...And now it's winter!

Hello Dear Reader,

It is officially wintertime in the Kingdom of Lesotho. I'm sure that you folks in the USA are gloating and pointing your fingers at me, saying, "It's your turn now!" True indeed, you good folks have had a hellish winter and need a break...but I still wish (selfishly, I admit and frankly don't care) that it was you and not me. Le sigh!

Winter in Lesotho, for those of you who do not know is beautiful. Snow-capped mountains ...amazing. No central heating and un-insulated buildings...not so much! During my first winter in Lesotho, I woke up all snug in my bed and gave a great big yawn...only to see my breath (no, I don't have hot breath...it was just freezing...honest)! Many people, including myself, keep warm with gas heaters. I know that the warning label clearly says not to leave it on while sleeping. Let's just say that I left it on and prayed before I went to bed, asking God to take me home if necessary, but at least the trip there would be warm. I dunno...but it was just that serious!

During Lesotho winters, days are shorter and the nights (darkness) is looooooooong! In the summer, it was light by 4:30 am. Perfect time for a run. Now, the sun only shows up at 6:30 am. Not much time for a run and be on time for work. Again, in the summer, I could run until 7:30pm. Now, I can't seem to even think about running before it gets dark (i.e. 6:00 pm). Umm...HELLOOOOOOOOO Mr. Sunshine...can I get a little light for my pavement pounding? Perhaps I should write a letter...string a ribbon in the sky with my message...expressing to the sun just how I feel. Perhaps it will go a little something like this:

Sun of this Solar System
100 Center of It All
Space, Space 100


April 20th, 2011


Hello Mr. Sunshine,

First, let me tell you that I love you and all of the good work you do! You're a gem! I mean, you make little flowers grow and give me a reason to drink a cup of tea with my butter croissant from Pick n'Pay in the morning! Thanks for that!

The reason I'm writing you is simple: I need to run. Lately, you've been knocking off a little earlier than usual...falling asleep on the job like those air traffic controllers. Not a good look. We need you. You're a super star...err a sun!

Now I know I'm being a bit pushy when I know full well that we all need a vacation. Hell, I even take leave once in a while. But you see, I need to run. I bought a whole lot of cute size 2 dresses when I was home and can't live with the shame of leaving them halfway unzipped just so I can squeeze into them. Plus, when I run, I'm in a much better mood. Please don't make me unleash the sapphire within on this unsuspecting world. Think of it as a public service on your part...not to say you don't do more than your fair share already! But I think you get my point.

So in conclusion, if I could get you to stick with your summertime schedule, that'd be great!

Thanks a mil...you're the best!

Dani

How about that? Think that'll work? Shame!

Yes, I know that if I really wanted to go running, there's always the gym. Ugg...the gym. I've been talking about rejoining the gym for a minute now and the script is getting so old because I've not done a single thing about it. I don't exactly know what my hesitation is about, but I just don't feel excited about it. The prospect of running on a rat wheel and waiting my turn for a treadmill that is pre-set for 20 minutes is not ok. NOT.OH.KAY! It's something. Heck, better than nothing, but I dunno. I mean, I used to love the gym...crave gym time. Spin class was especially cool because bad ass spin instructor (remember him?) had a big bum and I found it quite entertaining to see him bobbing to the music (let's be honest). He's lost weight now and I just don't think that the experience will be the same. And how could we ever forget about the gym hottie? Really now?! New/old trainer was the best and so was Mad-dog trainer. So many reasons to go back, right? Yeah, I know...I do need to do something. Yes, something is better than nothing. Something is better than nothing. Something is better than nothing. Convinced yet, Dani? No, not really. I'll give it a little more thought.

From all of my almost 5 years of living in Southern Africa, I've learned to respect the concept of "making a plan." (translation: we don't have to figure it out now, but something will be done.) So, I'll make a plan to figure out how to get some pavement pounding in...or rat wheel racing if need be.

