper bus gets me!

Following the run, I worked on my bu-bye arms. Using 2 3kg dumbbells, I did 3 sets of 12 bicep curls, and 3 sets of 12 (what I like to call) Sunday morning newspaper curls. Imagine opening up a newspaper...elbows down and to the side...make the motion you would to open a news paper...only with dumbbells. I also used two different machines to work on my triceps. Lastly, I worked out my triceps by sitting on the side of a step and lifting myself...3 sets of 15 reps.

After the workout routine was complete, mad-dog trainer weighed me and took my measurements. My weight has not changed, however, I've lost an inch or two here and there. A bit disappointed by these results, I must admit, but I've definitely improved in other ways: running longer and faster than I ever have, going to the gym just about 5 days a week for the past 5 weeks, more motivation to workout than ever, and a digestive system that could put a 20 year old's to shame (tmi?)! Also, I can definitely notice the increased definition in my legs and stomach. Mad-dog trainer told me not to fret or get discouraged, as it is not uncommon to not see drastic physical changes/weight loss for months. I'm holding her to her word! My primary goal, after all, is to run and complete a marathon by March 20th. Since I'm nowhere close to running 26.2 miles, I'll be "up in the gym, just workin' on my fitness" (Fergalicious) for the next 6 months!

I'm not going to push myself too hard, but I'd definitely like to hit the gym on Saturday morning to check out my 7k time. Hmm...can I fit 7k into a 50 minute run? I'll let you know tomorrow, for sure!

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

Yours in (perseverance) training,

Dani

Sometimes, I get obsessed!

Hello Dear Reader,

I wanted to leave you with ooooone more post before I head off for my much needed vaycay.

Linesiya and I have been emailing each other all night about this BIG Dream, which would raise funds for HIV research and programming via organized marathons? 1/2 marathons? 10K? 5K? road races/fun runs.

In addition to organizing a race and supporters here in Lesotho, she is busy organizing similar events State-side. If you're in the States (I see some of you are) and would like to work directly with her, leave a comment on her blog. If you'd like to help, and aren't in the States (waves hand at my international "Dear Readers"!), still, leave a comment...get involved (I'm a member of the global community, aren't you?)! Don't be shy, get involved! Don't be nervous, we don't bite! No need to wonder, YOUR INPUT HELPS!!!

So, before I have to love you and leave you, I have an excerpt of Linesiya's latest blog post, entitled "A call to runners", in which she has some questions for you...we need your help!

(or if you can't read that...I can't)...here are her questions:

#1: I need people who can help me organize an event here, in the States. If you’ve ever organized a 5K, or you know “the right people” to contact – please, please let me know. Especially if you live in the NYC area, but even if you don’t – leave me a comment or find me on Twitter!

#2: I’ll be posting updates as the event develops. I hope we can get lots of people involved! I’m hoping to also include a 5K walk to make this event even more accessible. Consider signing up to run, walk, or volunteer when we reach that stage in the event planning!

#3: Consider making this your “cause” in races you’re planning to sign up for. Dani has made some contacts to people involved in the microbicide trials and I’m hoping to set up a donation arrangement. Check back for updates!

#4: WHAT MAKES A ‘GOOD RACE’? I want to hear about your race experiences, and what about the way a race was organized made it good or bad.

Thank you to everyone who reads this and leaves me a comment. This project is in the early stages yet, but that’s exactly why I want this feedback now!

Well, that's all for now! I look forward to your input, as well as updates on your own running, BIG DREAMS, and motivational tips to keep me going!

Until next time, keep it moving! One foot in front of the other...

Yours in training,

Dani

As we say in the South, "God willing and the creek don't rise!"

