Recovery–Being Kind to the Body
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Recovery from Celiac Disease complications can mean dealing with considerable inflammation. Yesterday’s 5.4K run (and 1-hour gardening session) and today’s 5.7 mile bike needed a gentle relax component this afternoon. I headed out with camera to breathe in the mist on the breakwall. I often held my arms wide and just inhaled the sea air. I stretched side to side. I sat and took in the little bird chasing bugs. It was a good day.
Blueberry Trails Forever
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
It is kinda like Strawberry Fields Forever, but its Blueberries Baby! And they are everywhere, plump and plentiful due to all the rains we have had this summer. I have never seen the jackpine forest this green. Normally, I would not even think of running the Blueberry Ridge Pathways just off 553 in Marquette County because, in summer, I think of them as hot and dusty. This year they are lush and dotted with mushrooms and blueberries.
I’ve been running the lighted-loop at Blueberry which is 1.7 miles. Two times around is a little over 5k. I’m hoping to up my mileage starting this week by doing one lighted-loop and the Wolverine-loop for a total of 4.4 miles.
My time per mile is still higher than last year when I ran 10 minute miles and on a good day 9:50. As I heal from injury and from Celiac Disease related complications, I’m running slower in the 12 minute range. Hey 
I’m still on my feet and feeling blessed.
I have 5-weeks until my next race a 10K which is all uphill at Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise Michigan. The race is part of the Great Lakes Endurance series.
The joy is my after-run fuel is blueberries, picked fresh. I have tucked a small bowl in the car. I finish my run and towel off, grab the bowl and do stretches and gobble some blueberries. Life is good!
Healing Travels
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
(Photos of Kim Nixon were taken by Mike Hainstock)
These photos wee taken near Scott Falls during our travels to Autrain. I spent the weekend on camera hikes and doing yoga spontaneously on rocks, beaches, and observation decks. The rock I am standing on (slideshow above) is near A Face in the Rock.
Been Trippin’
Brooks Cascadian Trail Soes and Smartwool Socks–
On the Observation Tower Overlooking Autrain Lake.
I got a brand new shiny…
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
I got a brand new shiny…red bike helmet! So I am no longer riding around Marquette risking my cranial health! Last weekend at the Marquette Farmer’s Market was an event put on by The Upper Peninsula Partnerships for Safety. There was also a Bike Rodeo and other family activities! I stumbled across this all on accident. I was just at the Market to shop for Veggies and YEAH! I got a Red Bike Helmet. I promise photos of me wearing it and biking soon! “Cause I want to discuss some road safety and bike path etiquette, soon.
Friends!
Kristine McPeak was just out of exercise class at Ringside Fitness in Marquette, Michigan and dropped by the local Farmer’s Market! Headed to Hancock, Finlandia University, and a new chapter in her life adventure! Life is Good!!
My Bike!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Today I picked My Bike up from Lakeshore Bike in Marquette. They put on a new chain and tuned her up. They aired my tires and tightened the hub. She rides like a dream. Okay, so it’s not a $2000 bike. Or a bike that some awesome athlete uses in training for triathlons. And, yes, she has bumper stickers–I’ve no excuses for that except I am different. And its got a ringy-ringy bell with a dragonfly painted on it. She’s perfect for getting around town, cross-training, and riding out to Presque Isle with my Magic Man Mike.
I bought that ringy-ringy bell in a little artsy-farsty store in Ludington when I was there for a writer’s conference.
I bought the bike the year I met Mike.
It is 6 years later, I am 65 pounds lighter, and I can run 5k races (soon, I’ll be healed and running even further).
Life is pretty sweet!
National Trails Day Event–River Gorge Race
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
June
Saturday June 5, 2010: Carp River Gorge Challenge
Distance: 5k, Trail
Location: Marquette, MI
Time: 46:02
Pace: 14:50 / mile
Shoe: Brooks Cascadia
Field Placement: 7
Weather: 55° F, Overcast
Notes: River Gorge Run, wet trail (200 ft elevation climb)
My first race since the winter injuries and the diagnosis of Celiac Disease and it went okay!
There was also a 10 mile run, Twin Peaks. I did not hangout for the finishers as I was cold, sweaty, and a bit worried about cramping. Home was less than 5 minutes away. This run was beautiful! The race event benefitted NTN and Superiorland Ski Club.
Still Standing, Still Walking
I am Still Standing, and Still Walking (for the most part). Every now and again I get brave enough to run. Sometimes this is a good thing. Other days? My body spasms out. 
I have good good news though. Since following the Gluten-Free diet my blood-serum ferritn level (deep stores of iron) has come up two points. This is the first increase in 11 years! Over time, this will equate to more oxygenated blood, less spasms and better, faster healing and recovery from injury.
During nutrient testing we also found a low level of Vitamin D. Lucky for me, knowledge is POWER and with supplementation, addressing diet and good ole sunshine I am working on correcting the numbers.
This is a race weekend for me and I am doing things soooo odd! I am not training. I am going for a massage the night before? Weird! Normally, I go for a massage 48 hours after a race. And I am not running the race. The plan is to walk. TO FINISH! To remind myself that I love fitness, healing, and the trails of South Marquette.
I think it is the bravest thing I have ever done. To stop running and just walk. At first I thought I had lost my mind. But I am getting used to my decision.
I am doing the 5k. It is a trail race. It is my first time in this event so the good news is I will PR this race even walking LOL!
Here is the race info:
Saturday June 5, 2010: Twin Peaks Run Marquette, MI (Noquemanon Trail Network Trailhead on M-553)
5K, 10 miles
Noon Eastern
Fees: $10 for 5K, $25 for 10-miles
Contact: Michael Sauer (920) 475-6643, up_mambo@mac.com
For more info on Upper Peninsula Races:
Healing and Playing
Clean Water Forever, Protect it from the Nasties!
Hi all, It has been a while since I have posted. My body has been slow to heal and the runs are few and far between. Some weeks I get in 3 runs of about 2-4 miles each and then I will have a run where I drop to the ground in pain. I think it is mostly my intestinal health, but we have no real answers to the spasms. I am on vitamin D supplements as the Celiac Disease was causing malabsorption issues. My blood stores of iron are low but on the rise! Healing occurs everyday. I just go with the flow. My body just cannot handle impact, at this time. My bike was dropped off at Lakeshore Bike for a tune-up. I am hoping some biking will be available to this body. I can hike. Walk beaches. I am maintaining my body weight. And I am adjusting to the new diet of no: gluten, soy, dairy, corn, and oats. Most of all, I am hopeful.
What has being diagnosed with Celiac Disease meant for me? I have no migraine headaches. I used to have these several times a month lasting for 1-3 days at a time. There were times where I would be fishing on the boat and have to lay down low in the boat and cover my head. I will have better summers now, for the rest of my life! Being on the diet has allowed my body to let go of inflammation. I can swim freestyle again and I am gaining upper body strength. I try not to push it too fast, and still alternate strokes. An old neck, shoulder, arm injury is healing. So you see I know whatever is going on in the core of my body will heal too, in time, with care and love.
I am suppose to run a race on June 5th and I’m not sure I can. I might be so bold as to walk it! (If they will let me).
Water has been on my mind. With the spill in the Gulf and the fight against Sulfide Mining here in the Upper Peninsula. This photo was taken on a private Lake Superior beach on Saturday where I watched my grandson play in the sand.
Grandson Picking Up Stones
Area Images:
Flickr Photos
|
Comments: