I DID NOT SURRENDER

Hello Dear Reader,

With a little help from my friends, I found the drive and determination to get up at 2:30 am, leave the house by 2:50 am, collect my new friend and get on the road by 3:00 am, to make it to Clarens, South Africa by 4:45 am, to register for the "Surrender Hill Half Marathon", which started at 6:00 am. Here's a little description about the race:

Organised by the Bethlehem Marathonklub with 3 options a 42.2km, 21.1km and 5km races. The start is the Martie Lotz Hall on short street, next to the tennis courts.

Starting in Fouriesburg, this is a race with great reward, for the magnificent view of the mountains is both memorable and breathtaking. Surrender Hill is a historical site where more than 4000 Boers, under General Marthinus Prinsloo, surrendered to the British during the Anglo-Boer War.

There are a number of demanding challenges on this route. Make no mistake; this course is tough, at times unrelenting. But during this race, more than almost any other, you will find that the wonderful scenery, coupled with the champagne air, fully compensates for the rigour of a hard marathon. 


Source


Last year, I signed up for this race, but for reasons I fail to remember, I didn't do it. Boy, am I so grateful that I went, even managing to shut out the doubt in my mind about my ability to complete the course at the 2hr 30min cut off time, since I haven't been running consistently. With the power of positive self talk, gumption, and being accompanied by three girls who are serious about running, I completed the tough course in 2 hr and 18 min...only 3 short minutes after the legendary ultra marathon runner girl I reference so much in this blog. 


Sure, I could give you a run down of the race course (it was awesome, but tough as nails). I could also tell you that the same toe I injured a while ago (and subsequently got a fungal nail infection...which also healed) got re-injured (and a nail infection is coming back). I could also note that was probably too much information (although over lunch, the running crew I was with talked about trotters' runs and ugly feet/losing toenails/toe fungal infections). The best part of the trip and the run was that I was able to connect with a pretty awesome chick who also likes to run. For various reasons, we've run (no pun intended) in different circles for a while. There's nothing like a beast of a race to allow those two circles to collide. I look forward to new challenges, new friends, and personal growth!

Me, Ultra Marathoner, New Friend
It was a beast, but we did not surrender to the Surrender Hill Half Marathon

13 miles, and all before work!

Hello Dear Reader,

Yesterday, whilst at work, my fun running buddy sent me an sms asking how I was and what I was up to. At that very moment, I was thinking of how in need I was for a "life care" activity. You may be asking what, exactly, that is. You know when you just need to take time for yourself? There's an urge from within reminding you that you are in need of a little boost, or that you need to pull all of the loose pieces together and put yourself back together? That's the catalyst for a "life care" activity. The actual activity can be anything that you make of it...for instance, you could take an unexpected weekend trip with a good friend to a town 2 hours away because there's a cute little pizzeria with the best pepperoni pizza this side of Bloemfontein. (like you've never done that before!) On other occasions, my life care activity is watching the entire season of "Parks and Recreation" with a side of apple pie. Yesterday, however, I needed a healthy, get fit kind of "life care" activity in my life. You see, when I was in the US, I binged on ever sweat and savory item I could get my hands on. I would not be ashamed to eat a large meal when I was still pretty full from the previous one, and still manage to throw in a midnight snack. As a (expected) result, my pants fit a little too snug and I feel things shimmy and shaking that weren't there before.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I'm engaged and said "Yes to the dress" during my holiday trip home. In addition to that, my Ethiopian will be here in a little less than a month, and want to look my best, and when he complements me, I'll coyly say, "Who, me? You silly sailor, you!" Ok, maybe not like that, but you get the point. I have more than one reason to get it right, get it tight (also that it's just the right thing to do...to be healthy for the sake of being healthy.) Going back to the second reason, I'd like to add that the dress is non-refundable...so...yeah...

Getting back to the story (I'm getting a little long winded, I see!), my running buddy asked if he could join. I told him that I was leaving at 4:30 am and planned to run 13 miles. Seriously though, I haven't run much at all. Very sad, but very true. The holidays and just plain lazy are to blame. No, I don't know why I just randomly set the goal to run a half marathon before work, but I did it and that's what I was set on doing.

...then...last night happened...along with a couple of adult beverages and not sleeping until 12 am. Thank goodness (or curse) the 4am sms message from my friend woke me up and reminded me of my goal. As my buddy was stretching, I added the disclaimer that, "Technically, I still may be a little intoxicated." He laughed, I tried to get my contacts to settle, we both set our watches, and hit the pavement.

For the first 5km, i cursed myself for putting myself though this run, and subsequently outpaced my friend. By the 4th mile, I lost my buddy. By mile 5, I was in a groove and hoped that my friend would be spotted soon (which never happened). I kept running...and running...and stopped for 2 bottles of very cold water...and kept running...and running, until I was back again at the entrance of my neighborhood. And as if on cue, my buddy pulled up in his car on his way home. He: 11 miles. Me: 13 miles. What? I can't believe I did it...and all in just under 2 hours! Awesome!

Lessons learned: 1) you can do anything you set your mind to; 2) my running route is the business; and 3) I've still got it! Yes!

Well, until next time...put one foot in front of the other...and keep it movin'!

Yours in (get it right, get it tight) training,

Dani

New Year's Day 5km...He nearly beat me edition

Hello Dear Reader,

Just as I said I would, my lovely Ethiopian and I (actually) woke up on New Year's Day, to run the New Year's Day 5km race in Chicago. We woke up super late, and almost bailed on the event because of it. Luckily, we were staying two blocks from Lincoln Park, so there would have been no real excuse to offer you (and ourselves).

Chicago: ridiculously cold and windy for no good reason! Me...with my snazzy new running clothes on. My Ethiopian: a t-shirt, track pants, and a pair of Sketchers on. Both of us getting in a pre-race run (read: mad dash to the park because we were late) to the park, arriving just in time to register and line up.

My lovely guy and I started off in the middle of the pack. Running across the way from him, I yelled, "Go Haile! Go!" (As in Haile Gerbersalassie...the best long distance runner...and Ethiopian extraordinaire). Perhaps I said that a little too much, because before I knew it, my boy took off running. I had to duck and dive other runners just to catch up.

Finally, after a little over a mile, the runner that could started to slow down to a walk. Even though I hadn't run much at all since I'd been home, was cold, and tired, I couldn't go down like that. I had to leave my guy behind. Kicking it up into high gear to recover lost time, I passed people left, right, front and center. No cold, out of shape body, or flat Chicago street was going to make me cross the finish line over 30 minutes! Not.a.chance.

I could drag this story out, but it would be unnecessarily longer than a 5km deserves...so long story short, I crossed the finish line at 27 minutes...and by golly, my lovely, out of shape, no running since September, Ethiopian crossed at 30 minutes. What? What just happened here? Lawd, take the wheel! I'm comin' home to Jesus!

The only thing that distracted me from the fact that, I'm in much better shape and for all intents and purposes, he beat me, was the guy who came up to us and told my guy how he'd been trying to catch up to me the whole time. He said, "Man, you're competitive!" Yes, yes I am!

