Crisp Mornings and Fall Colors

I overslept this morning.  My intention was to get up and enjoy a shorter-than-usual early morning run with my running partner.  We meet at 5:45 AM.  I woke up at 6:15. 

True, I was feeling particularly tired this morning but the main reason for my sleeping in was the darkness.  You see, at 6:15 it is approximately as light out as it was at 5:15 which is right around when I would get up throughout the summer.  The darker mornings can only mean one thing --- autumn is nearing.  Daylight Savings Time doesn't end until the first weekend in November this year so it looks like we will be running in the dark all October long.  This does not motivate me.  I can say, that the forecast for the first week in September looks better than last year.

I also noticed that the leaves have already started turning colors.  I know that in a few weeks, the landscape will be electric with shades of gold, orange, and amber but right now it just acts as a reminder that snow is right around the corner.  Last week at was 48 degrees at 6 AM.  It's amazing how quickly the crisp air of autumn swoops in - right on cue - as we prepare for the Labor Day holiday and pools across the northeast are officially closed for the season.

And of course there's always PUMPKIN! 

Here are some fall recipes from Eating Well
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/our_best_healthy_fall_recipes?slide=4#view_toggles

And I had to single out the Glazed Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/glazed_chocolate_pumpkin_bundt_cake.html 

Chronic

This weekend was the 6th Annual Fronhofer Tool Triathlon weekend.  Husband and I participated last year, and schedules worked out that we could participate again.  Here is the link to last year's race report.  This year, since I just finished the MusselMan Triathlon (yay!) and have registered for the PumpkinMan Triathlon, I decided to tackle the double... I did the Olympic distance race in the morning (.9 swim, 24.8 bike, 6.2 run) and the sprint race in the afternoon (.5 swim, 14 bike, 3.1 run).  Total mileage for the day was high.  On top of that, I hadn't had a total rest day all week despite feeling a little under the weather on Wednesday and all this was following a 12 mile training run the Sunday before. 

Too much.

My body told me it was too much when I got up Tuesday for a run and I felt like I was dragging a parachute behind me.  My body then decided that subtleties were not going to cut it and I was out for the count on Wednesday.  Flu-like symptoms sent me straight to bed that night at 6 PM.  After two days of complete rest (except for work), I emerged from my cocoon feeling human again and this morning I was able to run and it felt terrific.  Did you know that your body gets stronger at rest?

Almost two years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Ironic for some one who isn't happy unless she feels productive (or there is a really good show on TV).  Even my doctor told me that I have more energy than anyone she's ever seen with or without it.  The fact remains, if I go too hard for too long, my body lets me know - it has for years.  For me, it appears to be from the Epstein Barr Virus, which causes Mononucleosis.  I've been knocked down by the same symptoms after periods of too much activity and not enough rest since high school (I first had Mono at age 11).  These days - especially since I have a family to take care of - I have to plan my workouts, races, recovery and rest time.  I have to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.  If I don't plan enough rest, BOOM.  If I increase my training too much at once, BOOM.  Staying up until midnight to watch the Olympics, BOOM (late night swimming got me last week).  Too much stress, too little sleep, and poor nutrition are all triggers.  The plus side is that now I heed the warning signs before it turns into full blown Mono.  I strive to find that balance between personal satisfaction and physical ability.  It might mean hanging at the back of the pack for the rest of my life but hey, the view is better there!  Sometimes I am successful and other times... BOOM!

There are a couple of key points with chronic conditions.  First is prevention.  Many can be attributed to lifestyle (stress anyone?).  Second though, is managing the condition.  Learn about it.  Use available resources such as your EAP or health insurance provider.  Many offer health coach services and outreach.  These services are confidential and they are there to help.  Talk to your doctor.  Make the needed modifications to keep yourself as healthy as you can be.  Most importantly - live the best life you can and remember the value of a positive attitude. 

And now I've come clean. 

According to the CDC, chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.  Furthermore four modifiable health risk behaviors—lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption—are responsible for much of the illness, suffering, and early death related to chronic diseases.

• 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year are from chronic diseases. Heart disease, cancer and stroke account for more than 50% of all deaths each year.¹
• In 2005, 133 million Americans – almost 1 out of every 2 adults – had at least one chronic illness.²
• Obesity has become a major health concern. 1 in every 3 adults is obese³ and almost 1 in 5 youth between the ages of 6 and 19 is obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile of the CDC growth chart).⁴
• About one-fourth of people with chronic conditions have one or more daily activity limitations.⁵
• Arthritis is the most common cause of disability, with nearly 19 million Americans reporting activity limitations.⁶
• Diabetes continues to be the leading cause of kidney failure, nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations, and blindness among adults, aged 20-74.⁷



Daughter and I at the MusselMan finish - 2012