It came as no surprise to me that I battled horrible seasonal allergies when I was a kid. After all, the reason for them is your body overreacting to something that is harmless. I also experience this on airplanes. What surprised me was, much later in life I became allergic to crab and lobster, two of my favorite forms of seafood. And now I seem to be battling yet another food allergy that hit my stomach like a knife all night last Monday, and planted me firmly on the couch all day Tuesday. Seriously body? I could not treat you any better and this is how you repay me? Maybe I should just start eating Taco Bell and see what happens.
WEEK OF MAY 8, 2017
RUNNING
Obviously running outside does not help my allergies but I try to take all the advice I dolled out in the article I wrote for Women’s Running about how to curb the side effects. Basically, cover yourself in a hazmat suit and try to run. Kidding!
New running shoes helped, as well as the planned rest week I had, minus the unplanned day on the couch with stomach cramps.
Monday – 20 minute run off the bike | 2.40 miles in freezing rain and wind that felt like hail. Good times.
Wednesday – I decided I was ready to run and, when I did, it felt like I had a brick in my stomach for 5.71 miles
Friday – run build after swim | 5-4-3-2-1 8k effort | 8.2 miles
Total = 16.31
CYCLING
Although I had only one outdoor ride, I didn’t mind being on the trainer. The weather is so close to being good around here but it usually doesn’t reach into the 50s until after lunch which is way after I need to be done training. And then the weekend hit with a monsoon, which was fitting because being a mom is very much like being in a monsoon so celebrating mother’s day amidst 30 mph winds and biting rain felt just right.
I had to pack a bag to do my ride and run off the bike in the basement and then sneak out the back door so Star doesn’t see me!
A friend and I were supposed to preview the ride and swim for our first triathlon of the season on June 3. I guess we’ll have to just wing it and pray there’s no monsoon on race day!
Monday – FTP intervals with 20 min run off the bike | 16.3 miles
Thursday – 3 x 8 min threshold | 17.6 miles
Saturday – Strength endurance | 18.2 miles
Total = 52.1 miles
SWIMMING
I feel like I didn’t have enough time in the pool this week and I also feel like I won’t have time to do an open water swim before my first race. These early summer races a great if you live in Florida. I think I need a thicker wet suit!
This is basically how I will probably feel headed into a lake on June 3:
Run Far Girl dubbed this “The raincoat of shame!”
Friday – 35 minutes non stop swim before run | 1,800 yards
That was it.
FUEL
My “fuel” was whatever would stay in my stomach and not make it seize. It was a rough week for food and I learned all too well that we have no food in this house for the bland diet required for an angry stomach. White rice? Nope. White bread? Nope. Bananas? Not this week. Saltine crackers? Nope, just whole wheat. You see the pattern, right?
At least by Thursday I was ready to tackle a salad with some chicken on top…and ice cream. I actually got frozen yogurt just in case lactose is the culprit.
GEAR
Once again I find myself in the grips of the almighty Apple. You know the Apple of which I speak. The one with the “i’ in front? Well my beloved beats by Dre wireless headphones failed me once again. That is twice in as many years and guess what? The warranty has now expired. The control component literally fell apart and I can see that’s it’s been destroyed by my sweat, even though these headphones as marketed to sweat in. I can now pay $100 to have them “repaired” (remember I already did this) or try and find another pair.
So yes, I tried my luck (after a ton of research!) with the highly rated Bose Soundsport Wireless headphones ($99) and so far, they are not great. I don’t do well with in-ear headphones but for some reason (desperation) I thought these would be different. Only the right one stayed in my ear, so I tried a smaller size ear piece (they come with three) which is better but still not a good fit. I may try to return these and just stick with the beats. I welcome any suggestions!
One side fits all.
THINGS I LOVE
Finally seeing my Cuba article in print in USA Triathlon Magazine!
It literally started as a dream way back in November of 2016 and to see it in print was a bit overwhelming. I know it’s not a huge publication but it’s not about that – – it’s the story, it’s my dad and it’s realizing I can do things I set my mind too and am passionate about.
I may have ordered about 10 copies so let me know if you want one.
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
Um, let’s see…my body rebelling against food! What gives? How is it possible I have developed these “late in life” allergies? I have had symptoms of some sort of dairy or egg intolerance, on and off for a few years. Well it came to an excruciating head in the wee hours of last Monday morning. I have scheduled a full panel food allergy test but, since this allergy season has been especially horrendous, I have to wait until June 15. Until then I’m keeping a food diary and staying away from eggs and hard cheese. I guess I should be grateful I’m not allergic to wine.
