Last year I tried RUN WOODSTOCK in Pinckney, MI, but dropped at 25 miles after abdominal problems (sound familiar?). I'm having more problems now than last year, yet I'm determined to go back & try again. IF I can make it to the starting line, I believe I should be able to endure the pain better (more experience) this year. My goals are to finish & to have fun (as long as I can).
I think the biggest reason I like this race is because it's at night. No heat to worry about, no horseflies and it's alot of fun (to me) running in the dark. Last year it was 10 degrees above normal w/rain off & on -- the air was pretty sticky. So far the forecast has changed almost daily and as of today is leaning heavily towards rain (70% chance). However, the forecast has been consistent in that the temps will be close to normal this time: start in the mid 70's & going down to the mid 50's. I can hardly wait to run in that cool air! If it rains, I could even get cold & have to wear a shirt . . .
Back on the health front: visited my integrative Dr. last week for a followup on all the tests from the previous month's blood draw. He explained all the results, including the ones on nutrient testing that I had not seen. My vitamin levels were excellent with only one that was borderline low: Pantothenate -- so now I'm taking another supplement. I had trace amounts of lead, mercury & arsenic in my blood, but that was unsatisfactory to him (should be zero - add another supplement!). Amino acids & metabolites were OK. My antioxidant levels were excellent. Overall he said the results looked "pretty good". He also said I should try to follow his diet recommendations closer, keep on the supplements & come back NEXT YEAR. So right now, it's up to me once again to try to figure out what's going on with my gut.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
year of the horsefly, again
Seems like I say it every year: this is the worst year for horseflies here in the Jefferson Memorial Forest. I went running this morning & despite being soaked in deet, I was bit 4 times. And they weren't the usual size horseflies of years past -- these were real small ones, 1/2" or less in size (the ones that you can hardly feel land on you & find out too late). The big ones of the previous 2 years were so thick around here that at one time they would literally cover my car & house -- I would go out & swat them till I got tired of it & saw that there was no end in sight. But not this year. Another thing different this year is that the horsefly season started late due to a cool early summer -- they really didn't come out till July this year (but made up for lost time). And, strangely, about a month ago, there was a mass die off for some reason. I must have had 200 dead horseflies on my deck in a 40 square foot area. I did put up a new clear glass fence/railing around the deck this year, but usually horseflies bounce off glass & keep going, so it makes me wonder.
This is a pic I took today of one of the big flies that will bug you here . . . it looks like a cross between a horsefly & a dragonfly, or perhaps it's just a 2 wing dragonfly. They're over an inch long & as noisy as the big horseflies. I've never been bit by one or know whether it even bites -- I just don't let it stay lit on me long enough to find out:
About my run: I had not run for a few days because of my gut, but feeling better this morning, I went out & tried to do a 4 hour run. It was not an enjoyable time as I have had recently. The 60's the last couple of weeks must have spoiled me. I started my run before sunrise, temp about 70 & dewpoint in the low to mid 60's (this would have been super last month). Anyway, I felt very hot & my shorts were soaked after 1 mile. I got thirsty as I had misjudged my fluid needs & had not carried & stashed enough drinks. The horseflies were driving me crazy. What I should have covered in 4 hrs, took about 5, all consisting of very slow running & walking. My fluids: 20 oz right at the start, 80 oz during the run/walk and 60+ oz right after I finished. Even after drinking the half gallon immediately after the run, I was still at a deficit: I weighed 5 1/2 pounds less than when I started!
I was so optimistic in my last post saying I wanted to run 2 ultras next month . . . . I'm having 2nd thoughts now. Even though I would have to stay at a motel the night before these 2 races, it would still have to be a race morning decision whether I can start or not.
