In February 2013, I moved into a house and learned, shortly afterward, that the foundation had major issues. By November of that year, I got it fixed and thought my mold issues were done. Granted - I was not the biggest fan of the carpet. Think Pink - ugh - fuschia or an off white, which was pretty but stained. This mold, which I have discovered under the carpet now covered and sealed off, and on the walls is primarily the trigger for these horrid allergies I have been experiencing.
I am not yet back to running, but I am taking steps to get rid of the mold and return to living the life that is more normal for me. In the upcoming weeks, I hope to resume running on a casual basis, but only when I can get through a normal day feeling ok or great for most of it.
Today, for instance, I walked a good 2 miles. I am tired but not dead and it sure kicked up my appetite. Sure - this is a small step, but it is heading in the right direction.
Happy Friday, All - I will be in better touch!
Friday, November 20, 2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Roku, Flatscreens, House Progress, and Allergies
Hi All!
Since my Mom's arrival last Thursday evening, together - and solo since I have had to work some of the time - we have gotten so much done! I ordered a loveseat and couch combination and last night we tested out a Flatscreen TV with a Roku adapter. It not only has a great sound system, but it is fun! My living room will actually be user friendly and the hallway might be complete. Can you tell I am a little excited and yet disappointed that I need to work? It is nice having company.
In late August, I got some blood drawn to determine if I had significant food allergies. On September 2nd, I was told by my allergist to stop eating anything with corn, wheat, and some other foods. A month later, I returned for a follow-up and saw the actual results of the test. I am not a clinician, but the results did not add up to what I had been instructed. Then, I was told to cut out all gluten and not take antihistamines for two weeks before starting to add things back into my diet on a one new thing every four days plan. Finally, I stopped training for a marathon, quit running, and called my Primary Care Provider (two times, since I did not provide sufficient details the first time), who recommended I investigate Caloric Intake. For the past week, I have done this and my energy level and calorie intake are directly related. Ok - so I got all worried in the beginning and stressed about it, but I am getting better.
My takeaways from this situation so far are:
1)My carpet was causing the crazy IgE levels in my body not the food.
2)When adjusting your diet, pay attention to the calories! I thought only people looking to lose weight needed to do this and I was so wrong. Everyone considering a major dietary change should do this.
3)Exercise is a good thing, but make sure you are fueling properly. Sadly, my compression socks from Tiux are sitting sadly in a drawer, while I figure out the food situation, but some day I will return to running and being active.
As things improve in my house, I have decided to convert a back room into a home gym. My bike will eventually make it into the house and join my indoor armless elliptical. Am I excited? Oh yes - I came up with the idea all by myself.
Happy Tuesday, All!
Since my Mom's arrival last Thursday evening, together - and solo since I have had to work some of the time - we have gotten so much done! I ordered a loveseat and couch combination and last night we tested out a Flatscreen TV with a Roku adapter. It not only has a great sound system, but it is fun! My living room will actually be user friendly and the hallway might be complete. Can you tell I am a little excited and yet disappointed that I need to work? It is nice having company.
In late August, I got some blood drawn to determine if I had significant food allergies. On September 2nd, I was told by my allergist to stop eating anything with corn, wheat, and some other foods. A month later, I returned for a follow-up and saw the actual results of the test. I am not a clinician, but the results did not add up to what I had been instructed. Then, I was told to cut out all gluten and not take antihistamines for two weeks before starting to add things back into my diet on a one new thing every four days plan. Finally, I stopped training for a marathon, quit running, and called my Primary Care Provider (two times, since I did not provide sufficient details the first time), who recommended I investigate Caloric Intake. For the past week, I have done this and my energy level and calorie intake are directly related. Ok - so I got all worried in the beginning and stressed about it, but I am getting better.
My takeaways from this situation so far are:
1)My carpet was causing the crazy IgE levels in my body not the food.
2)When adjusting your diet, pay attention to the calories! I thought only people looking to lose weight needed to do this and I was so wrong. Everyone considering a major dietary change should do this.
3)Exercise is a good thing, but make sure you are fueling properly. Sadly, my compression socks from Tiux are sitting sadly in a drawer, while I figure out the food situation, but some day I will return to running and being active.
As things improve in my house, I have decided to convert a back room into a home gym. My bike will eventually make it into the house and join my indoor armless elliptical. Am I excited? Oh yes - I came up with the idea all by myself.
Happy Tuesday, All!
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
What Makes Wednesday Wonderful?
Hi All,
Today, as I read the fantastic blog and watched some YouTube videos by Jennifer, I realized several things. Choosing to defer my first marathon experience, although painful, is the right choice. Holding out for a good experience is the best. Below is a picture of me, currently, relaxed, tired, and typing up this post.
All told, I am thankful for the support of those who read this and for my family.
Happy Wednesday, All!
Today, as I read the fantastic blog and watched some YouTube videos by Jennifer, I realized several things. Choosing to defer my first marathon experience, although painful, is the right choice. Holding out for a good experience is the best. Below is a picture of me, currently, relaxed, tired, and typing up this post.
