Like a (running) virgin...and stuff

Hello Dear Reader,

Over the past three weeks, while in the US of A, I've run 3 times: 1) Ran on a hotel treadmill for two of those days, and 2) the Publix GA Marathon. In the past three weeks, I've managed to eat my way across the country as part of my homecoming tour. Over the past two weeks since the marathon, my freaking kankle has been too sore to do anything other than a sad shuffle (my BFF told me to add a shimmy and a shake to spice it up). If you add those things up, that equals...out of shape and a few (err...) added pounds (or more...but who's counting?). If you also include the fact that I've not had more than 4 to 5 hours of sleep at most each day I've been away, and since Saturday, I've maybe had 5 hours of sleep combined (jet lag, etc.), none of this is a good look! Not.at.all!

Yesterday, I was desperate to get some sleep so I figured, hey...how about trying to test out my kankle, sexy Garmin, and brand new shoes...with the ultimate goal of draining every last bit of energy so that I could go to sleep (fail)! Shoes on, (snug) running pants on, Garmin GPS on...out the door...

...oooooooh mah gawd! The course my body was so familiar running made me feel like crap- my legs were concrete blocks even further weighed down by carrying the load of my trusty couch with a Couch Potato #2 on top! The feeling reminds me of the early days of my running process...those dreaded Sunday long runs that left me with hurt feelings and shuffling home with my tail between my legs. Sad. So.very.sad. In fact, I felt as if I wasted my precious Garmin's time (literally and figuratively). I could barely run a 5k! Fugg! Sad face. All of that!

Down, but not out, I returned home feeling good (if you can believe it), because my ankle didn't hurt and at least I did something! Also, with a bit of rest and allowing my body to reconnect with the altitude, I'll be back and in full effect in no time! One foot in front of the other, Dani...keep it movin'!

...and on a very funny note, remember me telling you about "How the real (Maseru) West was won"? I'm way too lazy to find the post, but basically (if you're interested in searching) the post is about racing my former boss/co-worker/friend who likes flapping his gums about me and my running! Anyway, first thing this morning (first day back at the office), I greeted him as we were walking into the office. I handed him my medal with a smirk! Afterwards, I proudly displayed the race bling all over the office and completed my victory tour in his office, where I proceeded to tack it to the wall behind his desk. There my medal will triumphantly be displayed until one of us either changes offices or leaves the organization. VICTORY is my just dessert! (pictures will surely follow)!

Well, that's all I have for now. Today is a day off from running (to add to all of the other days I've taken off) and will (hopefully) be back at it in the morning!

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

Yours in (victory) training,

Dani

Boring!

Hello Dear Reader,

The Publix Georgia Marathon recovery...the pain that will not go away! Ok, well that's not totally true...let me explain. As I've mentioned in the past couple of posts, my left Achilles tendon is still a bit tender. After the race, I literally had to shuffle...painfully...for about three days. Over a week later, my ankle is getting much better, but not enough to go for a run. This, as you can imagine, is rather frustrating! During my training, I learned to listen to my body and right now it's say, "Damn, can I get a break?!" Shame! If a break is what you need body o'mine, a break is what you shall get. Break....are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet?

One of my running friends suggested that I do a bit of cross training...swimming...stationary bike...weight lifting....anything low impact that will give me the exercise I'm craving and help to easy my mind at the same time. Now that I'm off the couch, I don't want to go back! I guess I did pledge to renew my gym membership after the race. When I touch down in Maseru tomorrow, that's exactly what I'll do. Until then, I'm going to cut this post short so that I can hit up the hotel gym (awesome by the way) and hit the hay early tonight...after a 16 hour flight from the US to South Africa, a girl's internal clock is a bit off!

Well, I'll make sure to keep you posted on the whole gym bit and my ankle. I'm assuming that I'll be pounding some familiar pavement by next weekend. Until then, you can go ahead and get off of your couch and do a little pavement pounding of your own, even just for a short walk outside to get some fresh air!

One foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours in (recovery) training,

Dani