Yes, it’s been a while.

But it’s only partially my fault. For several weeks there, I was sans computer. My computer broke. Literally. And at the most inopportune moment, as well!

Here’s what’s happened since I last posted: I ran 17 miles. Then I was completely miserable, in exquisite pain, barely able to move my legs, for two weeks. Then I got a massage. And I got better. And I ran 2 miles. And I ran 5 miles. And I ran 2 miles. And I ran 10 miles. And I ran 2 miles. And it rained. A lot. And then, last Sunday, I hit a milestone: I ran 20 miles. I was hanging in there until I got to the last 3 miles. And then it felt like someone was shoving molten steel skewers into my arches. And I had to pause, and deluge my innards with electrolytes, and continue more slowly. But I finished, and in under 5 hours. Which, while not quite bringing me to the 6-hour marathon time I was hoping for, puts me not too far behind (hopefully). I have some new shoes now, and that will hopefully help.

Fact is, since I started my new job (about a month ago), I’ve found it very difficult to find the time to run. Between work and school, I’m barely getting enough time to sleep, let alone finding a couple hours to dress, head out to the track, run, come back, shower. But today I discovered these:

This is episode 1 of the BBC documentary about what inspired me to do this thing in the first place. As I said to my buds on EddieIzzard.com:

Last weekend I ran 20 miles in preparation for the LA Marathon. Some of the magic and inspiration had somehow gotten lost. I remembered watching Eddie’s video diaries, following his tweets, being aware of what he went through, at least peripherally. And while that was what kept me going for most of this training, I somehow … lost something a couple weeks back. Started doing things by rote.

But now there’s this. Here’s Eddie switching shoes because of blisters and toenails that are likely to fall off. I did that just last week. Here he was dealing with IT band issues, which have been plaguing me for weeks – I’ve been barely able to roll out of bed. I’ve been popping Advil tablets like they’re candy. Suddenly what Eddie did became more real than it ever had before. I’ve LITERALLY felt his pain. I now know what it’s like to hit mile 13 and know you’ve still got as many to go. I know what it’s like to head out for a run only to have the skies open and pour down on you. I know what it’s like when you can barely walk because your IT bands are so sensitive your knee/hip feels like it’s on fire and has pins shoved in, and the only thing (other than massage) that seems to help is, ironically, running.

I would never have begun this journey if it wasn’t for Eddie, and his Marathon of Marathons last summer. And though at times it’s really sucked – especially of late, when I lost touch with why I’m doing this – I now remember, vividly, why I’m doing it. And I’m going to keep doing it, and keep raising money for Pancreatic Cancer Research. I’m going to do what it takes. Including asking for money, which I’m supremely uncomfortable with.

So, dearest Blatheren, if you’ve beared with me this far, and if you’ve been even slightly inspired by my journey as I’ve been inspired by Eddie’s, kindly visit my blog below. Please follow the links and help me reach my fund-raising goal, so that I can actually run at the LA Marathon. I know times are tough, but even a fiver helps.

I’ll leave it at that. Thank you, Eddie. You ROCK. Love and Hugs from LA.

So please, if you’re reading this, please click on the links below to donate. I will not be allowed to participate in the Marathon (at least officially) if I do not reach my goal, and Pancreatic Cancer Research will lose out on some much, much needed support.

Thank you for reading, dear friends. I promise to keep you updated more frequently until M-day: March 21st. And thank you for your support.

These thing seem to be spread out …

Exciting news: I’ll be starting my new job on Monday. What that means for my running/cleansing/blogging endeavors … well, hopefully not much. But it does mean I’m going to have to make some adjustments for lack of time.

To recap: had a 10-mile run on Sunday. Was determined to keep up with the group. And I did! It was a good running day (meaning I managed to – mostly – keep my brain quiet and running was much less of a struggle). I felt GREAT afterward.

Here’s an amazing tree I saw on my walk on Monday (felt like I just had to move, ya know?) These are all in bloom now, and it’s truly amazing:

This coming weekend is a 19-mile weekend: I’ll be running 4 miles on Saturday, and 17 on Sunday. Thankfully, since I do have a job starting Monday, I felt comfortable enough to invest in much-needed new running shoes. These are of the motion-control variety, which – as I understand it – provide maximum support. Hopefully they’ll aid with my various injuries.

