41.44 miles only this week, and starting my taper. A really rough week with not one run where I felt good, or even half decent for that matter. Poor eating and a huge lack of sleep, which included two all-night driving sessions, were the major contributors I suspect. Starting next week, I think I'll try to journal what I'm eating as well.
Monday, June 11 - 0 miles - Road Trip.
Tuesday, June 12 - 0 miles - Road Trip.
Wednesday, June 13 - 6.8 miles, 10:48 pace, 160 HR - Rough run after five days off and lack of sleep and good nutrition. Legs were heavy and tired, and everything just felt rusty. HR was way up there considering the effort.
Thursday, June 14 - 10.23 miles, 10:50 pace, 150 HR - Some 'OK' moments, but mostly just 'ugh'. Tried out my CamelBak Delaney DC pack for the first time - not liking it much so far, but is an option for the NF50.
Friday, June 15 - 6.25 miles, 10:55 pace, 139 HR - Nothing good today. No power, no strength, no energy, tired and fatigued. Mucked with my gear again. I think the dual bottle CamleBak is out. It's not comfortable until the bottles are half empty. Used 24oz GU Brew and 24oz H2O. Pre-run Clif Bar (not my normal thing). HR is back to normal it seems though. Still not rested and my nutrition is off - as the Clif bar demonstrates. I'm kinda noticing that shortly after eating a Clif Bar, I feel kinda crap.
Saturday, June 16 - 0 miles - Rest.
Sunday, June 17 - 18.16 miles, 11:56 pace, 146 HR - My Sunday long run. Ugh. I treated this as more of a dress rehearsal for the North Fork 50 Mile that's in two weeks (June 30). I mucked with my gear and fueled only with raisins and Hammer Heed. I wore what I suspect I'll wear for the race, so I can dial in hot-spots / rubbing / chaffing. Legs were tired and I had little stamina, especially for the first 5 miles. Things got a bit better after mile 5, but I was pretty toast by mile 12. I walked a lot - which is good practice for my 50mi I guess. The day followed with abysmal eating and I haven't been able to stick with my Gluten-Free, Paleo diet at all for the past couple of weeks. I'm guessing that's why I feel so rubbish. I need to get that dialed in and lose about 10 pounds in the next 12 days.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Training - 06/04/12 - 06/10/12
A very low mileage week - 22.62 miles - thanks to not having recovered well from last week, and also to a road trip with the family to Michigan.
Monday, June 4 - 0 miles - Rest.
Tuesday, June 5 - 5.02 miles, 11:42 pace, 137 HR - Thought I was good to go, but this turned into a recovery run/walk within the first 30 seconds. Better to err on the side of caution. Super windy, acute right arch pain, tight/sore/heavy legs. I thought the cold water bath after Sunday's long run did the trick - guess not.
Wednesday, June 6 - 0 Miles - Rest.
Thursday, June 7 - 17.60 miles, 11:50 pace, 145 HR - Trails are decimated after a long night of intense rain, hail and a tornado watch. Legs are useless as well. Felt OK after mile 4 but was ready to be done by mile 11. I finally ditched the trails at about mile 14 in order to get home as fast as possible. Thunder and lightning started at mile 16 and was glad to get home and to the garden hose. Rough, rough, rough.
Friday, June 8 - Sunday, June 10 - 0 miles - Road trip!
Monday, June 4 - 0 miles - Rest.
Tuesday, June 5 - 5.02 miles, 11:42 pace, 137 HR - Thought I was good to go, but this turned into a recovery run/walk within the first 30 seconds. Better to err on the side of caution. Super windy, acute right arch pain, tight/sore/heavy legs. I thought the cold water bath after Sunday's long run did the trick - guess not.
Wednesday, June 6 - 0 Miles - Rest.
Thursday, June 7 - 17.60 miles, 11:50 pace, 145 HR - Trails are decimated after a long night of intense rain, hail and a tornado watch. Legs are useless as well. Felt OK after mile 4 but was ready to be done by mile 11. I finally ditched the trails at about mile 14 in order to get home as fast as possible. Thunder and lightning started at mile 16 and was glad to get home and to the garden hose. Rough, rough, rough.
Friday, June 8 - Sunday, June 10 - 0 miles - Road trip!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Training Update...
I just finished a very solid week for me, and the most miles I've ever done in a single week: 66.04 miles - and that included two marathon efforts, which is a first for me.
Even with some lower distance weeks in there, for various reasons, I still feel that everything is coming finally together. I'm feeling strong and healthy and am enjoying getting out on the trails. It's hard to believe that as recent as February and March I was feeling lousy and getting next to no miles in.
January 2012 - 37.97 miles
February 2012 - 3.18 miles
March 2012 - 56.46 miles
April 2012 - 144.29 miles
May 2012 - 165.49 miles
June 2012 - 36.5 miles and counting...
I'll try to start posting regular weekly updates, but let me just post the last four weeks of activity to get caught up.
Monday, May 7 - Rest day after Sunday, May 6, long run of 18.08 miles.
Tuesday, May 8 - 10.09 miles, 9:53 pace, 160 HR - Felt great on the High Line Canal 10 mile route.
Wednesday, May 9 - 10.11 miles, 10:05 pace, 152 HR - Rough day with tired legs on the High Line Canal 10 route .
Thursday, May 10 - 8.02 miles, 11:10 pace, 154 HR - Under the weather today, at the Boneyard, feeling sick.
Friday, May 11 - 0 miles - Sick.
Saturday, May 12 - 0 Miles - Sick.
Sunday, May 13 - 0 miles - Supposed to be long run day, but still sick, plus it's Mother's Day.
Monday, May 14 - Sick.
Tuesday, May 15 - 7.02 miles, 10:30 pace, 158 HR - Legs enjoyed the rest, but I'm still not 100% over being sick.
Wednesday, May 16 - 7.71 miles, 8:51 pace, 164 HR - Very good day on the High Line Canal 7 route despite not being 100% still. Second day after a long layoff helped the legs. Sub 9:00 pace on this route, for me, is big.
Thursday, May 17 - 8.03 miles, 10:30 pace, ??? HR - No HR monitor today. Ran the Boneyard with Boyack, legs were tired, but a decent day.
Friday, May 18 - 7.08 miles, 10:20 pace, 157 HR - Early morning run at The Bluffs. I'm tired and sore and still not 100%.
Saturday, May 19 - 0 Miles - Rest day.