This is a pic I took today of one of the big flies that will bug you here . . . it looks like a cross between a horsefly & a dragonfly, or perhaps it's just a 2 wing dragonfly. They're over an inch long & as noisy as the big horseflies. I've never been bit by one or know whether it even bites -- I just don't let it stay lit on me long enough to find out:
About my run: I had not run for a few days because of my gut, but feeling better this morning, I went out & tried to do a 4 hour run. It was not an enjoyable time as I have had recently. The 60's the last couple of weeks must have spoiled me. I started my run before sunrise, temp about 70 & dewpoint in the low to mid 60's (this would have been super last month). Anyway, I felt very hot & my shorts were soaked after 1 mile. I got thirsty as I had misjudged my fluid needs & had not carried & stashed enough drinks. The horseflies were driving me crazy. What I should have covered in 4 hrs, took about 5, all consisting of very slow running & walking. My fluids: 20 oz right at the start, 80 oz during the run/walk and 60+ oz right after I finished. Even after drinking the half gallon immediately after the run, I was still at a deficit: I weighed 5 1/2 pounds less than when I started!
I was so optimistic in my last post saying I wanted to run 2 ultras next month . . . . I'm having 2nd thoughts now. Even though I would have to stay at a motel the night before these 2 races, it would still have to be a race morning decision whether I can start or not.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
turning over a new leaf (to drink)
It's been a month since my last post, an improvement over the 6 month gap last time . . . .
my new Dr:
I had the first visit with my new Dr. specializing in integrative medicine at the end of last month. He seemed to have the belief that everything can be cured with the right herb, vitamin or other supplement! He sold all the supplements that he recommended right at the office -- the fact that he had direct financial interest made me suspicious of his true intent. However, as desperate as I am, I'm taking his supplements & attempting to wean myself off the foods he said I should avoid: wheat/gluten products, rice, sugar, dairy products & diet drinks. Keeping away from gluten is very difficult (most processed food has it in it) & I haven't found a replacement for ranch dressing & cheese on my salads yet.
I also had several vials of blood taken for food allergen testing even though I don't even know if the pain I'm having is food related. The results a few weeks later showed my blood reacted to dairy products as he suspected. What was unexpected was the very high reaction to certain NUTS. I always thought nuts were a healthy snack (almonds are my favorite). It turns out almonds were the most reactive food on the entire 200 item list. In fact, they were off the charts (a high reading is 414, mine was 2234). However, I've never experienced pain or a reaction after eating almonds so I'm having doubts with all the results. Next with high readings came cashews & pistachios, then the cheeses came in the moderate to high range.
a new leaf - tea:
Another thing which my new Dr. felt strongly about was for me to drink 1/2 gallon of green tea a day, with little or none (including any fluids) right at mealtime. However, as with everyone who I have ever met, he could not believe I did NOT like tea -- I drank a cup 40+ years ago & didn't like the taste & didn't drink any whatsoever since (except a few sips when a waiter brings the wrong drink). I told him I would be willing to try. Having never bought tea, I picked up the 1st half gallon I saw at the store & drank a quart when I got home. Although it said it was pomegranate flavored, it still tasted like tea & was really too sweet for me. I didn't realize tea had caffeine in it (duh!) till I couldn't sleep that night. Not till I went back to the store did I realize there was almost an entire aisle devoted to tea! I'm still experimenting & currently mixing it with apple juice. After 3 weeks, I do believe I'm acquiring a taste for tea now.
running, yes, this is a running blog:
The recent weather -- wow! We had the hottest July on record in Louisville, but the temps the last couple weeks have been unreal. I was finally able to get in a long run (6 hrs) when the temp dropped to 58 last week - albeit at a very slow pace, it felt great to be running long. Usually I'm limited to a couple, sometimes 3 hrs before it just gets too hot/humid for an effective workout. I really would like to do long runs more often, but the recovery time is longer & I want to squeeze in as many runs as I can when there's a cool stretch. So when the temps are reasonable I've been opting for intermediate runs (3-4 hrs) spaced closer. As of right now, I'm able to endure the pain when running, but still having big problems handling the pain at night.
