Gym Time

Hello Dear Reader,

It's about that time in the cycle of my fitness life that I sign back up for the gym! Yep, the dreaded gym. As the days seem to get shorter, I keep thinking about how I'm going to maintain my whole running and fitness plan. With almost 4 years of life in Lesotho, the reality says that the gym is the truth, the way, and the light (with sunshine only coming up past 6:30 am and darkness before I leave the office at around 5:30 pm).

Yesterday was my first day back and...would you believe it...I actually felt great! Twenty minutes was spent on the beloved stair master (with Drake's song "Fancy" playing on repeat), and the rest of my time was spent alternating between working out and goofing off with a friend. My dear on and off again New (Old) Trainer was happy to see me back. As per the norm, he commented on how in shape I looked (looks are deceiving) and told me I could stand to gain a few kg. He stood next to me and said..."Hey, come on...how tall are you? You're about my height, right? How much do you weigh now? Oh, 56.4 kg? (124.3 lbs) You need to be at least 69 to 70 kg." Hahaha...ummm...I'm sure that he's forgotten by now, but that was about almost about 2-3 kg more than where I was when I started. Not.A.Chance! Another guy I haven't seen in over a year approached me while I was working on the pull down weight machine (don't you just love my technical term) and said, "Hey! I haven't seen you in a while! I almost didn't recognize you. You've lost a lost of weight! You used to be...(and this is where he puffed up his cheeks and extended his arms to the side to indicate what could only be the size and shape of the Pillsbury Dough Boy). " Thanks for that, guy! Ahh...to be back in the gym again!

Dear Reader, I've always tried to be honest and up front with you. Me tells no lies! So I'm about to be completely honest with you. I really don't know if I'll ever be able to sustain a gym membership as long as there are free streets to run up and down. The thought of paying for a rat wheel is not my idea of an investment. I do, however, have a reason to try my best and stick with the gym for at least 4 more months! I have a very important photo shoot coming up in not too long. In this digital age we live in, photos posted to Facebook last forever. I need to look good. I want (almost) the arms of Angela Basset in "What's love got to do with it."

Look at those guns!

Ok, maybe not that cut, but my arms need to look good! If my legs could look as defined as hers (picture not shown due to overwhelming amount of muscle in one blog post), that would be even better! So you see, I have strong motivation to look my best. Remember digital photos...they'll be there for my grandchildren.

After work, I'm going to get it cracking at the gym. My clothes are already laid out and my body is ready to make things happen! The ultra marathon runner girl I have a secret running crush on told me this weekend that she will make sure I understand the meaning of her mantra, "Pain is glory!"

...and for your listening pleasure, enjoy!





I'm ready ya'll! Are you ready too?

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


Yours in (photo shoot...call me Mrs Good Body) training,

Dani

...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

I knew I shoulda kept my gym membership!

Hello Dear Reader,

In addition to being somewhat of a slacker with respect to my running, the barrage of daily grapefruit-sized raindrops has really really put a dent in my weekly milage. Boo...just...boo! Every morning, I wake up with morning baited breath to check for friendly running weather. During the past five days, I've only been able to maintain my morning pavement pounding once. You'd think that I'd catch a wake-up and go back to the gym, particularly under these weather-related circumstances, but alas, I failed. Excuses (and pretty lame ones at that).

Last night, I met a pretty cool guy who has run the infamous Comrades Marathon not once, but six times!!! He's planning to make 2011 his 7th year! Upon inquiring about his training schedule, he told me that he runs no less than seven times a week. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, he runs 10 to 12k. Wednesdays are 15k and every Sunday, he runs a half marathon. Clearly he is serious...and I am clearly not...or not like he is. I should be...I ought to be...I WILL BE (my dad would be proud)!

In honor of being more serious...I have truly slacked off and talking to serious runners makes me feel kinda lame...I am committed to doing better...rain or shine. I pledge to run every day except Saturday, which is what I was doing in the beginning..or at least when I had my gym membership (*Danielle pours electrolyte infused sports drink out for Mad-dog Trainer and New (old) Trainer*).

Seriously though, I need to do better. My marathon...the race of my life...is only 2.5 months away. I need to not only get back to where I was pre-vaycay, but get even better. You might be asking yourself, "Why is she calling herself out? She could just keep it to herself. We'd never know." The answer is pure and simple...accountability. I started this little blog, included friends/family/strangers/Dear Readers in on my plan, and talked/read about running all of the time, because I need accountability. I need encouragement when I can't seem to motivate myself. When I feel like giving up, I need a little reminder of why I started this in the first place- to take the word "can't" out of my vocabulary. And sometimes, I need a helping hand to light a fire under the proverbial couch when I choose to sit back down!

