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
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Monday 18th February 2013
Eggshells.....
Feeling rather fed up at the moment, knee still healing, so no miles being walked... this makes me sad :(
Spent the weekend in Nottingham with the mother in law and sisters in laws; we went to watch Dirty Dancing the stage show. It was a very sexy show indeed, however I did have a slight criticism - no-one can play Johnny Castle like the fabulous Patrick Swayze... god rest his soul!
I am really hoping to be able to start to get some miles in this week, but I don't think they will be big miles.. might try and get out on the bike if I can and try and build the knee up that way.
Only 2 weeks to go until my next event, so I really want it to be ok for that!
Until next time
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Thursday 14th February 2013
Roses are red.....
Valentines Day.... the day of hearts, roses, kisses, chocolates and alot of gooey, squishy goodness.... alas not for me :(
Last night had a silly incident; whilst climbing over Pickle's stairgate, I lost my balance and my left knee cap got very acquainted with the corner of the door frame.. OUCH!!!
Having given birth to two children with no pain relief, I pride myself with the fact I have a high pain threshold... however, not so much on this occasion... I cried like a baby :(
A jaunt to A&E, couple of x-rays later, I am nursing a very bruised and swollen (not broken, thank god) knee, hobbling round on a pair of crutches! Doc has told me I have to keep it elevated with an ice pack on, take the pain and wait to recover... so that means no walking for me for the time being :'(.
On the positive side, I did manage 4.04 miles this week prior to this so at least I was able to log some miles.... only 1878.16 miles to go.
Also given up crisps and chocolates for Lent, so can't even drown my sorrows with chocolatey goodness :(:(
Happy Valentines folks...
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Sunday 10th February 2013
Challenge No 4.....
Yesterday was spent socialising with the family and baking some chocolate cakes with Pickle. A nice relaxing Saturday... unfortunately, been suffering slightly with a hacky cough which has resulted in me losing my voice (hubby isn't complaining though)!
Today is challenge no. 4 day... The Virtual Valentine 10km! These sorts of events are ideal, as you don't need to get anywhere, just pop the trainers on and head out of the door.
Up nice and early, Pickle had agreed to walk with me so nice to have a companion. Not so looking forward to it as when I looked outside it was raining and utterly miserable. But not to be defeated by a little bit of rubbish weather, we wrapped up, Pickle hopped in her buggy and off we went..
A wet 6.45 miles later, the event was completed! We celebrated with a nice hot brew....
So, a total of 27.18 miles completed this week Rather pleased with that.... only 1882.2 miles to go.... BRING IT ON...
Dani x
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Thursday 7th February 2013
Memories.....
Today has been a day of reflection, memories, sadness and happiness.... It was 17 years since my lovely Dad lost his battle to pancreatic cancer.
He was a strong man, serving in the RAF; in June '94 whilst on detachment in Cyprus that he started getting ill. He was always one who enjoyed a pint, but was struggling to keep even 4 pints down. On his return to the UK, he continued being sick, and after alot of tests, etc they still couldn't figure out what was wrong with him.
Finally in the October, he was sent down for an exploratory operation to find out what was causing his symptoms. Low and behold, it was the news we didn't want to hear. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but what was worse, was that it was terminal with a life expectancy of 6 months.. he only lasted 4.
Even though he was fighting his battle, he remained a strong man, helping us buy a house, organising his funeral to how he wanted (choosing 'Always look on the bright side of life' as one of his songs), saying his goodbyes... it was really hard going seeing how the cancer was attacking him, but he fought hard until the end. Mum was just amazing, she left work to care for him, nursing him on his down days and staying with him at the hospice when he moved in for his final days. He finally lost his battle in February '96, it was hard to say bye, but at least he was now at peace and no longer in pain.
Cancer really effects so many people, not only the person who has to endure the horrible disease, but also their family and friends..
One of my favourite memories of Dad was whilst on holiday in Isle of Skye, we decided to do an 8 mile walk into Portree just the two of us.. absolutely perfect!