Being the humble guy he is, my Ethiopian didn't say a word about the 3 minute time difference. He pleasantly ate his brunch at the neighborhood cafe, and we enjoyed the rest of our day. It was only until he returned home and reenacted his 3 weeks of fun in the US over coffee with his friends like he was at a LARP festival, did the bragging start. He admitted that he told his friends, "If I can run that fast and not train at all, and she's been running for a long time, I wonder how good I'll be if I actually worked at it. Being Ethiopian has its benefits!" (I took artistic liberties in reconstructing his statement. Sue me.)

Soon, my lovely guy will be relocating close enough to me that we can schedule a rematch. Until then, I need to hustle to get back on my running game. The outcome of the New Year's Day 5km can never happen again!

The End!

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

Yours in (What? I still can't believe it) training,

Dani

A little help from my friend...

Hello Dear Reader,

As I've mentioned previously, lately, I've been having a difficult time getting the motivation to run. Luckily, I have awesome friends and family who have managed to get me going when they see me dragging my feet. One friend in particular has really helped me to renew my passion for running by being so focused on and interested in talking about his own quest for a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Hearing him speak about his running ups and down reminds me of where I was about a year ago: unable to think or talk about anything else but long runs, proper fueling, strength training, and aching knees. During this period in my 'process', friends and family were uber supportive, albeit bored to tears because of my lack of anything else to talk about. Instead of rolling my eyes every time my good buddy mentions how many reps of sit-ups he's completed or the need to calibrate his running watch to get a more accurate picture of his distance and pace, I get inspired...motivated to pound the pavement.

This weekend, after hearing my friend talk endlessly about pushing himself to complete 9 or so miles on his Sunday long run, I decided to get in on the action and raised the stakes. "Nine miles? Really? We ran that last week. Let's go for the gold and run 10!" ...And ten miles it was! This morning, my good buddy and I drove a bit out of town, parked the car at a random stopping point, and...ran. If you were familiar with Maseru, I'd tell you that we ran from Lithabaneng to the airport turn off. Since that probably means little to nothing to you, I'll just say that we ran five miles one way, turned around and ran back in the opposite direction. What a perfect morning to run: slightly cloudy for most of the way, long stretches of calm roads, freshly plowed fields, grazing cows and sheep, gushing rivers...beautiful!

A while ago, I was so resistant to the idea of having a running partner. Honestly, I was afraid of becoming too dependent on someone else's workout whims. I feared that if they managed to talk their self out of running or quit all together, I would lose motivation to continue as well, as evidenced in previous workout attempts. This time around, however, I'm finding that, sometimes, a running partner is just what the doctor ordered to get me back on my running game. Sometimes all I need is a little help from my (running) friend!

I hope that, as I continue to jot down my experiences with the trials of making health and fitness part of an improved lifestyle, you will be inspired (however small or great) to get yourself off of the couch...put one foot in front of the other...and keep it movin'!

Yours in (getting back in the game) training,

Dani

Slightly off beat

Hello Dear Reader,

Lately, because of all of the changes going on in my life, I have sorely neglected running. Without daily runs, I've been totally off beat. I guess that sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in the frustrations, rather than focus on solutions to mitigate them. While running isn't the solution for everything, it sure does allow me the time and space to collect myself and improve my attitude. Every time my mother hears me complain, her answer is, "Girl, you need to get up and run." Real talk!

It seems as if my friends also know what to say- run! One of my good friends in Lesotho, who has now been running and working out for several months (and has made amazing strides in his own personal health and fitness), picked up on my frustration and asked, "Why aren't you running?" In his very gentle way, he managed to talk me into supporting him in his running endeavor by joining him on his Sunday long runs. His Sunday long runs, over time, have motivated me to revive my mid-week runs. Isn't it funny that helping others often helps you to help yourself?!

Several weeks ago, we ran 8 miles around the city. Prior to the run, however, I was pretty nervous that I'd be too out of shape to complete it. Not.at.all. The run, in fact, made me feel sooooo good (like I knew it would). I wasn't sore or stiff! Wow, my body is forgiving! This past weekend, we completed 9 miles. Awesome! Not only am I proud of my running buddy for his own accomplishments, but I'm proud of myself for getting back out there and hitting the pavement as well.

Sometimes it is so easy to allow frustrations to distract me, but I need to be more diligent to not let these temporary moments derail me from accomplishing my goals and doing what I enjoy.

"We fall down, but we get up!"

...and I'm saying this to myself right now...put one foot in front of the other...and keep it movin'!

Yours in (getting back up) training,

Dani

I changed clothes...and went...again!

Hello Dear Reader,

Ahhh...the running-induced endorphins are still coursing through my veins after this morning's run! I feel high (in a very legal way, California!) on life right now...all thanks to running!

Although I didn't go running yesterday as planned, due to several commitments, I thought about nothing else but running...and work...and the marshmallows I've been thinking of introducing to a box of rice crispies...and my Ethio Running Buddy (of course)!

Yesterday evening, all of the running stars must have been aligned: 1) I was with Doc (remember him?); 2) I ran into my running friend who ran both the full Two Oceans Marathon, and a couple of months later, the Comrades Marathon (crazy, right?); 3) I ran into my friend's dad who is a running coach, who runs the Comrades every year, and trains his group on the highest of high mountain peaks in Lesotho; and 4) I met up with several friends for dinner. One of my friends, who steered the group conversation around his increasing girth, asked if I was still running. "Errr...umm...uhhh...Yeah", I said sheepishly. "Great!", my friend replied. He asked to join me on my "regularly scheduled" morning runs. Sure, I neglected to tell him that I haven't run consistently since March (sad face), that I was sure to be waaaaaay out of shape (so don't expect any broken records or anything), and that I was desperately looking for a (some poor sucker) morning running partner for safety. He didn't need to know all of that...I immediately said, "Hellz yeah! Let's do it!" He set the time for 5:00 am...awesome! He even sms'd (texted) twice last night to confirm that I would be ready at 5 am!

5:00 am- Running clothes on, running shoes laced up, and ready to go!

5:15 am- Still waiting

5:45 am- Fug

6:00 am- What's a girl tah do?

6:30 am- Get up and GO!!!!!

By 6:30 am, I was out on the roads pounding some serious pavement. Yes, it was cold as a deep freezer outside. Yes, it was still dark outside, but nearing sun rise. Yes, there were lots of people outside headed to work. Yes, I actually did feel very safe. And within about 30-40 minutes, the sun was fully up!

YES!

YES!

YES!!!!

I feel AMAZING! All of this time, I made up excuses for not running...and thanks to a failed running date...I got up the gumption to get out and do it!

Woohoo!

And the best thing is that I'm not in any pain from being so out of practice! Alright!

Now that I have the experience of and courage to run outside in the mornings, there is nothing standing in my way of accomplishing my goals. Speaking of goals, I know that, for me, it's super important to have reachable goals to work towards. Like to hear it? Here it goes:

1. Lose 2-3 kg by the end of September
2. Run one half marathon in July 30th (Jumbo Jolly Half Marathon) and August 27th (Wilge Spring Half Marathon)
3. ...and when the running calendar is up for September, a marathon.