As a good friend used to say to me on a regular basis, "Don't talk about it. Be about it!" Dear Reader, I'm about it! But wait...will it be going back on my declaration if I tell you what I'm going to do? Umm... uhhh.... well... you'll have to wait to find out!

In the mean time, Recovering Couch Potato #1 and Couch Potato #2 are wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas (if that's your thing)!

Until next time...one foot in front of the other...keep it movin' (I'm actually saying this to myself!)

Yours in (getting my act together) training,

Dani

5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Hello Dear Reader,

Let me tell you about 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. It's an interesting story, really!:

Five (5)...5:00 am is for the time I started running this morning. For some unfortunate reason, Couch Potato #2 was having stomach issues all night and woke me up at 4:00 am. After letting him out for a much needed potty break, I figured...what the heck...I'm already up...why not get to stepping...running actually. Getting a head start before the sun and the masses spilling into the city makes for a pleasant run. If the spirit moves me enough, my goal is to wake up earlier in the mornings so that I'm able to increase my daily mileage.

Four (4) is for the number of miles I ran this morning- 4.51 miles (7.2 k) to be exact. Instead of cutting through side streets like I normally do, I made a big loop around down town- Past the mall, down towards the border, through the industrial area, past the gym (I wonder if Mad-dog Trainer and New (old) Trainer saw me), and next to the national referral hospital. A nice route, considering that1/3 of it was down hill!

Three (3) is for the number of kilos I'd like to lose before I hit my "goal weight". Since I haven't been to the gym in a minute, I haven't had the benefit of Mad-dog Trainer's routine physical assessment. A couple of months ago, I purchased a home scale but, because the manual scale never wanted to start at zero, I was never able to get an accurate read on my weight. This morning, after fiddling with it, I managed to get squared up. If the scale is accurate (and the one at the gym too), since starting this whole running thing, I've lost 10 lbs (5kg). ***Dani pumps both fists in the air and softly hums "The eye of the tiger"!!!*** And it's not just the scale that's taking notice. On Saturday, I was out partying with a group of friends, when a person I haven't seen in a while walked up. Before even saying hello, the first thing that came out of his mouth was, "Wow, you've lost a lot of weight!" To which I replied, "Yes, hello to you too! And thanks!" Last week, my co-workers even started to take notice....even the one who, a couple of months ago, said she couldn't see a change. Thank you very much!

Two (2) is for two of my most favorite people and biggest supporters in my secondary project (aka running) and in life in general who will be visiting me in six more days. I speak to at least one of my parental units, if not both, on a daily basis. They've endured more running-talk than what should be allowable by law. Being the wonderful parents that they are, they graciously listen to me babble about my bloated ankle, the merits of running up Half Moon Road instead of down Moshoeshoe Road (as if they even know what I'm talking about), gym-related gossip, and my weekly progress. In fact, this morning I had my father examine (with me) the running route I completed on Sunday, and proceeded to explain in detail every curve, bump and lump in the road. During their visit, I actually contemplated having them follow me in the car as I show them that I can really run. That's fun, right? No? Oh... Yes, I do have wonderful parents. In fact, my parents are so sweet that they are bringing me a few running goodies- a water belt (aka a runner's fanny pack) so that I can stay hydrated during my runs and a running skirt! Yes...you heard me correctly...I said a running skirt. Yes, I'm sure that every.single.solitary.man.woman.child.dog will be staring at me...but I don't care! Yes...I will be able to say that "Girls do it better in skirts". It even has a pocket for keys and things. ***Dani has visions of doing the Irish River Dance in her running skirt and will talk about her running skirt and will take pictures in her running skirt***

PS: My legs are gonna look like that one day!

One (1) is for one God awful farmer's tan I have developed. Now that I'm spending a lot of time outside, the cute little running pants and ankle socks that give one the impression that my legs are a little longer and a little more toned, now leave me with a section of my shin and calf muscle that is significantly darker than the rest of my leg. My shoulders are one color and the rest of my arms look as though they belong to a different body. My right arm, in fact, is a bit sunburned. Oops, I guess that I've been running in the gym too long that I forgot that running outside requires different preparation: ensuring that the running route has a bathroom embedded within, water/water/water/water station, protection from the (misleading) weather/sun: hat and sun screen. I'm learning!

