Elimination Diet Day 5 and Running

Washington is back into winter mode, mid-40s and windy. My beautiful route around the monuments was halted with barriers on 17th Street near the Washington Monument and the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Today was the annual March for Life event, held yearly since 1974.

Besides physical barriers, I'm battling some mental ones. I really want a smidge of cocoa or a few drops of stevia--anything to make my coffee taste better. When can I add hot sauce? I would really like some steak, too. 

Ugh. 

My nutritionist sent me a great text this morning: "There's no crying in baseball and there's no trying in an elimination diet. There IS only doing!!!" Yes, agreed. I looked up the YouTube clip for extra motivation. He also sent me: "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great," another great scene from A League of Their Own.

I'm happy to report that my digestion has been fine today. I am noticing some flushing on my cheeks in the late afternoon (yesterday and today). Both days I had olives. I'll skip the olives tomorrow and see what happens. 

Thank goodness I love turkey. Dinner was roasted, yummy turkey breast with crispy skin, Romaine lettuce, green beans, and avocado. Dessert is shredded coconut, coconut oil, and cinnamon. Tomorrow, I am cracking open a real coconut. It won't be as good as the ones in Barbados, but given the current situation, a treat nonetheless. 

Elimination Diet Day 2 and Running

Day two is in the books. Unfortunately, I had a reaction after day 1 dinner last night and this morning. I am hoping this is carry over from the previous day or perhaps I just ate way too much food?! When I took a picture of the food yesterday I was a bit taken aback--WOW, that is a lot of food. Slight headache, but I also didn't drink that much water today. [NOTE: Drink more plain water!] According to the MRT test book, detoxing your body from the various antigens is a process that can make you feel much worse the first week or so before starting to feel better.

For dinner, I had turkey burgers, an avocado, and a mixture of coconut/cinnamon (coconut oil, coconut manna, coconut flour, cinnamon). I didn't really enjoy the coconut/cinnamon mixture, but I felt like I needed more calories with little bulk. I also took selenium and zinc supplements. Avocado is my new favorite--great spread replacement and so healthy with fat and nutrients.

My morning run was crisp and clear. Standing in the same spot with opposing directions, I took a photo of the Lincoln Memorial and then the Washington Monument. So far, my running performance is not suffering from this adventure.

Nothing Beats Running in the Fall

The weather in DC has not disappointed this fall. Generally, the mornings have been hovering around 50, with the afternoons elevating to mid-60s. I could run all day!


Kudos to the National Park Services; the expiration on the liquid soap in the bathroom cracks me up. The bathroom near the Washington Monument is kept extremely clean; I really do appreciate that (and the fresh soap). Thank you!

Running After the Blizzard of 2016

After 22.4 inches of snow, the sun came out and temperatures reached 55 degrees! The sidewalks and curbs were quite messy, but it was fun to run around and check out the sites.  

Monumental Run

Gorgeous weather for running. This run was not monumental in distance, but monumental in views! Check out some of our nation's wonderful monuments and memorials. Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

WWII Memorial looking toward Lincoln Memorial

Early Run on the Mall

Up and out early this morning, enjoying 73-degree weather on September 1. The first picture is the back of the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument in the distance. The second picture is of the Reflecting Pool.

Christmas in July

The National Christmas Tree is still there! It has been over 7 months and I'm just noticing! It looks like it is not enjoying the DC humidity. 

Cherry Blossoms in DC

Beautiful running weather and ideal for the springtime buds and blossoms. I love my city. 

Productive Run to Library and Wagshal's

New tries this week at Wagshal's--chopped chicken liver and sushi grade tuna. Awesome!

Did you know that DC Public Library has self check out? Quick and easy!

Running Everywhere and Anywhere on My Bday

Memorial Day Sites in Washington, DC

Sunny and splendid in the city of Washington, DC, it was nice to see the memorials and monuments crowded with visitors honoring the veterans. Despite the tourist dodging, I enjoyed a quick run. Check out today's view of some of my favorites: White House, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial. 

Washington Monument Open for Tours!

The Washington Monument, the iconic tribute to America's first president George Washington reopened for tours. The 555-foot obelisk has been closed for tours since August 23, 2011, when a 5.8 magnitude earthquake caused significant damage to the structure and forced its closure.

Tickets (tours are free but you need a timed ticket) are available at the Washington Monument Lodge, on 15th Street, between Madison and Jefferson drives. Tour tickets are also available online at the National Park Service's reservation page.

The Washington Monument is open daily 7 days a week except for July 4 and Dec. 25. Summer hours are from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with the last tour starting at 9:30 p.m. until Labor Day.

The following items are restricted within the Washington Monument and there is no storage facility available:

• No Animals (except certified guide dogs)
• No Suitcases or Large Backpacks
• No Guns or Knives
• No Strollers
• No Food or Drink, except bottled water or baby formula in clear plastic containers.
• No Mace or Aerosol Cans

Washington Monument Update

Nice day for a long run in Washington, DC. There was a light breeze, sunny, and ~55 degrees. The scaffolding is coming off of the Washington Monument--yay!  

Hains Point

Perfect fall weather, with some clouds and a nice breeze. Enjoyed a long run to/from Hains Point in East Potomac Park. The 300-plus acre peninsula is located between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. There is a golf course, mini-golf course, tennis center, outdoor pool, playground, picnic areas, and 320 free parking spaces. This is definitely a Washington gem.

Path along the Potomac, on my way to Hains Point.

Air Mail plaque commemorating first airplane mail delivery route in West Potomac Park. It is mounted on a rock along the path.

Hains Point, looking at the Ronald Reagan National Airport.

Hains Point, East Potomac Park, looking toward Wilson Bridge.

Hains Point, looking toward Anacostia.

Tidal Basin, viewing Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Lunchtime Run on Capital Crescent Trail

Gorgeous weather and little traffic on the Capital Crescent Trail. I enjoyed a nice, relaxing run.

You can see the Key Bridge and Washington Monument in the distance.

Hard to believe I am in the middle of a major city.