I am thankful that Wednesday bring the middle of the week and that come Thursday evening, my Mom will be here. No - I do not have as much done as I hoped, but I also know she will understand. As the 2 month anniversary of the big news quickly approaches, I am thinking of what to say in terms what I have learned (good, bad, in between).
All told, I am thankful for the support of those who read this and for my family.
Happy Wednesday, All!
Monday, October 26, 2015
Tough Weekend and Calorie Counting
After spending most of the weekend dressed warmly, wrapped in blankets, not having much interest in food, and waiting to hear the status of switching races; I have decided to defer my full marathon entry until next year. It is right the decision, but it is not an easy one to accept. Also - until December, I will be running only when I feel comfortable, excited, and ready to do so at my own pace and for the distance I determine. I am still looking forward to seeing my family and spending some time away from work.
It never occurred to me, when I started altering my diet drastically to minimize allergies, that it would impact my caloric intake. As I became progressively more exhausted, dependent on caffeine, and disappointed with how long it took me to recover from running; I finally wised up and left a message with my Primary Care Doctor. It took a second call, a week later, to highlight the real issues - lack of energy, not matching allergy test results, what's the deal?
As of this evening, I started tracking my calorie intake. Most people do this to lose weight and I am doing it to try and regain my energy. According to a moderately active person, 2200 calories is the normal amount to consume in a day. By 3 pm this afternoon, I had consumed around 500 calories. By this evening, I ended up approximately 1300 calories short of the targeted amount.
If you have suggestions, given my allergies, of ways I can boost the caloric intake painlessly, I am all ears! In the meantime, I will be having lots of eggs, salad, veggies, fruit, rice, and trying out cheese to keep determining what will be useful.
Happy Monday, All!
It never occurred to me, when I started altering my diet drastically to minimize allergies, that it would impact my caloric intake. As I became progressively more exhausted, dependent on caffeine, and disappointed with how long it took me to recover from running; I finally wised up and left a message with my Primary Care Doctor. It took a second call, a week later, to highlight the real issues - lack of energy, not matching allergy test results, what's the deal?
As of this evening, I started tracking my calorie intake. Most people do this to lose weight and I am doing it to try and regain my energy. According to a moderately active person, 2200 calories is the normal amount to consume in a day. By 3 pm this afternoon, I had consumed around 500 calories. By this evening, I ended up approximately 1300 calories short of the targeted amount.
If you have suggestions, given my allergies, of ways I can boost the caloric intake painlessly, I am all ears! In the meantime, I will be having lots of eggs, salad, veggies, fruit, rice, and trying out cheese to keep determining what will be useful.
Happy Monday, All!
Saturday, October 24, 2015
November 14th: Bring on the 4th Half Marathon!!
Hi All,
Today I reached a final decision, which I have been debating to one degree or another for that the past month-and-a-half. Change is hard. It is hard physically, emotionally, and mentally. You can learn to adapt your behaviors to minimize the effect change brings, but it still impacts you greatly.
The food issues continue and for the past 2-3 weeks I have been exhausted and unable to get a solid night's sleep. When you are training, sleep become crucial to recovery and to maintain a normal lifestyle. Trying to run 5 miles on inadequate food and sleep is awful, but I did it two weeks ago. I will not be repeating the experience. Right now, the doctor's are not quite sure what is happening in terms of me and the food. I have been given the ok to reintroduce new foods every four days, but the acid reflux has been bad enough that I had to coax myself into eating anything. TicTacs do an amazing job, but I was not willing to pay loads of money for them and the acid reflux medicine was making it worse - read the Hilarity of Sunday post to get an understanding. The TicTacs arrived last night and I had a ton of them. I slept soundly and finally almost feel normal this morning for the first time since Monday. If I can keep on this feeling normal routine, then I will consider adding in other foods and resume running. Another thing to consider is whether or not allergies are really the core issue. Is it, for instance, a digestive issue instead? I don't know, but I can tell you that not having solid answers is enough to make me a bit insane.
While volunteering for a race in April 2009 and serving at a water station early in the race (mile 2 or 3), I kept hearing really heavy breathing. At this stage of the race, heavy breathing is not a good sign at all. It means either you went out faster than you should have (easy to do) or you are not properly trained. Regardless of the reason behind it, this had a huge impact on my approach to racing. If I am not trained, then I do not race. Given that and the food issues, I will be delaying my first full marathon yet again and I am no longer keeping track of how many times I have done this. Productive thinking is the key and I am battling enough other issues that I do not need to further complicate the situation.
For all those who have expressed support, weighed in on the decision, and yet allowed me to make the call; thank you - I am at peace with the decision and I can move forward with it. On November 14th, I will probably not set any records (personal), but I can run with the confidence that I am trained and ready to fly for this distance. Some day I truly hope to run a full marathon, but I want to be confident, rested, and ready rather than checking of a box on a list of "to dos."
Happy Saturday, all!