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

Yours in (making a plan) training,

Dani

"If you're sexy and you know it, clap your hands" (clap, clap)...and other musings

Hello Dear Reader,

Sorry for being so MIA this (hellish) week. I've been working my tail off at work (lots and lots of things going on), but I haven't forgotten about my workouts!

I must say that one of the things that keeps me going (to the gym) is that I have a goal in mind: run the Georgia Marathon in March! Starting this blog and talking about my goal to everyone who will listen (Sorry mom, dad, and friends) is definitely forcing me to continue...for the sake of my ego/pride! Secondary to the ultimate humiliation I might feel if I flunk out of marathon training, I want to improve my lifestyle for the better...which means that I can run into my 30's looking like a "brick house (just as fine as she can be)". I want to know that I constantly play my part in reducing my chances of diabetes, hypertension, etc. Furthermore, I enjoy the acknowledgment received from others for all of the hard work.

Let's talk about some of the comments I get from random and not so random people:

• The funniest comment comes courtesy of a random and possibly intoxicated man I came across while walking on the promenade during my recent weekend beach vaycay. There I was, minding my own business, when a strange man walks up to me and starts singing, "If you're sexy and you know it, clap your hands" (clap clap). Oh my word! He was a hot mess and all I could do was laugh.
  

• True, indeed, this next one isn't so much a comment, but rather a visual compliment: Gym Hottie!!! You remember me talking about him? Well, I haven't mentioned him in a while, but he's always at the gym in the morning...doing his workout thing. Mmm! He's a cutie and the way sweat glistens on his forehead and ginormously defined arms is...oh...sorry...back to the story. He's always so focused...moving from one activity to the next without seeming to look any other way than straight...but every time I catch him (me staring at him) watching me as I (kill myself) work up a sweat on weight machines...he quickly diverts his eyes. Long story short...it feels good to know that I can keep the attention of a young grasshopper (my trainer told me that he's 25...I asked...sue me!)!
  

• One of my coworkers has been on leave for the past two weeks. Yesterday, she asked me if I was still on my workout plan. I smiled and said, "Yep! Working out since August!" She replied: "But you still look the same." WTF?! Ugg... This morning, New (old) Trainer told me that I'm much stronger than when I worked with him way back when. A half smile grew on my face and then went on to blurt my co-worker's comment. He said, "No, she's just jealous. You're looking really good. Your body is like a guitar...able to move in all directions." Hahahaha! Come on, Dear Reader, laugh with me. Hahahaha! That was funny and ridiculous!

• Lastly, and best of all, I like the way my clothes complement me. Huh, wha..? Yes, I said that I like the way my clothes complement me. They fit better. I feel better in them. And with work, I'll look even better in them! Woohoo!

This week has been full of strength training thanks to New (old) Trainer. I am feeling really fit these days...and the added side bonus is how chipper I feel daily...all of the endorphins coursing through my veins. You must try it...a natural high!

Sunday, New (old) Trainer is helping me concur my fear of swimming in the gym pool...every treadmill, stationary bike, and elliptical machine encircling it. Oh well! Here I go!

Since I gave you an update on my life...how about giving me an update on yours...specifically directed at Linesiya and my FTTE!!!

Until next time! Keep it movin'!

Yours in (swimming in the gym) training,

Dani

Just enough to break a sweat...

Hello Dear Reader,

This morning's workout was pretty "light"...just enough to break a sweat. Basically, the only exercises I managed to do were a few core and arm lifts, along with 20 minutes at level three on the stair master (breaking to stare at the hottie in the stripped MC Hammer pants do his triceps lifts). Pretty lame, I know. Guess this means that I have a date with the gym later on. Give me a little bit of sympathy though (please?). Three days of running 5K...after never having done that in my life...much less within such a short period of time...made me stiff in the knees (shows my age/how out of shape I am).

Let's now rewind to yesterday... and reflect on my stiff joints...(back then, back then, back then....)

