Whole 30- Week 1

After I saw a friend starting Whole30, I decided to try it myself.  For this plan, one avoids alcohol, dairy, grains, any baked goods (even non-grain), beans/legumes, no added sugar and MSG.  There are a few other food additives to avoid.  If one chooses to try this, read the Whole30 site very carefully.  I didn't and realized I'd consumed an off-limits food additive (sulfites in a can of coconut milk).  I also realized that my awesome multivitamin does have some grain and legumes on the long list of raw whole foods.  It has a long label, tiny print and I didn't scrutinize it.  The main thing is to read labels carefully, which we should do anyway to support healthy eating.  Both of the above mentioned items have been nixed for now and I'm committed to being more conscientious moving forward.  That said, this has been a positive experience and mostly successful.  It's something I plan to do again.  The primary goal of this program is to develop a healthier relationship with food.  Think about it: if you aren't eating added sugar or grains, you won't reach for mac and cheese or a chocolate bar because it's been a bad day.  When the month ends, you gradually begin adding the off-limits items back in.  If one or more of these was causing you health issues, you'll be able to determine what the problem was. 

I'm sharing my foods from week one to show that this isn't all boring.  Snacks have mostly been fruits, veggies and nuts, but I've also made homemade Lara Bars (blueberry muffin and cashew cookie).  I like toasted almonds with salt and rosemary.  You'll notice a lot of repeats, but a I do a lot of leftovers.  ;) Smoothies are discouraged, but not ''banned.''  The reasoning is they aren't as filling and you don't want to overdo it on sugar and fruit.  I'm still working on a better fruit, veggie balance, but holding off on smoothies for now.  By the way, snacks are discouraged, but not off-limits.  The point is to eat a hearty enough meal that you don't need them.  But I'm a work in progress.  :)

There are a few things I wouldn't repeat, but have enjoyed most foods.  Trying to keep track of all I'm eating, mainly for sharing purposes, is a challenge, but this is mostly accurate.  ;)

Day 1- January 23, Wednesday
Pumpkin banana smoothie with coconut milk (like day 2, but uses more pumpkin), eggs, orange
Garlic shrimp, fresh fruit, almonds
Garlic rosemary meatballs, roasted carrots and broccoli, sweet potato fries

Day 2, Thursday
Pumpkin Coconut Smoothie,  almonds
Garlic rosemary meatballs, roasted carrots and broccoli, sweet potato fries
Coconut lime chicken, steamed mixed veggies, garlic lemon roasted potatoes

Day 3, Friday
Banana date smoothie, garlic rosemary meatballs 
Coconut lime chicken, garlic lemon roasted potatoes, roasted carrots and broccoli
Garlic rosemary meatballs, baked carrot fries ;garlic lemon roasted potatoes

Day 4, Saturday
Homemade Lara Bar bite and meatballs for running fuel (don't knock it till you've tried it ;)
Flourless blueberry banana blender muffins, pineapple agua fresca
Coconut lime chicken, garlic lemon roasted potatoes.

Day 5, Sunday
Whole 30 sweet potato protein breakfast bowl, homemade sausage using this seasoning recipe

Coconut lime chicken, salad with homemade italian, baked carrot fries   

The World's Best Oven Baked Meatballs with seasoned tomato sauce, slow roasted tomatoes, roasted broccoli

Day 6- Monday
Secret ingredient chocolate smoothie, homemade sausage using this seasoning recipe
Coconut lime chicken, roasted broccoli, baked carrot fries
The World's Best Oven Baked Meatballs, crispy smashed potatoes, slow roasted tomatoes

Day 7- Tuesday, January 29 
Scrambled eggs mixed with spinach and homemade sausage using this seasoning recipe, banana
The World's Best Oven Baked Meatballs, crispy smashed potatoes, slow roasted tomatoes
Chicken sausage from Sunburst Market on main, sausage/greens/potato soup from Sunburst, maybe something else. 

Well done

''Well done, thy good and faithful servant.''  These are the words that I know Dr. Billy Graham joyfully received this morning.  Though he will be dearly missed, his passing is not a sad occasion.  I found myself crying tears of joy.