Sunday, May 20 - 21.69 miles, 12:20 pace, 144 HR - Terrible, terrible, terrible. One of my worst long runs ever. It was cold, damp, dark, windy, & muddy after a Saturday of heavy rains. I knew right away it wasn't going to be a good day as my breathing was bad, and my legs were sore, tired, and like lead. I should have binned the run after 7 miles, but stupidly trudged on. Was just walking by the end of it. Here is the Garmin Connect result.
Monday, May 21 - 0 miles - Rest day after long run Sunday.
Tuesday, May 22 - 0 miles - Vacation day from work for family time.
Wednesday, May 23 - 0 miles - Vacation day from work for family time.
Thursday, May 24 - 6.21 mi, 9:52 pace, 161 HR - High Line Canal. First 4mi were rough but had a strong finish. Just a typical day with too many days off previous.
Friday, May 25 - 7.14 miles, 9:55 pace, 157 HR - First mile was rough, but a great day at the Boneyard with Chris. Felt strong on the hills, breathing was solid, and breaking 10:00 pace at the Boneyard for me is big. All the rest has helped! My legs feel strong, stiff (good), and springy!
Saturday, May 26 - 0 miles - Rest day but did get a nature hike in the Back Country in with the girls.
Sunday, May 27 - 3.08 miles, 10:02 pace, 150 HR - Just getting a few miles in before the 26.2 Monday (normally Sunday) long run. Playing with pace, technique, breathing, etc..
Monday, May 28 - 26.36 miles, 11:09 pace, 149 HR - I started the week by getting in my long run on Memorial Day Monday. It was my usual Douglas County East-West Trail, Highlands Ranch Back Country and The Bluffs long route. It was cold, windy, and very dark with no moon and no clouds. Usually, running in the dark with only my trusty headlamp is no problem, but I did find it disorienting at times with it being so dark. My first 5 miles were pretty rough only managing a 12:00 pace. I think jumping out of bed at 2:45am, on little sleep, and just hitting it is the root cause of that. Got into a good groove after mile 5 though and am super happy with the sub 5-hour finish - a new PR for me by over 18 minutes. I tried fueling (GU/Roctane) every 45 minutes instead of the usual 1/2 hour routine and it worked well, and today I used Amino Vital for hydration. Here is the Garmin Connect result.
Tuesday, May 29 - A 3.18 mile recovery walk (not included in the 66 total). That really helped to loosen up the legs and they are feeling pretty good. DOMS is really low.
Wednesday, May 30 - 3.18 miles, 12:28 pace, 146 HR - Recovery 'run' - DOMS is in full effect and I'm knackered!
Thursday, May 31- Rest! My body just needed the day off.
Friday, June 1 - 10.18 miles, 9:40 pace, 155 HR - Feeling good. Was a strange day though, as it felt like time was moving super slowly, and that I was running forever.
Saturday, June 2 - Rest before Sunday's long run, though the family did do a little hike at Devil's Head. Didn't make it all the way to the top though thanks to some bad weather rolling in, and some tired little legs too, but a hike we'll definitely do again.
Sunday, June 3 - 26.32 miles, 10:58 pace, 150 HR. Near perfect conditions and little mud after the rain storms we got Saturday afternoon. I was actually too hot in shorts and a light long sleeve shirt. I had a lot of G.I distress through the first 8 miles, and then intermittently after that. I'm not sure if it was the HEED I was drinking or something else. I felt pretty good right from the start but did have waves of tiredness at mile 8 and 14. The legs were OK, I just got really sleepy - like I wanted to lay down and go to sleep on the trail sleepy. Legs were good until they finally got tired at 21 miles. The last mile was rough, and I was ready to be done, but still an improvement over Monday's run. And, I didn't mean to PR again (by over 4 minutes), but I'll take it. Fueling: 20oz HEED before, 70oz during. GU/Roctane every 45 minutes until switching to raisins at the 3 hour mark. I can really feel my fitness improving and my legs adapting now. I'm feeling very positive about how things are going. Here is the Garmin Connect result.
Even with some lower distance weeks in there, for various reasons, I still feel that everything is coming finally together. I'm feeling strong and healthy and am enjoying getting out on the trails. It's hard to believe that as recent as February and March I was feeling lousy and getting next to no miles in.
January 2012 - 37.97 miles
February 2012 - 3.18 miles
March 2012 - 56.46 miles
April 2012 - 144.29 miles
May 2012 - 165.49 miles
June 2012 - 36.5 miles and counting...
I'll try to start posting regular weekly updates, but let me just post the last four weeks of activity to get caught up.
Monday, May 7 - Monday, May 13
Rough week, ending with being sick. 29.22 Miles. Well off my target of 50+ miles.Monday, May 7 - Rest day after Sunday, May 6, long run of 18.08 miles.
Tuesday, May 8 - 10.09 miles, 9:53 pace, 160 HR - Felt great on the High Line Canal 10 mile route.
Wednesday, May 9 - 10.11 miles, 10:05 pace, 152 HR - Rough day with tired legs on the High Line Canal 10 route .
Thursday, May 10 - 8.02 miles, 11:10 pace, 154 HR - Under the weather today, at the Boneyard, feeling sick.
Friday, May 11 - 0 miles - Sick.
Saturday, May 12 - 0 Miles - Sick.
Sunday, May 13 - 0 miles - Supposed to be long run day, but still sick, plus it's Mother's Day.
Monday, May 14 -Monday, May 20
Better week mileage wise with 51.53 miles.Monday, May 14 - Sick.
Tuesday, May 15 - 7.02 miles, 10:30 pace, 158 HR - Legs enjoyed the rest, but I'm still not 100% over being sick.
Wednesday, May 16 - 7.71 miles, 8:51 pace, 164 HR - Very good day on the High Line Canal 7 route despite not being 100% still. Second day after a long layoff helped the legs. Sub 9:00 pace on this route, for me, is big.
Thursday, May 17 - 8.03 miles, 10:30 pace, ??? HR - No HR monitor today. Ran the Boneyard with Boyack, legs were tired, but a decent day.
Friday, May 18 - 7.08 miles, 10:20 pace, 157 HR - Early morning run at The Bluffs. I'm tired and sore and still not 100%.
Saturday, May 19 - 0 Miles - Rest day.
