Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Sunday 2nd June 2013
We are family......
Its been a busy weekend, Saturday involved a roadtrip to Notting Hill; hubby's sister has relocated there due to a new job, so I was given the daunting task of driving down with her bits and bobs in the car, tackling the busy streets of London on a Saturday afternoon!
Not going to say it was the easiest thing I have ever done, but Pickle joined us so it was a good 'girlie' day out..
Sunday was Challenge No. 11 - Woodhall Spa 5km Fun Run!
It was Pickle's first event, so along with Weez and Smith, we were in for a fun morning! The sun was shining which was a bonus! The event consists of a serious 10km which had over 1100 participants this year, and a 'fun' family run!
Pickle looked like she was one of the youngest to take part! She was donned in her favourite pinks and purple for the event and was soooo excited!!
The first half she rocked through, shouting 'come on mum, we can do it'!! Second half she started to get a little tired, so Mummy was on hand to offer piggy backs. The boys shot off at the start, so they were doing to be finished alot earlier than us!
The last 100 yards, Pickle got a little emotional... she was feeling very hungry and the bribe of hotdogs and icecream were a bit overwhelming! But I am very proud to say, she completed it!!
Next weekend, we have our next 5km Race for Life! She is looking forward to her next medal!
This is one proud Mumma signing off for now!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Friday 24th May 2013
And the rain came tumbling down......
Before the event of June kick off, I need to get some good long miles in, original plan was to head out on Saturday however, due to family commitments, I decided to take the Friday off work as holiday and walk then.
After I had booked the holiday, I then found out we had an important meeting at work, so not wanting to give postpone training, I re-jigged me route to walk via work - 15 miles each way.
The weather was what can only be described as horrific!!! Torrential rain and gales.... not what I had in mind!
Set off in ample time to get to work in time for the meeting, the rain was continuous, and wasn't letting up! 5 miles in I did think 'what am I doing'... I was soaked and freezing, I did contemplate calling my sister to come and fetch me, but quickly gave myself a good talking too and carried on.
Feet started feeling very squaddy.. and squelchy! Stopping at mile 8, I took my boots off and wringed the water out of my socks. Unfortunately, I had no spares so had to put the wet ones back on :(
Eventually rocked up at work 3:50hrs later, surprisingly felt good all things considered, I put the fact that my joints didn't ache down to the fact I was so cold and wet!
Work kindly gave me some overalls to change into for the meeting, then after the meeting I spent about half an hour drying my clothes under the hand dryer!
The rain still hadn't let up, so stayed at work a little longer than expected. Heading of about 4pm for the walk home, I decided to repeat the route I came, as it was simple and safe. It was a bit harder on the way back as it was headwind.... pushed myself a bit quicker as I wanted to get home before the sun went down!
I had gaffa-taped my feet up before leaving work to dry and keep them dry, this slightly failed when I stepped into a 'deeper than I thought' pothole! :(
Eventually rocked up at home around 7:48pm, a hot bath was in order, followed by a large dinner of pasta and pizza! Felt pretty good apart from a little blister on my baby toe, and a bruised big toe nail.
I'm glad I just cracked on and did it, if I can walk that far in the crappy weather like that, then I think 100km in June is going to be a doddle!
I also am now officially passed my 400 mile marker... upto 423.59 miles!! Yay!!
Thankful of the Bank Holiday weekend now! Its the last one before event kick off!
Take care, steady steps!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Saturday 11th May 2013
Think 'Pink'......
It was that special time of year again, 17,000 women (and the odd man) joining together to pound the streets of London in the name of Breast Cancer, completing either a full or half marathon.... wearing bras!!
Having completed the London Moonwalk in 2011, and volunteered last year, I was back again this year for another round of volunteering... smiles, cheers and lots of hugs were at the ready!
With the powers of Facebook, I have had the opportunity to 'meet' other lovely fellow walkers, we formed a group called Team Moonwalkers (TMW) and have helped support each other through events, Saturday night was the night we were all finally going to meet each other in the flesh!