Today I reached a final decision, which I have been debating to one degree or another for that the past month-and-a-half. Change is hard. It is hard physically, emotionally, and mentally. You can learn to adapt your behaviors to minimize the effect change brings, but it still impacts you greatly.
The food issues continue and for the past 2-3 weeks I have been exhausted and unable to get a solid night's sleep. When you are training, sleep become crucial to recovery and to maintain a normal lifestyle. Trying to run 5 miles on inadequate food and sleep is awful, but I did it two weeks ago. I will not be repeating the experience. Right now, the doctor's are not quite sure what is happening in terms of me and the food. I have been given the ok to reintroduce new foods every four days, but the acid reflux has been bad enough that I had to coax myself into eating anything. TicTacs do an amazing job, but I was not willing to pay loads of money for them and the acid reflux medicine was making it worse - read the Hilarity of Sunday post to get an understanding. The TicTacs arrived last night and I had a ton of them. I slept soundly and finally almost feel normal this morning for the first time since Monday. If I can keep on this feeling normal routine, then I will consider adding in other foods and resume running. Another thing to consider is whether or not allergies are really the core issue. Is it, for instance, a digestive issue instead? I don't know, but I can tell you that not having solid answers is enough to make me a bit insane.
While volunteering for a race in April 2009 and serving at a water station early in the race (mile 2 or 3), I kept hearing really heavy breathing. At this stage of the race, heavy breathing is not a good sign at all. It means either you went out faster than you should have (easy to do) or you are not properly trained. Regardless of the reason behind it, this had a huge impact on my approach to racing. If I am not trained, then I do not race. Given that and the food issues, I will be delaying my first full marathon yet again and I am no longer keeping track of how many times I have done this. Productive thinking is the key and I am battling enough other issues that I do not need to further complicate the situation.
For all those who have expressed support, weighed in on the decision, and yet allowed me to make the call; thank you - I am at peace with the decision and I can move forward with it. On November 14th, I will probably not set any records (personal), but I can run with the confidence that I am trained and ready to fly for this distance. Some day I truly hope to run a full marathon, but I want to be confident, rested, and ready rather than checking of a box on a list of "to dos."
Happy Saturday, all!
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Wednesday Wonderings...
Hi All!
Frozen yoghurt by Stoney Brook Farms and a Strawberry Gelato do not irritate me! Parmesan and Brie cheeses, by contrast, irritate my acid reflux quickly and I get a stuffy nose. I reported back to the allergist today and I am hoping she will have some ideas for me.
Energy wise - it is still low. Granted, I am not getting enough sleep, but work and non-work stuff make relaxing enough to sleep well a challenge. I am compensating some by taking naps, but I getting up and out for a run is a tough thing. I managed a morning run on Monday - loved it! Now to do some more this week.
Two weeks from Friday, I will get my Vitamin D levels tested yet again. Am I excited? Not really - I have enjoyed getting blood drawn. If I can move it up a week or two, I will, but I am not planning on it. Someone suggested, since I can tolerate different kinds of dairy depending on the enzymes used to create it, that perhaps I have a digestive issue. Intriguing thought, eh? It's also nice to know that I can butter, provided it is not processed and does not contain any of the bad ingredients.
3 weeks from Friday I am scheduled to run my first marathon and last week leading into this week have not gone well training wise. Do I run it anyway, settle for walking when necessary, and just be thrilled to have completed my first marathon? Or do I switch to the half and race it, since I know that I can do that distance? Tempos and long intervals between 8-10 miles are not an issue, but I bonk on the long runs. Yeah - I am concerned and I am not sure how to solve it. I opened the question up to the Runners Connect groups and I am hoping for ideas.
That's it for today!
Frozen yoghurt by Stoney Brook Farms and a Strawberry Gelato do not irritate me! Parmesan and Brie cheeses, by contrast, irritate my acid reflux quickly and I get a stuffy nose. I reported back to the allergist today and I am hoping she will have some ideas for me.
Energy wise - it is still low. Granted, I am not getting enough sleep, but work and non-work stuff make relaxing enough to sleep well a challenge. I am compensating some by taking naps, but I getting up and out for a run is a tough thing. I managed a morning run on Monday - loved it! Now to do some more this week.
Two weeks from Friday, I will get my Vitamin D levels tested yet again. Am I excited? Not really - I have enjoyed getting blood drawn. If I can move it up a week or two, I will, but I am not planning on it. Someone suggested, since I can tolerate different kinds of dairy depending on the enzymes used to create it, that perhaps I have a digestive issue. Intriguing thought, eh? It's also nice to know that I can butter, provided it is not processed and does not contain any of the bad ingredients.
3 weeks from Friday I am scheduled to run my first marathon and last week leading into this week have not gone well training wise. Do I run it anyway, settle for walking when necessary, and just be thrilled to have completed my first marathon? Or do I switch to the half and race it, since I know that I can do that distance? Tempos and long intervals between 8-10 miles are not an issue, but I bonk on the long runs. Yeah - I am concerned and I am not sure how to solve it. I opened the question up to the Runners Connect groups and I am hoping for ideas.