Cleanse world: finally getting a bit better about separating my carbs and my proteins, I think. Starting my mornings with Chai is still very good. Also getting better about remembering my nightly herbs (mornings haven’t been a problem), but last night I just crashed on the sofa, so neglected to take my herbs on my zombie-shuffle to bed. Did a ton of juicing last night, though, so must replenish fruit/veggie supply today or tomorrow (still have juice in the fridge). Am ready for flush day tomorrow.

Overall, feeling very good. Energy levels very good overall. I think I’ve noticed some shrinkage in the body-area (I think my face is looking a bit slimmer, but I know from how various pairs of pants are fitting that my booty/hip/thigh areas are definitely decreasing). Haven’t weighed self yet. Have a bit of a fear relationship going on with the scale at this point, I think, since for years it’s only lead to disappointment.

That’s all for today. Next week: adventures in cleansing/training for a marathon in an office …

I’m back!

I realize it’s been a few days. Shame on me. Much has happened, and I must fill you in on events.

Saturday: ran 4 miles with my good friend S. This was the first part of my “combo run” (you run x+2 miles one day, then y the next day, and x+y equal the entire distance you need to run). On my way to meet S (which was, happily, in the sun after several days of rain) I happened onto a field. And a couple of these:

No, not the wet leaves, silly. The ladybug. Here’s another:

(yes, that’s my arm in there, sorry …). That run went well. Afterwards it was off to a group meeting, followed by a farewell dinner for my sister, ’cause she’s moving to San Francisco (yay for her, boo for me). Dinner, fortunately, was sushi, which I enjoyed whole-heartedly without the tiniest twinge of guilt (and it was delicious. Highly recommend Yatai, especially for their happy hour specials).

Sunday. I was due to run 11 miles. My running mates (the ones that were running the same intervals as I was, L & C) were going to do 15. I was supposed to turn back at some point and return on my own. But I wasn’t looking forward to that. When you’re running long distances, running with other people helps SO much. So I asked myself: “Do 11 miles and run back on my own, or just do the whole 15 and keep up with these guys?” Had a tough time deciding, until I thought back to my inspiration for this whole mad thing (see About page for details) and asked myself: “What would Eddie do?” The answer was clear: do the 15. And I did. For an equivalent of a 17-mile run.

Yes, it wasn’t easy. Yes, it actually hurt to stop (oddly). And I now finally really get what people mean when they say that running these distances is 95% mental. Your body can do it. But your mind will try its darndest to convince you it can’t. The hardest thing about these runs is telling your mind to SHUT UP and let you get on with it. On our way back we saw this guy sunning himself (again, apologies for the “me” shadow):

That was kind of sweet.

Cleanse: well, unfortunately, I didn’t make my flush day this week. Because of what I was scheduled to do on Saturday, I just didn’t get my instructions in time to be able to adequately prepare for it. But I will do this week, and though I’ll be running 10 miles on Sunday, I am planning on having that for my flush day (I think that between juicing and smoothies and broth I can manage my hunger). In general, I’m doing very well with abstaining from caffein, alcohol, sugar, refined flour, potatoes. Drinking a lot more juice, eating more fruits and veggies is also pretty good. What I struggle with the most seems to be the food combining: when I eat my rice, I just kind of want some chicken or something to go with it. That’s possibly been the hardest thing. Must focus more on juice this week.

I’ve been feeling more energized, which is great, and a bit lighter, as well. Though since I’m doing all this running in combination with the cleanse, it’s somewhat tricky pinning exactly what effect is from which cause. Must keep on keeping on!

AND it’s time for me to get going with my day.

LOVE all around, see ya again soon.

Two days have elapsed …

… Since my last entry. Wednesday, the “Day of the Interview” wasn’t as bad as I had feared. I got there quite early, so I had myself a nice sushi lunch (I say again: sushi and cheese will save me on this cleanse), followed by a LONG interview (the interview(s) went very well, BTW). Afterwards I wanted to celebrate. First choice was actually Cafe 50′s for some sweet potato fries and a salad, but it was raining cats and dogs and there was no parking. So my BFF Jeannie and I decided to go to Rock Sugar instead. What’s really great about Rock Sugar is that while I couldn’t have alcohol, both Jeannie and I partook of their wonderful non-alcoholic cocktails (juice- and tea-based). It was also an opportunity to have some more cleanse-approved things, while still feeling celebratory (hamachi sashimi, a wonderful jicama and grapefruit salad, some thai basil chicken and rice). Plus, Rock Sugar is just a wonderful asian-fusion restaurant even for non-cleansers.

