Running in Moldova

The city of Chisinau is unlike any other European city I have visited. The Russian and Romanian influence is evident. However, except for a few monuments and monasteries, it lacks a historical feel. Most of the buildings look like they were built in the 1960s. The city center has beautiful parks and I visited a unique (massive!) outdoor market that was interesting. We walked around; the streets are straight and flat. I ran every morning on the treadmill at the hotel. Moldova is known for its wine, plums/prunes, apricots, and walnuts (see the walnut tree we picked nuts from below).

Elimination Diet Day 1 and Running

Wet and windy run into work this morning. I much prefer the colder temperatures over the rain. The bright side: women's locker room was empty.

I am no stranger to the elimination diet. I have tried several times to start and stay on the wagon. This series of blog posts are meant to keep me on track and honest. If I can just get through the first two weeks, I believe committing to the rest of the process (3 months? 6 months?) won't be so difficult. So what is different THIS time?

I am working closely with a nutritionist (Axis Nutrition).

This has so many benefits on so many levels. While I am typically self-motivated and love to follow a set of rules, somewhere along the way...I start to distrust the process. And then, I have a severe reaction and can't figure out why. This sends me into the deep end of eating things I know will not sit well. It is a completely different situation when I knowingly eat something that I shouldn't; I am mentally prepared for the consequence and this is easier. 

Back to the nutritionist. He is providing accountability with regular appointments and tracking. And, he is available by text for any and all crisis situations. His great idea: If you are about to eat something you shouldn't, take a picture of it and send it to me first. 

The foods I can eat in the first week are based on IgE testing (mold allergy) and Mediator Release Test and include turkey, shrimp, codfish, string beans, lettuce, celery, olives, avocado, tea, coffee, coconut (all forms), cinnamon, oregano, cayenne pepper. I made a grocery run to Trader Joe's at lunch today. I munched on way too many coconut chips (unsweetened). Despite several cups of coffee with coconut milk, I have a dull headache. 

Falling in Love with Central Park NYC

If I could run every day in Central Park, I would. I LOVE it. The first time, I was a bit afraid that I would get lost. The second time, I stayed to a pretty small loop and ran around it three times. On the third day, I was feeling a bit tired and was debating about going for a run. However, I dragged myself just a few blocks to the park entrance and seeing all of the other runners and bikers--it was so inspiring--I had to run! It is like the feeling you get when you're in a race; everyone in the pack is running, so you up your pace and pass as many as you can. Normally, I prefer to run alone; however, I can see why people may prefer to run with a group. Today, I ran a six-mile route and I didn't want to leave.

Barricade Situation = Gridlock Downtown

Crazy morning commute due to a woman firing a shot around midnight and holding up in a nearby office building.

Pope in DC

Yes, the Pope is in DC; it is a runners dream with all of the street closures and barely a car in sight. Even 7-Eleven cashed in on the event with stuffed dolls and posters for sale. I did not make it to the parade, but there is a shot of the street soon after.

Moving Day for Parkinson Foundation

Congratulations to all the participants of Moving Day, Saturday, June 6, organized by the National Parkinson Foundation.

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!

Knee Improvements and My Dad

I love to run. I know high-intensity interval training or yoga would be kinder for my knees and joints…but there is nothing like getting from point A to point B on my own two feet in the least amount of time possible. I also try to cross-train and take days off completely, but I struggle with rest and recovery.

This past weekend, Steven and I popped into the Vitamin Shoppe and were helped by an older gentleman that reminded me so much of my dad. He could not have been more interested in our habits, nutrition, and ideas on what we thought we needed. He gave recommendations and we bought them!

My dad would have loved a job like this--talking about supplements, clinical studies, and what he thought would be best. I miss him. Most days, there is something that triggers a memory about him. In fact, my favorite cashier at Trader Joe's looks and acts like him too.  That's a story for another day.

Good news--whether due to supplements or time--I am able to run a bit faster and a bit farther. Steven often says that I am turning into my dad in reference to vocalizing my nutrition regime and tips…and I couldn't think of a nicer compliment.

Swany Toaster and Merino Wool - New Favs

DC is finally coming out from the deep-freeze weather! Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were unbelievably un-fall-like. After minor wimpers on Monday to Steven about frozen fingers and toes, he went to REI and bought their merino wool expedition socks (two pairs!) and Swany Toaster mittens. If you unzip the mitten, there is an inner glove with touch screen compatible fingertip and thumb. Good gear, matters. I so appreciate Steven getting the right stuff. Huge difference. Bring on winter, I'm ready.

DC Red Dress Run

Over my shoulder shot

On my run this afternoon, I spotted a bunch of people wearing red on 14th Street and my first thought was… an Ohio State University event! Since Julia is at OSU, any and everything red = OSU. So I purposely ran up 14th to check it out and noticed a huge group of men and women all wearing bright red dresses. I had no idea about the DC Red Dress Run and I'll have to get better pictures next year. The best was this guy in a red, very ornate ball gown. I was too chicken to snap his photo; I don't know how he could possibly run in it. I'm glad the rain cleared up for their event.

43rd Latino Festival

Beautiful weather, perfect for running and festivals! I ran into the Latino Festival on Pennsylvania Avenue. There was a parade, lots of food options, and vendors.

Congrats Navy-Air Force Half-Marathon Runners

DC Triathlon--Thank You for the Road Closures

Congrats to all of the DC Triathlon racers today. I am not being sarcastic; I really enjoy running when there are a ton of road closures. Less fumes, less stress, less noise. Love it. This event has caused issues in the past when we've tried to go to church in Alexandria, Va.; however, now we go to National Presbyterian (in DC, no where near race route)--so no issues. 

Deep Creek Lake

Great Running Weather

This weekend was perfect weather for runners--cloudy, not too hot, and an occasional misting of rain.

Cool Run at Deep Creek Lake

Bella giving Steven extra kisses this morning.

You can always count on Deep Creek Lake to provide cooler temperatures and challenging hills. It was nice to run outside of the city and really take in a big dose of nature. Steven rode a ton of miles on his bike as well. Besides nice time to reconnect with family, we visited the Maiers, where we stayed for Christmas 2012. The family put on a massive spread for dinner and were so welcoming (their friends were too). 

Deer! (Can you find the two?)

Bear! (Look for dark object, dead center of pic.)

Cove near Maier's house

Quiet morning lake from L&T's dock.

Tony and Lisa's view of the house from dock.

Nike Women's Half Marathon DC 2014

The Georgetown Waterfront has been prepping for weeks! This Sunday, April 27, 7am, is the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC. It will be perfect running weather, hovering around 50 degrees at the starting line. Go ladies, go!

Run to Blossoms, then Walk

Crowded? Yes, but very much worth the trip.