Our local Christian station was founded by Dr. Graham.  Today, they have paid him tribute, often playing clips of him speaking.  Dr. Graham stated that when the papers told of his death, he would be more alive than he'd ever been.  He would be in paradise.  He also remarked that he knew he was still here for a reason, but that he was ready for heaven.  He missed his beloved Ruth.  When Ruth passed away, I remember Dr. Graham's gratitude.  He was thankful for the time he and Ruth had spent in the mountains together.  They had rekindled the romance of their youth, he shared.  He loved Ruth even more than when they met as students at Wheaton College. 

Dr. Graham shared that the cross was how he would go to heaven, the same as all others.  Eternal life will be known by so many because Dr. Graham allowed himself to be used.  The simple son of a dairy farmer was an instrument for sharing God's grace. 

Dr. Graham has crossed through the gates of heaven.  He has entered into his Lord's presence and been reunited with his beloved Ruth.  No more will we hear reports of hospitalizations or breathing difficulties.  This good and faithful servant, he has been healed. 

OBX Marathon and 8K 2017

Once again, I participated in the 8k + marathon challenge.  It wasn't long before I realized that might be too much.  I was a little sore later and the marathon seemed a bit more of a struggle than usual.  I didn't train as hard as with other marathons, so I'm sure that was part of it.  The 8k was a very blustery morning.  I felt good physically, but I didn't stick around to watch friends finish the later races.  Duck Donuts sounded like a much better idea.  But back to the race.  I remember being in a perpetual state of annoyance.  As I got closer to the turnaround, many faster runners were passing us.  The annoying part is that those still heading to the turnaround wouldn't get out of the way.  Call me weird, but I don't like to get mowed down.

Let's skip ahead to the exciting part: Sunday, marathon day.  I got up about 4:30 in the morning.  I try to set out or pack everything I need the night before.  I assembled a bagel (plain with honey nut cream cheese) and boarded a shuttle bus from Manteo High School.  I sat with a cool guy from Rhode Island.  His brother was running the half marathon.  Marathons and races have a way of bonding you with total strangers.  I think we might have been on the first bus.  When our bus got to the start area, several of us claimed the warm entryway of some electrical company.  The starting area was so still and quiet compared to the way it would be in a little while.  I met people from all over.  I recall some from NC, I think, and I believe either Iowa or Indiana.  After warming up, I made a customary port-a-potty run.  I also dropped my bag with the UPS guys before taking my place at the starting line.  I station myself pretty far back.  I'm in the second of two corral areas, so it takes a few minutes to reach the start.  I saw my Rhode Island pal at the start area and engaged in other camaraderie.  So, we start.

From this point on, enjoy a random collection of memories.  I spent some time near a group of two girls and one guy.  They had some sort of music/movie trivia game going on.  I piped up and said that I didn't have any trivia, but would they mind an amusing anecdote? They invited me to participate at some point, but my brain was mush.  I also remember the family with their young kids.  It's really cool to see the same locals, year after year.  A lot of things, like the family, stay the same.  The water stop by the schools seems to be where I always take my Tylenol (2 before, 2 at about 8:30 a.m.).  I'm pretty sure I dropped the Tylenol...that always happens.  I didn't carry liquid since I could get it every other mile.  I did take Snickers, but didn't eat much of it.  It just seemed to much work to get it out.  There was a sponsor table heading into the woods.  I think I got an orange wedge.  Speaking of the woods, they're HARD.  Some people hate them.  Personally, I think it's a good idea to run through there when you're spending so many miles on the pavement.  Knees really need a break.  Speaking of knees, I ALWAYS wear a support on both after my first marathon (horrible pain for most of it).  I made conversation with random people.  One person I didn't talk to, a spectator, actually, had a sign that said, ''I thought you said rum.''  I saw her several times that weekend and was getting tired of being taunted.  ;) There was a table with soda, pickle juice and maybe some salty snacks.  She didn't have any drinks besides the soda and asked me if I wanted the pickle juice (the salt helps with cramps).  I actually felt okay, but I told her I wasn't that desperate.  I might have gotten some pretzels from her table.  My knees did well, but my lower back got irritated some.  I slathered on biofreeze several times.  I might have put it on my knees, too, but I can't quite recall.  Long distance races are a funny thing.  You start with so many people and lots of energy.  You reach the point where people are so spaced out and you can see everyone struggling.  I always wonder how I'm going to get through it.  Five plus hours doing one thing is a long time.  The miles always pass by so much faster than I think they will in the beginning.  Before I knew it, I was back out of the woods and running towards/through Nags Head.  Eventually, we see the sign where we'll turn towards the bridge.  Of course, the sign and turn seem so far off.  Even when you make the actual turn, you're not on the bridge right away.  I think we turned onto the bridge road between miles 20 and 21.  The worst part of the bridge is that terrible incline.  If you've ever run it, you know what I mean.  I tried to keep my head down so that I couldn't see it.  I didn't want the sight of it to be my downfall.  After years of running it, I finally managed to run up the whole thing; I wanted to be able to do that again.  I looked up a few times, but always put my head back down.  After that incline, you get the joy of going down.  I asked a few guys (at some point on the bridge) if they were going to let an ''old lady'' pass them.  They were about 10 years younger.  Not too long after the peak, we turn at a CVS.  I think any runner will tell you that it's one of the best things they've ever seen.  At this point, there were still a few miles left, but not that many turns.  It's just one foot in front of the other.  My phone had died, so I had no run/walk timer to depend on.  I just did whatever felt good.  Eventually, I made it to the last few turns.  I've done it so many times that I knew how many turns lay ahead.  The home stretch of a marathon is like nothing else.  You've been working hard for months and pushing yourself for hours.  Then, you have all these random strangers cheering you on.  I think I just tried to keep it steady until I got close enough to really go.  FINISH! I collected my three medals, my food and headed for the bush.  My knees were still okay, but my feet were pretty sensitive.