Yesterday was just fine – started the day with some chai (such a HUGE help for an avid coffee drinker, highly recommend getting some from my buddies at Chaiwalla, and really, not just because they’re my buddies) and some juice. Had what has become my go-to breakfast: Ezekiel english muffin, sliced tomatoes, sliced olives, cheddar. Toasted. Breakfast pizza, essentially. Lunch was some rice. Went out for a run (yay), and dinner was comprised of Ezekiel pita with hummus and a yummy, warm, spicy (as in full of spices, not spicy hot) onion and mushroom mixture. And a fresh tomato & cucumber salad. All very yummy. And then I realized I had yet to have protein. And once again I forgot my nighly herbs.

Today’s goal: as soon as I’m done with breakfast (which today is Leben – an Israeli cousin of yogurt, but more sour – with cucumbers and olives) I’ve got to go out for a run. Today is another treadmill day, ’cause it’s still pouring outside and I’m being a baby. Since I have to be on-campus at 2 for a meeting, I think lunch might actually comprise of a Jamba Juice all-fruit smoothie. Dinner tonight should be interesting – I’m attending a Shabbat dinner, and I’m not sure what’s on the menu, though I’m quite confident it’ll be delicious. Whether it’ll be cleanse-approved is another matter.

On to Day 3 of the cleanse.

Here’s the report:

Juicer: works brilliantly. Made some juice yesterday, and thanks to a tip from Katie added some raw honey, and now it should last me for a few days.

Rice cooker: works very well. Have discovered I don’t like brown basmati as much as I thought I would. Am allowed white rice, so will get regular basmati and regular brown rice. Should be better. Also, seem to prefer my rice with butter, salt, pepper, and cheese rather than avocado and salmon/tuna poke (could also have been that the quality of the fish in the poke was decidedly so-so. Shame on you, Whole Foods).

All in all, pretty successful day. Had the forethought to prepare a big portable cup full of iced chai before heading out to class, so managed to abstain from the temptations in the back of the room (freshly baked cookies, banana bread, chips, soda …). Once again, forgot my herbs in the evening. Must figure out a way to remind myself of those.

Today will be a bit of a challenge, too. Have a big long interview in the afternoon, so have to eat plenty before. Must give this some thought.

Still no running since Sunday. I could blame the rain … but I won’t. The situation must get rectified today.

That’s all for today!

Cleanse. Day 2.

So day 1 wasn’t completely as glorious as it started out being. I headed out and got myself a Jack LaLanne juicer at a discount (thank you Bed Bath & Beyond 20% off coupons). And got myself a cheapo rice cooker, since the microwave is now out. Went through most of the day fairly well, food-wise (totally crashed at 11 a.m. for 2 1/2 hours, have yet to find out why. Hoping I won’t have a repeat today). Anyway, food-wise: I juiced (HUGE mistake. I love my Magic Bullet blender, but the juicing attachment is worthless. Hence juicer purchase), I drank/ate juice, I felt ok. I went shopping for remaining groceries (ended up getting the raw honey and raw coconut butter, as well as regular butter. Have an idea for a thai-style curry with that coconut butter, looking forward to trying it out). Still have lots of veggies, got some Whole Foods fresh soups (’cause, as mentioned before, I’m a creature of convenience). Then I cleaned. And my apartment looks better than it has in months. And it feels good.

Then I ate some chopped-veggies-and-tuna-salad (Yum, if a bit dry). Then met with a friend. Then realized I was really, really hungry (I had, after all, only had some tea, juice, and that salad. All day). So I tuckered into some leftover orange chicken and brown rice. I know, I know: no protein and carbs together, no fried foods … but at least it was brown rice. Right? Oh, and I forgot to take my herbs last night … Oops …

Anyway, so I cheated right from day 1. But that’s ok. 80% of the day was good. And today’s starting off well. Made that big batch of chai, as promised (sipping it as I type). Have (clean) juicer, have (clean) rice cooker. Have lean meats. Have veggies. Have had my morning herbs. I’m ready to rock and roll! Today should be interesting – have class right about dinner time.

It’s a drizzly, gray day in LA. Hopefully it’ll clear up in the afternoon so I can go for a run. About that, been having issues with my T-band (apparently), so need to get a little strappy-thing to help with that. THEN I can go for my run. Aches from Sunday’s 9-mile run are finally abating.

Oh, and it seems I’ve lost 7-ish lbs. just from running in the last 3 or so months (promised Katie I’d weigh myself at the start of the cleanse, as much as I’d rather not). Gotta keep on keeping on. Ciao now!