Having put in work at my 9 to 5...mostly behind my desk or at a meeting...my knees started to feel awkwardly uncomfortable from all of the sitting. I was reminded of the feeling I get after being strapped to my seat (thanks FAA) on the seemingly endless flight between Johannesburg, South Africa and Atlanta, Georgia (16 hours)...(Not cute). Because the feeling was unfortunately familiar, I found myself doing all of the recommended leg exercises for lengthy fights: rolling your ankles, pumping your heels, lifting and stretching your legs, standing up and walking around...and all of that jazz. I know I looked like I was experiencing symptoms of withdrawal, but it did the trick. My boss has been calling me a "geriatric penguin".

Since I know you want to join in on all of the fun, here's a throwback video made especially for you frequent travelers and 9-to-5 desk warriors (hoping to become road warriors):




Until next time...Keep it moving!

Yours in (pain) training,

Dani

Ain't nothin' but a 5K thing baby! (Sorry Snoop Dog)

Dear Reader!!!

When my alarm clock went off at 5:00 am this morning, getting up was the last thing on my mind! Dragging myself out of bed every morning for running/working out is not my idea of fun. A possible second evening workout and going to be dog-tired...at 8:30 pm (almost regularly)...is not a good look. Fortunately, my evening sloth turned out to be my saving grace this morning, because I left the alarm clock downstairs. If listening to that annoying beep starting at 5:00 am, followed by beeping at 10 minute intervals, sounds cool to you...God bless you!

This is a recap of my morning:

5:00 am: Alarm goes off/eyes open.

5:10 am: Convince myself that evenings are MUCH better for workouts.

5:15 am: Got up and shut my bedroom door. Got back in bed.

5:20 am: Put pillow over my head.

5:30 am: Hope my roomie can't hear the noise...beep...beep...beep.

5:35 am: Start feeling guilty. My roomie likes evening workouts for a reason. Get up. Put dirty workout clothes on (cleaning lady comes at 8:00 am...booyah!!!).

5:45 am: Wake Beef up for a morning potty. Drink water and snack while waiting.

5:54 am: Spill into the gym thanks to the revolving front door.

6:00 am: Push "5K" mode and start walking. Wondering if my body can stand to run another 5K (don't want to over do it for now). Watch other treadmillers start. Listen to music while wearing my "Lost in Music" t-shirt (one size too small).

6:15 am: Notice a hottie on the treadmill across from me. Turn the speed notch up to 9 and hope that I look like Bo Derek in the movie "10".

6:22 am: Watch treadmillers leave. Wondering when this 5k will be over. Incline mode kicks in. Notice people squinting their eyes from across the room, trying to read my t-shirt.

6:34 am: 5K is over.

6:34:05: Wait...just wait a minute...let's go back to 6:34 am...the 5k is over? I just reduced my Sunday time (40 minutes) by 6 freaking minutes! Weeeeee! Now that's the biz-ness!!!

6:34:06: Keep it movin'! One step at a time! One foot in front of the other! 5k down, about 37k to go!

You must be thinking (out loud) to yourself, "Dani has been pulling my leg! She's not a couch potato! She could run 5k in her sleep. Clearly, this was a weak attempt to get me to read her blog. (Beginner my a$$)"

Trust me Dear (if I may call you that), no one is more surprised than me! I guess this is my reward for keeping at it. Ok, ok...I'll stop patting myself on the shoulder (Narsassism) and keep my eyes on the prize. For a second there, I was starting to sound like Michael Scott from the beloved show, "The Office", after completing his 5k to raise awareness about rabies.

"Finishing that 5K was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I ate more fettuccine Alfredo, and drank less water than I have in my entire life. People always talk about triumphs of the human spirit. Today, I had a triumph of the human body. My guts. My heart. While I eventually puked my guts out, I never puked my heart out. I am very, very proud of that."

~Michael Scott, The Office

Well, this will have to do for now...so, until we meet again (read: tomorrow)...keep it moving!

Yours in training,

Dani

P.S. I just found a really cool blog yesterday: Black Girls Run! Loads of motivational stuff! Perhaps a discussion on the site's title will follow! Love it!