I've signed up for 2018, but have decided to do it without the 8k this year.  Tailwinds, my running friends.  Thanks to all for reading.

Rock and Roll Raleigh Marathon

This was the first time I'd run two marathons so close together.  Normally they would be months apart, sometimes a year.  Tobacco Road was two weeks before RNRR.  I decided to run it when I heard about jackets.  RNR races are also well put together and have live bands throughout the race. Long after signing up (during the TR marathon), I heard how hilly it was.  I was also nervous about getting done in the time limit.  I'd come in under that time before, but a strict limit made me nervous. This race was in downtown Raleigh and other close by areas of Raleigh.  It was cold starting out, but that's nothing new.  Many thanks to the Marriott and Sheraton for letting random folks crash their lobbies.  I was in corral 13, so a pretty good ways back.  By the time I reached mile 1, the race had been going for over 25 minutes.  Many runners can complete a 5k in just a bit more time, so I was way back.  I started with the 5:30 group.  My body felt comfortable going a little faster, so I did.  I figured I would at least be with them when I slowed down to walk.  It was quite a while before I saw them again.  There are some turnaround points on the course, so I remember seeing some pace leaders then.  One of them had not paced before; I told her she'd lose the whole group, which I think she did.  The run ended up being warmer than TR, so I pushed my sleeves up and took off my gloves. As usual, I ate Butterfingers.  I also had a doughnut hole (that girl was an angel) and some Pringles stix.  I took Tylenol before and during, which was customary.  As usual, I dropped it off the ground. Who knows what germs I consumed from Avent Ferry Road? My legs got tired, but my knees never gave in.  The meds and supporters on each knee are something I always do (and with good reason).
The music and other entertainment was much-appreciated.  I may or may not have done a little Cha-Cha Slide.  On a course as long as this, there were a lot of staff and police.  Some of the police were particularly sweet and energetic...way to go y'all.  So...the hills.  In spite of the hills, the course had some good, local scenery.  We ran on or around NC State, Peace, Meredith and Shaw.  Shaw had a jazz band on a bridge that we ran under.  I could have used them later in the course; they were a lot of fun.  State had some of their sports med students staffing an aid tent.  Along with some of the professional bands, there were some good community bands.  I found myself reaching the point of, how am I going to finish, this is really hard, still a lot left.  But you go on, because you want the swag and really, what choice do you have? All runners got a medal and marathon finishers got a Brooks windbreaker branded with RNR Marathon Even though I didn't chat much around the race, there was a good camaraderie just by having the same people around.  I'd pass them, they'd pass me, etc.  I crossed paths with another runner after and that was a nice moment.  We both agreed we would not do the full marathon again.  Maybe the half, as the beginning of the race wasn't so bad.  Not a bad race, just a challenging one.  But that's just the way marathons are.