So, Dear Reader, it looks like I might be on a role! Come along with me as I attempt to put one foot in front of the other and keep it movin'!

Yours in (morning running again) training,

Dani

..and for your pavement pounding playlist: Go!

Change clothes and go!

Hello Dear Reader,

This weekend, several things have been on my mind:

1. I really, really love to run...and I miss it. Similar to having a best/good friend who has "drifted away" over time, you find yourself remembering the laughs, smiles, good and bad times you've share...you want them all back. Finding a way to reconnect is the hitch...
2. Yesterday, I drove into Ladybrand for a massage and facial. As I was changing back into my clothes, I caught a glimpse of my "on a break from running" body. By no means am I big at all. Simply put- I know I can be/look better. The "extra me" that's starting to form as a result of eating more than I'm burning (you get the picture)...I want to get rid of it.
3. My Ethio running buddy and I were in the midst of a Skype convo, when he asked, 'Aren't you supposed to be in a race this weekend?' Oh...ummm...no! Which then prompted me to look at races on www.runnersguide.co.za and noticed that the racing season is picking up again in preparation for the spring and summer. And later on in the day, I was vaccuming my carpets when I knocked over a couple of my running medals. I thought, "Are these things just going to collect dust as relics from a brief, yet fulfilling running career or am I going to find ways to add to the collection to pass down to my half-alien/Ethio-American great grand children?" (Sorry, still chowing through Octavia Butler's 'Lilith's Brood').
4. I want to look good in my wedding photos.
5. Over the past few months that I was broken up with running, I've noticed that I'm not as chipper, sunshiny, and excited.about.everything! Instead, my humor is a bit more dry than it has been, I'm a bit more moody (sorry friends and family), and I just don't feel...right. Running is the best cure-all drug for me, ya'll! I stopped taking my "meds" and the world is a lot less bright... The label on my running shoes and/or clothes should read like this: For best results, use every day. Should be taken with water and a balanced meal. You may experience side effects such as cheerful disposition, increased productivity, weight loss, increased appetite, glowing skin, and calloused feet. Do not discontinue treatment unless instructed.

After thoughts like these, I had no choice but to get my big body up and out from under the warmth of my electric blanket set to 'hot as hell', change clothes, and GO! I slipped on my running essentials (without my underused Garmin), and hit the pavement! My first inclination was to blast off, but instead, I set a slow and steady pace, and stuck with it. The feeling of pavement pounding was awesome! It was as if I were in a zone...completely focused...and feeling great!

I should know the distance I covered, because there are only so many viable routes around town, but it must have been around 8 to 10 km. The surprise of actually running that entire route without stopping, after having been on such a long break, was unbelievable...especially since I'm not in pain (yet)! Thank GOD for 'muscle memory'!!!

Tomorrow morning, I will be back at the pavement pounding. Expect a report back! Since I'm trying to get back into racing (and collecting medals to pass down to my Alien spawn), I need to do a bit more training. I am committed to running on July 30th- The Jolly Jumbo Half Marathon!

So until tomorrow (when you return to read my "back at it" report)...one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours in (get it right, get it tight) training,

Dani

And for a bit of running motivation (for both yourself and me)... Jay-Z's "Change Clothes" and GO!

Good news to beat the winter running blues

Hello Dear Reader,

I've been gone from my little blog for so long, it seems as if we need to get reacquainted with one another. So here goes nothin': Hello, my name is Dani and I'm sorry to say that I'm a Couch Potato. ***Dani hangs head low*** Rather...Hello, my name is Dani and I'm addict. I fell off the wagon (again) and I need to get back up and get moving.

The scariest thing is that my mind no longer incessantly thinks about running...#notcoolatall (like they do on Twitter...)

I signed up for the gym. Thought that might be cool. Running on a treadmill. Sucks. Even though it's not how I'd like my ideal running picture to look...running on a rat wheel...sitting on the couch doing nothing is definitely not the business either.

Not.the.business!

There is a marathon I need to prepare for in August...and a half marathon coming up in mid-July...and the Comrades (still undecided) next year... Sitting on the couch in my uninsulated, freezing-cold house is not the way I want my running career to go down. not.at.all.

As my very first boyfriend taught me a long time ago, "Don't talk about it. Be about it." I've been talking about it (and sometimes not at all), but that needs to change. I want to be about it..I really do. I will be about it. No excuses. No "ifs", "ands" or "buts".

And aside from all of the very obvious reasons for getting and keeping my mind and body right...I have a wedding to prepare for...

MY WEDDING!!!

Yep, my Ethiopian Running Buddy not only wants to meet me with a congratulatory hug at the finish line, but wants to run with me throughout and for life!

And as short sighted as this comment may be...you ready? Wait for it. Ok: pictures last forever...and when you post them on the internet...even longer... So you see, I don't want my half alien/half Ethiopian-American great, great, great grandchildren to remember me as a couch potato (forgive me. I've been reading Octavia Butler's 'Lillith's Brood', which has me concerned for the future of the human race...j/k). I can't disappoint my future like that!

Anyway...keep me in your thoughts and good body prayers as I manage to get myself together and fight off these winter running, 'mood indigo' running blues!

And in the I'm-training-for-the-Publix-Georgia-Marathon way, until next time (Dani)...Keep it movin' (Dani)!

Yours in (all of it) training,

Dani

I think I've gone crazy! (Comrades Marathon Edition)

Hello Dear Reader,

Yesterday, my friend Doc called me and asked, "Dude, are you watching tv right now?" to which I replied, "Uhh...no, I'm cleaning my house." In an excited voice, Doc said, "Dude, you're missing out on the Comrades! Come over to my place and watch it with me." Ohhhhh...the Comrades...I totally forgot that it was this weekend! In fact, my friend Morosi and several other people from Lesotho will be participating! Leaving all of my sweeping, clothes washing, and folding behind, I hopped into the shower and rushed over to Doc's place...and......

Oh, you want to know what this whole "Comrades" business is about? Sorry, I forgot that you don't live in South(ern) Africa and are completely unaware of the, arguably, most prestigious long distance race in the whole of Africa...The Comrades (Ultra) Marathon! The Comrades Marathon, 89.96 km (~52 miles) of the most grueling road racing this side of the Mason Dixon Line...oops...mixed up the countries on that one! The race, which has been hosted since the 1920's, is THE race that people work throughout the year to train for. All other races, Two Oceans Marathon included, are mere buildups to the Comrades.

The route runs (no pun intended) between Pietermaritzburg (PM) and Durban, South Africa. Every other year or every two years, the race switches direction. From PM to Durban, the race is primarily down hill as Durban is at sea level. From PM to Durban, well, let's just say that when I drove back to Maseru from Durban this past December, my little front wheel drive car was struggling to make it up the rolling hills! The change in direction is so remarkable that runners have actually specialized their training and skills to run either up or downhill for this specific race.

In order to qualify for a medal, you have to complete the race within 11 hr 59 min 59 sec! My body has never moved for that long...unless it was asleep!