That's it for today!
Monday, October 19, 2015
The Squash Boats - Idea taken from Tina Muir!
Bummer..the automatic publishing feature on this does not work! I did not get in my scheduled workout before work, but I did get in a run (hurrah) and it felt so good after a five day break.
A few weeks ago, I noticed, when hunting around for ideas involving Spaghetti Squash, the notion of Boats (half a Spaghetti Squash) stuffed with veggies on Tina Muir's website. With my parents visiting and my Mom being a fellow squash fan, I decided to give it a try and have done variations of the theme in the past couple of weeks. Below is the version I chose most recently.
Spaghetti Squash
Filling - anything from butter, scallions, goat cheese, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, green beans, etc. can be used!
Instructions:
1)Preheat the oven to 415 degrees Fahrenheit while microwaving your squash of choice for approximately 3-5 minutes. Note - This idea, which works great, comes from Healthy Regards Hayley's Blog. If you don't read it yet, check it out today!
2)Remove the squash, cut it in half, and place it face down on a baking sheet. A stone might also work. Note: Some recommend rubbing the insides with olive oil. I have done it both ways and either work.
3)Cook the squash for 30-40 minutes or until the inside is tender.
4)While the squash is cooling, finish up the preparations for the filling. Depending on how much time I have or for whom I am making the other half, I might get fancy or stick with spaghetti sauce, a few veggies, and some cheese. (Yep, I can have dairy, but I am doing the balancing act of how much and what kinds are ok to prevent an acid reflux attach.)
Happy Monday, All!
A few weeks ago, I noticed, when hunting around for ideas involving Spaghetti Squash, the notion of Boats (half a Spaghetti Squash) stuffed with veggies on Tina Muir's website. With my parents visiting and my Mom being a fellow squash fan, I decided to give it a try and have done variations of the theme in the past couple of weeks. Below is the version I chose most recently.
Ingredients:
Spaghetti Squash
Filling - anything from butter, scallions, goat cheese, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, green beans, etc. can be used!
Instructions:
1)Preheat the oven to 415 degrees Fahrenheit while microwaving your squash of choice for approximately 3-5 minutes. Note - This idea, which works great, comes from Healthy Regards Hayley's Blog. If you don't read it yet, check it out today!
2)Remove the squash, cut it in half, and place it face down on a baking sheet. A stone might also work. Note: Some recommend rubbing the insides with olive oil. I have done it both ways and either work.
3)Cook the squash for 30-40 minutes or until the inside is tender.
4)While the squash is cooling, finish up the preparations for the filling. Depending on how much time I have or for whom I am making the other half, I might get fancy or stick with spaghetti sauce, a few veggies, and some cheese. (Yep, I can have dairy, but I am doing the balancing act of how much and what kinds are ok to prevent an acid reflux attach.)
Happy Monday, All!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
The Hillarity that was Sunday Night.
Sunday - for the fourth day in a row - I took it easy and had no acid reflux, until after rehearsing a presentation. Yeah - eating that Panera Tomato soup was not the best decision, but I am feeling good now!
Tomorrow, I am presenting with two faculty members and we met this evening to rehearse. It went well and much of the content is similar to a presentation we did in April. Then, I got this brilliant idea, to remove the window Air Conditioning unit and the hilarity starts.
Putting it in this summer was not a problem. So - removing it at 8:30 pm should not be an issue - hah - I pushed it out through the window. Then, because this was not enough, I subsequently knocked over three indoor plants and spilled potting soil on knitted garments, a chair, the floor, two pieces of furniture, and well whatever else was around. Meanwhile, while picking up the window AC, I missed up one of the skirting things. Granted - the design is poor and I did not intend for this to happen. I am thinking super glue and a mailing tape combination might work. This one side will never be the same. Thank goodness for a small window, eh?
After all that, I decided to have some frozen yoghurt. Believe it or not, it helped with the acid reflux. Maybe I just needed a break? Who knows - it tasted good and I learned my lesson. Do not push it, when it comes to removing things from windows at night, when you are borderline exhausted but trying to be in denial about it. In retrospect, I am reacting to the acid reflux medication. This is not an excuse, but it does help to explain my ability to knock over things.
Happy Sunday evening, all!
Tomorrow, I am presenting with two faculty members and we met this evening to rehearse. It went well and much of the content is similar to a presentation we did in April. Then, I got this brilliant idea, to remove the window Air Conditioning unit and the hilarity starts.
Putting it in this summer was not a problem. So - removing it at 8:30 pm should not be an issue - hah - I pushed it out through the window. Then, because this was not enough, I subsequently knocked over three indoor plants and spilled potting soil on knitted garments, a chair, the floor, two pieces of furniture, and well whatever else was around. Meanwhile, while picking up the window AC, I missed up one of the skirting things. Granted - the design is poor and I did not intend for this to happen. I am thinking super glue and a mailing tape combination might work. This one side will never be the same. Thank goodness for a small window, eh?