So today, in memory of Dad, I decided to visit Lincoln Cathedral where his ashes are buried. Instead of driving, I chose to walk there..
It may be 17 years Dad since you have gone, but you are never forgotten. Love and miss you always and forever.
Your baby girl Danielle xxx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Wednesday 6th February 2013
Jolly is the word of the day.....
Firstly, I have to say that the weather is sucky again! Thought we were done with snow and coldness but it thought it would rear it's ugly head one last time, OK it wasn't a blizzard or anything but it was cold and that was enough!!
Got out yesterday at lunch with Claire for a little 2.11 miles; was nice to get some fresh air and see some sunlight (our office lacks windows to the outside world)!
Today I had a fab email from a friend who has designed me a Dani's 2013 Challenge hoodie to wear at my events... I absolutely frickin love it....
This made me smile lots today; plus the lovely Varro has been working over the pond in Kansas and returned to the office today with a large bag of Jolly Ranchers... I swear to god, they are like heaven in a candy! My favourite being the Watermelon ones... seriously to die for!!!!!
Tomorrow marks the 17th anniversary of the passing of my lovely Dad; I have taken the off work to take some flowers to Lincoln Cathedral where his ashes are laid. In his honour and I know he would be proud, I am planning to walk there instead of driving.. its about 20 miles to get there, I am just praying for some decent weather!
Only 1909.38 miles to go..... be nice to get into the 1800's tomorrow :)
Take care peeps!
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Monday 4th February 2013
100 mile marker.....
Today was a good day... finally, despite a few hurdles, I have finally broke the 100 mile marker - YAY me!!
I had planned to break this yesterday, however.. following the Rauceby Ripper; Dinner with my school bezzies turned into after dinner drinks, lots of dancing and not rocking in at home until nearly 4am on the Sunday morning... I am 32, I cannot hack this late nights anymore but it certainly was worth it, it was a fab night!
The kids had me up at 8am, which was not good, but when Daddy got back from the gym, he allowed me time off to sleep.. rest of the day was spent in bed, nursing a fuzzy head and catching up on much needed sleep!
So out today during lunch..
YAY!! :) Sorry, but I am so pleased to be at this point.. 101.51 miles completed... only 1911.49 miles to go!
Bring It On :)
Dani xx
Dani's 2013 Challenges.....
Saturday 2nd February 2013
The Rauceby Ripper.....
Cannot believe its February already... seriously, how quickly is it going!!
This week has been filled with lots of flu, snotty noses and generally feeling blah.. after my walk the other night, the bug decided to pay me back a little... so an early night with one of my fav films, lots of water and overdose of Vicks vapour rubs was what the Doctor ordered..
Not my finest hour I have to admit, however Vicks up the nose really helped and the next day, felt alot better.
So, today was challenge no. 3 - The Rauceby Ripper.. with a title like that, I wasn't sure what to expect. The sun was shining (which I saw as a good sign), the skies were blue but the wind however was very chilly.
Walkers set off at 9.30am (I set off at 9.40am after getting way-laid at the registration desk).. soon started catching folk up and by mile 2 had overtaking 6 peeps and was walking at a steady pace. The route took you across many fields, through woodland and farmers yards and over the odd road. Due to the snow-melt, there was alot of mud in places which made it difficult to keep a steady rhythm, looked more like I was re-enacting a scene from Bambi in some places!
Finally after 2hrs, 10mins I walked through the finish line, and greeted with a delightful goodie bag from Sainsburys - chocs, banana, water, crisps, a family pass to Belton Woods Leisure and a fab medal for completing.
Definitely would consider doing this event again next year, great organisation, very happy marshalls, all in all a great morning!
Good start to February.. 9.10 miles.. almost at the 100 marker, but not quite... will break that tomorrow..
Off out with my bezzie school friends tonight for a good meal and catch up.. been a long while since we were all together so I sure we have alot to talk about!
Enjoy your weekend peeps
Dani xx
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