Sunday, May 20 - 21.69 miles, 12:20 pace, 144 HR - Terrible, terrible, terrible. One of my worst long runs ever. It was cold, damp, dark, windy, & muddy after a Saturday of heavy rains. I knew right away it wasn't going to be a good day as my breathing was bad, and my legs were sore, tired, and like lead. I should have binned the run after 7 miles, but stupidly trudged on. Was just walking by the end of it. Here is the Garmin Connect result.
Monday, May 21 - Sunday, May 27
Very low mileage week - 16.43 miles.Monday, May 21 - 0 miles - Rest day after long run Sunday.
Tuesday, May 22 - 0 miles - Vacation day from work for family time.
Wednesday, May 23 - 0 miles - Vacation day from work for family time.
Thursday, May 24 - 6.21 mi, 9:52 pace, 161 HR - High Line Canal. First 4mi were rough but had a strong finish. Just a typical day with too many days off previous.
Friday, May 25 - 7.14 miles, 9:55 pace, 157 HR - First mile was rough, but a great day at the Boneyard with Chris. Felt strong on the hills, breathing was solid, and breaking 10:00 pace at the Boneyard for me is big. All the rest has helped! My legs feel strong, stiff (good), and springy!
Saturday, May 26 - 0 miles - Rest day but did get a nature hike in the Back Country in with the girls.
Sunday, May 27 - 3.08 miles, 10:02 pace, 150 HR - Just getting a few miles in before the 26.2 Monday (normally Sunday) long run. Playing with pace, technique, breathing, etc..
Monday, May 28 - Sunday, June 3
My best week ever - 66.04 miles.Monday, May 28 - 26.36 miles, 11:09 pace, 149 HR - I started the week by getting in my long run on Memorial Day Monday. It was my usual Douglas County East-West Trail, Highlands Ranch Back Country and The Bluffs long route. It was cold, windy, and very dark with no moon and no clouds. Usually, running in the dark with only my trusty headlamp is no problem, but I did find it disorienting at times with it being so dark. My first 5 miles were pretty rough only managing a 12:00 pace. I think jumping out of bed at 2:45am, on little sleep, and just hitting it is the root cause of that. Got into a good groove after mile 5 though and am super happy with the sub 5-hour finish - a new PR for me by over 18 minutes. I tried fueling (GU/Roctane) every 45 minutes instead of the usual 1/2 hour routine and it worked well, and today I used Amino Vital for hydration. Here is the Garmin Connect result.
Tuesday, May 29 - A 3.18 mile recovery walk (not included in the 66 total). That really helped to loosen up the legs and they are feeling pretty good. DOMS is really low.
Wednesday, May 30 - 3.18 miles, 12:28 pace, 146 HR - Recovery 'run' - DOMS is in full effect and I'm knackered!
Thursday, May 31- Rest! My body just needed the day off.
Friday, June 1 - 10.18 miles, 9:40 pace, 155 HR - Feeling good. Was a strange day though, as it felt like time was moving super slowly, and that I was running forever.
Saturday, June 2 - Rest before Sunday's long run, though the family did do a little hike at Devil's Head. Didn't make it all the way to the top though thanks to some bad weather rolling in, and some tired little legs too, but a hike we'll definitely do again.
Sunday, June 3 - 26.32 miles, 10:58 pace, 150 HR. Near perfect conditions and little mud after the rain storms we got Saturday afternoon. I was actually too hot in shorts and a light long sleeve shirt. I had a lot of G.I distress through the first 8 miles, and then intermittently after that. I'm not sure if it was the HEED I was drinking or something else. I felt pretty good right from the start but did have waves of tiredness at mile 8 and 14. The legs were OK, I just got really sleepy - like I wanted to lay down and go to sleep on the trail sleepy. Legs were good until they finally got tired at 21 miles. The last mile was rough, and I was ready to be done, but still an improvement over Monday's run. And, I didn't mean to PR again (by over 4 minutes), but I'll take it. Fueling: 20oz HEED before, 70oz during. GU/Roctane every 45 minutes until switching to raisins at the 3 hour mark. I can really feel my fitness improving and my legs adapting now. I'm feeling very positive about how things are going. Here is the Garmin Connect result.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
I'm Back!
Thanks to David for slagging me off and getting me back posting again. I'll try to post more regularly from now on.
A lot seems to have gone on in the past 5 months since my last post, which I ended with: "I'm only 39. I feel 79. Should I really feel this lousy, tired, and broken down???"
1. I'm feeling healthy again.
2. I'm back training again.
OK, well, only two things - but they are big things - and do seem like a lot when I break them down.
As recently as March, I felt like total garbage when I attempted any running, and really, just lousy in general. I chalk a lot of it up to just being out of fitness (really high heart rate, legs like lead, no energy) but it was more than that. I had some back issues, which I got through with the help of my chiropractor. That was mostly my SI Joint which now seems golden. Glad that's behind me.
And then there were my stomach issues; stabbing pain and nausea. I had the symptoms pretty much all the time (it would even wake me up at night), but were much more severe when running. I thought it was due to the large quantity of Vitamin D supplements (upped to 5000 units daily) my endocrinologist had ordered me to take to see if I could reverse the osteopenia I have in my hip. Or, maybe it at least contributed? I would test stopping the supplements and I would fell better - for a while. I tested that off and on until finally I went to a gastroenterology doc and they poked and prodded - had an upper endoscopy; had an ultrasound; tried some meds; had a ton of blood tests to check vitamin levels; check for celiac; and so on, and so forth... They found a small hiatal hernia but that was it. Everything else was 'normal'.
And there was the fatigue thing too, which is what got me going to an endocrinologist to begin with.
So, maybe it was my diet? Maybe it was the food I was eating? I'd been doing a fair amount of reading things like; Wheat Belly, Paleo for Athletes, Blood Type Diet, scouring the Internet, etc.. Since I started my 'get fit' routine, I've pretty drastically changed my diet, but maybe it was time to take it to a new level. I had tried going red meat-less for a while and attempted the vegetarian/vegan athlete approach (thanks to reading Scott Jurek, Brendan Brazier, and Matt Frazier), which I'm not convinced was beneficial to me, and maybe even had a negative effect. So, I put together a grocery list for myself based on the Blood Type Diet (I'm Type-O), and Paleo for Athletes. It's mostly lean red meat, fish, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables (but only certain ones). Gone is wheat, and even gluten-free foods. Gone is rice and potato's. Gone is pretty much anything processed. Gone is dairy. Gone is Green Tea even (my own choice). I'll share my list in a separate post, but it's categorized as; 'Best things to eat', 'Good things to eat', 'Neutral things to eat', and 'Fueling and Recovery only'. If it's not on the list, I don't eat it (or try not to). Of course, anyone who knows me, knows I struggle with food and eating. During the week I have an OK time of it - weekends, well, weekends can be carnage, but I try my best to stick to it.
