October 29, 2013

Well, some things have changed for me in the last few weeks since I last wrote.  I got married to an awesome guy, John, and my son also got married to a wonderful woman, Shannon.  Both of these weddings happened within a week of each other.  Can you say busy????  I also started computrainer classes at Kelley Acres Speed Shop - the sweat shop and pain cave all combined into one.  Things have moved indoors for training faster than I would like.  This weekend clocks will change bringing more darker days.  I will miss the long sunny days. 

This time of year is always busy for me as I prepare and put together the Way Station Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot which raises awareness and funds for adults and children of mental illness.  It is a great family fun 5k and 1k event held thanksgiving day morning.  Last year we raised about $75,000 and had about 3,800 runners/walkers attend both events.  I am hoping to achieve this and more this year.  It is such a great way for people and families to start their thanksgiving day off for a wonderful cause.  I personally enjoy seeing all the young kids doing either the 1k or 5k.  Such an inspiration.

This time of year I also re-evaluate my nutritional needs both in non training mode and in training mode.  There are so many variables for me to consider and there are so many options or shall I say viewpoints on nutrition.  With my conditions, the one thing I know for sure is that I do not absorb nutrients as most people do and compound that with the endurance activities in which I enjoy doing.  There is paleo, high protein, low protein, low carb, vegetarian, vegan, organic, a prescribed eating plan where you purchase diet meals, fasting, detoxing (not sure what that really means), etc.  I also hear that gluten free eating is now being called the new "fad" diet.  This amazes me because when one suffers from Celiacs or gluten sensitivity it is not an option and has severe health implications.   Below is an interesting article on this topic.  I have also been reading a lot of controversy on whether to supplement with vitamins and how much.  Or should we be trying to meet our nutritional needs from the foods we eat?  So much information out there, what is fact or fiction.  Would love to have a discussion on this topic.  I am believing that every individual is different and should listen to what their own body is saying to them.  What may work for me will not work for everyone.  Thoughts?

Here is a great article on gluten sensitivities and issues including Celiac:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/gluten-what-you-dont-know_b_379089.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

Now for an inspiring story about a young energetic child, Hayden: 

An Honored Hero Takes Steps

Hayden was your typical healthy, active 4 year-old-boy - he loved sports, playing with friends, and riding his scooter. In the summer of 2008, Hayden started having frequent bowel movements and loose stool. After a few weeks and multiple negative parasite tests, he could not make it more than 20 minutes without having to use the bathroom. We tried to go to the beach one Saturday afternoon and could not make it out of the neighborhood. That afternoon Hayden was admitted to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). A few days later, after many IVs, endoscopies and colonoscopies, Hayden was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Our world was changed forever.

We started with typical treatments but unlike a sinus infection and other illnesses we had encountered, nothing seemed to work. The despair as a parent of a sick child and not being able to cure it is indescribable. You feel your sole purpose in life is to protect your child, yet you are not able to. We finally hit rock bottom over the holiday season of 2011 when his diagnosis was changed to Crohn’s disease. Hayden was having a flare up and nothing was working. He was admitted to the hospital again over the holiday break. There is nothing more depressing than being hospitalized for Christmas. The emotional toll of watching your son wither away in front of you, fearing it was the last time you would hug him was almost too much.

However, Hayden is strong, possibly stronger than both of his parents. He continued to fight and he never lost his will. He pulled through and has been responding better to the recent combination of medicines. Still weighing in the 20th percentile and measuring in the 15th percentile in his age group, this hero continues to play lacrosse and basketball, in between trying daring skateboard maneuvers. He wakes up every day with a smile, eager to see what life brings. (As told by his mother Heather)

So please help the many children like Hayden by clicking on this link and showing your support:

http://www.active.com/donate/IMchattanoogaCCFA14/IRONMANVBate

Thank you to one of my supporters and sponsor of this new journey of mine.  Debbie has been a great support and help to me over the years both in my personal achievements but also in my work achievements.  Debbie has been a huge help in organizing and supporting the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot.  Debbie is avid outdoors person enjoying skiing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting, camping, going to the gym, bowling etc.  Debbie has challenged herself and has learned to swim as well.  Debbie is a jack of all trades and very impressive!!! 

http://www.active.com/donate/IMchattanoogaCCFA14/IRONMANVBate