Getting healthy

A few months back a thought occurred to me: if I’m going to be doing all of this running, wouldn’t this be a great time to just get all-over healthy? Over a decade of eating – let’s face it – utter crap has left my metabolism shot and my general feeling moving from pretty ok (but not great) to really ucky. Good thing my Yoga Teacher is body/nutrition/what have you expert (check her out at KundalinikKatie.com ) and has been jonsing to put me on a cleanse. And so we have begun.

Today is officially day 1. Yesterday I went to the local Farmer’s Market (surprisingly disappointing) and to Trader Joe’s (can’t say enough how much I love that place, and how amazingly awesome it is now that I have one within walking distance of my apartment). At the Farmer’s Market I picked up a tray of yummy strawberries, a bunch of apples, and, ok, for one last hurrah last night I picked up some Wings n’ Mac (Mac & Cheese with chicken, hot sauce, celery and a bit of blue cheese. It was … well, fantastic). TJ’s (as per usual) was ever more so productive, with tomatoes, persian cucumbers, the only bread I’m allowed to eat – Ezekial (though I do find I quite like the sesame), some REAL mayonnaise (just eggs, oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt & pepper) – I loved that the package said “Not A Low-Fat Food”, LOL – they had a great deal on clementines (love the buggers), blueberries, blackberries, some spinach, romaine, avocado, and onions. Also lucked out on standard goat cheese, plus goat cheddar, goat gouda and even a goat brie (which I think just sounds so scrumptous baked with fresh berries and a whole bunch of raw honey). And because I’m a creature of convenience, I picked up some grilled chicken and hard-boiled eggs. Whatever gives me fewer excuses to not cheat the better, I think.

This morning began with some stuff from Premier Research Labs: 1 teaspoon each Liver Nano and Gall Bladder Nano (having been warned these taste awful, I put them on a spoon, then rested the spoon as far back on my tongue as I could and then poured the stuff down my throat. Really not too bad …) and 3 caplets each of Adaptogen and Adrenal herb mixes. I’m a bit crushed I can’t have coffee – I’ve been drinking it pretty much every day since I was 11 – but I happened to have some yummy Yogi Tea, so I made a cup of Peach Detox. So far so good. Tonight I’ll make a big batch of “real” Yogi Tea, as supplied by my dear friends Jeannie & Azmir at Chaiwalla. That should last me a while, and it’s delicious hot or cold.

I also felt I needed something … comforting to eat on this rainy LA morning, and somehow just juice didn’t seem to cut it this a.m. (it would be fine most mornings, I think, and I will definitely be juicing later today). So, having stared at my new groceries, I realized I could make grilled cheese (I think cheese will save me on this, I kid you not). Ezekial bread, cheddar, mayo. Pan. Good to go! Later today I’ll make some egg salad with half my hard-boiled eggs, mayo, touch of mustard, green onions, salt & pepper. I figure, if it’s within the parameters of what I’m supposed to eat, I might as well enjoy myself, eh?

Anyway, update on the rest of the day later. On today’s shopping list: raw honey & raw butter, possibly coconut butter, plus a rice cooker (I have a feeling I’m going to be eating lots of rice, and a cooker is to be had for under $20).

Ciao for now!

Sing it with me now …

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah! (meant to be all high and etherial-like).

This is the sight that greeted me as I neared the end of my 9-mile run this morning. The sun just hid behind some clouds, and as the rays shot out from behind the cloud it just made me pause (o.k., mentally, not physically. I kept running). Lovely way to end the run. Next week = 4 miles + 11 miles (combo run, for an equivalent of 13 miles. Yay!)

Been a while …

… But now I’m back. I must admit it’s been tough going for a bit. I went away for nearly 3 weeks, and while I was physically active, running was just not very feasible. And once I got back I found I had somehow lost my inspiration. I’ve gone on 2 long runs since – a 9-mile run and a 6-mile run – and though I’ve gotten some maintenance runs in, it’s been challenging to get off my rear end and run.

But yesterday I remembered something. And, as I Tweeted: “Reminder 2self: sometimes it really takes something 2get off my rear end & go 4 a run. But the #Endolphins totally make it worth the effort.”

I saw this fairly early on my run:

It’s not a very good image. But something about that airplane and that vapor trail, that straight line that so reminded me of an arrow, re-ignited my inspiration and to me moving.

I’m scheduled for an 8-10 mile run this morning. Will report post-run.

Ciao for now.