After all that, I decided to have some frozen yoghurt. Believe it or not, it helped with the acid reflux. Maybe I just needed a break? Who knows - it tasted good and I learned my lesson. Do not push it, when it comes to removing things from windows at night, when you are borderline exhausted but trying to be in denial about it. In retrospect, I am reacting to the acid reflux medication. This is not an excuse, but it does help to explain my ability to knock over things.
Happy Sunday evening, all!
Friday, October 16, 2015
2 days of no running: I miss it & The Friday Five
Today I will start with the not fun news. Starting last Wednesday through this morning, I have been dealing with various levels of Acid Reflux. It is not fun and I am pretty sure the dairy I was told to back into my diet is the cause. Oddly enough, some dairy is ok and others set me off immediately! Tuesday's run was horrible, but I did it after not eating much all day. Was this smart? No - I had zero appetite and everything I ate seemed to make it worse. It makes for a lousy combination. Depending on how I feel, a run tonight would be grand. I am considering my options, health wise, and I might be seeing a specialist, since the additional allergy testing really did not provide much help.
Time for some lighthearted fun, which I am taking from www.jenchoosesjoy.com, with the Friday 5!
1) Family - I am so thankful to have supportive parents and siblings. Life would be much more challenging without them!
2) Work - I have a job with benefits. Aspects of it might drive me insane, but having been self-employed and then having insufficient hours to pay the bills combined make me appreciate the pay check just a bit more.
3) Weekend - it is the weekend and what a long week it has been! I am volunteering at a trail half marathon tomorrow and, if I can get my act together, I will do a 12 mile run beforehand or potentially on Sunday morning. I am hoping for tomorrow.
4) Running shoes - the Brooks Adrenaline appear to fit my foot, unlike the Glycerin, and I am enjoying breaking them in a bit.
5) Races - recently, I have not enjoyed racing. Going in untapered, not adequately trained, feeling overwhelmed, etc. - I am determined to enjoy my next race, even if it means stepping back to the Half Marathon. I am still debating that. Nov. 14th is the day. Will I push through the fear as I advised a fellow Runners Connect Teammate? Or will I let it conquer me?
Time for some lighthearted fun, which I am taking from www.jenchoosesjoy.com, with the Friday 5!
1) Family - I am so thankful to have supportive parents and siblings. Life would be much more challenging without them!
2) Work - I have a job with benefits. Aspects of it might drive me insane, but having been self-employed and then having insufficient hours to pay the bills combined make me appreciate the pay check just a bit more.
3) Weekend - it is the weekend and what a long week it has been! I am volunteering at a trail half marathon tomorrow and, if I can get my act together, I will do a 12 mile run beforehand or potentially on Sunday morning. I am hoping for tomorrow.
4) Running shoes - the Brooks Adrenaline appear to fit my foot, unlike the Glycerin, and I am enjoying breaking them in a bit.
5) Races - recently, I have not enjoyed racing. Going in untapered, not adequately trained, feeling overwhelmed, etc. - I am determined to enjoy my next race, even if it means stepping back to the Half Marathon. I am still debating that. Nov. 14th is the day. Will I push through the fear as I advised a fellow Runners Connect Teammate? Or will I let it conquer me?
Sunday, October 11, 2015
The latest…16 mile run did not go as planned.
Hi All,
The past 9 days have been nutty, literally. I had visitors, who were a blast, and then meetings combined with reacting to a workout in hot temperatures and a migraine made it a most fun week. Today - sadly - I cut my long run of 16 at just over 5 miles after two quick breaks for water.
Am I disappointed? A bit - yes - but I got those miles in despite the high temperatures. I will be just fine when the high is 60, thank you, with a low of high 30s-40s.
Last Thursday, I met with the allergist after eliminating tons from my diet. She then asked for me to reintroduce dairy, beyond goat cheese and eggs, but get rid of all gluten on top of the other allergies. So - yes - this definitely played a role in my preparation for today. The training the rest of the week went well and I managed two naps, go me!
I will be starting a recipe this week, but it will go up late tomorrow or Tuesday.
Margaret
The past 9 days have been nutty, literally. I had visitors, who were a blast, and then meetings combined with reacting to a workout in hot temperatures and a migraine made it a most fun week. Today - sadly - I cut my long run of 16 at just over 5 miles after two quick breaks for water.
Am I disappointed? A bit - yes - but I got those miles in despite the high temperatures. I will be just fine when the high is 60, thank you, with a low of high 30s-40s.
Last Thursday, I met with the allergist after eliminating tons from my diet. She then asked for me to reintroduce dairy, beyond goat cheese and eggs, but get rid of all gluten on top of the other allergies. So - yes - this definitely played a role in my preparation for today. The training the rest of the week went well and I managed two naps, go me!
I will be starting a recipe this week, but it will go up late tomorrow or Tuesday.
Margaret
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Rest and sleep are crucial!
I am still working out the details of the best way to post pictures! Please bear with me and I will go back and add in some for you.