Hello Dear Reader,

Before I start babbling about my workout this morning, I'd really like to thank my parental units, and my three BFFs (Gerald, Jestein and Jami) for really giving me the motivational push that I needed yesterday and today. Sunday's run, although I ran most of it, didn't give me that "runners' high" from the first time I ran 5K. Truth is, while I was able to run 5K 3 times within a matter of 3 days, the "real life" conditions of the world outside of the gym were a lot to handle. Firstly, the varying elevations of the road clearly weren't comparable to a smooth treadmill surface. Secondly, my asthma partially rears its ugly head outside whereas inside, running is a breeze. (My allergist once told me I should live in a bubble.) blah, blah, blah.

So, after Sunday's run, I started getting anxious and doubting my abilities to measure up to my training schedule's weekly expectations....10.5 miles in 9 weeks? 26.2 miles in 6 months? Heck, I can barely run 4 miles now. But with a trusty set of good friends and parents, I was convinced that, with work, my goals are all reasonable. I can do it! Right now, my confidence in that affirmation is shaky at best, but either way...I'm gonna keep waking up at 5 am and bust it out so I can get close to my goal. Or...ride that bad boy like a pony!

I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

Now that I've addressed the most important topic...my workout this morning (mad-dog trainer assisted)...I completed a solid run. The whole time I ran, my trainer would manually increase or reduce the incline and speed. She was very clear that, while the treadmill is good, you have to make it work for you...enabling you to get a feel for what to expect when pounding the pavement. Man, I feel great. That high...it's baaaaaaack! Each time I prove to myself that I can do what previously seemed impossible, it makes me want to go farther...pushing myself and my self-imposed limits closer and closer to the edge. And to just think- this is only the beginning.

After the 45 minute run, and just as I thought the workout was over, I was pushed along to the next set of exercises...all things abs. The previous weeks of daily ab workouts definitely prepared me for today, cause I'm not in pain like I expected. Shoulda kept my fat mouth shut when she asked me if I felt the burn. Let's just say that, according to her, tomorrow will be a different story! Ummm..... Never thought I'd hear myself saying this but...bring it on mad-dog trainer!

Ok...now we've reached the point where, if you'll let me, I'm gonna ramble on a lil' bit about how to prepare/test myself to reach March 20th, 2011 alive and running.

Now that I'm in this new relationship...with running...it's all I think about. I spend my evenings plotting and planning...my mornings in an awkward dance with the treadmill. Running is all I think about...all I talk about. Officially, it's called being obsessed. Blog-stalking has become my new hobby. Living vicariously through virtual people like the Running Fool, Jen, and M inspire me to keep going (Thanks ladies). Although they're waaaaaaaaaay ahead of me in this running game, I'm pushing/want to push myself to be a full-fledged member of "Club 26.2". I want a shiny piece of marathon swag to hang on my neck!

Blog stalking has me thinking of entering 5K's, 10K's and half marathons (13.1 miles)...so on my lunch break, I searched for local races taking place in the next few months. Here's what I've come up with:

September 4th (yes, that's right...this weekend): Bultfontein Boertjie Fees 5K

October 16th: Bloemwater Kovsie 10K

November 6th: Soweto City Half Marathon (13.1 miles)...this one is just too sexy to pass up! The route goes past Nelson Mandela's old house and Winne's current place of residence.

November 20th: Ficksburg Cherry Half Marathon (13.1 miles)...this one is close by and is part of a cherry festival...fresh cherries off the tree...nom nom nom! Went to the festival last year with friends and had a cherry-pickin' good time! Plus there are freshly made doughnuts and fries on a stick- delish!



So much to think about! A 5K this weekend...that I have to drive 2.5 hrs in order to get to...race starts at 7am? Well, I've done crazier things...

I'll keep you posted, but if you have any suggestions on which one(s) I should try out, speak up!

Until next time...keep it moving!

Yours in (5K this weekend?) training,

Dani

News Flash: I'm a superwoman!

Hello Dear Reader,

I know you're probably wondering what I'm talking about when I call myself "Superwoman." I'm also sure you're wondering why I'm adding another post for today. It's just that...well...I feel great about something I've just accomplished and wanted to share!