As Doc and I sat on his couch watching the masses fight their way to the top of one hill after the next, something (crazy) grew deep within me...a little spark...a tiny, tiny, tiny question that asked, "Can I bring myself to do something like that?" Watching people of all shapes, sizes and ages run, walk, crawl and even be dragged across the finish line by total strangers, ignited a slight flicker within...can I actually do that? Can I, Dani, who just ran her first marathon after a lifetime on the couch, actually build myself up to running the Comrades Marathon?

That evening, I proclaimed in front of Doc that, next year, I WILL run the Comrades (even though I talked major sh*t about how I'd never be crazy enough to do it). I even called my parental units and my Ethiopian Running Partner to tell them of my idea. All three of them asked, "Why would you want to do that? It just doesn't make any sense." My Ethio Running Partner even said a flat out, "No!", but he softened his stance on the subject, said he'd be my biggest supporter, but still thought I was crazy and didn't see the point.

After talking myself up for the race, via chats with my family, I looked up the training plan for sub 11 hours. The plan says that you have to first run two qualifying marathons sub-5 hours, but ideally I should be able to run a sub-4 hr 25 min. I guess I need to really start working my a$$ off if I plan on doing that...seeing that would mean cutting about 35 minutes off of my GA Marathon time. Oh My!

I still have plenty of time to make up my mind...it's crazy, I know...but just think about it...next year's course will be down hill (not to say easier, but down hill none-the-less)...and...if I actually completed the race, there would really be nothing standing in my way...no mountain high enough, no valley low enough (yes, I know I just borrowed a line from a song, but you get the point). Also, I need to do more research, starting with talking to my friend Morosi...after she's recovered. So while I'm busy making up my mind, let me know what you think! Should I or shouldn't I?



So until next time...one foot in front of the other (I actually heard a commentator from last night say this during the final hours of the race)...keep it movin'!

Yours in (WTH) training,

Dani

What I Learned On My Easter Vacation (Two Oceans Half Marathon Edition)

Hello Dear Reader,

On Saturday, April 23rd, I brushed away my running fears (What if my ankles aren't ready? How am I supposed to run a race when I've only run once this month? What if this race is a career bust? Blah? Blah? Blah?) and ran the Two Oceans "Most Beautiful Race" Half Marathon.

Because of all of my fears and concerns, I did not commit to running the race until I landed in the Cape. Something about Cape Town(a magical city) and the incredible energy that was almost tangible in the city (or was it my incredible Ethiopian running buddy who kept telling me that I was going to break records) inspired me to head to the race expo, which was held at the Good Hope Centre. What really did the trick, in all honesty (cause we're all friends here, right?), was the grip full of bags peanut M&M's that the nice guy at the goodie bag section gave me. I mean, isn't that all the running inspiration a girl who loves chocolate and her figure equally need? I thought you'd agree with me.

The rest of the day was spend enjoying to city (Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, amazing company...). Ahhh Cape Town, the "Mother City", how I love thee.

Clearly, the only thing I'd actually planned on Friday (the day before the race) was how to strategically stuff 3 of the 6 bags of M&M's down my throat, no alarm set or wake up call to speak of. It was only because I happened to wake up by chance on race day with minutes to spare before the shot rang out signaling the half marathon "read, set, go"! An ill-planned wake up also resulted in neglecting to bring along my handy Garmin 110...which I thought about during the entire run...agh, shame man!

Between take off and 10km, I was running pretty. In fact, I was going much faster than I usually do and feeling fine as wine. No kankle pain (Thank you Gawd)! There was a whole bunch of ducking and diving through the ginormous crowd. ***This is the time I'd like to pause and apologize to all of the slower runners I accidentally jabbed/cut off/stepped on just to get ahead. Sorry***

At 11km, my month off from running, lack of focus before the race, etc., caught up to me...when the remaining portion of the race seemed to be one never ending hill. Sure, I live in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho...high altitudes...etc., etc...so hills should be a breeze. Yes, that would be true, but that only helps out when you actually practice...which we all know I did so very little of. Boo!

Long story short, I felt good and bad about this race. I went into it saying that I just wanted to finish...that time was not a factor...I just wanted to have fun and give my kankles a run for their money. And finish is exactly what I did. It was awesome to be a part of such a well known and much loved event in South Africa. I saw plenty of my friends from Lesotho, and a bunch I wasn't expecting to see. The weather was perfect. The energy of the crowd was superior. My Ethiopian running partner was the best...telling me that I was going to break records and how I did such an amazing job. So for all of these things, I felt that this was an awesome race, second to my marathon of course. Finishing at 2hr 26 min (a full 10 minutes over my PR, but who's counting, right?), however, was a drag. I mean really, 10 minutes? If this were one of my other races, I would have collected my medal and would be one the way to my car to head home in that extra time. But I digress....

If anything, this race told me that I have absolutely no excuses but to get my but back in shape...put one foot in front of the other...and keep it movin! You know what I mean?

And 'get movin' is exactly what I did upon returning to Lesotho. With my Ethio running buddy by my side, we ran this city...together. What could be better?!

So Dear Reader, no excuses. No choice. Plus, if I want to continue eating the way I do (yummy, homemade banana bread muffins...nom, nom, nom!!!!), I really have no choice!

Until next time...everyone say it with me, "one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!"

Yours in (on to the next one) training,

Dani

I may be a little sore and out of practice...but I'm here!

Hello Dear Reader,

The combination of guilt, peer pressure, caution, the Two Oceans Half Marathon, and the tipping hand of the scale motivated me on Sunday to strap on my dusty Garmin and running gear, and pound some pavement...almost 6 miles to be exact! Nope, I didn't stutter...I said almost 6 miles!

Garmin set, jazzy pink iPod on..ready, set...GO! My pace was decidedly slow at just a little over a ten minute mile, as I didn't want to push my luck! Luckily, there was only slight discomfort in my left tendon, but my right ankle was a bit sore. The right side must be my trick ankle...it's been faking me out this whole time, making me think that the left side was going to be a problem. Nope! Initially, I started to doubt if I'd make my full course, but I pushed through at a very slow pace...up and down hills...without stopping...and with no fatigue! Woohoo!!!!! When I got to the end of the route, I was smiling on the inside...I did it! I'm back, ya'll! I'm back! My hopes for running the Two Oceans Half this weekend aren't totally dashed! My lovely Ethiopian running partner's trip isn't being made in vain (who are we kidding?)!

Now several days later, I'm a bit sore from being out of the running game for so long..but it is the good kind of sore. The kind of sore that says work is being done. The kind of sore that says, "Trust me, I'm a runner!"

Clearly the first run I "completed" right after returning to Lesotho was a dud. My shins hurt, my legs felt like bricks, I was sore, my tendons hurt, and I was just tired in general. How dare I let that one run negatively influence my perceptions about my ability to run in future! Why wasn't I using logic? All that run told me was that my body deserved a break from pavement pounding and not a break from reality. After asking my body to do things it had never been asked to do before (i.e. run) and then ask it to run 26.2 miles, followed by making 2 16-hour plane rides in economy class (with the leg room of a matchbox), drink my liver into submission, stay up at all hours of the night, and party like a 30 year old (Cause 30 is the new 18! Didn't you know?!), I was expecting to perform at my best. Not!

