- This will be one of those bullet posts.
- I like bullets. They are easy to get thoughts out without much thought.
- Almost a week here of extended stay/hotel like living. Oh, what it does to the numbers on the scale! Good grief! The place we are staying as we get our house ready for renters before flying to North Carolina is actually more like an apartment so we do have a full kitchen. However, something about all our stuff being packed up and being out of routine means that I'm still not eating like usual. So much eating take-out.
- After the Napa Marathon my coach strongly advised that I go get my iron levels looked at. I had an unusual amount of fatigue right before the marathon. My workouts during taper were just so off compared to what they should have been. Everything was harder for me. But I just chalked it up to typical taper madness. I wasn't going to really make getting my blood drawn a priority since I had so many other things to do but after a play date with my son where I could hardly keep my eyes open (just so drained!), I made the swing by the lab. It was quick and easy.
- I didn't hear back from the doctor about my results so I figured everything was normal. Then I got my lab results back and saw that my ferritin level was 10. This is pretty low from what I've heard from others. But I also know that this is very common in distance runners.
- So, now it feels good to have an answer for why my body could be so tired and under performing compared to what it should be. In some twisted way, it makes me feel better to know that something is off.
- So, now is all about bringing up the Iron levels. I have people on one side telling me I should just take the iron supplements and also increase the amounts of iron rich foods. Then I have others telling me that I should use Yellowdock root tincture to increase iron levels with the more herbal approach.
- Right now I'm just taking my iron supplement in the morning and night with some orange juice. I try not to eat dairy or drink coffee closer to 2 hours from the time I take my iron. These are just a couple of things that can get in the way of our bodies absorbing the iron.
- Running. Slow going. My left leg is still feeling way off. Something just isn't right. For a long time now actually. The last 4 or 5 weeks of Napa training were like this too. When I do run, it is usually a good mile or two before I warm up that leg and feel good. But the good news is that it does warm up!
- My sports chiropractor showed me some exercises I can do before my runs to activate my hip flexors and glutes. Hopefully this, combined with rest, will help out.
- At this point, I've given up any intention of staying in prime marathon shape for Boston. IF I do run Boston, it will only be if I can fit in enough runs to feel good running it for fun. And if I think I can run it without breaking my body down further. We will see how things go. No 7:30 marathon pace. I'll be happy with some 8's.
- I've taken the last 3 days off running and will likely take a 4th today. This seems to be what my body is asking of me. Especially with the moving and to-dos right now.
- Boston. I'm questioning what the heck I was thinking about Boston in the first place. Moving to Asheville and then getting up and heading to Boston 2 weeks later sounds a little crazy at this point. There is part of me that might not go at all. But if that were the case, I'd lose a lot of money (but spend less too) and miss out on seeing some dear friends. This will be a decision I make with much thought.
- I'm feeling excited about this new adventure ahead of us! But I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a side of me that feels scared shitless too! This is scary. I know, I know, I know, it doesn't have to be scary. It is all in the way we see it. But whatever. Having all of our lives packed up and just heading to the opposite side of the country (all in the name of fun!) and not knowing where we will live yet...thrilling indeed! But also just a little scary. I've never been a super laid back person so this is part of my nature. ha! The excitement part is way stronger though so....Bring IT LIFE! What's next?!
- And bring on the IRON!
Have you experienced low iron levels associated with heavy mileage?
What are your tips for bringing up Ferritin levels the fastest?
Amanda