Well, that's all I have for now.

Until next time...one foot in front of the other! Keep it movin'! (My friend Jami and her roomie just started training for a road race. She told me that my little mantra was giving her a little inspiration. ***Dani pumps both fists in the air thinking that, finally, she is achieving world domination*** Jokes! Love you Jami and keep it movin'!!!)

Yours in training,

Dani

P.S. I'm getting nervous about my 1/2 marathon coming up this Saturday....4 more days!!!...There I go counting again!

Feelin' good!

Hello Dear Reader,

I must say that I'm still feeling really good from yesterday's run. No pain. No stiffness/soreness. Good to go! A little after hours stretching would help though. This morning, after my workout with Mad-dog Trainer, I could barely touch my toes while standing up. During my weeks with New (old) Trainer, the goal (his, not mine) is for me to be able to touch my head to my knees (yeah, right!).

Today's exercise routine focused on the upper back, shoulders, triceps, biceps and all of the other arm muscles in there! I can definitely tell that I'm getting stronger. Some of the arm exercises I was barely able to do in the beginning are becoming much easier. I just had to open my big mouth and say that to Mad-dog...we'll be increasing the reps and the weights. It's all for the sake of fitness. I guess it won't kill me, right? And if I do eventually become that female body builder that New (old) Trainer secretly plans on and the "Ms Fitness Lesotho" that Mad-dog openly admitted to wanting to prepare me for post marathon...well, another goal to work towards...I guess!

If the goodness of yesterday's run and the sense that I'm getting stronger wasn't enough, the good vibes just kept on coming! Today, I went to a meeting that was followed by a catered lunch. Most of the food was fried and steeped in oil so I did my best to stay away from it (a few chicken nuggets won't hurt!). I told my co-worker (who always used to enjoy commenting on my weight) that I was going to skip the buffet and walk back to the office to eat my packed lunch. She convinced me to stay a while longer so that she could finish lunch. While sitting at the table discussing the content of the meeting, she said, "I know why you don't want to eat this lunch! You don't want to interrupt all of the progress you've made with your running. Today I saw you in your dress and said 'Wow, something is definitely happening!' You're looking really good!" Now Dear Reader, I know that, in the end, it doesn't matter what people say/think, but it sure does feel nice when it's not only me noticing the changes!

The dress she was referring to is in my regular rotation, so it provides a great marker for the changes my body has and is going through. I've actually had this dress for ages. When I first got it...I hated it...and it was way too big. A few years later, after very irregular use, it started looking a bit houte. A couple of years later...it was not so houte...but snug...definitely! Over the past few months of training, I've been geeked to notice/see the changes in the way the dress fits. A few months ago, lumps and bumps were visible. My finger tips should have been tingling with the loss in circulation to my arms...can we say "too tight"! Today, there is actually a bit of slack in the arms and the unnecessary lumps and bumps...no more (almost)!

Well, that's enough ego stroking for one day. It just feels so good to see results from my time spent as a gym rat. In the past, I've never been patient enough to notice any real improvement (in mind or body). Overall, I'm more proud of myself that I've actually been sticking with my workout plan...something I've never done before...nor have I even really had a plan to speak of. So, Dear Reader, if you're getting frustrated because the changes/results aren't coming quickly enough...keep at it...stick with it...hang in there...because you'll get there!

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

Yours in training,

Dani


P.S. I have to pay the "keep it up motivation" forward to you, Dear Reader, but also to a few of my friends who are making their own fitness/healthy lifestyle/weight loss/good body strides:

Keep it up Dave!
I'll call you 6k Linesiya after your run!
Walk it out Jessy Wessy!
Mom, I know it's cold and windy, but you need to go for your walk!
FTTE, how's our challenge coming along?
Dad, did you take your evening constitution around Tokyo?
Jeb, YOU ARE IN SEASON!
1, 2, 3...YOGA! Jami, you go girl!

P.S.S. And if you need a little motivation for getting off of the couch...read this NY Times article...there's a section for the Couch Potatoes!

P.S.S.S. And if you want to plan/map out a walking/running route, check out www.mapmyrun.com

P.S.S.S.S And if you want to read more current posts, click here!