Having said all of that, the 95% mental thing got me down ya'll. I lost my focus (see my self pep talk?)! Perhaps I'll have one or two more runs before Saturday's race! Boy, oh boy and I excited!!! My Ethiopian running buddy, a long weekend off from work, Cape Town, the Two Oceans Half Marathon, time spent with friends...this will be a great weekend! ...and of course you know pictures will follow...on Monday!

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

Yours in (Two Oceans Half) training,

Dani

Hillary (Part II) & Road Trip Mayhem

Hello Dear Reader,

Just in case you forgot...I'd like to reintroduce myself: My name is Hillary and I run hills for fun. Yesterday morning, Doc called and said, "Hillary, it's that time again. Be prepared to run hills after work."

At exactly 6:00 pm, Doc and I set out to pound the pavement in downtown Maseru. Initially, I was going to take him on a tour of my long route which encircles the city, but my little friend complained that the streets were still way too busy...unlike the quiet streets around his neighborhood outside of town. Just because he complained, I took him on a super hilly route through Maseru West!

On the first hill, he managed to reach the top without incident. By the time we completed the second major hill, Doc was out of breath! Hahaha (or in Lesotho, "kwakwakwa")! I asked him if he needed a break, but the little pony's pride is that of a stallion! Onward!

In total, we ran up about 5 steep hills and the remaining course consisted of slight, but steady inclines. To put it plainly, Lesotho is known as "the mountain kingdom". Pretty much any street you run will include running up a hill, down a hill or along the ridge of a hill! Additionally, the elevation of Maseru is approximately 1600m (5249 ft) above sea level. Hopefully, this will come in handy during the marathon in Atlanta, Georgia at an elevation of 225 to 320 m (738 to 1050 ft)!

Like I said before, however, I won't feel ready until I am able to run up that donkey kong-sized hill behind my house! Until then...my name is Hillary!

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

Yours in (hills) training,

Dani

PS: Just for your entertainment, I've included some pictures of the ginormous potholes Doc and I encounter to reach the world outside of Maseru...into South Africa!

Doc representing the Crocodilian 32km




Instead of fixing the potholes, you'll see an exclamation point (!).
Just know you're in for a bumpy ride/flat tire!



One of MANY potholes!

Crocodilian 32 km: Unfamiliar Territory

Hello Dear Reader,

Right after work...well...right after the early part of a birthday party...Doc and I hit the road and headed back to Vanderbijlpark (the place we stayed last weekend) to get some shut eye for the big race- the Crocodilian 32 km- this morning. Lots of laughs- check. Alarm clock set for 4:30 am- check. Shut eye-check (but not nearly enough).When the alarm went off at the designated time, I honestly felt as though I'd not slept at all. You see...I've been going out every evening this week and have been seriously sleep deprived. Great for the social life. Not so great when preparing for a big race- 32 km (20 miles)- the longest distance I've ever covered in my life!

Either way, Doc and I were up and out of the door by ten minutes to five (perhaps a little too late) and followed directions that we thought would get us to Fochville,

South Africa within 20 minutes.

Twenty minutes later and after several wrong turns, both Doc and I were starting to get nervous. The taxi driver we stopped to ask for directions said, "Oh, you just turn at the 4-way stop, turn right and go strrrrraight! Only about 45km away." Errrr...uhhh...not such a nice thing to hear when you only have 20 minutes before race kick off time. After thanking Mr. Taxi Driver, Doc and I drove like bats out of hell trying to get to middle of nowhere Fochville...and I mean in.the.middle.of.no.where! We were both super anxious, but the race to find this random little town caused lots of laughter and many inside jokes!

The race kickoff time was 6:00 am. We arrived at the Crocodilian

Estates Hotel at 6:20 am. Uhhh...late! By the time we registered and took off, there was no sign of there even being a race, with the exception of a water table and a few race supporters. For the first 3 km, we saw no one. I was having a very difficult time getting into the race. The week-long partying started to catch up with me. Having driven all night, slept for a few hours, and rushing to the race totally threw me off. At about 4km, I was struggling to move and Doc, for the first time in his life (wink, wink), managed to run ahead of me.

At about 4km, several runners came over the hill headed in the opposite direction. What was initially the first few runners of the 15 km race turned into lots of runners...all looking at me as if I were crazy. Yes, I just started. Yes, I am well aware that I'm super late. Yes, I'm running the 32km.

It took a good 5km for me to finally settle into some type of rhythm, but emotionally, it was pretty draining to see so many other runners headed back on their way to completing the first lap of a two lap course. I did my best to look right in front of me, but it was impossible to avoid the stares of runners on the other side of the road. Additionally, it was a bit disheartening to know that I was the very last person in the entire race...and behind Doc (following him by 1 or 2 km).

Keep your head down Dani and focus on getting to the finish line.

As I was running towards the start line to finish the first lap, runners from the 32 km were well into their second lap. Additionally, I FINALLY managed to catch up to and pass Doc and a few of the stragglers of the 15km race at the starting line. Running past the starting line, I entered a go-cart track which was part of the 32 km race. Expecting to see Doc any minute...but nothing. When I ran back on to the main road to start my second lap, I saw Doc ahead of me with the last of the 15 km racers. ...And that was the end of Doc...and just about the end of me. I was quickly losing motivation...I was the very last racer...Doc, my running partner, was out...racers in the 32 km were way ahead of me. I wanted to stop at 15 km...and seriously considered it, but I knew that this race was about me...and my journey to completing the Publix Georgia Marathon. Furthermore, I didn't come up with any convincing enough excuses for why the Crocodilian 32 km race report all of a sudden became the Crocodilian 15 km race report.

Keep focused Dani. One foot in front of the other. Keep it movin'. Quitting is not an option.

Second lap...my spirits were starting to rise. Cheers by passing runners (and I mean LOTS of runners) and all of the water station volunteers motivated me to keep going. I can do this. Finally, I reached 21 km and a part of me wanted to cheer...I was there in under 2 hours! The obvious challenge was that this wasn't a half marathon. I was now entering into completely unfamiliar territory...beyond 13.1 miles (even though I once ran a 15 miler).

Keep your head down. Focus on the task at hand. Keep it movin'!

Reaching the last water station on the first part of the second lap, I noticed that the water station volunteers were cleaning up. I yelled, "Hey, don't you all pack up! I'm not finished yet! I'll be back!"

Turning the corner to enter the last leg of the last lap, I passed an older woman who yelled, "Good job my girl! You're beating me!"

Numb feet and legs. Drained out of my mind. Hit the wall a long time ago. One foot in front of the other. Keep it movin'.

As much as possible, I ran with walk breaks in between. The gap between me and the very last runner was widening. Finally, I reached the top of the last

hill (this was a hilly, hilly race) and saw the Crocodilian Estates in the distance. Run. Run. Walk. Run. Run. Walk.

At about 3 km from the finish line, Doc ran into the street to cheer me on. Runners who had long since finished cheered me on. Lots of cheers. A great deal of encouragement. Let's finish this race! Once again, I entered into the go-cart race track, made a loop and returned to the road to find Doc on the side lines cheering me on.