Around this time, my chiropractor also got me onto some vitamin supplements, which I've always been pretty much against. I personally don't believe that they do a lick of good. The only thing I've ever noticed them really helping was my fingernail strength - and my fingernails had gotten pretty weak. So, I figured I'd give his fancy stuff, by Douglas Laboratories, a shot for a month and see what happens. Well, that has kind of stuck.
The first week of April, the family and I headed to SoCal for a little vacation and to visit some family. I was a little anxious knowing that I went into the vacation sticking pretty good to my new, and I hate the term, diet (it's a lifestyle change, right?), but that there would be too many temptations to get through it unscathed. In-N-Out Burger, restaurants, etc.. With some careful planning I could minimize the damage - but there would be damage. It was a huge help that where we stayed with family we had our own kitchen. That allowed us to cook and eat healthy at least half of the time.
Before going on vacation, I had struggled through March with 50 total miles run (in 9 sessions), after a February with only 3 miles. Going into our vacation, I wanted to try to keep what tiny momentum I had going. I thought that sea-level training might be helpful too. I got in only two runs (11 miles total), one long walk with my cousin, and one good hike in the mountains - then six straight days of vacation mode; lots of eating and not exercising.
I came back from vacation about 8 lbs heavier than when we set out. It could have been worse I suppose. Knowing that I needed to get back at it - I did just that. We got home on Saturday, had a day of rest on Sunday, and then I hit it on Monday. Everything felt awful, and even the stomach issues seemed to be back (reinforcing diet as the cause?), until the end of the week when things started feeling better. I finished that week with 40 miles. Things were looking up. Since that first 40 mile week I've finished with a 42 mile week, another 40 mile week and last week I hit 53 miles. April included 2 half marathon distances, a 15 mile and an 18 mile effort. The big thing is, is that I feel so much better. Stomach issues seem to be gone, my energy levels are really good, and I'm feeling pretty strong most days. So, what changed? Why, or how, did I go from feeling like total garbage both running and just in general, to be on pace for a 66 mile week this week? I really wish there was a smoking gun, but I suspect it's probably a combination of a few things;
1. Fitness level - I'm training more, so obviously my fitness and general well-being should be improving.
2. Diet - The Blood Type / Paleo for Athletes lifestyle seems to be working. I'm leaner and have more energy. I can really tell a difference when I eat things I shouldn't be - especially wheat.
3. Supplements - Vitamin D, Multi-Vitamins, and Calcium/Magnesium and timing those post training.
4. Recovery - Natural food (beef and my own smoothie concoction) for recovery. Way less reliance on Hammer, GU, etc..
5. Fueling - More glycogen debt training, and more natural fuels (raisins, etc.) and less Hammer, GU, etc..
6. Footwear - I'm running in New Balance MT110's now. Still minimalist (4mm drop), but my feet are loving me for it.
7. Weight - It bounces around (usually up after a weekend of carnage eating) but I've been hitting high-school lows recently, and it's trending down. I do notice I am getting much leaner.
8. Rest - I've always need lots of sleep, but I try really hard to be in bed before 10pm.
Some, or all of those things may be a factor, so, I'll try to keep doing what I'm doing.
So, where to from here? Onward and upward I hope. Like I said, this week I'm gunning for a 66 mile week with a 26.2 long run to end the week. Depending on how that goes, next week, I may push for 70. Of course, things seldom go as planned.
I've signed up for the North Fork 50 Mile Trail Race that takes place on June 30th. That gives me a little more than 7 weeks still to train. We've got a road-trip to Michigan to see family in early June, and family coming to visit for a few weeks in late June, plus a few other of life's little nuggets strewn about in there too. In the meantime, I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic, and bank as many miles as possible.
A lot seems to have gone on in the past 5 months since my last post, which I ended with: "I'm only 39. I feel 79. Should I really feel this lousy, tired, and broken down???"
1. I'm feeling healthy again.
2. I'm back training again.
OK, well, only two things - but they are big things - and do seem like a lot when I break them down.
As recently as March, I felt like total garbage when I attempted any running, and really, just lousy in general. I chalk a lot of it up to just being out of fitness (really high heart rate, legs like lead, no energy) but it was more than that. I had some back issues, which I got through with the help of my chiropractor. That was mostly my SI Joint which now seems golden. Glad that's behind me.
And then there were my stomach issues; stabbing pain and nausea. I had the symptoms pretty much all the time (it would even wake me up at night), but were much more severe when running. I thought it was due to the large quantity of Vitamin D supplements (upped to 5000 units daily) my endocrinologist had ordered me to take to see if I could reverse the osteopenia I have in my hip. Or, maybe it at least contributed? I would test stopping the supplements and I would fell better - for a while. I tested that off and on until finally I went to a gastroenterology doc and they poked and prodded - had an upper endoscopy; had an ultrasound; tried some meds; had a ton of blood tests to check vitamin levels; check for celiac; and so on, and so forth... They found a small hiatal hernia but that was it. Everything else was 'normal'.
And there was the fatigue thing too, which is what got me going to an endocrinologist to begin with.
So, maybe it was my diet? Maybe it was the food I was eating? I'd been doing a fair amount of reading things like; Wheat Belly, Paleo for Athletes, Blood Type Diet, scouring the Internet, etc.. Since I started my 'get fit' routine, I've pretty drastically changed my diet, but maybe it was time to take it to a new level. I had tried going red meat-less for a while and attempted the vegetarian/vegan athlete approach (thanks to reading Scott Jurek, Brendan Brazier, and Matt Frazier), which I'm not convinced was beneficial to me, and maybe even had a negative effect. So, I put together a grocery list for myself based on the Blood Type Diet (I'm Type-O), and Paleo for Athletes. It's mostly lean red meat, fish, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables (but only certain ones). Gone is wheat, and even gluten-free foods. Gone is rice and potato's. Gone is pretty much anything processed. Gone is dairy. Gone is Green Tea even (my own choice). I'll share my list in a separate post, but it's categorized as; 'Best things to eat', 'Good things to eat', 'Neutral things to eat', and 'Fueling and Recovery only'. If it's not on the list, I don't eat it (or try not to). Of course, anyone who knows me, knows I struggle with food and eating. During the week I have an OK time of it - weekends, well, weekends can be carnage, but I try my best to stick to it.