I did not run in the Eagle Creek Marathon that I mentioned last time that I was wanting to run. I had my drop bag packed, but looked again at the forecast & realized I could not finish the race, even if I was in the best of health & condition. I've never finished a race when the temp reaches the mid 80's nor when the dew point has reached 70. At Eagle Creek, the actual afternoon temps reached 90 and the dew point was over 70 -- good decision, plus my gut was not feeling the best either that morning.
I'm planning on running a couple ultras next month, abdominal pains permitting. I won't say which ones as I think I jinxed my choice of Eagle Creek in my last post -- temps were very cool leading up to (and soon after) that race, but it was a scorcher the day of the race.
my new Dr:
I had the first visit with my new Dr. specializing in integrative medicine at the end of last month. He seemed to have the belief that everything can be cured with the right herb, vitamin or other supplement! He sold all the supplements that he recommended right at the office -- the fact that he had direct financial interest made me suspicious of his true intent. However, as desperate as I am, I'm taking his supplements & attempting to wean myself off the foods he said I should avoid: wheat/gluten products, rice, sugar, dairy products & diet drinks. Keeping away from gluten is very difficult (most processed food has it in it) & I haven't found a replacement for ranch dressing & cheese on my salads yet.
I also had several vials of blood taken for food allergen testing even though I don't even know if the pain I'm having is food related. The results a few weeks later showed my blood reacted to dairy products as he suspected. What was unexpected was the very high reaction to certain NUTS. I always thought nuts were a healthy snack (almonds are my favorite). It turns out almonds were the most reactive food on the entire 200 item list. In fact, they were off the charts (a high reading is 414, mine was 2234). However, I've never experienced pain or a reaction after eating almonds so I'm having doubts with all the results. Next with high readings came cashews & pistachios, then the cheeses came in the moderate to high range.
a new leaf - tea:
Another thing which my new Dr. felt strongly about was for me to drink 1/2 gallon of green tea a day, with little or none (including any fluids) right at mealtime. However, as with everyone who I have ever met, he could not believe I did NOT like tea -- I drank a cup 40+ years ago & didn't like the taste & didn't drink any whatsoever since (except a few sips when a waiter brings the wrong drink). I told him I would be willing to try. Having never bought tea, I picked up the 1st half gallon I saw at the store & drank a quart when I got home. Although it said it was pomegranate flavored, it still tasted like tea & was really too sweet for me. I didn't realize tea had caffeine in it (duh!) till I couldn't sleep that night. Not till I went back to the store did I realize there was almost an entire aisle devoted to tea! I'm still experimenting & currently mixing it with apple juice. After 3 weeks, I do believe I'm acquiring a taste for tea now.
running, yes, this is a running blog:
The recent weather -- wow! We had the hottest July on record in Louisville, but the temps the last couple weeks have been unreal. I was finally able to get in a long run (6 hrs) when the temp dropped to 58 last week - albeit at a very slow pace, it felt great to be running long. Usually I'm limited to a couple, sometimes 3 hrs before it just gets too hot/humid for an effective workout. I really would like to do long runs more often, but the recovery time is longer & I want to squeeze in as many runs as I can when there's a cool stretch. So when the temps are reasonable I've been opting for intermediate runs (3-4 hrs) spaced closer. As of right now, I'm able to endure the pain when running, but still having big problems handling the pain at night.
I did not run in the Eagle Creek Marathon that I mentioned last time that I was wanting to run. I had my drop bag packed, but looked again at the forecast & realized I could not finish the race, even if I was in the best of health & condition. I've never finished a race when the temp reaches the mid 80's nor when the dew point has reached 70. At Eagle Creek, the actual afternoon temps reached 90 and the dew point was over 70 -- good decision, plus my gut was not feeling the best either that morning.
