Onward and Upward

Checked out the Olympic Trials results. . . wow, incredible, and I'm happy for all those who participated.  One really stuck out to me,  Linda Somers Smith age 50, running a 2:37:36, proves their is still time for all of us :)

Feeling much better today. . . stomach still queasy.  Didn't go to crossfit, but did a little workout while we watched football playoffs tonight at my sister's house.  We (Shane, Kristi, Matt and I) did 100 pushups with 15 situps every time you break for rest, then I did 125 air squats.  I have to get some sort of work out in today, however small, in order to get my crossfit points, since yesterday was a rest day and tomorrow will be as well.  I don't have a ton of energy though after having eating nothing yesterday.  Kids are now sweetly sleeping in their beds so I'm going to get on the treadmill and walk/run for 3 miles.   

This will be the last post I make on this blog. . . I'm switching over to a new triathlon entry running blog at http://amberg.fastrunningblog.com/

Also, I want to apologize if I've ever offered TOO MUCH INFORMATION ever, as I would never intend to be inappropriate in any way. .  . My experience with amenorrhea may be directly related to running and I want to have my journey recorded and also possibly help others who deal with it as well.

  I'm really grateful for the friendships I've made through this running blog, especially for the advice and wisdom I've gleaned from all of you amazing runners out there.  I feel very fortunate to be a part of this.  I know that won't change, but I just wanted to point that out.

Spent the night throwing up :(  Must have caught a stomach bug which has been going around.  uggh.  Matt was so sweet and took over Mom duties getting the boys to and from school, taking half the day off of work, and enabling me to rest up.  (meaning I spent the entire day in my bed)  I read the book for my book club called "Lone Survivor"  by Marcus Lutrell, and although it has some strong language that certainly could have been left out, it's one of those life changing books, for me anyway.  It's a true account of Marcus Lutrell's experience in Afghanistan as a SEAL, prefacing this with the required training he and his teammates went through, then a mission which ultimately left him as the only survivor.  I feel compelled to thank God more faithfully for those who protect our country!  They are truly courageous and selfless men and women!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I highly recommend this book. . . .(with a black sharpie in hand to bleep and edit of course) :)

a.m. taught a crossfit class at the gym 

p.m. went to crossfit, the real deal :) (ran .5 during part of active rest)

***  I made these coconut flour muffins for Matt to help with the Paleo options for him.  Made with coconut flour, eggs, coconut nectar, applesauce, banana, etc.  I added dark chocolate chips because they are allowed on paleo (in moderation of course), but they truly aren't an ideal option.  I ended up eating 3 muffins!  Dumb! I think I eat more when I'm on a diet.

Fib hurts today, likely did too much on it.  Not in the best mood I just want it all healed, but I'm not wanting to be very patient. . . . . anyway I'll swim tomorrow and let it rest up. 

a.m.Went to the pool right as it opened and it was already quite crowded.  Swam 25 laps, then bundled up and met Kerri for a run/walk in the canyon.  Did 4.34 miles(running 15 min, walking 2, etc)  ave pace? 10? (with walking) superbly slow but hey, I get to run so I can't complain.  Kerri has a pure heart, she doesn't know how to not want the best for everyone.  She's nice to run slow with me :)

p.m. crossfit

***had my "free meal" today  at Cafe Rio. (really yummy, but surprisingly not worth the guilt after, , , even tho a weekly cheat meal is allowed!  ugh, I should just enjoy and move on. . .)