Around this time, my chiropractor also got me onto some vitamin supplements, which I've always been pretty much against. I personally don't believe that they do a lick of good. The only thing I've ever noticed them really helping was my fingernail strength - and my fingernails had gotten pretty weak. So, I figured I'd give his fancy stuff, by Douglas Laboratories, a shot for a month and see what happens. Well, that has kind of stuck.
The first week of April, the family and I headed to SoCal for a little vacation and to visit some family. I was a little anxious knowing that I went into the vacation sticking pretty good to my new, and I hate the term, diet (it's a lifestyle change, right?), but that there would be too many temptations to get through it unscathed. In-N-Out Burger, restaurants, etc.. With some careful planning I could minimize the damage - but there would be damage. It was a huge help that where we stayed with family we had our own kitchen. That allowed us to cook and eat healthy at least half of the time.
Before going on vacation, I had struggled through March with 50 total miles run (in 9 sessions), after a February with only 3 miles. Going into our vacation, I wanted to try to keep what tiny momentum I had going. I thought that sea-level training might be helpful too. I got in only two runs (11 miles total), one long walk with my cousin, and one good hike in the mountains - then six straight days of vacation mode; lots of eating and not exercising.
I came back from vacation about 8 lbs heavier than when we set out. It could have been worse I suppose. Knowing that I needed to get back at it - I did just that. We got home on Saturday, had a day of rest on Sunday, and then I hit it on Monday. Everything felt awful, and even the stomach issues seemed to be back (reinforcing diet as the cause?), until the end of the week when things started feeling better. I finished that week with 40 miles. Things were looking up. Since that first 40 mile week I've finished with a 42 mile week, another 40 mile week and last week I hit 53 miles. April included 2 half marathon distances, a 15 mile and an 18 mile effort. The big thing is, is that I feel so much better. Stomach issues seem to be gone, my energy levels are really good, and I'm feeling pretty strong most days. So, what changed? Why, or how, did I go from feeling like total garbage both running and just in general, to be on pace for a 66 mile week this week? I really wish there was a smoking gun, but I suspect it's probably a combination of a few things;
1. Fitness level - I'm training more, so obviously my fitness and general well-being should be improving.
2. Diet - The Blood Type / Paleo for Athletes lifestyle seems to be working. I'm leaner and have more energy. I can really tell a difference when I eat things I shouldn't be - especially wheat.
3. Supplements - Vitamin D, Multi-Vitamins, and Calcium/Magnesium and timing those post training.
4. Recovery - Natural food (beef and my own smoothie concoction) for recovery. Way less reliance on Hammer, GU, etc..
5. Fueling - More glycogen debt training, and more natural fuels (raisins, etc.) and less Hammer, GU, etc..
6. Footwear - I'm running in New Balance MT110's now. Still minimalist (4mm drop), but my feet are loving me for it.
7. Weight - It bounces around (usually up after a weekend of carnage eating) but I've been hitting high-school lows recently, and it's trending down. I do notice I am getting much leaner.
8. Rest - I've always need lots of sleep, but I try really hard to be in bed before 10pm.
Some, or all of those things may be a factor, so, I'll try to keep doing what I'm doing.
So, where to from here? Onward and upward I hope. Like I said, this week I'm gunning for a 66 mile week with a 26.2 long run to end the week. Depending on how that goes, next week, I may push for 70. Of course, things seldom go as planned.
I've signed up for the North Fork 50 Mile Trail Race that takes place on June 30th. That gives me a little more than 7 weeks still to train. We've got a road-trip to Michigan to see family in early June, and family coming to visit for a few weeks in late June, plus a few other of life's little nuggets strewn about in there too. In the meantime, I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic, and bank as many miles as possible.
Monday, December 12, 2011
It's been a while...
It's been almost two tumultuous months since I last posted anything, so I thought I'd post a 'quick' update.
Since my last post I've run a total of seven times. Yup, seven. That's it. Three times in October, three times in November, and one time (today) so far in December. There are several reasons (some call them excuses) for that; a general lack of motivation, interest, and feeling just generally crumby and tired a lot - kinda like the old days. At the tail end of October I did something to my lower back - I hurt it. I don't even know how I did it, but it was causing me severe pain and discomfort. It was like someone was stabbing me in my lower back just to the left of my spine, and even directly into my spine at times. Sleeping was a challenge and every move would send lightning into my back and wake me up. It took me about 4 weeks, and lots of chiropractor visits, to get back to about 75% when I tried a couple of short runs. To my surprise, the back didn't bother me much while I was running, but my pace and my HR had gone to pot. I was gasping for air going about 4:00 slower than my normal pace with a HR about 20 BPM higher than normal. What. The. Hell. Doing a 4 miler was a HUGE challenge. About a week after that discouraging outing I felt a 'pop' in my lower back over to the left side. Not a bad 'pop', but a good 'pop'. My back was suddenly about 95% with only a bit of residual muscle soreness that went away after a couple of days. My chiropractor told me the he suspects that it's my SI Joint (sacroiliac joint). Whatever it was, I was hugely relieved and figured I was back in business. My motivation was low, and I'd put on a few pounds (OK, about 7), but figured I was good to get back at it (or at least try). But, my fitness was still sucking and my legs were weak, weak, weak. A short 3.5 mile run practically killed me, and recovery was slllllooooowwwww. My muscles were so sore I could hardly walk for days. What the heck has happened to me!?!? And then, at the start of last week, I get some GI thing, that I still don't think I'm 100% recovered from even still. To pile it on, on Saturday, BOOM! My back! Again!!!! Motivation = 0%. Discouragement = 100%.
Today I'd say my back is feeling about 80% - to my relief - and doesn't seem to be a total setback. I feel like it's going to recover relatively quickly. So, I decided to head out to the Bone Yard today. My HR is totally out of control still and hit a high of 185, with an average in the high 160's. Not good. I was running through 4" - 8" of snow, at a super slow pace (15:00ish) but at great effort. If there is any good from it, my legs didn't feel totally horrible. I kept it to 3.5 miles in hopes that I'm not totally destroyed tomorrow and can head out and try it again.