I'm planning on running a couple ultras next month, abdominal pains permitting. I won't say which ones as I think I jinxed my choice of Eagle Creek in my last post -- temps were very cool leading up to (and soon after) that race, but it was a scorcher the day of the race.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
back again
I said I would return to blogging when I had more to say about running than my health problems . . . well, I still have those problems but I will try to say less about them compared to running:
Since my last post, I did go back to the Mayo Clinic in February; started & ended seeing a new Gastro Dr. (my 4th); received results suggesting I had "chronic pancreatitus" and "chronic inactive gastritus"; had a nerve block (no help); had an acid meter attached to my esophagus (this was not fun); & so on & so on. I've been urged by some to pursue an alternative approach, so now I have an appointment with an "integrative medicine" Dr. next week.
Also since my last post, I did try a couple trail events -- as I felt up to it those particular days & couldn't resist -- though I did have abdominal problems during each. And, despite my ailments I have also been managing to jog twice per week & have been maintaining a minimal level of fitness. All this running has been with the help of Tylenol & Advil -- yes, I know I'm crazy. My pain tolerance level has increased over time and that has helped too.
I usually stay indoors for training during summer (if I run at all during my off season), but I've got the itch to run trails so bad this year, I have adjusted. With this summer heat, the only time of the day I can run is very early in the morning -- as soon as it's light enough to see the trail, though it can be in the upper 70's and very humid even then. I plan my runs on the coolest (least hot) mornings of the week too and when my gut lets me.
I feel so ambitious at times when I have a good spell (like right now). I hope to continue entering races as they're my best training runs, but I have learned things can change for the worse very quickly and at any time. So, making plans is going to remain a day by day decision as it has been for some time. As it stands now (like at this very moment), I would like to run in a new venue to me: the Eagle Creek Trail Marathon next week . . .
One other note, last Sunday I had my first serious fall: on the Siltstone Trail on the LLTH race course near my house, my foot hung on a root on a steep downhill. I had always avoided a nose dive type fall in the past, but this time I was running too fast & it happened too quickly. I was able to deflect & brace some for the impact, but not enough to keep my head from hitting the ground. I won't go into the bloody details, but having the skin scraped off the low bridge of my nose gives an idea of how the rest of my face & head were affected. I am very, very lucky & thankful to be able to write about it now.
Since my last post, I did go back to the Mayo Clinic in February; started & ended seeing a new Gastro Dr. (my 4th); received results suggesting I had "chronic pancreatitus" and "chronic inactive gastritus"; had a nerve block (no help); had an acid meter attached to my esophagus (this was not fun); & so on & so on. I've been urged by some to pursue an alternative approach, so now I have an appointment with an "integrative medicine" Dr. next week.
Also since my last post, I did try a couple trail events -- as I felt up to it those particular days & couldn't resist -- though I did have abdominal problems during each. And, despite my ailments I have also been managing to jog twice per week & have been maintaining a minimal level of fitness. All this running has been with the help of Tylenol & Advil -- yes, I know I'm crazy. My pain tolerance level has increased over time and that has helped too.
I usually stay indoors for training during summer (if I run at all during my off season), but I've got the itch to run trails so bad this year, I have adjusted. With this summer heat, the only time of the day I can run is very early in the morning -- as soon as it's light enough to see the trail, though it can be in the upper 70's and very humid even then. I plan my runs on the coolest (least hot) mornings of the week too and when my gut lets me.
I feel so ambitious at times when I have a good spell (like right now). I hope to continue entering races as they're my best training runs, but I have learned things can change for the worse very quickly and at any time. So, making plans is going to remain a day by day decision as it has been for some time. As it stands now (like at this very moment), I would like to run in a new venue to me: the Eagle Creek Trail Marathon next week . . .
One other note, last Sunday I had my first serious fall: on the Siltstone Trail on the LLTH race course near my house, my foot hung on a root on a steep downhill. I had always avoided a nose dive type fall in the past, but this time I was running too fast & it happened too quickly. I was able to deflect & brace some for the impact, but not enough to keep my head from hitting the ground. I won't go into the bloody details, but having the skin scraped off the low bridge of my nose gives an idea of how the rest of my face & head were affected. I am very, very lucky & thankful to be able to write about it now.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Mystery Diagnosis - episode #?
