Our Decision as Runners.

I want to improve my 5k time this year! Already told my friends so they can help push me during track workouts and tempo runs. Goal is to break 26 minutes.

In answer to the reader’s question – I too get TERRIBLE cramps. Like stay home from work-worthy cramps. After a failed attempt at a copper IUD, a nurse suggested I might have endometriosis, and I finally found a doctor who would investigate it more and the nurse was right! I would suggest if she hasn’t been seen already about her terrible cramps she should go see her OBGYN. I spent most of my life (in my 30’s now) thinking that everyone had these horrible cramps just like me, but it’s not true – we shouldn’t be in THAT much pain. I’ll probably have to be on some hormonal birth control to try and combat it. Other than at only large amounts of advil help my cramps. Running usually helps them subside a little bit (if I can get myself up and out the door), but then they return after a workout. Hoping you find some answers!

First of all I love your blog – you are inspiring!!!

So far I’m signed up for 3 marathons – Napa, Newport OR, and Chicago, and my first relay race – Cascade Lakes. I’m hoping to find my speed again and push myself. I’ve gotten complacent with my training so now I’m back to actually putting in the tough training runs and focusing on diet and sleep!

I went on continuous birth control to eliminate my period and boy has it been great! My daughter did the same due to her cramps as well.

I can’t say I’ve ever had a heartbreaking race, but I have definitely had my fair share of disappointing outcomes. I guess, as with any disappointment in life, I try to learn something from it, grieve a bit and then move on.
I just made up a stir fry recipe that turned out amazing! Cut into chunks and pan fry protein of choice (I used stew beef). In a separate pot, cook until tender sliced carrots, onion, broccoli, and mushroom. Add the protein, and then for the marinade, dump in about 1/4 cup of terijaki sauce, large scoop of coconut cream, and about 2 tbsp. peanut butter. Mix altogether and serve over rice of choice. Soy sauce as desired.
As for tips for your reader: #1 Definitely seek advice from your OBGYN. Consistently getting cramps so severe that you can’t run at all is concerning. I hope she gets relief soon.

LOVE Carpool Karaoke, who was the artist? What was the song???

Ok, the slide(s) at your sister’s house… do the kids seamlessly go from one to the next. I think I see two ramps.

Life is a journey, a marathon not a sprint. Sometimes it takes a few completed sprints to realize this. We might say, “Ok, sprint’s over, onto the next.” But then the run says, “No, this is not over because it’s really a marathon”; and it takes a few of these to realize all of this. This applies to periods, also known as FLO living or being a female. Those who came before took different approaches including hormone-affecting drugs (aka band aids with a delayed punch). Now we have a variety of resources providing marathon supporting information including IGs like @goodfortheswole, @getmomstrong, @deliciouslyfitnhealthy, @floliving, @hope_with_hashimotos, @downshiftology, @thewholejourney and @drhendersonmd. Would you like some bottom lines? Get to know your body here are some ideas: 1. FOOD (many try elimination and reintroduction processes to help; do you consume dairy and sugar??), 2. BASAL body temperature charting (take it every day as soon as you open your eyes, note it and chart it; if you have a dr appt, take your chart(s), drs can work with data and so can you, plus you can Google about it.) 3. LEARN what you can do for yourself. Meditate on the questions you have along this journey, type them into Google, and get the book or follow the link. You are here for bigger things than cramps, so doing this right will keep you on track for your bigger things! Safe journey (safety first).

FYI, not sure when the movement to take drugs to cancel periods/ ovulation started, however, there is information now regarding this approach. The information is out there for us to access easily. We do not have to go through the local librarian or a single doctor (who is human with limitations).

Dig into resilience, put your back in to it, honor yourself and prosper!