The weather wasn't the best - cold, windy, raining and with a new venue at Battersea Power Station instead of the lovely Hyde Park it did not deter the amazing walkers, who turned out looking fabulous in their bras!
My shifts for the night put me on the finish line... it was great to be there at the end to see all the walkers come through the line... to take on a challenge like this is tough, but to do it in the middle of the night when you should have been asleep is seriously hardcore, so much more demanding on the body both physically and mentally!
I was in awe of every walker that came through the finish, with the cold weather it was a huge achievement for them all! There were alot of tears from some walkers, so hugs were ready and waiting for them! It was lovely that I was there to greet my fellow TMW Moonies, they are absolutely the best peeps like ever, and I love them all loads! I loved the fact that I was able to give Julie, one the group her Moonwalk medal.. it was her 1st Moonwalk!
After being awake for nearly 36 hours, stood out in the cold, damp for over 13 hours, I wouldn't have changed it for the world... it was a pleasure to be part of the night and I loved every minute of it :)
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Monday 6th May 2013
Happy Days......
Sorry for the lack of blog lately... I've been one busy bee! Where do I begin....
Well, after an ickie few weeks of snot and lurgy, I'm finally back to feeling peachy! On the 26th April, I hit the 300 mile mark... I know I'm still behind from my year end target, but you know what... I don't care because I'm just really enjoying the whole journey!
28th April marked Challenge No. 9... Jane Tomlinson's 'Hope & Glory' 14 mile walk in the Peak District.. accompanied by my fab son! The sun was shining, it was a beautiful in a beautiful part of the country! We were up early to get there for the 9am start, it took us just over 5 hours to complete, with the route taking us up and over Win Hill Pike, Back Tor, Lose Hill and the stunning Mam Tor. I have never been more proud of my boy, he did so well!
Managed to get a couple of days off work last week, which made my Bank Holiday weekend a 5 day weekend :) It was also Hubby's birthday so was lovely to spend some quality time together... wanting to keep my training up, he agreed (as a birthday treat) to accompany me on a long bike ride... we mapped a basic route and set out last Friday morning, after 5 hours we had to call it a day as a certain little Pickle needed collecting from school... but we did manage to complete 50.10 miles :)
I was surprised at how good I felt afterwards, apart from a bit tired, I was feeling pretty good (couldn't sit down) but still good ;)
Family BBQ and bouncy castle on the Saturday to celebrate Hubby's birthday, then I completed Challenge No. 10 on the Sunday...... Bling in Motion: 10k Spring Bling! It was a secret squirrel event, and that's all I can say about that one! ;)
Today, went on a little 3 miler with Mother and Pickle up to the lakes to feed the ducks, enjoying the last of the sunshine before its back to reality tomorrow and back to work :(
So, total mileage to date is a grand total of; 378.04 miles in the bank! BOOM!
Ciao for now lovelies!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Wednesday 17th April 2013
Slow and steady......
Seriously.. how much snot can the average human body produce??? I reckon if snot could be used to fuel my car, I could run it for a week with the amount I have cleared out of my body over the past few days...
Like many, the shocking scenes on t.v. from Monday's Boston Marathon shocked and appalled me, how could anyone in their right mind do such a thing! It's so sad to see an event which is focused on achievement, celebration and fundraising being targeted like this.. thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by these tragic events.
Having been off work recuperating with the lurgy, I did manage to get out this evening for a small 3.33 mile walk, which I did in honour of the Boston community.
Stay Strong Boston ♥
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Saturday 13th April 2013
ZZZZZzzzzzzz......
After my fab week of miles, this week has been the complete opposite.. a busy week at work combined with a non-sleeping Pickle has left me sleep deprived, run down and feeling rather blah!
Last night was the first night in a week where I managed to get a full 10 hours of much needed, undisturbed sleep.. felt great when I woke up (although suffering from a sore throat and chesty cough)! I have made an executive decision to rest for the rest of this weekend and just get myself back onto track.
However.. just because I haven't been able to do any miles this week, I have been able to plan some more miles.. so, another event is now on the cards.. The epic Wolf Run in Sept; I will be part of a team of 20 odd, the Wilde Wolves... raising money for Pancreatic Cancer Action on behalf of a fab couple, Dane & Charlie.. sadly, after overcoming his battle with pancreatic cancer, Dane received the worst news that the cancer had returned to his liver and has been told he only has between 3 to 9 months left.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dane and Charlie last year at another PCA event, they really are a fab couple!
I really did think doing this year's challenges would be a sort of 'lone wolf' year; however even though we are only 4 months into 2013, I have found so many awesome and inspiring new friends! Without the support of them, friends old and new and my fab family, this year would have been so much more challenging! A big MWAAHHHH to you all!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Saturday 6th April 2013
Spring is in the air......
What a week it's been, considering it was only a 'short' week due to Easter, it seemed to go so slow.... it has been a somewhat worrying one, a very close friend of mine is currently fighting a battle with the big C, I love him to bits and know he will kick it's backside! It just annoys me how it always seems to attack the good peeps!
Changing diet again from next week, boosting up the healthy carbs, reducing the protein and crap food.. still remaining tee-total which actually doesn't seem to bother me, long-term wise would like to get onto a similar vegan/veggie diet but not sure I can go fully without a bit of meat! Will see how it goes.....
Miles have been OK this week, doing a bit more cycling in order to strengthen the knees, up to 26.08 following today's mileage... hoping to get out on the bike tomorrow for a good run so hopefully should boost the miles....
Lesson of the day... riding a bike in the dark + large potholes in the road = very, very big ouch!!!
5x50 challenge is going OK, need to keep it going and lengthen the distances I walking/cycling but still I am pleased with my progress, wasn't doing half as much 5 months ago!
Spring is finally here, skies are blue and sun is finally shining! Still wouldn't say its t-shirt weather but I think it won't be long before it is :)
Well, early night tonight... ready for tomorrow's bike ride!
Sleep well peeps!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Wednesday 3rd April 2013
Let there be cake......
Today was my bake sale at work... actually felt quite nervous about it! Had lots of fab contributions from some great friends.. including a fab Giant Cupcake to raffle off!
Following the raffle, the proud winner of the Giant Cupcake was my colleague Nick, who seemed very pleased to have won!
After a fab day, I managed to raise a spandiddlytastic £254.40!!!!
I'm sooooo haaaappppyyy!!!!
Resting this evening with a cup of tea (no slice of cake though)....
Have a lovely one!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Monday 1st April 2013
Pinch, punch......
Last day of the Bank Holiday's, it's been a quiet weekend, which has been absolute bliss :)
Pickle still isn't 100% and has insisted on having a onesie and movie day again, her cough is really hacky and she is feeling a little sorry for herself....
Managed to get out for a bike ride today, a good 13.48 miles to add to the pot, weather was colder than yesterday but the sun did pop out every so often to say hello!
Had to chuckle mid route when I overtook some bloke out on his bike about 7 miles in, he must have made every struggling effort to catch up (he looked very red faced, huffing and puffing all the way), then about 100 yards from his home he shot past me, through a road junction without looking, and pegged it home. Don't think he liked being beaten by a woman! It did make me chuckle a heck of a lot :)
I've signed up to another challenge of sorts; its called the 5x50 challenge... the aim is to do 5km of either walk, run or bike or 30 mins of exercise every day for 50 days. I've incorporated this into my training to keep me motivated on a daily basis :)
Was a bit annoyed this morning when I had my weekly weigh in, managed to put of 2lbs this past week, I think that blooming Easter Bunny has alot to answer for!!!!
Well, mummy duties are calling. Ciao for now peeps!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Sunday 31st March 2013
Spring Forward.....
Clocks have gone forward, the sun is shining, skies are blue and the birds are chirping, its a good, good day!
Yesterday we had a poorly Pickle, so a PJ and movie day was in order, we even managed a snooze in the day! Total laziness at its best... so worth it! (she is back on form today)!
Next Virtual 10km was scheduled for today... Mag's Easter Eggstravaganza.. it's just so nice just to get out in the daytime.. the joys of not being at work :)
It was a beautiful morning, boosted by some random stranger congratulating me on all my walking.. think he had spied me earlier on the route.. the words 'you're doing loads of walking, good on ya girl' was really nice to hear first thing this morning :)
Well, we are at the end of another month... a total of 81.58 March miles completed, looking forward to April and many miles more to come..
I'm behind target for my 2013 but you know what... I don't mind! I'm doing more than I ever have done before, I'm losing weight (16lbs since New Year) and I feel good! Plus, I'm lapping all those still sat on the couch :)
Determination will get me where I need to be... and I am so looking forward to getting there :)
p.s. just want to wish my beloved a happy 13 years of togetherness! think we both deserve a medal, love ya lots xx
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Friday 29th March 2013
Its a Good Friday.....
Firstly, sorry for being quiet the last week or so; joys of a busy work schedule and family life took priority....
Managed a few lunchtime miles during the week; the weather has been seriously non-Spring like, snow, freezing winds, not what you expect at this time of the year. I'm not going to complain though, friends I know further North have had it alot worse!
Slight miracle occurred this morning though, there was this strange yellow ball in the sky, giving off heat and hurting my eyes to look at it, at first I thought maybe it was a meteor or aliens had invaded but realised it was actually the SUN!! Long time, no see!!
Trainers were defo going on now! I have 2 x 10km walks to do, Jen & Noah's Comic Relief 10km (this one is seriously overdue) and the Easter Eggstravaganza which I should get done during the long weekend off work. Easter egg hunt planned round at Nanny and Grandad's, so Daddy took the kids over whilst I walked...
Even managed to find a lucky £pound coin! :-)
Combined this walk with my 1st 10km.....
Clock's change this weekend so roll on lighter nights, feels a lot better walking in the sunlight rather than darkness (although peeps can now see me singing along to my ipod)!
Happy Easter peeps; enjoy all the choccy goodness :)
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Tuesday 19th March 2013
Happy.....
Today has been a rather dull day at work, so out for some miles this eve.. I have 'finally' broke through the 200 mile barrier... YAY!!!!!
Now at 202.11 miles... only 1810.89 miles to go... beginning to see a light at the end of this long year tunnel :)
Treated to a new heated back massage when I got home... lucky me :)
Well, I'm off to bed but had to share my happy news with you!
Sleep tight peeps!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Sunday 17th March 2013
Challenge No. 6.....
The past week has been one of emotion and realisation.. cancer really does effect people is so many ways, a dear friend of mine is dealing with the waiting game following the discovery of a tumour and another friend received the worst news anyone would want to hear.. both have already faced and conquered the battle before..
Challenge No. 6 took me on a road trip down to the delightful countryside of Suffolk; well, I'm sure it would be delightful had the weather been good, however the rain continues to fall and cold temperatures doesn't seem to be disappearing anytime soon.
Didn't have the greatest nights sleep but wide awake a 6am to get ready and head over to Barrow. Donned in my purple attire, supporting Pancreatic Cancer Action - this event was in honour of a fab couple I have the pleasure of knowing - Mr & Mrs Wilde! xx
Got slightly lost in Barrow village, finally rocking up at the Academy about 7.45am. Free egg and bacon butties were on the itinerary however due to my poor navigational skills I missed them :(
Glen the founder of the Barrow Challenge took a couple of photos, then boom, 8am.. we were off!! I had the pleasure of meeting Rebekah and Heidi - a couple of fellow Team Moonwalkers (I am part of a facebook group of inspirational ladies, plus 1 gent who all take part in various charity events throughout the country).
The course took us over muddy (yes, more mud) fields, down farm tracks, up hilly roads and through boggy woodland.. me and my navigational skills were again not working well together, so we did manage to get lost a few times, some roads we got fed up of seeing the sight of; worst part of the route had to be Lady Katharine's wood - she was no lady is all I will say - a mile and half stretch of deep, dank mud with nowhere to go but through the middle of it!
Ickworth Park was lovely, the gardens and house was very picturesque (expect the muddy bits), one of the highlights of the day was seeing a baby lamb being born! It was one of those moments when you think 'did I just see that drop out'?!?! Finally after 8 long cold hours, we arrived back at the Academy - greeted by a nice hot brew and a bowl of pasta.
I'm so pleased to have done this event, laughed with Rebekah all the way round, slipping and sliding in the mud.
So this week's total makes it 34.98 miles with only 1809.67 miles left in the kitty.
Bring It On!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Monday 11th March 2013
Did someone forget it's meant to be Spring???.....
OMG!! How frickin cold has it been over the weekend and today!! Had planned to head over to Clumber Park on Sunday for a Mother's Day walk with the family but snow (yes, snow) scuppered those plans :(
Did have a relaxing day with the kids and hubby at home though; they made me cards, a classic penne pasta 'gold' necklace and a cuddly toy! I really love my little mugrats soo much! Me and Pickle did some baking and made the best chocolate ever...
Believe it or not, I have been making a concious effort to keep tabs of my calorie intake (I know looking at that cake your probably thinking who is she trying to kid)! I would like to lose a couple of stone, I'm happy with my body shape, but need to lose a bit of the belly full of jelly... found a wonderful app called My Fitness Pal, which lets me enter in everything I put in me mouth and tells me when to stop!
I have changed up my training regime slightly, to include a bit more core work.. plus to fit in with the family and hubby's fitness too.. so we are now both doing alternate evenings consisting of a core/resistance workout then either a run or walk (him mostly running, me walking).. I am still getting in my lunch walk along with weekend walks or bike rides..... today was Day 1.....
Feel good but cold after Day 1, still can't believe its snowing... AGAIN!!!
5.22 miles completed today, means only 1844.65 miles to go... seems so far away but I am determined to get there!!
Keep warm!
Dani xxx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Thursday 7th March 2013
Where's me mojo??.....
God, the aftermath of Legends has been unbelievable; felt like I had taken on the whole of the English rugby team and lost! Every muscle (even the ones I didn't know about) ached, bruises appeared thick and fast... but I have to say, it was all worth it!!
Got out with the family for a 'stretch my legs' walk around the woods; Pickle was in an inquisitive mood and had to investigate every bunker there was; our local woods are situated on the old RAF Thorpe Camp site, so there's alot of old derelict buildings half buried throughout the woods. Spring was definitely in the air..
Week has been a bit of a fraught one with the stresses of juggling work and home; its a fine balancing act, but if one side weighs you down a bit then it throws everything! However, whatever life throws at me, I am sure I can take it on..
Been getting out during my lunch break to get some miles in, good way to break up the day and clear me head a bit. So looking forward to the lighter nights and warmer weather!
Got out this evening for a decent 5.02 miles, this added with the lunchtime miles walked means I now only have 1846 miles left to do.... still a long way to go, need to up the anti really but I sure I will get there, it might just take a little bit longer than expected!
Loved the little quote in this pic... 'Its a long road but it's worth it'... it certainly will be!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Saturday 2nd March 2013
To the trees, to the trees.....
Today is the day for event no. 4 - The Legends of Sherwood... and 10km (and the rest) night run through Sherwood Forest with an assault course added in for good measure...
Claire, one of my bestest friends for the last 20 years, joined me for this crazy challenge; we arrived at dusk ready for the event to commence... alot of peeps took the 'fancy dress' option as mandatory... lots of Robin Hoods, Friar Tucks, a Nun, so many different style onsies and even Batman and Robin.
We were in Wave 2 of the event, watching the first wave kick off 20 mins prior was probably not the best idea.. seeing hundreds of peeps hurtling themselves over hay bales, falling here, there and everywhere kinda made us feel a bit sick with nerves!!
We all joined together at the start ready for take off in Wave 2, event organiser up at the front read out the rules and regs, told us what to expect.. this didn't make us feel any better...
With tunes blaring out and everyone getting ready for it, the siren went and we were off.. first obstacles were the dreaded hay bales, bit of a clamber and we got over.. hundreds of peeps all running together as darkness began to fall was really a surreal experience.. the route took us up steep hills and back down them, through dark narrow woodland paths where you had to dodge branches and tree stumps, the next obstacle was a mud tunnel, had to crawl so knees got a bit dirty.. I was a bit naive to think that this was the most muddy we were going to get.. how wrong was I!!
Further we went into Sherwood, we were met with spaghetti spider tunnels, trying to clamber through them was entertaining.. running up the steepest hills ever, over log hurdles which is where I obtained my first injury.. a kind chap offered to give me a leg up to help me get over, he was a bit to eager which resulted in me landing scissor legged onto the log (yes I'm still hurting)... onwards through water tunnels, knee deep in the stinkiest mud ever.. into 'spooky wood' which was like remake of Blair Witch!! The marshall advised that we needed to stick to the path as one group that had come through a bit earlier had spent an hour trying to get through only to end up back at the start!! Crawling through what the lads described as a 'health spa', it actual fact it was an horrific mud pit with logs over the top and rules stated you had to go under... lost headtorch in the process of crawling...
As we got towards the finish line, I'm positive hypothermia was setting in... thinking that was it for the obstacles.. we were again sadly mistaken... a seriously slippery uphill climb, with only a knotted rope to assist.. worst thing ever!! Hands were frozen, covered in mud and we were so tired but... slow and steady we got to the top... then faced the last challenge of jumping down a 7ft drop... after my stairgate incident, I was really worried I wasn't going to be able to get down... but the finish was literally a stones throw away.. so we both just went for it!!
This has to be one of the worst and yet best events I have ever done, and that medal will be displayed with much pride and love!!
However, not sure if the trainers or clothes will live to tell the tale...
Rest and recuperation for the rest of the weekend... think I deserve it!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Sunday 24th February 2013
Chillax is the word of the day in every sense.....
How cold has this weekend been??? Seriously... I know it's still technically winter but it seems to have been winter for so long.. I can't wait for Spring to get here..
This weekend has been spent chilling at home with the family; Weez caught a sick bug so he was quarantined to his bedroom.. me and Pickle had fun making chocolate rice krispie cakes and playing princesses :)
Today is Dad's birthday.. the old man would have been 62 years old, enjoyed a glass of red at lunch to celebrate on his behalf.. although I'm sure he is having a whale of a time up there with his Mam, Dad and little sis :)
Had a disappointing mileage this week due to the stairgate incident, tried to rest the knee as much as I can ready for my next event which is coming up, but decided to head out this eve for a few miles just to tot the numbers up..
A decent 4.56 miles, although need to get increasing the totals....
Back to work tomorrow, and back to my date nights with Jillian Michaels... I'm ready for her to kick my butt once more; my belly full of jelly needs her :)
Only 1870.22 miles to go.....
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Thursday 21st February 2013
Love and memories.....
Today would have been my beautiful Auntie Shirley's 47th birthday... she lost her battle to cancer 3 years ago, leaving behind her beautiful teenage daughter and handsome teenage son.
I really hate what effects Cancer has on families.. the battle people have to face, the pain, heartache and grief it causes to all... If the challenges I do, and the money I raise can help just a little bit towards research into ridding the world of this terrible disease then I would walk to the ends of the earth and then walk some more!
I hope your celebrating your birthday in style up there Auntie Shirley, along with your Mam, Dad and big brother!
Love and miss you lots xxx
Dani xxx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Wednesday 20th February 2013
Slowly, Slowy catch the monkey.....
I am known to be quite an impatient person... if there is something I want, I go get it, no time to wait or rest....
It had been a busy stressful week at work, lots of upheaval, bad things happening.. walking is my stress relief (well, one of them).. fed up with sitting on the sofa and resting my knee, I decided that I would try a slow and steady walk; not too far and nothing to strenuous.
A workable but twangy 3.38 miles, knee hurt slightly but just being able to get out, crank up the music and clear the stress of the days. Had actually thought in the back of my head that maybe I was just being a bit of a wimp with my knee and maybe I was just over-reacting a bit when I hurt it, but after the walk I realise that yes, I really chuffin did whack it hard!!
It's going to be a bit of a slow and steady process building it back up, but I am so looking forward to getting there.. I have alot of miles to catch up on!!
Only 1874.78 miles to go....
Dani xx