After 10 days at the Mayo Clinic, I'm back home being no closer to a diagnosis than before -- a major disappointment to say the least. They could only recommend various treatments for the symptoms of this unknown malady. I am feeling better now with the treatments I'm receiving, although masking pain is something I've always tried to avoid before.
I have more to write about my health than running, so I'm going to hold off posting again until I can reverse that. I plan to be at Louisville's Lovin' The Hills (LLTH) contributing in some form or fashion next month.
Later !?
I have more to write about my health than running, so I'm going to hold off posting again until I can reverse that. I plan to be at Louisville's Lovin' The Hills (LLTH) contributing in some form or fashion next month.
Later !?
Sunday, November 27, 2011
living/running with pain
It's been a couple months since my last post -- been mostly twiddling my thumbs & waiting for results & appointments. Still frustrated with no diagnosis. It's been a battle to keep from going back to the ER when the pain gets bad (they are not able to do anything for me there). My last tests in September: CT Enterography, CT Angiogram & Capsule Enteroscopy (Pillcam) all came back negative. When my 2nd Gastro Dr. (like my 1st) referred me to the Pain Management Clinic, I knew then that he had given up. So, I went back to my primary physician instead & he has referred me to the Mayo Clinic. Although the Clinic was completely booked for several months, I received a call back from them later saying they had an opening in early January -- so now I'm holding on & waiting . . . .
Sitting on my hands for so long, my legs became antsy, but my gut kept me from running. So far I have donated registration fees for 6 races that I had optimistically signed up for in better times. I don't mind donating to a good cause. I had to do something though, so I took up hiking last month -- more mileage than I had done in many years put together. I have also learned to endure a certain amount of pain. If it's too bad, I just turn around & head home. The thing is that being out in the Forest in beautiful surroundings w/Fall colors has been GREAT for the soul. Each day being thankful that I am still above ground. And today I even went on a training run (8 miles) at Otter Creek Park where Cynthia Heady (LLTH RD) is putting on a trail marathon in mid-December. I did not feel good at the start, but felt better once the endorphins kicked in and the exhilaration of trail running again (in the cool rain) hit me. Although I finished 15 minutes behind everyone else, I was happy to see that I had not lost all my running base, yet. I feel no worse for having "run".
My next race fee donation is set for this Saturday -- Tecumseh Trail Marathon. BUT, I can't believe myself that I'm even considering going thru with the event now: I only have to maintain a 17 min/mile pace to make the cutoff at 23 miles. That pace is really not that much faster than hiking! I will see how I feel next Saturday morning & also see if I have come to my senses by then.
Sitting on my hands for so long, my legs became antsy, but my gut kept me from running. So far I have donated registration fees for 6 races that I had optimistically signed up for in better times. I don't mind donating to a good cause. I had to do something though, so I took up hiking last month -- more mileage than I had done in many years put together. I have also learned to endure a certain amount of pain. If it's too bad, I just turn around & head home. The thing is that being out in the Forest in beautiful surroundings w/Fall colors has been GREAT for the soul. Each day being thankful that I am still above ground. And today I even went on a training run (8 miles) at Otter Creek Park where Cynthia Heady (LLTH RD) is putting on a trail marathon in mid-December. I did not feel good at the start, but felt better once the endorphins kicked in and the exhilaration of trail running again (in the cool rain) hit me. Although I finished 15 minutes behind everyone else, I was happy to see that I had not lost all my running base, yet. I feel no worse for having "run".
My next race fee donation is set for this Saturday -- Tecumseh Trail Marathon. BUT, I can't believe myself that I'm even considering going thru with the event now: I only have to maintain a 17 min/mile pace to make the cutoff at 23 miles. That pace is really not that much faster than hiking! I will see how I feel next Saturday morning & also see if I have come to my senses by then.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
still frustrated
In my last post I was planning to do the Iron Mountain Trail Run in Virginia. Turns out it would be one of the hottest days of the year there with temps in the 90's. Since even the 80's give me problems, I had to drop the race. I could have finished the 16 mile option before it got hot, but it wasn't worth a 6 hour drive.