FINALLY, after just under 4 hours (Doc says around 3 hours and 30 minutes), I FINISHED THE CROCODILIAN 32 KM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Of all of the races I've completed, this one was the most emotionally taxing/draining/challenging. Feeling so unprepared for this race; tired; way behind; and at times, demotivated, I overcame the obstacles and persevered. I am now ready...ready to tackle to biggest race of my life...ready to take on anything standing in my way!

I have to do it. I will do it! I can do it!

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

Yours in (Publix Georgia Marathon) training,

Dani

You're so intense!

Dear Reader,

If you would have asked me to go running last year, I would have given you the side eye at your bad joke. Fast forward to the present, when I ask people to run with me (even some people who would consider themselves runners), I'm the one getting the side eye.

It seems as though just about everyone in this small town has seen me running through the streets, up and down hills, and either (sometimes) rain or sunshine. Many people make comments to me about my regularly scheduled, running-related Facebook status updates. People know that my weekends are dedicated, from now until the first weekend in April, to running/races/training. But when someone talks about going out for a run, and I want to join in, I often get, "But you're so intense. I'd be embarassed to run with you. I can't keep up." To that, I question, "Who's intense? Me?!"

Have I officially crossed over to become a "runner"? Clearly, everyone around me thinks that I'm some sort of life-long running devotee. I, on the other hand, still don't consider myself a "runner"...yet. I'm too new at running to be considered "intense". I have not built up the stamina, the love, and the dedication to the sport. My friend from yesterday's post who is training for a 100 mile race, CPT, now she's a runner. My friends training for the full Two Oceans Marathon (56km) are runners. I've not yet reached the point where a thirty minute run is considered "easy"...like it is describe on Hal Higdon's beginner's marathon training plan. There are no "easy" 10 mile runs over on my side of the street. No matter if I'm running a 5km or a half marathon, it's all hard work in my book. When those distances become "easy", that's when I'll earn the label of "runner" and "too intense".

So if you're interested in going on a 10 minute walk, a 20 minute walk/run, hill practice, or more...don't be shy...invite me along. Cause I'm still learning too!

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

Yours (still) in (hill) training,

Dani

P.S: I'd like to give two thumbs up to Linesiya for getting out in the cold to pound the pavement. FTTE, I know that when you put your mind to something, you can do anything! BIG HIGH 5's to Marti and Dave as they start out on their bike trip across the southern US of A! Goooo Team!!!

Sasol Half Marathon (2hr 18min)

Hello Dear Reader,

You read the title of this post correctly, I ran the Sasol Half Marathon in 2 hours and 18 minutes. If you do the math, that's 7 minutes minutes, yes, 7 minutes off of my time from last Saturday's Ottosdal Draf en Trap! Woohoo!!!

Now that you know the good part, let me rewind and tell you the story from the beginning:

At about 8:00 pm last night, my friend "Doc" and I left Maseru for the tiny town of Vanderbeijlpark, South Africa, which is about 10 minutes away from Sasolburg- the race location. Just getting there was half the fun, because we laughed the whole way! We drove through one small town after the other...streets with potholes the size of swimming pools. An opportunity to pop a tire at every bend. Luckily, there were no mishaps...but almost.

After what seemed to be an endless freaking drive, we arrived at our hotel just after 12:00 am and ca-rashed...just to wake up at 4:30 am and drive to the event.

The race registration area was packed to the rafters as participants scrambled to register and get sorted before start time of 6:00 am. Doc and I both had so much fun, not only laughing at each other, but laughing at all of the funny things we saw (inside joke!). I must say that I had the best time because Doc tagged along (more like me begging him to join in). Having someone to share in the experience made the even that much more special.

At exactly 6:00 am, the marathon, half marathon and 10km event took off. Doc and I started off at a slow and steady pace until about 4km, when I desperately had to use the ladies. You should have see the two of us run across the street to the petrol station. That little, and much needed side tour set both of us back by about 5 minutes. Continuing on at a slow and steady pace, Doc and I mustered along side by side until about the 7th when I noticed that he was starting to slip behind me. At the 8th kilometer, I lost sight of doc and off I went with my jazzy pink iPod as company.

The flat course allowed me to run, and run, and run without walking until I reached a big hill at the 13th kilometer. Once the hill was overcome (about 4 minutes), I ran the entire rest of the way! Wow, I can't believe how quickly I'm improving. I know that I say this all of the time, but I just keep thinking about my inability to run more than 8 minutes at a time last August, to now running almost an entire half marathon...and cutting off 7 minutes of my time from one race to another at that!

When I reached the last 900 meters, I entered the Sasolburg sports stadium and was passed by the 1st place runner of the full marathon. WTH?! How is it that this guy can run a full marathon in a slightly shorter time than I can run a half marathon?! I'm just sayin... Either way, I picked up my pace and blasted through the finish line!

Doc reached the finish line shortly after I did. His personal race recap was nothing less than hilarious! While running, he met and seemed to have extended conversations with several race participants: 1) Doctor who works at the Sasol mines. He went from 85 kg to 91 kg and was on a mission to get in shape; 2) Two guys from the area of Morningside in Johannesburg with hectic accents. When they found out that Doc was from Lesotho and ran the high altitude half marathon, they promised to exchange numbers so that they could participate next year; and 3) An older Indian man who was planning to run the 2011 Comrades Marathon (86km) and has run it 16 times before. (I actually shook hands with the man and wished him the best of luck...like he really needed it).

After shaking the Indian man's hand and walking out of the stadium, Doc and I posed next to the race indication sign...cause I know you would probably want a picture!

Well, that's all I've got for now. I need to rest my weary bones, ice my ankle, and keep a 24/7 watch over my toe (dropped something on my toe earlier this week and looks like the nail will fall off. TMI?)

Anyway, thank you all so much for encouraging me at each and every step. ...and the goodness will continue this upcoming week as I attempt to

focus on running hills...and next Saturday as Doc (pretty please?) and I attempt to run the Crocodilian 32 km (20 miles)!

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

movin'!

Yours in (another race) training,

Dani

PS: Check out Couch Potato #2 and his girlfriend Aila!

Top 5 Reasons Why Southern Africa Is Good For Runners

Dear Reader,

On the drive back to Lesotho from my race yesterday morning, I got to thinking about how my life in Southern Africa is good for my running career. As we're all well aware, I never ran a day of my life whilst living in the US of A...other than running from one base to another during my jr. high and high school softball days...so my familiarity with the running set there is limited. All of these things may be true in the US and other parts of the world, but I'm in Southern Africa right now, so roll with it...

Having said all of that, I'll let you in on why I think starting and maintaining a "competetive" running habit is easier in South Africa:

1) Regularly Scheduled Races: As evidenced by this runner's calendar, you'll note that races take place all over the country on almost every weekend, and some weekdays too. The fact that they're compiled in a nifty matrix with race organizer contact details doesn't hurt either. No matter where you are in the country, if you want to race, there is one within reach.

2) Popular Races: The whole time I lived in the US, I never knew anything about ultra/ marathons except for the NY and Chicago Marathons, and Peach Tree Road Race in Georgia. Even when I could care less about running in South Africa, I still knew when and where the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons were. Additionally, I knew all about the famed Soweto and Two Cities Marathons, and was forced to watch whilst with other friends. True, I'm now more in tune with the racing scene now that I'm trying my best to be a part of it, but the only time the Peach Tree Road race came to mind was when I had to deal with resulting midtown traffic.

