It is hard to know exactly where to go next.  All I know is I want to be myself again.  After an appointment with a Holistic RN that offers her expertise to my employer’s wellness center, I was left with a bit of a quandary.  To take her recommended remedy or not.  As you know I am all for the all natural route to anything over the typical medical model of health care, but in this case I had my reservations. 

It had nothing to do with Lauren, in fact, I was very comfortable with her professionalism and caring nature.  I was a bit unclear of what this remedy was all about and there was talk about “antidoting” and “die off”. Then to top it off, I read that some actually experience past symptoms from issues that occurred years prior.  And let’s be real, who wants that?  My big concern was do I really want to start something like this half way through marathon training? 

After much consideration, I took the remedy and have experienced some old symptoms from the past.  They came and went rather quickly however I believe part of what I am thinking was this stomach bug may in fact be die off. 

What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a 215 year old medical practice for treating diseases using the philosophy that “like treats like”. Homeopathy uses small amounts of substances that, in large amounts, produce symptoms similar to those being treated. In fact when translated from Greek the word Homeopathy means “Similar Suffering”.

What is the Herxheimer reaction?
The Herxheimer Reaction, also referred to as a die-off reaction or a healing response, is a short-term detoxification reaction in the body which could last from a few days to a few weeks. As the body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea, or other symptoms.  This is a normal and even healthy reaction to the toxins that are released when large numbers of parasites, fungus, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens are being effectively killed off. When the body does not eliminate the toxins quickly those flu-like symptoms can occur (this is also called a die-off). Other times the reaction is simply due to toxins which have been liberated by the cleansing process itself and have nothing to do with an actual die-off (called a healing crisis).

What is Antidoting?
There are some substance/circumstances that have interfered with homeopathic treatment, such as coffee, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, camphor, menthol, dental work, x-rays and paint fumes.  While under going homeopathic treatment it may be necessary to avoid these potentially antidotal situations.

Keeping Pace: Boston Training

I am following the Hanson’s Less Is More Plan where speed, strength and tempo sessions combined with shorter long runs will help marathoners of all abilities run a better race. The ( )shows what is on schedule for the day, however I am not out to run 6 days a week so I am a bit more flexible. My goal is to increase to 5 days per week half way through the schedule.

Week 10:

Monday: (6-7 miles)

This continues to be my day off….for now.

Tuesday: (Speed)

Last week of Speed work before it become Strength.  Switched it up a bit with doing 4×800 and 1×1600 with a cool down mile.  Happy to know that speed work can be down without the treadmill or a track.  It is all about determination on finding the perfect area that gives you a great flow to the loop. 

Wednesday: (Off)

Looking back at the week now knowing how I would feel on Thursday and Friday I wish I had done something instead of taking the day off.  

Thursday: MP 8

Decided to follow what has become my routine of moving the MP run to Friday and getting in a strength workout.  I choose Jillian Michael’s Extreme Shed & Shred Level 2 and boy did I feel it.  Almost immediately I was sore, but then by 9 am I was hit with a vicious stomach bug that had me down for 2 days.  Double whammy! 

Friday: (5-6)

Bummed that I had to miss my first scheduled run of training, but the body was no where ready to go the distance.

Saturday: (10 at 45-60 seconds slower than MP)

Still not fully up to par so decided to do 8 miles, however it was not at MP.  I finished in 1:14 for a 9:13, but considering I did not eat much of anything either Thursday or Friday I had to accept this for what it was….mileage.

Sunday: (8-10)

Set my sights on running the full 10 miles.  Got it done in 1:35 at 9:29 pace.  Slow and steady, some hill climbs and just pure emotion.  

Total mileage: 22

So yes, it was a crazy week of what now, but my hope is that the worst is behind me and the building of something new and stronger is just over the horizon.  Have you or would you consider pursuing a homeopathic remedy for a health issue? 

Keeping Pace: Boston Training

I am following the Hanson’s Less Is More Plan where speed, strength and tempo sessions combined with shorter long runs will help marathoners of all abilities run a better race. The ( )shows what is on schedule for the day, however I am not out to run 6 days a week so I am a bit more flexible. My goal is to increase to 5 days per week half way through the schedule.

Week 9:

Monday: (5-6 miles)

This continues to be my day off….for now.

Tuesday: (Speed)

Even though I had an ultrasound scheduled for 7:45am with no food or drink allowed for 8 hours prior, I still made the effort to run the speed work with just small sips of water.  Got it done without a problem. Most were at 8:30, but I hit 8:12 on the 4th and 6th 800.  6×800’s is becoming a favorite workout of mine.  Is that even possible?