As you know, this morning, my roomie and I ran the better part of 4.1K, and our plan was to hit the gym for core strengthening later on. Well...we just got back...and I felt the itch to try to run a little more...just to test my running legs out.

I. just. ran. 40. minutes. without. stopping- 5K!!!! Wow, I feel like a beast!

Remember when I told you that, in my past, I've had a trainer, but lacked the motivation to keep a regular workout routine. Well, he was at the gym today and saw the whole thing. As I walked passed his office, he waved me in to congratulate me on a job well done. He said, "You look great! You even look like you've lost weight. What have you been doing?" My reply, "I'm staying focused. I'm really going to run a marathon this time!" To that, I was told, "If you keep it up, you certainly will!"

Core strengthening followed my run, but I was still beaming from ear to ear!

That's all for now!

Until tomorrow...

Your resident superwoman in training,

Dani

P.S. If you look at the 10K schedule...or even the marathon training schedule, Sundays are supposed to be for "long runs". After today, I'd say I'm right were I'm supposed to be!

Oh, and as a "reward" for my achievement, Mr. Beef-Smellington and I went on a 40 minute walk around Pope's field! What a great way to end the day!

Anybody up for a 10K fun run?

Hello Dear Reader-

Have my mother tell it, I'm like a dog with a bone. I'd prefer to say that I'm more like Atlanta's Channel 2 News: Dedicated, Determined and Dependable. Anyway, this whole marathon prep thing has me focused on all things related to helping me set my sights on making it to March 20th. All of the marathon training articles for beginners suggest that, in order to get a feel for what to expect at/from a running event, participation in 5K and 10K races is recommended. My research has led me to events both in Lesotho and in South Africa: Fun Run Calendar. I'll be checking for events which take place in the Free State and Gauteng (Johannesburg) Provinces.

A "fun run", from what I understand, is a non-qualifying race/event. There are races, such as the Boston Marathon, which require you to have participated in, and met specific time requirements within your age group before you can enter. The famed and ridiculously long (56 miles) Comrades Marathon, held every year in South Africa, is another race which requires you to qualify before entering. Marathons over the standard 26 miles are known as "ultra marathons".

Having said all of this, my sights are set on participating in the 10K Bloemwater Kovsie on Saturday, October 16th. Even if I don't run the whole thing, it would be nice to get a feel for what I'm getting myself into. I've never been to a race, much less participated in one, so I'm excited!

My search has also yielded results for national running clubs in South Africa. I found one in a city about 1.15 hours away from where I live. An email has been sent to the club management, requesting information on any weekend beginners clinics. All of this might be overkill, but when I say I need help, I mean it! Plus, if you don't know an answer to a question, isn't it always best to ask for help?

Have you ever participated in a 5K or 10K fun/run? Was this your first organized running event? What motivated you to register? If you wouldn't mind, please tell me about your experience? What was it like to finish? Did that get you pumped up to try out your running legs in other events?

Eek! I'm excited! I called the 10K fun run manager and was told that registration will commence on October 4th! You already know that I'll keep you posted!!!

Yours in training,

Dani

P.S.: Training Update- This morning's workout went on as planned. I managed to increase my time by two minutes and went from a 7.5 setting yesterday, to an 8 setting for the entire run today. Not much, I know, but more than I ran yesterday, so I'd call it an accomplishment! I must have been extra jazzed, cause I managed to stay on the stair master for 20 minutes without stopping...ummm?!?! Post stair master, 4 reps of 20 side (each side) and lower back crunches were capped off by a 15 minute stretch.

I don't know if it's that my leg muscles are starting to get used to the workouts, stretching works miracles, or the adrenaline is preventing me from feeling pain...but I'm not sore or stiff at all. As a matter of fact, I feel great and could actually stand to go for a jog this evening. Hmmm...Life is good!