some kind mid-life crisis

HA! I will 29 next week, guess I needed to do something drastic. It has been way fun to get jaw dropping looking from friends and students and not because I look so awesome but because it's sooooooo different! Josie took some pictures for me!

I DID IT 10-10-10

10-10-10

I ran my first 1/2 marathon. I always said I wanted to do this, then last February I saw a sign at the YMCA promoting a 1/2 marathon training for a race in April. I wanted to do it so I went out and ran 2 miles. When I finished that I said NO WAY will I ever run 13 miles in a row, NO WAY! So I went on with life. That spring I coached the varsity soccer team at my school and started running with them. As the weeks added so did the miles. I started to enjoy running and then made it a part of my almost everyday life, usually running 3 miles a day. Back then it seemed like a lot! My friend begged me to run in a 8K with her and I was not ready at all but did it anyway. It was my first race and H.A.R.D! I finished it without walking and felt something I had never felt before. I had become addicted to running and racing. It was awesome, I knew I would do it again. So we signed up for training and for the 1/2 marathon. I started training in July and never looked back. I am proud to say that I managed to do all of my training and very rarely quit or skipped a day. I love the process, seeing myself grow and change, seeing what I can do when I work hard. I love having a goal, something to work for. I can't lie, I also love that I now have abs, real abs! HA! (above) This is almost half way through the race, and right by my house! Jeff and Josie made tee shirts that said "Team Danielle" to surprise me! Way cute, I loved it. We ran from downtown to College Hill, my neighborhood and back. A few of my students live in this neighborhood too and they were out side to cheer me on, it was awesome!
(above) these are the girls I trained with and we all finished with out walking! Having them made this whole process so much better and a lot more fun! Next up is an indoor triathlon in Nov. After that I am trying to talk them into a full marathon!

(below) my TEAM! Wish Jeff was a runner, nope he likes to lift weights! Oh well, love that they will always be at the finish line!

It was such an awesome experience. Try it, one mile at a time!

Almost there

Next Sunday is my first 1/2 marathon. I like saying first, because I think I might like to do it again! Through this process I have had a group of girls to work with and an excellent trainer to guide me. I am very proud to say that my long run yesterday was awesome! It felt good and it was fun. I credit that to my follow through of my workout plan every single week starting in July. On July 3rd I could barely run 3 miles but sticking to this plan I made it all the way to 12! I love looking back at the process. I love having a goal and deadline it keeps me motivated. So 10-10-10 is right around the corner and after that 11-14-10 will be my first mini triathlon! After that who knows, but I do know racing is now in my blood and in my life to stay!