For most of my life, you could say that the name, "Sleep Queen," would apply. From grade school through most of graduate school, sleep was my top priority and I would carve out 9 hours of sleep. Yes - I realize this is a large amount, but hey, I need it!
In late grad school and throughout the beginning of my professional career, I realized that sleeping is a lot harder, when you have a lot on your mind or if you are under lots of pressure/stress at work. Slowly, I began backing off on the sleep priority and eased into getting 7-8 hours during the week and more on weekends.
A month ago today I started drastically changing my life (diet, training, etc.) and once again the need to prioritize rest and sleep is coming to the fore. Early morning runs are getting sidelined or delayed until the evening, since getting to sleep by 8-8:30 on a weeknight is tough! I am pleased to report, though, that I am back to getting about 9 hours of sleep a night.
After long runs, I need to prioritize (again) getting adequate rest and sleep or I end up taking an unplanned rest day (2 weeks in a row). Making changes requires flexibility and being able to adapt. While I believe finishing this marathon in one piece on November 14th is a good thing, I would be dishonest, if I did not admit that backing out has been really tempting.
Highlight of the month - yesterday, I felt almost like me for the first time since making drastic changes! :)
Hurrah for the return of Fall weather!
For most of my life, you could say that the name, "Sleep Queen," would apply. From grade school through most of graduate school, sleep was my top priority and I would carve out 9 hours of sleep. Yes - I realize this is a large amount, but hey, I need it!
In late grad school and throughout the beginning of my professional career, I realized that sleeping is a lot harder, when you have a lot on your mind or if you are under lots of pressure/stress at work. Slowly, I began backing off on the sleep priority and eased into getting 7-8 hours during the week and more on weekends.
A month ago today I started drastically changing my life (diet, training, etc.) and once again the need to prioritize rest and sleep is coming to the fore. Early morning runs are getting sidelined or delayed until the evening, since getting to sleep by 8-8:30 on a weeknight is tough! I am pleased to report, though, that I am back to getting about 9 hours of sleep a night.
After long runs, I need to prioritize (again) getting adequate rest and sleep or I end up taking an unplanned rest day (2 weeks in a row). Making changes requires flexibility and being able to adapt. While I believe finishing this marathon in one piece on November 14th is a good thing, I would be dishonest, if I did not admit that backing out has been really tempting.
Highlight of the month - yesterday, I felt almost like me for the first time since making drastic changes! :)
Hurrah for the return of Fall weather!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Roots'NBlues Half Marathon - September 26th, 2015, in Columbia, Missouri
Oh well..Saturday..it was an experience for sure. I am going to try and recap it for you, while trying
not to sound whiny about it.
Pre Race Meal: 2 Picky Bars (Smooth Caffeinator and Need for Seed) and some water - I was hungry before the race started and probably should have added a banana or an additional Picky Bar to the mix.
Warm Up:
After driving to the race, which was about 45 - 60 minutes from my hotel, I stretched, added some sunblock to my legs and arms with bug repellant, and decided to jog to the start line, which was about 1.43 miles away.
Race:
It started about 12 minutes late and, having completed my warm-up by 6:30ish, I was cold and a bit stiff (not good). Also - I was slightly hungry, but it was time to start.
I went out in 11:15, which was on the fast side, and quickly fell back into my easy pace. Given that this race was just an extension of a longer run, I am glad that I could transition paces easily. By mile 2, I realized finishing was a great goal and I attempted to tell myself that is why I set it in the first place. Concrete or running in the bike path were my options and I played it safe, since I did not know the area particularly well.
First aid station - about 2.5 miles - still out on the concrete and I learned that I am quite handy at getting my right wrist covered in water. OOPs - I will improve.
Onto the trail - or so I thought - and no concrete - oh boy, was I mistaken. The course took us via handicap accessible pathways down, under bridges (concrete), through open fields and such (pretty but an incline was present throughout most of it), and then back onto the road onto a steep hill around mile 9-10. A volunteer said, "Congrats, you are halfway up the hill." I was so tempted to flatten her or say something, instead, I kept grimly moving up, step by step, past the next volunteer who said, "No walking on my watch!" I make it a point of thanking volunteers, but it was really hard to thank that lady. Finally - we reach the top of the hill and it goes flat for about, oh 500 meters, before the climbing resumes and we are back on the concrete. Mile 9.5 or so - an aid station with only gatorade is available. At this point, I was parched and I won't deny it. I asked twice to verify it only had gatorade, because I cannot have it and really wanted some water - any water! Nope - my hearing was right. I kept on going and they had water at the last aid station (11.5 miles) and I slowed way down to drink it. I passed mile 12 and started the ascent of yet another hill. My calf muscles, by this point, were in the heat of spasms and stopping by 10 miles or so to stretch did not help. I caved and started walking somewhere between mile 12 and 13. I did run in the last .2 miles, since I could not justify walking the finish. It was tempting, but I resisted.