Being laid up on the couch all day did give me the opportunity to watch, at least partially before I would pass out from pain, no less than four movies:
La La Land – horrible, awful, I hated it from the start
Point Break – one of the best movies ever, R.I.P. Patrick Swayze
Sixth Sense – just creepy enough and, even though I know the twist, I have to watch
Spy Game – one the best Brad Pitt movies ever and oh yes, Robert Redford is old sexy
Operation Dinner Out is a Go!
MUSIC
After absolutely loving the book and television series Big, Little, Lies I discovered another way to love it — through the music. I now have the opening theme song on my iPod, that I can listen to with one ear. It’s Michael Kiwanuka’s Cold Little Heart:
RANDOM QUOTEÂ OF THE WEEK
While sitting down watching the news with Miles early last Saturday morning, a segment about a local race came on. He watched some of the event and then turned to me and said:
I’m not judging you but shouldn’t you be there right now?
I’m so glad he’s not “judging me!” I died…and, he was probably right.
[Tweet “The cure for allergic reactions on The Rundown with gear, fuel, movies and more! #train4life”]
How was your week?
Got allergies?
Any wireless headphone recommendations?
Im STILLL LOOKING for wireless I like hence the 26.2 miles of SILENCE since I couldnt get mine to work that day AT ALL!!
and Im a latER in life allergy one too.
not as late as you (22?) but suddenly my bod HATED gluten and I had to cut it all out.
prior to that I was gluten mcgee—which now that I type that may be the reason?!
#whocansay
I know, right? Why is eating so hard when I try to do everything right? Thanks friend! And the quest for the perfect headphones continues although I’m starting to think the beats ARE the perfect ones, I just need a new pair every two years. *sigh*
Same boat…straight cow’s milk or whey protein KILLS my gut! I switched to cashew milk in my coffee, which is super “creamy” and unsweetened. June 15 must seem like forever away, hope the time passes for you with no further reactions!
Ugh – I’m so sorry. I hope I can get some definitive answers so I know what to avoid! Thanks.
Oh Miles…good thing he wasn’t judging you! Lol! I hope you find out the issue with the allergy. That sucks so bad. As did last week’s weather. Can we get something decent please?!?! And poor Star. That is the total look of shame. But she looks cute doing it!
Right? And the good weather is rolling in here as of today! Let the heat commence!!
Freaking allergies. My brother has pretty bad allergies, and I grew up with bad-ish ones, but this is far worse than anything we dealt with! I am so sorry! Star and Ridley need to have a convo–Ridley will teach her how to wear her clothes with pride 😀
I know! I’ve seen Ridley just rock her rainwear so what’s up with Star? They need FaceTime stat!
Your son’s comment is hilarious!!!
Allergies-wow, have I learned alot this year. About 7 years ago, my boys developed allergies to raw fruit and veggies. They also developed anxiety. Now they have graduated to peanuts, wheat, soy and more. The past year my very athletic daughter was having breathing problems, dry skin, acid reflux, stomach aches and massive edema. After the pediatricians answer was to give a 10 year old acid reflux pills and ignore her breathing problems – to the natural path and childrens she went. Diagnosed with lots of food allergies and a bone tumor in the same day. (tumor had nothing to do with allergies, other than the swelling caused pain where her tumor was-a blessing in disguise) This is all new for me, but what I do know is allergies are an immune response. In my son Nate’s case he has Lyme Disease which he’s had undiagnosed for at least 8 years, it has ruined his immune system and caused all of these allergies. My older son has mycoplasma pneumonia, an airborne bacteria and also a bacteria carried by ticks, also undiagnosed for at least 8 years. Mom to mom follow your gut and RUN to a natural path!
I am allergic to wine:( I still drink it once in awhile, just causes anxiety and lack of focus the next day.
Feel free to reach out anytime, I didn’t share the entire story. If I can help anyone avoid the absolute living hell we’ve been through I’m happy.
OMG I’m so sorry but thanks for all the information. I’m really glad it’s ME and not my boys although Vaughn has a random kiwi allergy!?
I hear ya! Thanks!!
I saw that picture of the Bixby Bridge and oh! What a great memory.
