Chicago Marathon 2017 July Training Update

We ran 12 miles!!

Enjoying a little rest and a treat.

Rolando cooling off at the water fountain.  Beautiful night.

These photos are from my 12 mile run this weekend!  Mom running the Chicago Marathon is a family affair.  Atzin, my beautiful son, was my pacer.  He ran along side of me to correct my form as I got tired and kept me at a 10-11 minute mile pace.  He would often begin his sentences with, "Mom, I don't mean to be critical, but..." Rolando rode is bike, meeting us at the Oak Street Beach.  Yes, Atzin and I ran ALL the way from my home in Little Village, to and around Navy Pier, then about 1.75 miles north of Navy Pier and back to Navy Pier.  It's 9 miles from my home to and around Navy Pier, so we had to run an additional 3.   

The last several months have been crazy and full of ups and downs in terms of my training.  For a moment I thought I might not actually be able to do the marathon.  In my last post, I shared my travels as well as the set-back I had with my training due a "flare up" of autoimmune symptoms most notably the chronic fatigue and severe joint pain and inflammation.  Prior to this I was already running 8 miles without a problem.  Suddenly I was struggling to run slowly for 1/2 an hour (and I did quit several times).  I can't even tell you how demoralizing that was to feel like I had almost no energy or strength for a "simple" half an hour, slow run.  However, I was determined to keep running at least that 1/2 an hour, telling myself this was psychological training for the marathon - to keep going when my body is telling me I can't go any farther.  One important lesson that I learned from this is to not take for granted my current level of health.  I had almost forgotten what experiencing pain and fatigue was like given that I have been on a gluten free diet for about 10 years and a grain free diet for about 7 years; therefore, symptom free for all this time. The gluten free/grain free diet has been absolutely transformative for my life and I really believe all that I have accomplished at this stage in my career is largely due to the vitality and health I've experienced over the last 8 years especially. 

It did take me nearly six weeks to recover from the way I ate while traveling.  This was demoralizing and meant that I had to really make additional changes to support my recovery.  I normally eat more grain free "ish" and do not adhere to a more strict Auto Immune Protocol.  For the last month and a half, I have been eating closer to an autoimmune protocol diet and have now begun to re-introduce some things that I used to eat like nuts and seeds. (Love those almond meal or almond butter pancakes!)

For more information on the autoimmune protocol, I recommend viewing or watching Sarah Ballantyne, PhD.  She provides the science behind this approach so that you know this is an evidence based approach, not some sort of dietary fad.  There are also some really good podcasts on the Paleo Lifestyle.  Finally, there are so many good books and cookbooks out there, but one of the first I read that really helped me move from gluten free to grain free was The Grain Brain. 

Sarah Ballantyne, PhD Weight Loss and Reversing/Stopping Autoimmune Disease

A list of podcasts on the paleo lifestyle

The Grain Brain

Okay so back to my running....(I know, I'm kind of on a soapbox; but seriously, learn as much as you can about how we nourish your body There are so many misconceptions out there and what we eat is truly the first medicine). 

So what were some examples of my meals or snacks this week?

Kale Avocado Salad  I ate this salad I think twice in the last two weeks.  It's so good and easy to make.

Chipotle Lime Salmon

Carrot Cucumber Apple Juice

This is how I have been fueling pre-run.  These are Chocolate Energy Shots

Yesterday before my long run, I had these AIP and Paleo Cococut Turmeric Bites. It was unbelievable.  I had eaten a late breakfast/really sort of lunch meal.  Then, didn't feel hungry the rest of the day.  I set out to run at about 6 pm and only had two of these and a chocolate energy shot above.  I didn't feel any need to refuel during my run, and honestly, wasn't even hungry after the run.  I was able to sustain a really good pace over 12 miles with these two snacks. 

Okay, with this recipe, I will sign off.  I have so many more to share!  It's been fun to explore and experiment with different recipes for my runs and to aid in my recovery.  I have my energy back, and I feel great on my long runs (except the last two miles of that 12 mile run yesterday)! I was just extremely grateful when on my run two weeks ago, I felt a shift, and felt like I was back!

Just to remind everyone, I am running for Taller de Jose.  This organization is truly remarkable and serves the Latinx community in a way that no other organization does.  They truly walk with people in finding solutions, and work from a basic philosophy of love and respect.  Imagine what our social service world would be like if service providers worked from a place of love?  Please help me to meet my fundraising goal for Taller de Jose.  Thank you!

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