walked for 30 minutes on treadmill

***update on life:  :)  Met with fertility specialist Dr. Chalmers in December.  He had me do one more cycle (I've done 2 previous last year) of progesterone pills to try to start my menses.  Again it was unsuccessful.  I don't know if I posted this earlier, but he also checked my hormone levels again and they were quite normal ( he thinks due to time off running last 3 months ) although my estrogen was somewhat low.   The next step he is having us try is 1 month of birth control pills, which he is 99% sure will force a period.  I have a little over a week left of pills to take and then, cross my fingers :) it works!!!   Also, he thought my body likely has a higher threshold or body fat requirement for menstruating, and thanks to a timely December full of holiday treatness :)  I did gain adequate weight (117.4) so I do think if he's right then this will help.   BUT, I do have to say, I absolutely hate, HATE, birth control....I've been on it once before and I am not a happy camper I can assure you :) I'm overly sensitive, somewhat depressive, not near as patient, and I can cry at the drop of a hat.  I HATE BIRTH CONTROL!!!!   So I'm enduring this last week and counting down till it's over.  I hate it!  (and my family hates it too, , , I think they want their old mommy back!. . . .I put them all to bed at 7 tonight!. . . yes I had HAD it!)

I have this month off of school so I'm excited to get caught up on some things I've been thinking about : specifically journaling and scrapbooking, both of which I have slacked big time on !  eek. . . . ..

Also, our crossfit gym started a 45 day paleo challenge last Friday January 6th.  Matt and I are participating.  You get points everyday for working out (although they suggest 2 rest days a week), eating 100% paleo, and also getting 7 hours of sleep.  So far it has been SO easy and actually so exciting!!!!  My sister Kristi and her family are doing it for fun too, and my Mom is (but she eats this way always anyway, healthy little thing). . . . Matt struggles with this diet because he doesn't like any fruits or vegetables, so he pretty much gets meat and nuts! ugh, I'd hate that, so I completely respect him for giving this a shot.  I on the other hand LOVE fruits and vegetables and it's like Christmas to try all these new recipes that have great combinations that I've never thought of.  Interesting that once we rid our taste buds of sugar and white flour, the natural flavors in fruits and veggies are intensified and my food just plain tastes better!!!!  K, and while I was up in Alton my Mom made me a green smoothie, consisting of: parsley, spring mix, chard, and water.  That's it.  She drinks these daily, differing combinations.  She says that green drinks will take away sugar cravings. SO, I committed myself to not only 45 days of paleo, but also including 45 days of GREEN DRINKS!!!  I usually always add spinach to my protein smoothies, but now I am trying different combinations.  Spinach is the mildest, I like it. Today I had Kale,Romaine, Blueberries, and protein powder.  I cannot do straight greens like my Mom, I could for one day, but it's way to grassy tasting, haha, so I like to add fruit and protein. 

I absolutely LOVE the way my body feels when I feed it good food.  My favorite things so far have been:  Portabello grilled chicken sandwich (You grill portabello mushrooms for the bun, I also grilled onions), coconut flour tortillas (made these for Matt so he could have sausage and egg burrito), and tonight we had the yummiest paleo pizza!!!  The crust is made from almond flour, eggs, olive oil, and spices, then we topped with marinara, meat for Matt's portion, pepperoni and cheese for the kids, and mine I put squash, zuchinni, olives, mushrooms, and pineapple.  It was SO good.  The thing with paleo is you are allowed to eat as much as you want.  The thing with ME is that I LOVE to eat, I always have, so I DO eat a ton! probably to much!!!  In fact, in all of my baby and toddler pictures, I am eating.  Seriously on every page I have at least one picture with me enjoying a huge donut, or popcorn, or spaghetti, or something edible.  My Mom loved to cook for me because I enjoyed it so much and would rave about how good her food was. (and luckily my Mom has always been a health freak so she fed us right). . . . . 

I am excited to see how Paleo goes for this challenge.  After I will always incorporate some grains and dairy into my diet probably, but for now I'm going to stick to the plan and see how I feel.  Last August I didn't complete the challenge, I only made it half way.  I was training and running a lot preparing for the marathon though, and I do think it's hard to do endurance training on a paleo diet.  I don't think it's impossible, but I didn't find the right combinations or foods that gave me enough energy to run fast or long.  That will be a fun experiment once I get to run more miles.  Right now, it's the perfect time for me to test it out since my miles are low and I don't have to be preparing for anything.

Boston is looking dismal.  :(  I'm so sad to miss out, but I don't think it's smart (or possible at this point)

taught spin/ crossfit(ran as part of wod)