Random thoughts



The past week has been interesting to say the least, lots of thinking, frustration and decisions to come. I am trying to take a minute each Friday to look back on the past week at what went well, what could be improved and make a goal(s) for the week ahead. Everything from food and not feeling well to job stress, possible new career options and new running aches.

Sunday I finally did some real training on for my 50K trail race next month. I wanted to start months ago but the leg injury had other ideas and decided to listen. So Sunday I headed out on a 4 hour run without a mileage goal and hit the trails near home. In the end I finished my 4 hours with about 3 hours on the trails for a total of about 25 miles. Ironically the trail running felt better then the asphalt running. Monday I was quickly reminded that I overdid things when my knee was not happy. Luckily it has improved after some rest. I do blame Matt for the knee issue since his knee has been hurting again, it must be contagious!


Somehow after the run I feel both ready and not ready for the 50K at the same time. I know I am under trained on the trails, but have no time goals and need to remind myself this is only for fun.

The rest of the week began with (and continues to a lesser degree) GI issues. I have not been this bad in over a year, to the point that I spent much of Monday and Tuesday feeling like someone had punched me in the stomach. Monday was so bad I could barely drink my coffee! The worst part is that I can't seem to figure out why. I am so frustrated with things right now that I am thinking of giving my body a rest and doing a detox diet for a couple weeks, suggestions?

This will be a good start to my month of gluten and daiy free eating. Now that our CSA has started the timing is right with access to plenty of fresh veggies and fruits. I found a detox by Family Foods that looks realistc and involves actual eating rather then some of the crazy ideas out there, maybe?
detox foods 19 Ways to Detox Your Diet
Family Kitchen: 19 food to detox your diet


I have made mention over the past couple months of possible career changes and related to this I have a decision to make today. Here I sit in a promising looking job where I am not happy and have been offered a new position that is almost perfect but with a very small group and that lack of possible stability scares me. To top this off I was contacted yesterday about another great opportunity that would mean another leap to something new and upcoming. Decisions, decisions! Part of me is terrified of making the "wrong" choice.

Luckily I had an early day yesterday and was able to sneak out for a 4 mile run and thinking time. I love that my mind just wanders and I do my best thinking while running. I followed this run with another killer training session full of strength, core, balance and running drills.

Happy Friday, time to let my mind wander again and see what others are up to on Fitness Friday. Looking forward to another fun weekend of running, parades and nice weather.





Comments

  1. kathleenJune 22, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    Have you ever tried the specific carbohydrate diet or FODMAPS? I know people who have done FODMAPS for ibs. It's a time consuming process but at least then you will know, for instance, 1 apple a day is ok but 3 makes you want to die... other than that, I don't really have another suggestion. As far as career goes, I think you are in nursing. As far as I can tell (it's not my field) nursing jobs seem as if they are in demand. I guess what I am saying is, if you don't love your job, try something else and nursing or teaching nursing to others is always a fall back option. Or if you have the ability to drop down to 2 days of nursing and 2 days of training (I think a few posts back you mentioned that as another job possibility) maybe that's an easier way to transition?

    Change is always scary no matter if it's "good change" or not.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 22, 2012 at 10:05 AM

      I have lookd at the SCD diet but never heard of the FODMAPS, I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the suggestion.

      Yes, I am in nursing (advanced practice) but currently out of patient care and not enjoying the strict desk job :( The hours are one key thing of this other job: 4 shorter days allowing me afternoons to hopefully do some training work.

      Delete
  2. Laura BollJune 22, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    Whew, lots going on for you, my friend! Nice job on your 25 miles! I know I would have some aches after that... I haven't done any trail running in a long time, (or runs over 2 hours for that matter!) Sounds like you have a strong base for your 50k. I wouldn't stress too much about it. I'll be thinking of you on the decisions! I think a lot of times there is no "wrong" decision... life may look very different depending which option you choose, but it sounds like you have a couple options that could work out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 22, 2012 at 10:06 AM

      Thanks Laura, great point. I think whichever choice I make I will make it work, the long term route will just be different. The key is figuring out which potential long term plan looks best right now.

      Delete
  3. Rachelle QJune 22, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Great trail run! I hope your stomach feels better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 22, 2012 at 10:07 AM

      Thanks, I love trail running it is just so different then pounding the pavement :)

      Delete
  4. Kyria @ Travel SpotJune 22, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    25 miles in 4 hours on the trails is really good! I think you are going to do great on your 50k! I am thinking about signing up for one too, and I think that it's better not to worry about time as much. At least that is what I keep telling myself!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 23, 2012 at 5:50 AM

      Thanks, I try to keep telling myself that the time does not matter either especially since I really have nothing to compare to but it is always hard. Seriously though my biggest goal is the finish :)

      Delete
  5. BlushnCheeksJune 22, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Nice job on accomplishing some major mileage for the 50k. I was just thinking about doing a detox, but more of one day. Like and all day fruit diet and water..Not sure but that is what i was reading. I have gluten and dairy allergies and from time to time I mess up and my stomach kills me. So I have been alot more careful on picking up what goes in my mouth. Good luck with your issues an being able to find out what ails you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 23, 2012 at 5:52 AM

      I have been researching and there are so many detox/elimination diets out there, I need to find one that I will stick to and will hopefully work. I know I couldn't live on smoothies or soup for weeks, I need real food! Good luck to you too :)

      Delete
  6. JanJune 23, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    Sorry you haven't been feeling great. :( GI issues suck. I hope those go away after your detox! Your trail run is so inspiring. I love trail running, but can't imagine going that far!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 24, 2012 at 6:15 AM

      Thanks, trail running is fun and such a great change :)

      Delete
  7. RunToTheFinishJune 23, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    big decisions, especially about career are tough. I know I have been having this battle in my head for months, but I finally came to a decision and that has made me feel so much better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 24, 2012 at 8:12 AM

      That is so true, once a decision is made then you always feel a huge relief. It seems we are so defined by our career that any change is tough.

      Delete
  8. Running, Loving, LivingJune 23, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    Great job on your trail run and good luck in your decision for a career change!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 24, 2012 at 8:35 AM

      Thanks, I am really starting to love trail running :)

      Delete
  9. jillconyersJune 24, 2012 at 5:33 AM

    Nice run! I'm finding that trail running is more gentle on my body too. I'm sorry your week started off with you not feeling well. Now I'm off to find out more about Family Foods detox. Thanks for the link.


    [Fitness, Health and Happiness]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 24, 2012 at 8:13 AM

      Trail running is so much different mentally and physically, I can see why people love it :)

      Delete
  10. Suz and AllanJune 24, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    Beautiful pictures of where you ran. Hope you had a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenJune 25, 2012 at 10:44 AM

      Thanks, I am luck to live so close to wonderful running trails :)

      Delete

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