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

B*tch & Moan! Now back to work!

Dear Reader,

I'm back and in full effect! Thank you all (especially Linesiya) for giving me the pep talks that I needed to get my act together and get my a$$ back in the gym! Sometimes having a b*tch and moan session is just what I need to put things into perspective...prioritize my goals...and get back to work!

Yesterday, after work, with gym clothes in hand, I headed to the gym to test out the new pact made between my ankle and the pavement/treadmill (pavement/treadmill to ankle: If you act right, I'll take you places). Slowly, slowly, I inched closer to the treadmill trying to convince myself that my ankle wouldn't crumble the moment I suggested anything over a snail's pace. With an interval program and an 8.7 setting (slightly slower than usual), I hit start...and off I went...for a good 35 minutes...with only the slightest discomfort! Could it be true? A week off and a little bit of rest can make my poor little ankle happy(ish)? Woohoo!!! I'm baaaaaaack (kinda)! Mad-dog trainer gave me the side-eye and told me not to over do it.

A nice "back in the game" run last night was all I needed to get me out of bed at 5:15 this morning and into the gym. Random and not so random people greeted me...asking where I'd been all last week and checking on my ankle. A lady I'd never spoken to before, but see regularly, approached me and said she was happy to see me back in the gym...she thought I had given up on my training. Even gym hottie welcomed me back with a wave and a smile! Clearly this only happens in a small town (small fish in a small pond).

New (old) Trainer told me I had a lot of catching up to do. He made me work out as if I were going to complete the make up work in one session...and boy did it feel great!

Well that's all for now...I need to put some work into making up for my missed "Legs Love Lunges Challenge" days!

Until next time...keep it movin' (that's what I'm doing!)!!!

Yours in (back in the habit) training,

Dani

P.S. I'm sure that I'm late in the game...but recently, the much beloved Sesame Street television program devoted a character and a song to promoting positive body images amongst Black girls...a cohort often left out of the conversation (which conversation? all of them!) The character and song resonate with me because it is of a Black girl who expresses her love of her "natural hair" (no perm to make it straight, not worried about not looking like everyone else, etc.). The discourse regarding Black women and hair is a deep/long/varied conversation steeped in history. Since this isn't a curly girl/Black hair blog...I won't go into the details...but to join/learn about the conversation, here are a few sites to check out:

www.curlynikki.com

www.collegecurlies.blogspot.com

www.bglhonline.com

www.naturallycurly.com

www.moptopmaven.com

(and the list goes on...but this is a start!)

There's a Black hair revolution out there...check it out!!!!

...and without further ado...."I love my hair!"

"Legs Love Lunges" Challenge: I ACCEPT!

Hello Dear Reader,

I'm sure that it's been mentioned before, but I'm a runners' blog stalker. At any given moment, at least three dedicated tabs are open on my web browser...blogs and running-related sites (finding motivation anywhere I can!). Today, I happened upon 5 Miles Past Empty and a post entitled "I challenge you...". On August 9th, the blog author challenged readers to do the following:

"Here’s the deal, if you so wish to accept your challenge: Take a photo of your legs, those powerful running legs of yours! Post it on your blog saying that you accepted this challenge. And for the hard part: Do lunges at least 3 times a week from tomorrow, Aug. 10 until Sept 10. It doesn’t have to be a lot of lunges, start with like 10 lunges in your yard and turn around and do 10 back. But see how you can build it up over the course of one month! I want to SEE if I can see a difference in my legs! I am certain I (and you if you join) will feel a difference in the strength, especially in hill running! "

Although the challenge ended almost a month ago...I accept the challenge! Does anyone want to join me? Linesiya? Are you up for a "Legs Love Lunges" Challenge?! Starting tomorrow, and for the next month, I'll be "workin' on my fitness" with lunges. Eek! I'm nervous! To be honest, lunges hurt...they suck...yet they make for beautifully sculpted legs and fanny pack. Oh my, oh my...what's a girl to do? Answer: Lunges!

As soon as we end this conversation of ours, I'm gonna whip out the trusty camera and take pictures (front, back and side views). Until the challenge is complete, I'll be the only one to stare at each bulge and ripple. You'll only get to see the end result! You'll thank me later!

In other fitness-related news, New (old) Trainer recently experienced a loss in his family, so it looks like I'm on my own for this week. Luckily, I have my newly discovered Spin Class to keep me motivated. I plan on running tomorrow morning and, if the spirit moves me, spinning my wheels in the evening.