Do you think your reaction was an allergy or maybe you ate something that was off? I hope you get to the bottom of it. I have all kinds of food sensitivities and as I’m getting older, it’s getting worse. Corn and beef are out. With RA, now I can’t eat Chinese food (MSG is a trigger). Maybe Taco Bell is the answer. Chicken, tho…
I know it’s an allergy because it has happened a lot over the past couple of years – same feeling in my gut – only this time it was more severe. And it is probably a “sensitivity” and not a full blown allergy, I just want to know what to avoid so I can stop the madness!
So sorry to hear you are struggling with food allergies! It is not fair when delicious food gets stolen out from under us. Trust me, I feel your pain over here in gluten and dairy-free land.
I know you understand this all too well! Thanks Danielle and congratulations once again on your Prague marathon!!!
I have a very hard time finding headphones that don’t fall out of my ears! If you do ever find one that works, let me know. I love the race guilt from your son:)
Unfortunately I think the beats are the best for me because they hook onto your ears. Also, the sound quality is WAY better than the Bose. And you have to love your sons guilt, right? I can’t wait until he can run WITH me 🙂
Ha. Gotta love Miles. Okay so you know how long I’ve been running, right? And I live in the PNW so it rains and rains and rains out here. I also sweat like a linebacker, and I have listened to music for 90% of my runs for the last 20 years and the only headphones that I haven’t sweat out, got ruined by rain or hated have been the basic white Apple ones that come with all the gadgets. I need the mic too because I turn texts off when I run but if there’s an emergency (hey, it’s happened a few times) people can still call me and I’ll be able to talk. And then about the whole food allergy thing… I think Taco Bell is a serious option. My best runs have followed Filet o Fish from McDonalds, and a 20 pack of TimBits from Tim Hortons (Canadian donut and coffee chain). Every time I eat fruit and veggies I get the worst stomach cramps, farts and diarrhea. So, there.
You know what I’m wearing now? The basic Apple ones that I have had for like 10 years!!! Sometimes it’s the old school shit that works best. And, I’m not quite ready for Filet o Fish or TimBits (we have Tom Hortons too!) I don’t eat a ton of veggies or fruit for that exact reasons. Well, at least not before I run 🙂 Thanks, as always, for your REAL advice.
Lol the raincoat of shame! I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with food allergies – those simply are so unpleasant, especially when you don’t know exactly what the cause is. I dealt with that a couple summers ago and found that lactose and my stomach do not get along…not a full lactose intolerance but high lactose foods (milk, cream, certain cheeses, large amounts of whey protein powder, etc.) caused such painful cramping after consumption. Cruciferous vegetables are also the devil to my stomach. It didn’t crop up until 26 – I lived off of milk and cereal in college and ate tons of cauliflower without ever a problem. It was like a switch flipped. I really hope you find answers and relief!
I think you may be on to something here Laura! The day before my “attack” I had an omelette for lunch with broccoli and a hard cheese and then for dinner I had pizza with more broccoli and cheese…and probably had cereal for breakfast. Ugh!! Thank you for sharing. I really do think it may be the same for me but I need to figure out the cheese since I love it soooo much.
I find that sheep’s milk feta and goat cheese and aged cheeses like cheddar have minimal lactose and are okay. Hopefully you don’t have to give up cheese altogether!
I really think it’s so similar to what you have because I rarely have an issue with goat or feta cheese. Thank you so much for this. I’m making a list to see if I cut out certain cheese and foods with high lactose, what effect it has. I think I already know. Thanks so much!!
Ugh, that sounds awful! I’ve never had food allergies that badly that I had pain… I’ve had a few mild intolerances as I’ve gotten older, but I hope you get to the bottom of it sooner than later.
The article is fantastic!! So happy for you!
Thanks so much Laura and yes, the key will be finding a good allergist so I hope this one works out for me!
I’m sorry that food is being cranky to your stomach right now!! No bueno!! Hopefully you’ll be able to find the offender and kick it to the curb! Yes Robert Redford is old sexy…there aren’t many that can pull that off!
Thanks Nancy and I’m so glad we agree on Robert Redford 🙂
omg please don’t start eating taco bell. I used to when I was in high school. Now I can barely watch the commercial. What was I thinking?! omg.
Also yikes to your allergy! I am allergic to anything that comes out of the sea so I get it. I hope you find out what it is soon!
Also, Are we twinsies? I have the big little lies intro song on my spotify! Do you have this super weird extended version?? I have to like fast forward to get to the heart of the song, but it puts me in a good place everytime I hear it. It is my new “zen” song. (Previously it was just about anything from the Alabama Shakes) 🙂
I didn’t mind LaLa Land! Did I think it deserved to breathe the same air as Moonlight, Hidden Figures and Fences? Absolutely NOT. It was not the best but not the worst either. Moonlight however–saw it on the plane last week. SO GOOD.