Wednesday: (Off)

Left work early for another doctor’s appointment and got home earlier than normal so decided to fit in a workout.  Pulled out the Jillian Michael’s Extreme Shed and Shred.  I do like this unique blend of fitness philosophies complied into a seamless transition of movements. 

Thursday: MP 8

Rest day for me.

Friday: (6-7)

Took on Thursday’s MP of the full 8 miles and ran the second half in cruise control.  There is just something about getting that mileage in before work that sets the mind to, I can achieve anything today!  Finished in 1:12, 9:00 pace. 

Saturday: (15 at 45-60 seconds slower than MP)

I got up early to fuel before the run.  By doing this however, I had to wait around for about an hour before heading out.  In this case the wait was worth it because the rain turned to snow and let’s face it, it is easier to run in snow than rain.   Well, some times and because the snow was not accumulating on the roads it was perfect.  Ok, so perfect may be an overstatement.  By the time I got back I was soaked and cold, but overall it was a good run.  The pace was more MP than slower than MP, but I am ok with that.  I finished in 2:17 for a 9:07

Sunday: (5-8)

Typically I choose the longer end of the running schedule, however today I chose middle ground.  It was a bitter cold morning and although I believe in training in all weather and for all conditions I thought 6 miles was adequate.  I finished in 56 minutes at a 9:15 making this recovery run a success.  My legs feel much better for having done it.

Total mileage: 32

This week was one of feeling strong, confident and blessed:

• I was able to hit the fastest times so far on my speed workout.
• I hit that cruise control sensation on my early morning 8 miler.
• The same 8 miler gave me that “I could achieve any thing today” confidence.
• I braved and successfully ran 15 miles in a cold, windy heavy wet snow fall without wimping out.

(source)

I love this ad campaign and actually have this print hanging up in my cubicle at work for inspiration.  The funny thing is, I’ve never worn the Saucony brand before.  Maybe it is time to give them a try.

Keeping Pace: Boston Training

I am following the Hanson’s Less Is More Plan where speed, strength and tempo sessions combined with shorter long runs will help marathoners of all abilities run a better race. The ( ) shows what is on schedule for the day, however I am not out to run 6 days a week so I am a bit more flexible. My goal is to increase to 5 days per week half way through the schedule.

Week 8:

Monday: (6 miles)

This continues to be my day off….for now.

Tuesday: (Speed)

No speed today, but worked the core with Jillian Michael’s 6 week Six Pack.

Wednesday: (Off)

Speed work in my new shoes.  I’ve been dying to run in them, but I needed a lower mileage day to take them out.  I am trying out a more minimalist shoe with the Mizuno Wave Rider 15.  Not only are they one of the best looking shoes they preformed well on this speed run too.  I am so looking forward to testing them out on longer runs in the future.  I found I felt more comfortable eliminating the 400 jogs in between the 6×800.  I merely walked about 20 steps back to my starting point then stopped for less than a minute to take a couple of cleansing breaths before hitting it again.

Thursday: MP 5-7

Do to an early meeting at work I was forced to take another rest day. 

Friday: (5-6)

Took on Thursday’s MP run and increased it to the full 7 miles.  The first mile to mile and a half may start out a bit slow, but after I crest that hill I feel alive and my legs are relaxed to finish strong.  8:55 pace overall and I am happy!

Saturday: (10 at 45-60 seconds slower than MP)

After last’s week of not eating before my long run I got up early to take in a few calories, but wish I had not.  I waited a full hour, went out and walked my pup, paid some bills trying to pass the time before I could hit the road and all eating got me was a very angry stomach.  It took about 5 miles for it to settle.  Boo!!!!  I finished in 1:29 with another MP pace run of 8:55.

Sunday: (6-10)

Opted for the full 10 miles.  There is something empowering about running back to back 10’s for me.  I decided not to eat before the run today and took my Apple Cinnamon Hammer Gel before hitting the road.  My stomach was so much better for it.  My goal was to slow the pace down today to get a real recovery run, but as I warmed up my pace slowly started to increase.  I did not fight it, just ran with how I was feeling.  Finished in 1:33 at 9:18 pace.