Post-Race Meal:
They provided pulled pork, which I took on plate along with 3 little water bottles and two banana halves. I sat down and within a few minutes another, new finisher, passed out due to over heating. The way it was handled only confirmed my feeling that I will not repeat this race. Thankfully, the lady was ok.
Many hours later, with two pairs of new running shoes and having watched the Perioscope by Tina Muir, I started getting some perspective.
My Takeaways:
- I could have prepared more by running the course and by ditching the concrete sooner. Also - I could have checked to make sure water would be available at all aid stations rather than just thinking/assuming it would be.
- Ignore the volunteers - thank them but do not let whatever they are saying go to your head, especially if it relates to the course! They might not know anything.
- Eat a banana with the pre-race meal - apparently potassium reduces muscle spasms and hydrating more could not have hurt.
- Avoid any race planned by these coordinators for future experiences - a participant guide arrived on Thursday for a race on Saturday. Aid stations were in terms of quantity, but they provided not additional details.
I learned a lot from this experience and some parts I will not repeat. I hope this does not sound whiny, because I waited to prevent it. I will post some pictures of my new sneakers later, once I figure out how to make Instagram and my computer behave!
The best part is that I finished and I know future races will be fine. Sure - I can tweak meals and so forth, but I can do it, folks, and that is what yesterday's experience taught me. I will not be the fastest, but I can finish, even if I need to walk.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Freaking Out Friday
Halloween is something I ignore - routinely. Today, however, I definitely feel as though it is "Freaking out Friday". I am admitting it. The planning alone (food, drinks, etc.), staying overnight, racing, checking-in, etc. for a 1-2 day trip away is enormous! So here are five things I have learned so far:
1) Food - realistically, I can only pack so many meals and I can hope it all goes ok. I am eating only safe foods starting with lunch and dinner through post-race tomorrow. The enormity of packing for a race in a different city and flying - not driving - hit me full force today. The plane tickets are scheduled for November and somehow this will work out for the best.
2) Race Day nerves - typically, I will get these the night before, but they hit in full force yesterday. My longest run has been 10 miles and it went ok. I am tacking on an additional 6 miles tomorrow, but my long interval workout earlier this week went decently.
3) Workouts and Scheduled Runs - I wanted to get in all the scheduled workouts this week. It did not happen. That will be a goal for next week. Focusing on getting 8-9 hours of sleep, however, is the key, which will prevent getting sick.
4) Meal Planning - despite the disastrous soup, discovering a rotting apple, and not planning use of a big spinach container; it went the best since getting the news this week.
5) It's Friday! I am always glad for Friday!
Happy Racing or long runs to all! I will be working on the picture end add some to this post. :)
1) Food - realistically, I can only pack so many meals and I can hope it all goes ok. I am eating only safe foods starting with lunch and dinner through post-race tomorrow. The enormity of packing for a race in a different city and flying - not driving - hit me full force today. The plane tickets are scheduled for November and somehow this will work out for the best.
2) Race Day nerves - typically, I will get these the night before, but they hit in full force yesterday. My longest run has been 10 miles and it went ok. I am tacking on an additional 6 miles tomorrow, but my long interval workout earlier this week went decently.
3) Workouts and Scheduled Runs - I wanted to get in all the scheduled workouts this week. It did not happen. That will be a goal for next week. Focusing on getting 8-9 hours of sleep, however, is the key, which will prevent getting sick.
4) Meal Planning - despite the disastrous soup, discovering a rotting apple, and not planning use of a big spinach container; it went the best since getting the news this week.
5) It's Friday! I am always glad for Friday!
Happy Racing or long runs to all! I will be working on the picture end add some to this post. :)
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Running in the Heat: Love it? Hate it? No Preference?
Blogger fail - the picture looked fine, I posted it, checked it this morning, and they looked awful. I have removed them. My apologies to all! I will get this down, eventually.
With the onset of the allergy news three weeks ago this afternoon, getting up and out to run in the morning has been an issue. Normally - I am a morning person and I will do anything to avoid running in the heat. Starting in January, I began working 7-4 pm. This means on those mornings, when I do make it up-and-out, I am starting by 4:30-4:45ish at the latest.
Yesterday evening, I did my first 2 by 2.5 mile workout and I started around 4:45 pm. The heat index was in the mid 80s, the dew point was in the mid60s, and it was so tempting to just not do it. Instead, I persisted. My times were slow. Walking during the 4 min of rest between sets was necessary. My time varied by 2 minutes and the first round was on gravel and the second was on pavement and gravel. I had to cut the cool down short, since I had another meeting.
In short - this workout is indicative of a person mid-change. No - heat is not my preference and I did drink a ton of fluids after it. It will, however, make me stronger at some point and I am proud that I did the workout, even if the time, temperature, and overall feeling about it were not ideal.
This Saturday, when I run my 3rd Half Marathon, I have about an hour to drive, since I am not sure exactly how long it will take. I will be up by 4 am, fueled and out the door by 5, and parked and warming up by 6-6:15 for a race starting at 7 am.
Check back on Friday to learn more about my pre-race fueling strategies! I can tell you I have learned a few things that are not working this week, but sharing dud recipes is not fun.