Perhaps I'm a more than slightly freaked out by/curious about Ultra Marathons lately. If you are too, here's a list of ultras around the world. A lot of them are in the US...

3) South Africans are Sports Freaks: Football (soccer), Cricket, Rugby, Competitive running, you name it...South Africans love their sports. Yes, I did make a blanket statement, but it's a true one. Just about everyone here is actively involved in at least one sport...they put the F in fanatic...on the sidelines and in the game. Social life revolves around sports and being outside. Perhaps this is what tipped my curiosity about running over the edge. When in Rome (or South Africa as the case may be)...

4) Organized Race Clubs: If you want to run with a registered group, Southern Africa/South Africa is the place to be. Just check out the listing of running clubs in the Free State alone!

5) Low Race Fees: One of the virtual runners I regularly stalk wrote a post on how expensive race fees are becoming in the US. In South Africa (RSA), race fees seem to range from R50 to R60 (about $9) including a temporary running license. Larger, more popular races like the Two Oceans are more expensive. For instance, as a non-South African citizen, I paid a little over $100 for a re-usable racing chip, t-shirt, and entry fee. If I were a citizen of RSA, I'd pay about $60 for the same things. Luckily for me, this race only comes along once a year and hopefully by the next time it rolls around, I'll finally have my Lesotho residence permit and can apply the "rest of Africa" fee!

As I said before, all of these examples may be just as true in the US, but I just wasn't focused on it when I was there. Either way...I love living and running in Southern Africa and will never hide that fact!

I hope that where ever you are, you find a way to stay active and find as many opportunities as possible to stay involved. Just take the example of my friends, former Peace Corp buddies, and amazing supporters- Marti & Dave. These two inspirational individuals are really big into cycling. In fact, they are in the midst of biking from San Diego to the Adventure Cycling Association's trail across the southern USA!!!

If you want to follow along with Marti and Dave's adventures, check out their online journal:My Fine Cycle. You can also access the link to their blog on the side panel of my blog under "Folks I'm Running With"!

Enjoy and be inspired!!!

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

Yours in(spiration) training,

Dani

Ottosdal Draf en Trap= Best Race Ever!!!

Hello Dear Reader,

Yesterday morning, I woke up on my couch after a long night out on the town- contacts still in my eyes, makeup on, and Couch Potato # 2 snoring up a storm. Not exactly the perfect condition to drive 4 hours and run a 1/2 marathon! As I lay on my couch with one eye half opened, every single reason for NOT running ran (no pun intended) through my mind: My eyes are killing me; I'm too tired; I don't want to drive 4 hours; I can't go if there's no water at home; there's a party tonight; I haven't run consistently for weeks, how am I supposed to run a race...and the list goes on. Perhaps the ONLY reason I managed to get up, packed, and out the door by 6:45 am was the thought of having a shower waiting for me at the other end of my 4 hour drive (the 6th day without water in the entire city of Maseru)!!!!!

Luckily, I arrived at my hotel room early enough to take a looooong shower, get a bite to eat and take nap long enough to trick me into thinking that I could run 21.1 km (13.1 miles) later in the day. The actual race was about 1 hour away from where I was staying (no accommodation near the race venue) so I left at 3:00 pm. Let me tell you this- if I blinked, surely I would have missed the tiny town of Ottosdal. Just as all of the reviews said, the highlight of the town is the annual Daf en Trap night race!

The Daf en Trap event is comprised of a cycling competition, 42.2 km (26.2 miles), 21.1 km (13.1 miles), 10 km, and 5 km race. I was rather surprised to see so many people both watching and participating in the race. People came from all over South Africa to take part (I didn't feel so crazy for driving all the way from Lesotho).

Since I had several hours to kill, I did what I always do- observed runners' various warm-up strategies/habits: Stretching, warm-up runs, chatting with friends, listening to music, smoking (YES, SMOKING), resting, and watching others. Additionally, I grabbed a mealie (corn on the cob) for a little pre-race fuel. Later on during the race (about 10 km in), I would regret chowing down on the whole thing when I thought I was going to puke on the side of the road. TMI?

As I waited for the race to start I sat on the field and did a bit of stretching with several other runners. I tell you, I've never been so at home than I did with so many people who have worse tan lines than I do. Remember the ugly tan line I posted after the Ficksburg Cherry race.

..a fugly ring around my mid-calf (it's gotten worse)? Other runners have it much worse...short-shorts lines on their upper and mid-thighs...razorback stripes on their backs...lines on their arms...outlines of running sunglasses...a runner's badge of honor, if you will.

Just before the 42.2 km race began, the loud speaker came on and the announcer began to say a whole bunch of stuff I didn't understand because it was all in Afrikaans. The only time I heard what was being said was when the speaker started praying...in Afrikaans, English, and Setswana...and when he counted down from 5, followed by a gunshot, the song "Chariots of Fire" playing, and a mass of bodies crossing the starting line.

The marathon was followed by the 1/2 marathon. Again, a prayer in 3 languages, "Chariots of Fire", and we were off!

Can I just tell you that this is THE best race I've run thus far. The event was well organized, water satchels and Coke were plentiful, kerosene lamps lining the lane divider at sunset, awesome race volunteers, machines spraying mists of water as runners passed, and best of all...the course was ah-maze-ing (read: relatively flat!!!). I am convinced that training in Lesotho (read: high altitudes and steep hills) allowed me to run the majority of the race. Let me say that again...I ran the majority.of.the race!!! I wasn't even tired! I started off slow and maintained a steady pace, which is a strategy I've been putting into practice of late. Hopefully, the same will be true when I get to Georgia on March 20th!!!

By the time I reached the 17 km mark, I almost didn't feel like running. Again, I wasn't tired...I was just ready for the race to end. However, as I was just at the brink of walking, a fellow runner caught up to me and said, "Keep it slow and steady, we're almost there." This anonymous comment gave me the motivation to continue running. About 1 km later, I was about ready to walk again...the song on my playlist threw off my pace. Once again, the anonymous man ran up to me and said, "We're almost there. Keep going. Just keep it steady." Instead of running ahead, I ran next to the man at his pace. The simple act of running with him gave me the motivation I needed to finish strong...with a faster pace for the remaining 3 km (two km away from the finish line, my running partner encouraged me to run fast and go ahead without him). I never got my running partner's name nor did I ever see his face, but I thanked him profusely for helping right when I needed it most!

My finishing time: 2 hours 25 minutes (about 40 minutes shorter than the Ficksburg Cherry Half)!!!

After my amazing experience at the Ottosdal Draf en Trap, I look forward to getting

more serious about my training, and getting out with the local running club!

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from the race...and the race t-shirts were finished by the time I registered, but I do have a sexy medal (my 3rd one, by the way) to show off...

Next up on the race schedule is either the Crocodilian 32 km (20 miles), which is in the same region as the Ottosdal Draf en Trap or the...