Tobacco Road Marathon

On March 20, I ran the Tobacco Road Marathon in Cary.  It also crossed into a couple of other counties.  TR is a very flat course and most of the time is spent on the American Tobacco Trail.  Some of the trail is paved and some is dirt, but it's very flat and smooth.  Training in the mountains helped tremendously with the few hills.  This race was pretty uneventful, as much as a marathon can be, anyway.  However, it was very inspiring.  One marathoner wore an army pack and carried a flag.  Another carried 45 pounds of water.  He was raising awareness of the need for clean water in an African country.  Of course, there are always outfits that stand out.  Men and their short shorts...heavens.  I don't even wear stuff that short.  I ran using a run four and walk one approach.  This is a great way to keep your energy level up.  Speaking of energy, my mid-race nutrition consisted of: Butterfinger fun-size bars and cups (like a Reese cup), water, Gatorade, Chex mix and Oreos.  They keep a table full of food at one point on the marathon course.  I mostly ran solo, but started with the five hour group.  Eventually, I caught up with the pace group leaders.  They'd lost the entire group, which is very normal.  This was a cooler race than some, so I wore more clothing than usual.  The mental struggle wasn't too bad since it was the easiest course I've ever done.  That's not to say that some parts didn't drag on a bit.  It also doesn't help when someone says you're almost done and you're not.  I'd either passed 21 or 22 and someone said that.  Really, man? One of my biggest issues was that I kept getting gravel in my shoes.  Nothing major, just kept happening.  One of the mile markers was a (good) surprise.  I think it was 23.  Whatever it was, I didn't realize I'd gone that far.  Sometime after that, we exited the trail.  Heading back to the ballpark, we did have some uphill.  Like I said, mountain training helped a lot.  It was certainly hard work, but not too bad...for a marathon.  I could tell some runner were really struggling.  If I could've seen myself, I'm sure I wouldn't have looked too different.  This was my fourth time at Tobacco Road and the second time running the full marathon there.  It's definitely one I will do again.

OBX Marathon and 8k 2016

The 8k was cold and windy.  It wasn't a problem once we got in the woods.  The cooler weather made the race easier than last year.  A lot of the race is off road on soft dirt.  Sometimes it wasn't very packed down, which made things more challenging.  Running in the mountains is paying off.  The small hills weren't much of a bother.  I didn't need to walk and felt energetic during the race.  I finished with a time of 49:24, a 9:56 pace.  During the race, I came across a Phi Beta Chi sister, Kristin.  We finished at about the same time.  The usual food was served, egg and cheese biscuits.  The warm food was most welcome.  I finished up with a trip to Duck Donuts.  Pumpkin spice and maple glaze with bacon...yummo!

Overall, my marathon experience was very similar to last year.  I slept a bit fitfully before the marathon.  I'm always afraid I'll oversleep.  After getting ready and grabbing my necessities, I headed for the shuttle bus.  I park near the finish and get shuttled to the start.  This year, I got a hotel really close by.  Preparation includes getting a bagel, pulling back my hair and putting Body Glide on my feet.  During the race, I carried my phone, ear buds, TYLENOL, a mini Clif bar and Butterfingers.  I also carried a bag to stash on the UPS truck.  It's cold before starting, so I wore extra clothes and put them on the truck.

