Last Updated on October 9, 2024
This week has been all about spending time with my family and about getting in shape – because I got a pretty last-minute opportunity to run a half marathon in Israel later this month! I’ve briefly mentioned my upcoming trip in my December Life Lately round-up, and I was already super excited for my return to Israel, but this race will make it even better. The marathon route goes along the Dead Sea – one of my favorite places in Israel – so I didn’t have to think long, even though I am admittedly not in the best shape I’ve ever been.
I didn’t run a single time during my week in Berlin, and couldn’t motivate myself to go for a run when I visited my brother for a couple of days afterwards, but now that I am back at my sister’s house I’ve taken my her dog Odie on a daily 5k (even though he’d gladly do a daily 10k) and have run two 10ks. Having Odie is my biggest motivation to run every day – I have to admit that the freezing temperatures are a huge turn-off for me but I am fighting through my reluctance to head out in the snow. The toughest run so far was a sunrise run in 13 F (-10 C) – even though the run through the quiet, snowy fields was beautiful, I’ve never run in cold weather like this – I think the coldest run so far had been 26 F (-3 C). It’s quite ironic that I am training for a desert race in freezing cold winter weather, but what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger, right? 🙂
Pauline
Monday 9th of January 2017
Whoa! I've always wanted to do sign up for an international race and time it with my visit there! Running a half-marathon along the Dead Sea sounds SO COOL, Dani! Considering how averse you are to the cold weather, I'm very impressed that you run in a -10C weather! As a general rule for myself, I don't run if the temperature hits below -5C in the morning. It's just too cold! It took me so long to get into the habit of doing a sunrise run, but now that I do it (somewhat) regularly, it's actually a very, very nice feeling and I'm loving it. I also love that I feel so productive for the rest of the day - I mean, I ran when most people are still asleep! Good luck with your training! I'm considering a half-marathon as well but haven't worked up the courage to actually commit.
Dani
Tuesday 10th of January 2017
You know how much I hate the cold, Pauline, yes! I should've made it more clear what a HUGE deal it is for me to run in these temperatures. I am proud of myself that I'm pushing through!! Can't wait for the race, and to run in warm weather again ;-) A great destination race I was going to run last year was the Zion Half in Zion National Park - was bummed to find out that it was a one-off race :( PS If I can run a half, you can do it, too!! You gotta tell me when you sign up for one :)