During this whole two month layoff, I've been massively struggling with eating and maintaining a good diet. Thanksgiving, and a plethora of birthdays in the family, have been big contributors to that. I seem to do OK during the work week, but weekends just destroy me. I've been perusing some different books lately, looking for motivation and inspiration - books like Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis, The Paleo Diet for Athletes by Loren Cordain & Joe Friel, and some other Paleo / Primal books. I'm trying to do the gluten/wheat free thing now, and leaning paleo, hoping it will make me feel better in general, and maybe boost my performance and recovery times. But I'm struggling, in general, with everything...
I'm only 39. I feel 79. Should I really feel this lousy, tired, and broken down???
Since my last post I've run a total of seven times. Yup, seven. That's it. Three times in October, three times in November, and one time (today) so far in December. There are several reasons (some call them excuses) for that; a general lack of motivation, interest, and feeling just generally crumby and tired a lot - kinda like the old days. At the tail end of October I did something to my lower back - I hurt it. I don't even know how I did it, but it was causing me severe pain and discomfort. It was like someone was stabbing me in my lower back just to the left of my spine, and even directly into my spine at times. Sleeping was a challenge and every move would send lightning into my back and wake me up. It took me about 4 weeks, and lots of chiropractor visits, to get back to about 75% when I tried a couple of short runs. To my surprise, the back didn't bother me much while I was running, but my pace and my HR had gone to pot. I was gasping for air going about 4:00 slower than my normal pace with a HR about 20 BPM higher than normal. What. The. Hell. Doing a 4 miler was a HUGE challenge. About a week after that discouraging outing I felt a 'pop' in my lower back over to the left side. Not a bad 'pop', but a good 'pop'. My back was suddenly about 95% with only a bit of residual muscle soreness that went away after a couple of days. My chiropractor told me the he suspects that it's my SI Joint (sacroiliac joint). Whatever it was, I was hugely relieved and figured I was back in business. My motivation was low, and I'd put on a few pounds (OK, about 7), but figured I was good to get back at it (or at least try). But, my fitness was still sucking and my legs were weak, weak, weak. A short 3.5 mile run practically killed me, and recovery was slllllooooowwwww. My muscles were so sore I could hardly walk for days. What the heck has happened to me!?!? And then, at the start of last week, I get some GI thing, that I still don't think I'm 100% recovered from even still. To pile it on, on Saturday, BOOM! My back! Again!!!! Motivation = 0%. Discouragement = 100%.
Today I'd say my back is feeling about 80% - to my relief - and doesn't seem to be a total setback. I feel like it's going to recover relatively quickly. So, I decided to head out to the Bone Yard today. My HR is totally out of control still and hit a high of 185, with an average in the high 160's. Not good. I was running through 4" - 8" of snow, at a super slow pace (15:00ish) but at great effort. If there is any good from it, my legs didn't feel totally horrible. I kept it to 3.5 miles in hopes that I'm not totally destroyed tomorrow and can head out and try it again.
During this whole two month layoff, I've been massively struggling with eating and maintaining a good diet. Thanksgiving, and a plethora of birthdays in the family, have been big contributors to that. I seem to do OK during the work week, but weekends just destroy me. I've been perusing some different books lately, looking for motivation and inspiration - books like Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis, The Paleo Diet for Athletes by Loren Cordain & Joe Friel, and some other Paleo / Primal books. I'm trying to do the gluten/wheat free thing now, and leaning paleo, hoping it will make me feel better in general, and maybe boost my performance and recovery times. But I'm struggling, in general, with everything...
I'm only 39. I feel 79. Should I really feel this lousy, tired, and broken down???
Friday, October 14, 2011
Random Friday Ramblings...
On training:
Since my 50 miler I'd done only two runs for a grand total of 12.5mi. I decided on Sunday that I felt pretty good, and with Columbus Day Monday upon us, I figured I'd head out for a 26.2 effort bright and early. Things turned out a wee bit different since my girls wanted to go to the museum to see Sue the T-Rex, for I think the fourth time now. Daddy definitely should not go for a run they told me. So, the museum it was! That changed my plans to doing a 20 miler in the afternoon, which I was totally fine with. It's still a good long run.
The first 2 miles were pretty awful. My calves were really tight and the legs in general were just... blah. A couple of stops to adjust the laces on the Trail Gloves and a few walks while I muttered insults to myself seemed to do the trick though. By mile three I was feeling good. I could maintain an 8:30 pace - which actually feels like real running to me - with pretty easy effort. The day was a beauty with bright sun and mostly cloudless sky so I'd stop to take some pics every once in a while, which I normally don't do.
I came across one big buck whom I had to scare off the trail with some loud clapping (no pic, bummer). I also crossed paths with a baby, 12" or so, prairie rattler, and some other small snake I couldn't ID.
At mile 12 the top of my right foot started to bother me with a hot spot just behind my big toe so i stopped and taped it, and a couple of other toes, up. About a mile later things went south on me (as they seem to always do). My legs pretty much just gave out. My pace slowed waaaay down, and I pretty much walk/jogged the rest of the way home for a total of 18.5mi. I still managed an 11:36 pace, which for me isn't too bad for that distance, even with all that walking/jogging. I'm pretty sure the legs were just telling me - "Dude, you ran 50mi only two weeks ago. Chill out would ya? You're still just a rookie ya know." So, as anxious as I am to hit some long runs, I think I should stick to shorter runs more often, at least for now.
On interesting reads:
I came across an interesting article on runnersworld.com titled: Could Usain Bolt Run from Paris to Beijing? And More on Short Strides. It's all about running economy and how it isn't real critical to ultra runners. It's all of a three minute read and worth the time!
On faulty equipment:
I'm super disappointed in the lifespan of my Merrell Trail Gloves.
I started using Shoe Goo on them after 200mi to try to extend the life of the soles and am now at about 300mi on them and they are deteriorating rapidly on me.
I was happy to get to use them in the Bear Chase at least though. My buddy Chris' son is having the same issues with his. The estimates on those are 400mi but are the same 3 months in age as mine. They are in much worse condition and are worn completely through on one shoe.
I've contacted Merrell via e-mail and asked what they could do to remedy the issue. They said:
"We would recommend that you try to handle your return through the retail store where your product was purchased. If your original retailer is unable to assist, you may return your product directly to us."
"Once received, our Quality Assurance Team will evaluate the product and determine if the problem is a result of a manufacturing defect or the result of normal wear. Defective products will be replaced (we do not perform any kind of repairs). If products are not deemed defective, they will be returned to you as soon as possible."
In other words - no dice. I bought them at Sports Authority only because I had a Friends and Family coupon. I won't hold my breath on them taking them back. Big mistake not sticking with REI like I usually do.
I really like the shoes, but the quality of the soles (Vibram) are sub-par. There is no way anyone should expect to get only 200mi worth of distance in any pair of shoes! Sorry Merrell, but unless you have a change of heart, I'm boycotting you - even if the soles aren't yours.
Anyone else out there having an issue with their Trail Gloves?
On stomach problems:
So, two days before the Bear Chase I stopped taking my Vitamin D supplements, just on a long shot. No stomach issues race day, and really no issues since. I had been at the point where drinking a glass of water would sometimes make me double over in pain. My endocrinologist told me to take at least 2000 units of Vitamin D daily since I'm Vitamin D deficient. My body just does not create enough of it naturally according to him. That has lead to osteopenia in my right hip, which he's hoping will reverse with the supplementation. Well, seeing I like to overdo things, I started taking 5000 units daily. I'm not sure how long I had been taking it before my stomach issues started, but I'd been suffering with it for about two months before stopping the pills. I've even tried to re-introduce the supplements, and with even just one dose now, my stomach bothers me. Guess I need to talk to the doc again...
Congrats and Good Luck:
Huge congrats to my buddy Chris - the Agile Fox - on 3rd place overall and 1st Masters in the inaugural Slickrock 100 in Moab, UT last weekend!
And good luck to my pal David in the Detroit Marathon Relay on Sunday! You must be all out of bubble gum!
Since my 50 miler I'd done only two runs for a grand total of 12.5mi. I decided on Sunday that I felt pretty good, and with Columbus Day Monday upon us, I figured I'd head out for a 26.2 effort bright and early. Things turned out a wee bit different since my girls wanted to go to the museum to see Sue the T-Rex, for I think the fourth time now. Daddy definitely should not go for a run they told me. So, the museum it was! That changed my plans to doing a 20 miler in the afternoon, which I was totally fine with. It's still a good long run.
The first 2 miles were pretty awful. My calves were really tight and the legs in general were just... blah. A couple of stops to adjust the laces on the Trail Gloves and a few walks while I muttered insults to myself seemed to do the trick though. By mile three I was feeling good. I could maintain an 8:30 pace - which actually feels like real running to me - with pretty easy effort. The day was a beauty with bright sun and mostly cloudless sky so I'd stop to take some pics every once in a while, which I normally don't do.
 |
| A view of downtown Denver in the distance |
 |
| The southern edge of Highlands Ranch back-dropped by Mt. Evans |
I came across one big buck whom I had to scare off the trail with some loud clapping (no pic, bummer). I also crossed paths with a baby, 12" or so, prairie rattler, and some other small snake I couldn't ID.
 |
| Baby Prairie Rattle Snake - ~12" |
At mile 12 the top of my right foot started to bother me with a hot spot just behind my big toe so i stopped and taped it, and a couple of other toes, up. About a mile later things went south on me (as they seem to always do). My legs pretty much just gave out. My pace slowed waaaay down, and I pretty much walk/jogged the rest of the way home for a total of 18.5mi. I still managed an 11:36 pace, which for me isn't too bad for that distance, even with all that walking/jogging. I'm pretty sure the legs were just telling me - "Dude, you ran 50mi only two weeks ago. Chill out would ya? You're still just a rookie ya know." So, as anxious as I am to hit some long runs, I think I should stick to shorter runs more often, at least for now.
On interesting reads:
I came across an interesting article on runnersworld.com titled: Could Usain Bolt Run from Paris to Beijing? And More on Short Strides. It's all about running economy and how it isn't real critical to ultra runners. It's all of a three minute read and worth the time!
On faulty equipment:
I'm super disappointed in the lifespan of my Merrell Trail Gloves.
 |
| Merrell Trail Gloves (middle) after 200 miles |
I started using Shoe Goo on them after 200mi to try to extend the life of the soles and am now at about 300mi on them and they are deteriorating rapidly on me.
 |
| 300 miles - 3 months old |
 |
| 400 miles - 3 months old |
I've contacted Merrell via e-mail and asked what they could do to remedy the issue. They said:
"We would recommend that you try to handle your return through the retail store where your product was purchased. If your original retailer is unable to assist, you may return your product directly to us."
"Once received, our Quality Assurance Team will evaluate the product and determine if the problem is a result of a manufacturing defect or the result of normal wear. Defective products will be replaced (we do not perform any kind of repairs). If products are not deemed defective, they will be returned to you as soon as possible."
In other words - no dice. I bought them at Sports Authority only because I had a Friends and Family coupon. I won't hold my breath on them taking them back. Big mistake not sticking with REI like I usually do.
I really like the shoes, but the quality of the soles (Vibram) are sub-par. There is no way anyone should expect to get only 200mi worth of distance in any pair of shoes! Sorry Merrell, but unless you have a change of heart, I'm boycotting you - even if the soles aren't yours.
Anyone else out there having an issue with their Trail Gloves?
On stomach problems:
So, two days before the Bear Chase I stopped taking my Vitamin D supplements, just on a long shot. No stomach issues race day, and really no issues since. I had been at the point where drinking a glass of water would sometimes make me double over in pain. My endocrinologist told me to take at least 2000 units of Vitamin D daily since I'm Vitamin D deficient. My body just does not create enough of it naturally according to him. That has lead to osteopenia in my right hip, which he's hoping will reverse with the supplementation. Well, seeing I like to overdo things, I started taking 5000 units daily. I'm not sure how long I had been taking it before my stomach issues started, but I'd been suffering with it for about two months before stopping the pills. I've even tried to re-introduce the supplements, and with even just one dose now, my stomach bothers me. Guess I need to talk to the doc again...
Congrats and Good Luck:
Huge congrats to my buddy Chris - the Agile Fox - on 3rd place overall and 1st Masters in the inaugural Slickrock 100 in Moab, UT last weekend!
And good luck to my pal David in the Detroit Marathon Relay on Sunday! You must be all out of bubble gum!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Reflecting on the Bear Chase...
Well, it's been well over a week since the Bear Chase and I can walk without pain again. I'll probably lose my pinky toenail on my right foot still, since it's black, but it doesn't hurt at least. My blisters are pretty much healed up too which were never really a bother for me anyways.
