Daniela D.’s blog

Looking back on my first year of running

nobody@vox.com(DanielaD) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 23:44:38 -0800

I started running at the end of 2006. I didn't really consider myself to be a runner until a bit into 2007... after I'd been running about 3 months, at least 4-5 days a week and I realized I hopefully would always continue. It was an amazing feeling and it continues to this day. While admittedly, sometimes while running I feel I can't go on much longer... I always want to go for my next run. I've also started alternating routes as well as finally making peace with the treadmill. I used to hate the treadmill and found it very boring. I can't say it's stimulating now but perhaps the fact that it lets me run on days when I'm too cold is helpful. Also I finally can run fast enough that it can be called running! My Garmin Forerunner really helped with that. I finished my first 5K in under 30 minutes which made me very happy... actually even under 29 minutes! Only crazy runners like me keep count like that. You know who you are!

So overall, it's been a great year for me. Running as well as weight training has helped me with my weight, body shape, meeting new people, feeling more confident, more energetic and also given me something to look forward to most every day. I realized a while back I will never be a distance runner but I am the kind of runner that doesn't quit. And even though I'm 42 - I'm in (almost) as good shape as my 16 yr old daughter who plays volleyball. This is amazing to me since for the first 41 years of my life, exercise was of little interest. The almost part... well that's the fact I'm not 16 LOL. It's OK - she can't run worth a damn and I can't play volleyball :-)

For 2008 - my goal is to run in two 5K races. I really don't think I am ready for longer distances but who knows about the future.

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Vox Hunt: Hope for the Future

nobody@vox.com(DanielaD) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 21:07:29 -0700

Show us a politician who gives you hope.

My choice is: Angela Merkel. She is giving Germany new hope after a long economic slump... and a bunch of disapointing politicians.

3021

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iPhone Review

nobody@vox.com(DanielaD) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:23:58 -0700

Images

Two weeks ago I purchased an iPhone... fully knowing I may not like all the downsides, hoping the good would outweigh the bad. I am a gadget nerd... that's for sure. I also love cellphones that have lots of features and am always looking for a better one. So it was only a matter of time. Of course, I did this even though I was advised not to... by a very close friend. I hope he has forgiven me... Well, I was planning on using it for two weeks to try it out, and then decide to keep it or return it. The two weeks were up today and... I am keeping it. (I'm sorry, Chris) Here's my list of pros and cons:

Pros:

large screen, great resolution

good call quality

easy to use screen

typing gets quite easy and predictive after a while

large memory

iPod with speaker!

decent camera

email easy to set up

Wi-fi speed is awesome (when available)

Cons:

ATT Edge network

easy to accidentally call someone or hangup on call due to touch sensitivity (passcode lock helps)

battery life - I have to charge every night. Admittedly I am using it constantly.

As you can see, I am overwhelmingly happy with it. I wish it had a few features my Blackberry did, such as vibrating or beeping more than ONCE when a message comes in, and a blinking light to alert me. However, I have learned to live with that.

I have encountered a fair amount of iPhone envy these last two weeks. Pretty much anytime I use it around people who have not seen it, I have to give a tour. I guess Apple has built itself a little bit of a cult around the iPhone... and I admit to being a fangirl. So I am a happy tour guide...

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First Race

nobody@vox.com(DanielaD) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 12:25:38 -0700

Today I ran my first race. The America's Finest City 5K. It was pretty cool. I woke up early (5 am) to get ready and I was kinda nervous. When I turned off the freeway, the road to Balboa Park was gridlock - about 9,000 runners (7,500 for the Half-Marathon and 1,500 for the 5K) all looking for parking. It ended up moving along and I was at the start line by 6:30 - it started at 6:45. I saw a friend from my running group and a few other people I knew, so I felt a little less nervous. Then off we went! I ended up running the race in 28:59 per my Garmin - actual time per my chip will be posted on their website later, so I am curious how that compares to the Garmin. My average pace was 9:18. I'm pretty happy with these results - I was definitely not in the best shape ever today so I know there's room for improvement... but it's good for now.

I enjoyed it so much I'm planning to run in the Silver Strand 5K in November... And maybe another race before if I can find one.

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Hawaii Trip

nobody@vox.com(DanielaD) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 22:29:24 -0700

It was the highlight of summer for my daughter and me... we had been wanting to visit Hawaii for so long and we finally went this summer. As you can see, we really really like the beaches.. mostly North Shore and Kailua.

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QotD: My Current Top 10

nobody@vox.com(DanielaD) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:05:06 -0700

What are your top 10 most-played songs currently?

No such thing - John Mayer
Waiting on the world to change - John Mayer
Not Falling Apart - Maroon 5
My Story - Brandi Carlile
Everytime we touch - Cascada
You know I'm no good - Amy Winehouse
Feels like tonight - Chris Daughtry
What I've Done - Linkin Park
Never say goodbye - Bon Jovi
Since you've been gone - Kelly Clarkson

OK I admit this is the totally strangest assortment of songs!

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Garmin advice?

nobody@vox.com(DanielaD) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 22:03:29 -0700

I am looking at purchasing a Garmin Forerunner. Any advice on which model is best? I mainly want to be able to know my pace and miles ran. I'm sure I will be interested in more features, just not that familiar with it. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

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QotD: Memorial Day

nobody@vox.com(DanielaD) — Mon, 28 May 2007 22:26:42 -0700

Do you know any war veterans?
Submitted by Fightin' 6th Marines.

My father-in-law. He fought in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Pretty much his entire working life, war and the military was his focus. He is a retired army officer today, age 87. He has seen things that could screw with anyone's head. He is a great guy though - his only quirk being that since the 70s, he won't fly in a plane. It hasn't slowed him down any!

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