Happy Running!
Yesterday evening, I did my first 2 by 2.5 mile workout and I started around 4:45 pm. The heat index was in the mid 80s, the dew point was in the mid60s, and it was so tempting to just not do it. Instead, I persisted. My times were slow. Walking during the 4 min of rest between sets was necessary. My time varied by 2 minutes and the first round was on gravel and the second was on pavement and gravel. I had to cut the cool down short, since I had another meeting.
In short - this workout is indicative of a person mid-change. No - heat is not my preference and I did drink a ton of fluids after it. It will, however, make me stronger at some point and I am proud that I did the workout, even if the time, temperature, and overall feeling about it were not ideal.
This Saturday, when I run my 3rd Half Marathon, I have about an hour to drive, since I am not sure exactly how long it will take. I will be up by 4 am, fueled and out the door by 5, and parked and warming up by 6-6:15 for a race starting at 7 am.
Check back on Friday to learn more about my pre-race fueling strategies! I can tell you I have learned a few things that are not working this week, but sharing dud recipes is not fun.
Happy Running!
Monday, September 21, 2015
Meatless Monday - Oatmeal Pancakes!
Hi All,
I am hoping to get back into the swing of Meatless Monday recipes. Today, I am sharing one that I tried back in May, but I have tweaked it just a bit. Do not the let picture fool you - it actually tastes pretty good!
Introducing...Oatmeal Pancakes!
1 banana (mashed)
1/2 c oatmeal (I use old fashioned!)
1 egg
Dash of vanilla, chia seeds, handful of tart cherries
*Optional - add some nuts of your own choosing.*
Directions - mix them all together and then spoon them into a pan for frying. Depending on how big you want it to be, adjust the spoon size accordingly. Usually - I fry it with Vegan Butter, but you can use any oil or real butter of your own.
The final product resembles something like this:
I am hoping to get back into the swing of Meatless Monday recipes. Today, I am sharing one that I tried back in May, but I have tweaked it just a bit. Do not the let picture fool you - it actually tastes pretty good!
Introducing...Oatmeal Pancakes!
1 banana (mashed)
1/2 c oatmeal (I use old fashioned!)
1 egg
Dash of vanilla, chia seeds, handful of tart cherries
*Optional - add some nuts of your own choosing.*
Directions - mix them all together and then spoon them into a pan for frying. Depending on how big you want it to be, adjust the spoon size accordingly. Usually - I fry it with Vegan Butter, but you can use any oil or real butter of your own.
The final product resembles something like this:
In the future, I will post better pictures, but I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Truncated 14 Mile Run - It's ok!
Yesterday, I was scheduled to run 14 miles and I stopped at 10.3. Was I disappointed, slightly frustrated, and a bit concerned? Yes - yet, I am proud of how far I have come in a week, particularly with the massive food allergy reactions that occurred Sunday - Thursday and a bit on Friday of this week.
Pre-run fuel - water (not enough probably), 1 banana, 2 Picky Bars (Smooth Caffineator, Lauren's MegaNuts).
Post-run Fuel - Banana, Tart Cherry Juice (concentrate mixed with water), Pineapple Coconut Water (Simply Balanced), Water, 2 things of IcedTea and bit of honey, Smooth Caffienator - much later that day.
Dinner (much later than planned) - Turkey Burger, 1/2 tomato, 1/2 Spaghetti Squash with spaghetti sauce, scallions (~8), and some Vegan Butter to taste.
I decided to try running in a nearby state park, which is about an hour from where I live. The course ended up being much hillier than expected and my hips/calves were not happy. I had to stop twice on the return portion for stretching/loosening up the muscles. Given all that, I got in a great 5-6 miles of hills, which will really help with my half marathon next Saturday.
All-in-all, it was the best albeit shorter than planned long run I have had in 3 weeks. No complaints from me - I am happy to be running and I am thrilled that I recovered post-run so much better than I have the previous two times. I might be onto something!
Pre-run fuel - water (not enough probably), 1 banana, 2 Picky Bars (Smooth Caffineator, Lauren's MegaNuts).
Post-run Fuel - Banana, Tart Cherry Juice (concentrate mixed with water), Pineapple Coconut Water (Simply Balanced), Water, 2 things of IcedTea and bit of honey, Smooth Caffienator - much later that day.
Dinner (much later than planned) - Turkey Burger, 1/2 tomato, 1/2 Spaghetti Squash with spaghetti sauce, scallions (~8), and some Vegan Butter to taste.
I decided to try running in a nearby state park, which is about an hour from where I live. The course ended up being much hillier than expected and my hips/calves were not happy. I had to stop twice on the return portion for stretching/loosening up the muscles. Given all that, I got in a great 5-6 miles of hills, which will really help with my half marathon next Saturday.
All-in-all, it was the best albeit shorter than planned long run I have had in 3 weeks. No complaints from me - I am happy to be running and I am thrilled that I recovered post-run so much better than I have the previous two times. I might be onto something!
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