Total mileage: 31

I love training, but at times it become all consuming.  This week I wanted to increase to 5 days per week and get in at least one other strength or yoga workout in.  I know it can be done, I’ve seen many of my dailymile friends put in a lot more workouts with fabulous results.  If you want to be the best you then you must be willing to put in the time.  That is my life lesson for the past week and my goal for the upcoming week.  But just as important as putting in the time is finding the perfect balance of your training life with your non-training life demands.  How do you manage that?

Last week I shared my need of a trial medication period, which did not go well.  I was to take it for 30 days and only lasted 6.  The side effects were not worth it to me so I called my doctor with the news.  He scheduled an ultrasound and encouragement to keep taking the pills and we would meet again in early March.  Over all I feel so much better and continue to pray that this health hiccup is just that, a minor issue, that we can address naturally. 

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Keeping Pace: Boston Training

I am following the Hanson’s Less Is More Plan where speed, strength and tempo sessions combined with shorter long runs will help marathoners of all abilities run a better race. The ( ) shows what is on schedule for the day, however I am not out to run 6 days a week so I am a bit more flexible. My goal is to increase to 5 days per week half way through the schedule.

Week 7:

Monday: (4-6 miles)

After running 3 days, I took today as my off day.

Tuesday: (Speed)

I was sure our weekend snow was going to put a damper on this speed workout, but I was wrong!  The weather warmed up and the streets were wet, but not icy.  Got in 6×800’s.

Wednesday: (Off)

Noticing that as my mileage increases, the less I want to do these strength building workouts, however today I opted for Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred level 2.   I know I need to keep at least 1 day a week to work on upper body and core too.  It’s helped me in the past, it is just about making the time and effort.

Thursday: MP 5-7

Well should have added in another DVD workout, but just could not mentally muster up the desire. 

Friday: (4-7)

Took on Thursday’s MP run.  I kept it at 6 miles and hit 9 flat pace.  The run started a bit shaky but ended strong. 

Saturday: (14 at 45-60 seconds slower than MP)

Ok, now we are getting into some serious mileage and the fun is just beginning.  I probably should have eaten something before heading out.  Oh, I survived the mileage, but sure it would have felt better to have fueled up first.  I finished in 2:05 which put me at an 8:55 pace…faster than my MP.  Wonder what it would have been with food?  

Sunday: (6-8)

Even after a good day of eating yesterday after my run, the legs felt tired today.  I almost went for the 6 miler, but decided to push it a bit for the full 8.  My overall pace was 9:16 which allowed me that nice slower recovery pace necessary in any training. 

Total mileage: 32

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The biggest thing that I had to overcome this week was the slow gain.  No, not the 3 mile gain in mileage but the 2 pound gain on the scale.  It is tough to see the number, but I must remember it is just that, a number.  It does not define me as a runner or a woman.  I will concentrate on eating my healthy whole foods, but just a little more of it to fuel my runs.  A little more to stop the starvation mode I’ve put my body into.  A little more to loose that gain and feel better in the process.  Eating more to lose has worked in the past, so I will be diligent again to gain perspective.  

Let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive His mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.  -Hebrews 4:16

On a sad note, this week also marked a very dark day for me.  After 11 years of being clean of any medications whether prescribed or over the counter, I had to make the very difficult decision to follow my doctor’s recommendation.  All for 1 month I had to give up my 11 years of being being all natural of poison meds.  He promises me it will not leave me on medication, that we will find the cause of distress but for now as a diagnostic tool I must follow protocol.  For many, I know this is not a big deal.  So what, it’s only medication, right? 

Not for me.  Do I believe in a right time and place for certain medications?  Of course.  But I do not hold to the common principle of just pop a pill and cover up the symptoms.  We are so very lucky to have symptoms telling us that something is off in our normal balance.  If we just mask them, it is not correcting the problem it is merely taking away our warning sign.  And I especially do not hold to the idea that your body will get “use” to the side effects, so just keep taking it.  If I am having side affects it is harming my body and just because I get “use” to the side effects it doesn’t mean that it is still not harming my body.

With that said, I do trust my doctor.  I may not be happy with this short term medicated state, but I believe him when he says we will find the cause and then we can pursue the solution.  Now I must wait for the blood work to come back and if all is good there then we move onto further investigation.  Fingers crossed this is just a minor bump in the road and there will be an definitive answer which then I can search for a natural remedy.  Luckily, I have a great resource within my company’s Wellness Center in a Holistic Nurse Practitioner.  I have an appointment scheduled the first week in February which gives me time to get all the results back. 

