"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

Spinning my wheels

Hello Dear Reader,

Ever since last night, I've been spinning my wheels. That's not always a good thing, but in my case...it's a grrrrrrreat thing! After work yesterday, my mind was all set to run and run hard. Truth is, I got distracted...by the Spin class.

Let me give you a little background on me and Spinning: I've never done it. Situated on the top floor in a corner room, the Spin class is ALWAYS full. The music in that room is always blasting. Bodies move rhythmically along with the beat. Legs are nothing more than a blur as they cycle round and round. Me: sitting on a stationary bike just outside of the room. Staring at all of those fast moving people. Me: pedaling along on my morning constitution. Whistles, cheers, and "wooohoo" competes with the music. Me: turning my head away, telling myself, "oh hell no, not me!" Sweat soaked bodies spill out of the room as they high five the instructor. Me: barely having broken a sweat, exit stage left and carry on with my workout plan. Spin class: 1 Dani: FAIL!

So, like I said, I got distracted last night. The Spin class was calling my name: "Dani! Dani! I SAID DANI! Come on over here. Join me! Spin your wheels! You know you want to!" Me: Shaking my head. Spin class: "Don't shake your head, I've seen you staring at me! You know you want to sweat. Come on girl, just give me a try. I promise you won't be disappointed." Me: "Well, ok, just this one time."

I hopped on a bike near the front of the room. The crowd was restless. I leaned over to the the M'e (lady) next to me. She asked, "Is this your first time?" Was it that easy to tell? The instructor hit play on the stereo. The crowd started pedaling, and off we went...cycling in place...to energizing music...with a bad ass instructor who walked around and gave people high fives...for an hour of non-stop goodness! At the end of the class, no one wanted to leave...including me! (Especially because the sweat was glistening on my arms just so. My drenched clothes clung to my very toned body...yes, I just said that...artistic license...sue me.) There were pleads to stay longer...to continue with class.

Never again will I be a mere Spin class spectator!

This morning, I was still jazzed about the Spin class! I called mad-dog trainer and begged to join the Spin class in lieu of our regular routine. Once again, I was not disappointed. Aaaand...Gym Hottie was on the stationary bike outside of the class room...and he was DEFINITELY checking me out...yeah, I was looking really good jiving to the beat..perspiring enough to make my skin glisten like a ray of golden brown sun...yeah, I just said that too! The cool Spin instructor was surprised to see me back! I'm in love...with Spinning my wheels!

Well, that's my little update for now!

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

Yours in (wheel spinning) training,

Dani