Also, as an FYI, the idea of hosting a charity 5k & 10k for HIV/AIDS is still on. I've got a great committee going...one member is actually organizing a marathon in December. If you know anything about Lesotho, you'll know that it ain't called "The Mountain Kingdom" for nothing. The race is in the most mountainous district in the whole country...and if that's not enough...maybe the race web link is more illustrative of the degree of difficulty: www.highaltitudemarathon.org.ls. Definitely not for the faint at heart or the weak kneed (cue "Legs Love Lunges Challenge" commercial)! Another committee member suggested that we try our hand at the Half Marathon ...umm...err...uhhh....we'll see!

Well folks, that's all I've got so far! I need to get to picture-taking!

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

Yours in (knees love lunges) training,

Dani

I'm just going to put it out there....

Hello Dear Reader,

There's an elephant in the room, I must admit. Thus far, I've been keeping up with my running, but I feel like I should do more. This week (since Sunday), I've not run once...it's Wednesday! Although I don't enjoy running until it's over and I've accomplished my set goal, I kinda miss it. I miss the high that always follows a non-stop run. The other week, I was a bit distressed, but couldn't manage to get upset because I was too damn chipper...all of the endorphins running through my veins...I couldn't help it. I need it. I miss it. I'm addicted. Gotta have it. Running is on my mind...so I went home for lunch just to grab my gym clothes. I'm going!

No, I don't need a long run. I just want to run. For 30 minutes. Want to smile internally every time I don't feel my love handles plodding along with me. I want to run up those two hills that I keep staring at every time I drive by. Mad-dog Trainer and New (old) Trainer have been beefing me up with all of the strength training. I want to take these new muscles out for a test (run) drive.

That's it...I'm going to do it. I'm telling that elephant buh-bye, see ya later, holla, tsamaya sentle, ah-go-go.

Ok, that's all for now. I just had to get that out of my system, just like I'll be getting 30 minutes of pavement pounding over and done with...immediately after work!

Until next time. Keep it movin'!!!! (waves "hi ya" to my FTTE and Jami)

Yours in (putting it out there) training,

Dani

PS. There might be a chance that I'll head back down to the South African shore this weekend. Monday is a national holiday in Lesotho...my co-workers are all going...if you can't beat 'em...join 'em! And you know what that means...morning runs along the beach front promenade! Love!

"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

Monday...new day...new (old) trainer

Hello Dear Reader,

This morning, Beef-Wellington decided that he was going to compete with the alarm clock to wake me up. Clearly, he didn't get the memo about a 5 am wake up, and instead went for 4:15 am. I'll have to talk to him about that!

Per the (what has become) usual, I was on the treadmill this morning at 5:30 am and ran for 30 minutes. It's funny that, when I began this whole running business, I couldn't imagine running for more than 10 minutes straight. Now, 30 minutes is starting to seem like a walk in the park. I'm not physically tired. No parts of my body are burning. My knees are no longer an issue (knock on wood). When I complete my 1.5 hr workout, I don't experience much stiffness or muscle tenderness. Love it!

Remember when I told you that mad-dog trainer and I would be working together every other week, and that I approached my old trainer about working with me on the off weeks for about 30 minutes or so? Well, today, we started strength training, and he mentioned that I'm much stronger than I was when I first came to him way back when. He even noticed that my stomach is flat, my arms are starting to look more defined and my legs are looking good! Can we say...body like a "brick house" here I come?! Come October 16th, I'll be more than ready for my 10k...and hopefully ready for a half marathon on November 20th!

Today's training session was focused on shoulders, chest, arms and abs. I love ab workouts... definitely a favorite thus far!

After work, I think that a nice workout with mad-dog trainer (and 30 other people) in her step-aerobics class will be on the agenda. It might be nice to vary my workout a bit (by adding evening fitness classes every once in a while), but being careful not to drain all of my energy.

Well, that's all for now! Keep me posted on your workout routine and the things that keep you motivated/focused on your goals!

Until next time...keep it movin'!!!

Yours in training,

Dani

P.S. (Waves hand at and sends virtual hugs and lots of laughs to Jami, M'e Adrienne, Jeb & my FTTE!)

P.S.S Since I was discussing my running time in the last post, here is a cute article in the NY Times entitled, "Slow-Running His Way to Fitness". Enjoy!