Don’t worry – I will not turn to the dark side of Taco Bell. My stomach would definitely revolt with that!!
And yes, we are twins! But no, I don’t have the extended version!? You are special 🙂
And I need to see Moonlight ASAP. I loved Hidden Figures!!
I saw the title of your post and basically wanted to scream, “NOOOOOOO!!!” Really? New allergies? I’m sorry and it stinks. I developed new allergies when I was in college to chickpeas, lentils, fava beans – basically all legumes except black, white and pinto beans. I hope that you get this sorted out soon.
I was so excited to see that your story is out in print! It is pretty cool to see your words in a tangible form, especially when it’s something that is as meaningful as this story.
Are you saying that the new Point Break is worth watching?? I remember loving the original one mainly because it was about surfing and there was Keanu.
I hope you’re feeling better this week and the weather is warming up for you!
And I love Miles.
I know, right? WHY????? I know you are a food allergy expert of sorts and it’s horrible.
And NOOOOO the original Point Break with Keanu and Patrick…and Anthony Kedis of RHCP 🙂
Thanks Christine!
Someone has probably already suggested this, but the Jabra Sport Pace wireless headphones are BOMB! I had them for a while, then they either got stolen or accidentally dropped out of my gear bag at a race…then I went through a process of trying to find a replacement so I wouldn’t have to pay $100. Well, all the ones I tried sucked, so I bucked up and checked Amazon for them and the headphones are only like $60!!! So I finally now have another pair. Perfect like I remember 🙂
Yes, someone did but I don’t think those go over your ears and I’m afraid of the ones that only go IN your ears since I have such bad luck with them. I know it’s probably gross but I need to try them on first 🙂 Thanks so much for the suggestion though. I’m not ruling them out yet!
I’m totally following this to see what others suggest on the headphones. I’ve been through two wireless brands in the last 12 months and that’s just annoying. I liked my jabbra till they just flat out stopped working. Pisser!! I feel emotionally and physically damaged and distressed. Don’t these manufactures know that anxious crazy people use wireless headphones andNEED them to bloody work? I guess they don’t run
I seriously had no clue this was a thing people struggled so much with!! I think I may be leaning back toward my beats since they have the hooks for your ears and the sound quality is SO much better than the Bose. Stay tuned…
I thought allergies were supposed to get better as you get older! Lawd… that blows. Why the hard cheese though? I always hear the softer cheeses were the hardest for those with sensitivities. Curious…
Hope you figure it out soon!
I think it’s mostly cheese with a high lactose content so goat and feta are ok. I’m SOOOO bummed!!! I want all the cheese!!…which is why I’m probably “sensitive” to it. Oops!
If it’s dairy or gluten that’s bugging you, sprouted grain bread is gentler on your stomach and goat cheese. I try to limit both. I’ve had the stabbing pains for years but probiotics help me a ton! As soon as I run out the pain comes back! I also can’t do a lot if spicy food or raw veggies. I steam mine. Sometimes nothing comes up on the allergy panel if it’s an intolerance/sensitivity. But u can do an elimination diet to figure it out. No fun at all-good luck!
Thanks so much Kim! This is super helpful because I’m sure it’s not a full blown allergy but a sensitivity. I’m not sure I can do sprouted grain bread but I can definitely limit my overall consumption. Thanks again – you have been a great resource!
Hi! I just wanted to mention that I’ve been using Apple’s Airpods with pretty good success for the last 3-4 months. I usually have a problem with in-ear buds…getting the right fit and comfort are usually are a challenge. But these are relatively comfortable and stay in pretty well.
My husband has been using them since they first came out last year. He’s constantly golfing or practicing golf or doing whatever with lots of sweating, and he absolutely loves them.
I just did my first triathlon on Mother’s Day (Girlz On Fire Super Sprint in Clermont FL) (yay me!) and spent a lot of time getting my Apple Watch setup so that I can listen to music with the Airpods but without my phone during the run, only to find out that you can’t listen to music during the race. Bummer!
The Airpods are expensive but if I can stop dropping $100 here and $60 there on head phones, then I should be good.
Good luck!
Sharon
Thank you so much for the suggestion! I actually thought about getting those but I’m afraid of the ear issue. But yes, I don’t mind spending money for quality.
Congratulations on your first triathlon!!! Bummer about the music but I really hope you enjoyed it and are getting ready for another one 🙂 Thanks again!