Let the summer sweating begin...with an improved mile time

80 degrees, sunny, and humid.

I find that this is going to be a familiar phrase this summer. Thanks to global warming, and extreme amounts of CO2 emissions, Michigan's summer weather is going to be a bit warmer than others. Early morning runs, and a fuel belt.

This summer there will be: 1) T-Rex Triathlon 2) 1/2 marathon Detroit

Two solid goals. With some in between small goals. Cycle as much as I can, and swim as much as I can.

After many months of painful and frustrating stomach problems, I finally went to the Doctor and they diagnosed me with IBS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I was already lactose intolerant, and gluten/wheat free as well. So what can I eat now???

I wonder if this will effect my running?

As I continue to understand what I can and cannot eat, and how to manage my swelling stomach, the running is going very well.

Pollen and chest pain?

At the beginning of the running, I was only able to run about 1.5-2.0 miles. I was having chest pain and berthing problems. Was this due to the increase of pollen in the air? or was this due to the shoes I was running in. I was running in my Mizuno Alchemy shoes, which are not stability and motion control shoes. Could that be a possible cause of the chest pain.

Ice, ice, and more ice. Discovering the quick recovery...

I run, then ice for about an hour. I ice all of my shins, as well as where I injured myself.

As well as cycling and swimming as a cardio-recovering activity.

TIP: When swimming, people tend to cross over with their arms when plunging into the water during their strokes/swimming. This can cause extra movement and shifting of the body. Try over exaggerating your strokes and "scooping" more towards the outer sides. As well as try to let your thumbs hit the water first, this is train your arms to not cross to the opposite side. Try it, it improved my swimming time!

Commuter Challenge

I bike as much as I can to work. I bike on average about 40-60 miles a week just for work and shopping. Hopefully not too much rain this month!

New ideas & additions to my life

New apartment, new bike, some new gear, and a fresh start to the running. Those 3 months of indoor biking and cross training really did pay off. My milage time has improved by about a minute. I mean towards the end of my runs in the summer/fall/winter of 2009 before the injury, I would end with a quick mile time. But starting off was rough and slow. I needed to warm up and get in the groove. Now I start with a quick mile time and end with an even faster time. I have heard: cycling really improves ones running, by strengthening the hips and quads.

--- I guess I can look at it as a good thing: Getting injured allowed myself to realize building up to a marathon takes patience and planning. The injury also made me bike indoors strengthing my legs and focusing me on my abs, arms, and swimming.

I do know I will have a cheering partner at my races. The recent boyfriend will be cheering me on as much as he can!

I have now been cooking and recording the new and interesting recipes I create and find at: http://livingglutendairyandwheatfree.blogspot.com/

I want to start a cooking class for kids at my local YMCA. Wish me luck!