Monday and Tuesday after the race I could hardly walk. Getting out of bed was challenging (sooo tired and sooo sore) and stairs were almost impossible. Not surprising I guess since I've never pushed myself physically (and maybe mentally) that hard before - ever. Going down stairs backwards is a little trick my wife taught me, and works. Much easier. One strange thing that was going on was a severe pain in my left ankle. It wasn't there race day at all, but it sure was there on Monday. It's a sharp stabbing pain on the outside of my foot just below and slightly forward from my ankle bone. Never had that before.
Wednesday was a little better aches and pains wise and Thursday better still. By Friday I was ready to try a recovery run, though my ankle still was bothering me. Well, I went out with Chris who was going to do an EZ 7mi lunch run and figured I'd tag along for 4mi and call it good. As Gump says; 'Stupid is as stupid does' and I did the whole 7mi with him. Seemed OK at the time, and my muscles definitely felt better for it - but not the ankle. It was even worse now. So, I figured I would just take more time off until there was no more pain.
Good news... Monday, no pain! So, I managed a 5.5mi EZ run on Monday and had no issues. The legs felt decent and tested them out on one short hard effort and really, overall, had no issues. Back in business!
Looking back at the race and trying to figure out what I could have done better, I really can't think of a whole lot. I feel that I was very lucky and had very few problems. No sunburns; minimal chaffing; no real feet issues; fueling, salt, and food was good; Drop bag worked well. Maybe I could have done better on the hydration portion. Conserving once and once running out was a bad thing, but I don't think my performance was hindered much by it. I think if anything, I definitely could have trained more. My biggest week leading up to this had been a mere 51mi. I did have intentions of getting a few 60mi weeks in and as much as 70mi, but it just never worked out for various reasons. I'm amazed at the people that can put in those kinds of big mileage weeks, week after week after week. Very dedicated indeed. I do suppose that everyone is at different stages in their lives, have different jobs and careers, etc., but still - It's a huge time commitment, especially when you get your miles as slowly as I do.
What's next for me? Well, I've got the bug now for sure. I'm enjoying some rest and recuperation time, I'm sure to the delight of my wife. I've gone 50 miles and achieved my 'Ultra' goal, but onward and upward! So now I'm thinking about either a more difficult 50mi race, a 100km race, or even a 100 miler. I'm giving the Moab 100 Mile Endurance Race, that takes place at the end of March, some consideration (11,000' of climbing), but Diana is not too keen on that idea. There is also the Collegiate Peaks Trail Run 50 Mile in May that is a possibility and would be much more difficult than the Bear Chase with about 9400' of elevation change. For now though, I'm gonna ease back into it, though I am thinking of a 26.2 mile effort this holiday (Columbus Day) Monday. March and May are pretty far away and I'd like to do something sooner, but I do need to ramp up my miles and get some speed work in there too. I would like to get a little faster.
Another interesting thing which I'll end off with - is how hungry I was for about a week after the race. My body was craving all kinds of things and I would devour whatever it wanted. The body knows best I figure. Diana baked some peach raspberry pie and blueberry pie - which didn't stand a chance. A tub of chocolate ice cream (which I don't even really like) was a goner. And, broccoli with hummus. I can't seem to get enough broccoli...
Monday and Tuesday after the race I could hardly walk. Getting out of bed was challenging (sooo tired and sooo sore) and stairs were almost impossible. Not surprising I guess since I've never pushed myself physically (and maybe mentally) that hard before - ever. Going down stairs backwards is a little trick my wife taught me, and works. Much easier. One strange thing that was going on was a severe pain in my left ankle. It wasn't there race day at all, but it sure was there on Monday. It's a sharp stabbing pain on the outside of my foot just below and slightly forward from my ankle bone. Never had that before.
Wednesday was a little better aches and pains wise and Thursday better still. By Friday I was ready to try a recovery run, though my ankle still was bothering me. Well, I went out with Chris who was going to do an EZ 7mi lunch run and figured I'd tag along for 4mi and call it good. As Gump says; 'Stupid is as stupid does' and I did the whole 7mi with him. Seemed OK at the time, and my muscles definitely felt better for it - but not the ankle. It was even worse now. So, I figured I would just take more time off until there was no more pain.
Good news... Monday, no pain! So, I managed a 5.5mi EZ run on Monday and had no issues. The legs felt decent and tested them out on one short hard effort and really, overall, had no issues. Back in business!
Looking back at the race and trying to figure out what I could have done better, I really can't think of a whole lot. I feel that I was very lucky and had very few problems. No sunburns; minimal chaffing; no real feet issues; fueling, salt, and food was good; Drop bag worked well. Maybe I could have done better on the hydration portion. Conserving once and once running out was a bad thing, but I don't think my performance was hindered much by it. I think if anything, I definitely could have trained more. My biggest week leading up to this had been a mere 51mi. I did have intentions of getting a few 60mi weeks in and as much as 70mi, but it just never worked out for various reasons. I'm amazed at the people that can put in those kinds of big mileage weeks, week after week after week. Very dedicated indeed. I do suppose that everyone is at different stages in their lives, have different jobs and careers, etc., but still - It's a huge time commitment, especially when you get your miles as slowly as I do.
What's next for me? Well, I've got the bug now for sure. I'm enjoying some rest and recuperation time, I'm sure to the delight of my wife. I've gone 50 miles and achieved my 'Ultra' goal, but onward and upward! So now I'm thinking about either a more difficult 50mi race, a 100km race, or even a 100 miler. I'm giving the Moab 100 Mile Endurance Race, that takes place at the end of March, some consideration (11,000' of climbing), but Diana is not too keen on that idea. There is also the Collegiate Peaks Trail Run 50 Mile in May that is a possibility and would be much more difficult than the Bear Chase with about 9400' of elevation change. For now though, I'm gonna ease back into it, though I am thinking of a 26.2 mile effort this holiday (Columbus Day) Monday. March and May are pretty far away and I'd like to do something sooner, but I do need to ramp up my miles and get some speed work in there too. I would like to get a little faster.
Another interesting thing which I'll end off with - is how hungry I was for about a week after the race. My body was craving all kinds of things and I would devour whatever it wanted. The body knows best I figure. Diana baked some peach raspberry pie and blueberry pie - which didn't stand a chance. A tub of chocolate ice cream (which I don't even really like) was a goner. And, broccoli with hummus. I can't seem to get enough broccoli...
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