Kloppers/Adidas Festival of Running marathon or half marathon. Yes, you read it right, I'm kinda considering the marathon. Many of my friends want to run this one, but I'm reluctant because a) I'd like the GA Marathon to be my 1st marathon; and 2) I don't know if my body would be ready to run a marathon on February 12th, just to be ready again a month later. One of my friends suggests that I use it as a training race for the big one...or that I duck out at 32 km...but that's just silly.

Or the Godrich/Toyota Bronkhorstspruit 32 km, which is near Johannesburg.

With the exception of the Kloppers race, all of them require another 4 hour drive, so we'll see! If the water isn't back on in Maseru, God forbid, a drive will definitely be tempting...for a hot shower, at least!

Well, I need to rest my finger bones a bit! Until next time...one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours in training,

Dani

The Universe is trying to tell me something

Hello Dear Reader,

Just as I was forced to listen to my body when running, I've also learned to take a hint when the Universe is trying to tell me something. Let me explain...

Over the past couple of months, I've met many new people by running like a mad woman through the streets of Maseru. On the days that I can't muster up enough discipline to run, it always comes back to haunt me in the form of random people, some of them avid runners, calling me to task because they didn't see me pounding the pavement on any given day. I guess that's one of the benefits of living in a city...let's keep it real...a country of 1.8 million people: everyone knows everyone (we're talking 1 or 2 degrees of separation) and most people are willing to help out their neighbor in need.

On at least three different occasions within the last three weeks, I've been asked to run by an individual or a group. Either the person or group is starting to run or in the full Two Oceans Marathon (2O) training swing. In a recent post, I explained how I'm becoming a lot more open to running with a group of ladies who are training for the 2O. Because of conflicting schedules, however, most of the ladies have been unable to run but are still interested in getting together. Even though the ladies running group has been a fail so far, now that the group running seed has been planted...I'm actually pretty interested in running with others who have lots of experience running (ultra) marathons.

Of late, I've been trying to keep up with my ad hoc running program and going on evening runs with a friend who is wanting to recover from his lengthy leave of absence from running. I do, however, feel the need to step it up. Can you believe I only have 55 days left until the BIG DAY?!

This morning, I waited for the rain to lighten up (YES! It's still raining!!!) before I hit the ground running! Today was probably one of the better runs I've had recently: well hydrated, cool outside, hills, quiet streets...a little over 10k (I forgot to start my pedometer). Midway through the run, I cross from one side of the street to avoid (hard to do) giant pools of standing water and mud. Just as I was about to hop over the guard rail, I pickup truck made a U-turn and pulled up next to me. Normally if this happens (yes, it's happened before), I just ignore the guy and keep running. This time, however, the man yelled out the window, "Are you training for the Two Oceans?" I had to stop. The man, it turns out, is a seasoned ultra marathon runner who is an organizer of a running club that is currently training for the 2O and the father of a friend. He said that, because of the rain, the group didn't go for their regular Sunday long run today, but that they run 10k every day and are currently working on hills...in the Lesotho context...he means mountains...literally.

Ok, Dear Reader, I've fought off the idea of running with others for a while now...5 months to be exact...but when the Universe is offering assistance to slackers/strugglers like me...I'm no fool..I'm taking it.

Please note that on the 23rd Day of Our Lord, Two thousand-elevation...Dani is fully committed to running with this training group. The man took my number and told me that I should be expecting someone to collect me from my house tomorrow after work...and be prepared to run!

I'm ready (although I know better than to run 10k every single day)!

Hopefully, running with this group for a few days this week will be just the thing I need to gear up for my evening 1/2 marathon this weekend!!!

On another, still related point, my flight has been booked to head back to the US of A for my 30th birthday aaaaaaaaaaaaand the Publix Georgia Marathon! I was talking with my parents yesterday and they seem to be in the process of producing an army of supporters for race day. My mom was even talking about getting t-shirts made for everyone! Speaking of t-shirts, two of my friends in Lesotho are the owners of Basotholand Inc., a graphic t-shirt company that promotes all things Lesotho-pride. They have committed to making me a few race day shirts so that I can represent my home away from home when I'm at home! Yea!!! I'm excited!!!

Well, that's all I have for now...I promise also to be more active on my blog...been kinda slacking off on the posts.

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

Yours in (the big day) training,

Dani

PS: The ladies over at Black Girls Run! will be running the Public Georgia Half- Marathon. Follow them as they train!

PSS: Here are two songs I've added to my growing playlist. If you have anymore suggestions, please pass them along...I need enough for a 5 hour run...and I'm only at 3 hours! Help!

(I have the original version of this song on my playlist)

Change in the air?

Hello Dear Reader,

I'm sensing a change in my attitude in 2011, specifically about running partners. Gawk! I know...I'm the one who was adamant about not wanting Mad-dog trainer standing next to me on the treadmill while I ran...well, that's just annoying. I'm still the one who has refused to take on a running partner, other than my jazzy pink iPod, for fear that I might be distracted.

Now mind you, I definitely don't want a regular running partner, but lately, I've become more open to the idea of running with others for the sake of doing something different/added motivation/advice. This potential change of heart was brought on by an event that took place yesterday. So in a Sofia Petrillo-styled way (a la Golden Girls), I'll tell you about it.

Picture it: Maseru, 2011, at the only seafood restaurant in town. A lovely young lady (i.e. me) met up with two friends (Doc and gym girl) for lunch and ran into yet another friend- we'll call this friend...Lady T. The four friends began talking about signing up for the Two Oceans (Ultra) Marathon in Cape Town. All of this running talk sparked an interest in the lovely young lady to make an attempt at running the half (because she's not crazy enough to run 35 miles), so Lady T invited the lovely young lady for an after work planning meeting.

At 5:30 pm on the dot, the lovely young lady found Doc, Lady T, and two other running gals at a tiny "French" cafe discussing race trip logistics. As the lovely young lady began to introduce herself to the running gals, she was interrupted by running gal #1, "Hey, I know you! I see you out running in the morning! We pass each other all of the time! Yeah, you're one of those crazy runners- you're so focused! You must run all over the city! How do you do it?". The young lady, who has been stopped on several occasions by strangers to tell her she's a crazy runner, smiled and said, "don't believe the hype!"

The entire group stated talking about their running routines and how they were going to prepare for the Two Oceans. Almost simultaniously, the group (other than the young lady, of course), suggested that they start a running club. "We can help each other train." The first reaction from the lovely young lady was a big "hell no", but that was strictly an inside conversation. As they continued talking about their experiences running marathons (as in plural) and ultra marathons (as in plural), and working on hill drills, the lovely young lady began to warm up to the idea of training partners. The idea might not be so bad, particularly since, for her, discipline was hard to come by lately. This training club might not be such a bad idea after all.

They all laughed at the young lady's fear of running hills and purposely running routes with a lot of down hills. The young lady sat jaw-dropped as they shared running stories. They all agreed that their first meet up would be Monday morning and departed.

The moral of the story is that this young lady left with a more open mind to running with partners...and a commitment to never be crazy enough to run an ultra marathon....that story is a "to be continued"...

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

Yours in (mind opening) training,

Dani