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Keeping Pace: Boston Training

I am following the Hanson’s Less Is More Plan where speed, strength and tempo sessions combined with shorter long runs will help marathoners of all abilities run a better race. The ( ) shows what is on schedule for the day, however I am not out to run 6 days a week so I am a bit more flexible. My goal is to increase to 5 days per week half way through the schedule.

Week 6:

Monday: (4-6 miles)

After running 3 days, I took today as my off day.

Tuesday: (Speed)

A repeat of last week with rain and icy roadways.  I stayed in to work on the core.

Wednesday: (Off)

Speed work in a wind tunnel! Wow was it windy but I really shouldn’t complain because it 51 degrees! 5×800 with 400 jogs.

Thursday: MP 5-7

Not feeling well today and needed to listen to the body and rest. 

Friday: (4-6)

Was hoping to run Thursday’s MP, but the road conditions of snow left me slower than I wanted.  6 miles at 9:59 pace

Saturday: (8 at 45-60 seconds slower than MP)

Well I got the 8 miles in, but the snow slowed me down again.  I will have to chalk up this week to just getting the mileage in and back to pace setting next week, weather permitting.  8.35 miles at 9:26

Sunday: (8-10)

After our snow fall, I was uncertain of road conditions but went out to explore the city anyway.  It was a very unusual 10 miles.  Some roads were terrible where others were passable.  On the areas that were more passable I would loop or do out an backs then circle around and try again.  I had to be on my game the entire run.  Not only watching my step for ice, but slowing or stopping all together to allow cars to pass.  In the end, I tried to take in the beauty of the snow and how quiet it all seemed.  10 miles at 9:52

Total mileage:  29

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What is a girl to do after having a bad week?  Sign up for some races, of course! 

#1 Hyannis Half Marathon – February 26th

#2 New Bedford Half Marathon – March 18th

Nice training runs for the Boston Marathon – April 16

Honestly, I just enjoy watching elite athletes run their races.  It gives me energy and pure motivation.  I am not at all saying that I could ever been in their league, but to strive for my own personal best, well there is something truly beautiful in that.  The amazing talents we have in our US long distance running today is unbelievable.  I was elated to see the top 3 men and top 3 ladies get their spots on the Olympic team, but I was equally heart broken for Dathan and Amy’s emotional 4th place finish.  The agony and defeat however does not trump the victories.  They do however provide the constant reminders of how hard a 26.2 mile journey truly is.      

Keeping Pace: Boston Training

I am following the Hanson’s Less Is More Plan where speed, strength and tempo sessions combined with shorter long runs will help marathoners of all abilities run a better race.  The ( ) shows what is on schedule for the day, however I am not out to run 6 days a week so I am a bit more flexible.  My goal is to increase to 5 days per week half way through the schedule. 

Week 5:

Monday: (0-6 miles)

Usually a day to get in some strength training, but today I took the day off.  My body spoke and I listened.

Tuesday: (Speed)

When I woke up, I heard the rain.  My first thought was for safety, wet streets and speed work is just a disaster waiting to happen.  I opted to stay in and get in my strength workout instead.  Decided on Jillian Michaels Shred with Weight level 2 with kettle bell.  It was a challenge, but I liked it.  When I found out that it was not just rain, but ice outside I was so happy I was flexible with my workout schedule. 

Wednesday: (Off)

Got my speed workout in today.  I could not face the same loop again, so I switched it up and found a new half mile which I like a whole lot better.  I even added another rotation making it 5×800. 

Thursday: MP6

Work has been hectic creating a little more stress than I would like and I gave into the pressure by staying in bed this morning skipping a workout all together.  Real mature I know, but sometimes I just want to throw the covers back over my head and stay there all day.  This was one of those days.  Just so you know, I did actually get up and get myself to work on time. 

Friday: (3-6)

Ran Thursday’s MP6.  Hit my goal pace for the 2nd week in a row!  (6mi in 53 min at 8:49)

Saturday: (8-12 at 45-60 seconds slower than MP)

12 miles in 1:50 at 9:12 pace.  Took on an old route that I’ve not been on for probably close to a year.  I would consider it rolling out but there is a long, steady incline on the way back.  I am trying to cover as much varied terrain as possible.  It was a challenge, but I am comfortable with this pace and overall effort.

Sunday: (4-6)

6 miles at 9:09 – Ok, this was seriously the hardest run for winter 2012 to date.  BRRRR! It was 26 with a wind chill of 1 degree.  Funny thing was my legs felt so relaxed for having just run 12 miles yesterday.  I will take that away as my positive of the day.

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Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4