So, I decided to try the Run Woodstock event in Michigan the following weekend. However, this would stretch my taper to 2 weeks & would waste some valuable training time, and I would miss running in record cool weather the entire week. With the LSD 100k starting at 4 pm, temps would not be an issue and I looked forward to running at night. I also liked the 100k event as you could easily drop down to 50k or 50m after the 2nd or 3rd lap.
The race started a few minutes early, a rarity. Real sticky at the start. The night time low temps did end up about 10 degrees above normal and the humidity at or near 100% (with rain off & on) -- I was dripping wet for the duration. My legs felt great but my belly did not. How frustrating it was to have to pull up after 25 miles when I was enjoying the run so much otherwise. I just could not endure the pain. It rained off & on and then later continued non-stop thru the night. I wish I could have experienced that -- maybe not so much the mud. The trails were maintained fairly well as I could see where small ditches for drainage had been cut for the entire course. Most of the swampy areas were bridged with boardwalks. Had the soil not been a sandy base, the entire trail would have been a mucky mess with the amount of rain that came down.
Start of the 50m race:
I would like to give Thanks to some kind souls who helped me during this event: Kenneth Seidl (100 mile finisher) who kept me moving on the trails; Brenda Gutmann (former LLTH race director) who was crewing for another runner & gave me much needed assistance after the 1st lap; & Rodney, also crewing for another runner, who gave me the ride to the Finish when I had to stop.
next:
The frustration with my abdominal ailment continues. The repeat CT scan of my abdomen last week & the repeat colonoscopy today have not revealed the source of the pain. While waiting for the pathology results, I also have a CT enterography scheduled for Friday. There seems to be no set pattern in the pain flareups. So, that means I will have no set race schedule as long as I have this problem. I'm still registered for several races this Fall though: next up is the Germantown 50k, if my belly is up to it then.
So, I decided to try the Run Woodstock event in Michigan the following weekend. However, this would stretch my taper to 2 weeks & would waste some valuable training time, and I would miss running in record cool weather the entire week. With the LSD 100k starting at 4 pm, temps would not be an issue and I looked forward to running at night. I also liked the 100k event as you could easily drop down to 50k or 50m after the 2nd or 3rd lap.
The race started a few minutes early, a rarity. Real sticky at the start. The night time low temps did end up about 10 degrees above normal and the humidity at or near 100% (with rain off & on) -- I was dripping wet for the duration. My legs felt great but my belly did not. How frustrating it was to have to pull up after 25 miles when I was enjoying the run so much otherwise. I just could not endure the pain. It rained off & on and then later continued non-stop thru the night. I wish I could have experienced that -- maybe not so much the mud. The trails were maintained fairly well as I could see where small ditches for drainage had been cut for the entire course. Most of the swampy areas were bridged with boardwalks. Had the soil not been a sandy base, the entire trail would have been a mucky mess with the amount of rain that came down.Start of the 50m race:
I would like to give Thanks to some kind souls who helped me during this event: Kenneth Seidl (100 mile finisher) who kept me moving on the trails; Brenda Gutmann (former LLTH race director) who was crewing for another runner & gave me much needed assistance after the 1st lap; & Rodney, also crewing for another runner, who gave me the ride to the Finish when I had to stop.
next:
The frustration with my abdominal ailment continues. The repeat CT scan of my abdomen last week & the repeat colonoscopy today have not revealed the source of the pain. While waiting for the pathology results, I also have a CT enterography scheduled for Friday. There seems to be no set pattern in the pain flareups. So, that means I will have no set race schedule as long as I have this problem. I'm still registered for several races this Fall though: next up is the Germantown 50k, if my belly is up to it then.
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