At the starting area, I found Kristin and Julie.  We had a similar walk/run approach.  Mostly, I listened to my interval timer, which was set to 4 minutes run/1 minute run.  I started with the 5 hour group, which I was sometimes ahead of, sometimes behind.  I eventually got separated.  Knowing how long I'll be out there, it seems like it will be a very slow process.  The miles always go faster than I imagine they would.  It helps a lot once I reach the halfway point.  Even though I have half of it left, it's much easier to visualize reaching 20, then 26.  The first mile marker on the bridge road is 21, so I think about that.  The community support is great for this race.  There are some unofficial aid stations with things like gummy bears and other snacks.  All official stops have water, some with Gatorade.  People had signs, music and plenty of things to help encourage us.  Someone was playing YMCA, which I may have acted out, while running, in a tutu! Physically, I seemed to have good energy.  I had some lower back pain early on, but Tylenol helped.  My left knee bothered me some, but it wasn't bad.  After one hellacious marathon, I always wear two knee supporters and take meds during the race.  The pancake place had their usual banana bread right before we went uphill in the woods.  Bless them.  But speaking of sweets, I eventually got tired of them.  A diet of candy and Gatorade gets old.  At the candy/soda table, I picked pretzels.  At some point, I may or may not have danced to YMCA while running in a tutu.  It's always interesting to observe as the race goes on.  Little socialization.  We're all in our zones and no one has the energy.  By the time we're on the main highway (and not going back into neighborhoods), it's a struggle.  It's no longer an easy morning run.  We finally got to the bridge road.  It was pretty uneventful, until we start the incline.  Last year, I never looked up.  This year, I kept looking up, but tried to keep my head down.  I made it up that beast! As we made the descent, there was a person in a shark suit and a huge inflatable crab.  This was sponsored by the NC Aquarium.  Then, CVS! This is always one of the best sights; it's the last major turn.  So, running/walking, just trying to get to the finish.  The first marker after the bridge is mile 24.  I could see the stoplight where we turned.  It was right, left, right and left to the FINISH! On the way, I told random strangers how I wanted nachos after.  I finished with a time of 5:21:06 and made 7 with my fingers.  This was my 7th marathon.  I turned down the space blanket; I was roasting. This was much warmer than the 8k.  I accepted some snacks and drinks before getting in line for real food (smoked sausage and sweet potato fries).  Thank you for your encouragement!

OBX Marathon and 8k Challenge 2015

On Saturday, I ran the Outer Banks 8k.  It was a humid day, so I'm asking that they have more water out next year.  However, it was a good race and mostly off-road, which I enjoyed.  The marathon course goes through this area.  The 8k starts and ends at First Flight Middle School.  The on-site festivities are really good.  They have a lot for the kids, bouncy toys and such.  There are also post-race egg and cheese sandwiches.  

On marathon day, my nerves started up pretty early.  I caught a shuttle before six to head to the start.  My pre-race food was my usual bagel.  We were at the start before 6:30 and the race didn't begin until 7:20.  Before too long, my group started arriving.  We enjoyed chatting and taking pre-race photos.  I was in corral B, so I moved farther back.  I got behind the 5 hour pace group, but ended up on my own.  I mostly used a run four, walk 1 pattern, so it was a slower pace (I occasionally fudged; sometimes you need some extra walking).  I ended up not listening to music, but just focused on when my phone would beep (Gym Boss app).  I tried just to get from one mile to the next.  You wonder how  you'll get through all of those miles, but they move pretty quickly.  I knew they would go by once we hit the halfway point; you're in the teens and it just happens.  Some of the race is on trails and the softer surface is a welcome break.  This is where mountain training came in handy, as there are a few inclines in the woods.  A lot of the race goes past houses.  The community provides great support and you see the same groups year after year (the ladies making mimosas, for instance; yep, they do it every year).  There are always some unofficial water stops that people offer by their yards.  The official stops and cheer stations were great as well.  There were Star Wars characters, disco music, bumblebees, a shark...you name it.  One area had candy and pretzels.  I ate the pretzels and also consumed my own candy (Reese's nutrageous bars).  There was a guy in his underwear with pants around his ankles.  He was holding a sign in front of him.  You really do see it all kinds of stuff.  My outfit got compliments; I don't think the marathon had many costumes or tutus.  The race starts out very busy-looking, but not too congested.  Eventually, people get a lot more spaced out (and quiet).  I think I got on the road to the bridge before mile 21.  I was thrilled when I reached mile 24 and thought the sign would say 23.  Of course, I got a rock in my shoe with two miles to go.  This year, for the first time, I ran all the way up the hardest part of the bridge (650 foot climb!).  I tried to keep my head down.  Mountain running has really paid off.  At the bottom, there were friends to cheer me on and snap some pictures.  Jorine ran with me almost to the finish line! We caught up with a few others in our group.  Then I got near the finish.  Dashing toward the finish line and crossing is an amazing feeling.  There is nothing like it.  I am ready to register and excited for next year! Registration has opened, so I'll be doing that very soon (just waiting on a discount code).  Doing two races came with three medals.  :)