Updates and Information...

I have not been posting much because I will be honest with you...I have not been running much and have felt a little less fit than usual.  I don't like to post the negative too much because I would much rather be inspiring than for you to read about my slump.

I've been running at least once or twice a week since taking the summer off of running. I've lost the 3 or so pounds I gained exercising too little and eating too much over the summer.  My body likes to run so I knew it would not be long before I felt comfortable in my jeans again.

I will admit to you that most of my slump has to do with not liking what I see in the mirror.  This age thing is not sitting well with me, and I would have MUCH rather have seen my birthday come and go without notice. Unfortunately the ever increasing grey hair, wrinkles and saggy skin just does not go away.  I know I'm being completely vain and that is a problem. I need to embrace my age as it is inevitable, but I'm just being honest here. I don't like my body right now but I have not yet found the motivation to begin the weight training that I know I should.
Weight training  is the ONLY thing that WILL help my muscles and skin tone. I know that. I guess I was and am still sort of hoping that I will be the only human being this rule does not apply to.  Running keeps me skinny, but skinny and flabby is not so pretty ;)

Moving on...

Other than wallowing in self pity for a few months I have also been doing a TON of research.  My son has been suffering from a SERIOUS rash since April of this year.  He has undergone a series of testing and we have concluded that he is allergic to both wheat and dairy.  This new information has sparked research on my part about wheat and dairy.

I have been BLOWN AWAY by the information I've acquired.  My new found knowledge is too vast for this one blog post so I will just say this....

The Wheat and Dairy industry is KILLING US.  That was pretty harsh right?  Well I have reasons for saying that but for now just trust me when I say that if you limit your wheat and dairy intake for a week or so you most likely will see HUGE improvements in your overall health.   That sounds a little better doesn't it?

If you don't believe me I urge you to read the book Wheat Belly NOW.  If you don't want to do that, go to YouTube and type in Underground Wellness and check out Sean Croxton's short and informative videos on wheat and dairy.

You will thank me later. ESPECIALLY if you are overweight in any way and are wondering WHY YOU ARE NOT LOSING THE FAT!! (yes I'm yelling at you ), if you suffer from depression, arthritis or any other autoimmune disease.

Moving on again....

This is what I get for not blogging in way way too long.

I do have more exciting news for you.

1) One, I had the opportunity to teach 2 health and nutrition classes in my kids school this past month. THAT  was probably the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me for so many different reasons...

2) It looks like the FULL MARATHON is now back on my event list for 2012. This I will definitely talk more about later as I'm doing it for a dear friend and her incredible boy and I'm going to be asking you once again to help me this year to change a life.

3) I've been working on giving up my addictions and crutches. This is a struggle for me but something I feel is necessary in order for me to become fit in mind body and soul.  You can pray for me on this one because let's be honest here...I'm a human being and I struggle just like you do.  When I'm feeling a little stronger I will blog about it but right now I feel like remaining a little more anonymous about my issues. 

That's it. I need to blog more often....

Perhaps soon.
Alyson

Making Every Step Count

I feel GREAT! I ran 18kms on Sunday and am ready to run a steady 10km tonight. I am refreshed and renewed. I think all the prayers and doctors appointments are readying me for this run. I feel as though all the effort, training, and time are paying off.

On another note, I am still running for charity. I am running 'on my own' but I want every step I take to be about someone else both literally and figuratively.

Thank you for all of you who have supported my journey so far. My goal is to raise 1$ for every km I run. I am still short of my goal and every DOLLAR counts. If you could find it in your heart to support me. Even a DOLLAR I would really appreciate it.

It means a lot to me that my friends and family are 'running with me'. Not only for this life goal of a 1/2 marathon but in my life journey.

Donating is SUPER EASY and SECURE. Just follow this Link!!!!

http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=11649

Thanks for your prayers and support.

Still Running....

I'm here and I'm alive I promise. I have just been busy. Not crazy busy, but busy enough that I just have not felt like blogging much. Not a bad thing. Sometimes I sort things out in my head. Sometimes I just don't feel like sharing, and sometimes I just have nothing to say.

There IS a lot going on but I'll focus on my training for now....

So how is it going you ask?

Well I was sidelined last week with the flu. Not so good for training. That and the increased mileage have caused some pretty wicked injuries on my body.

The injuries are as follows:
extremely painful feet
left calf pain
left knee pain
EXTREMELY tight hamstrings
left hip pain

So what have I done about it?

Reflexology,massage therapy,Chiropractor, Physio AND consult with Running experts.

The conclusion??

1) Buying cheap running shoes at Winners was NOT such a good idea. New Mizuno Riders will be gracing my feet within a few days.
2) Running on the left side of the road for 30km a week caused my left leg to be an INCH longer than the right.
3) My hips are twisted and off center. Consequences of having 4 babies I would assume.
4) I may have a slight meniscus tear
5) I also may have pulled my hamstring
6) Physio and Chiro with stretching and massage of hamstrings are necessary for the next few weeks. Having my Chiro put my hips back in place to even my legs out...kind of important. I have a feeling that this is causing ALL the muscle imbalances
7) Ice baths and yoga will become my best friends.

I tell you. This 1/2 Marathon training is not for the weak. I have a completely new appreciation for Joe Blo Citizen who attempts this. You need a strong body, Strong Mind AND good health coverage ;)

Last Sunday you would have picked me up in your car out of pity if you saw me running.
This week I am feeling renewed. I have better knowledge this week and will be heading out for a run with a better mind set. Well that and my long run is 'only' 14km this week and not 18.

That's it for now...

Oh, and I still need donations!!! Please check out my web page at CanadaHelps.org I am trying to raise 1$ for every km I run. Seriously. Donate just one dollar!!!!! I just want to reach my goal.

O.K now THAT'S it for now..

Run WITH me!!

Hi everyone. I am training for my first ever 1/2 Marathon onMay 29th.

Running has helped me to overcome a lot of things and I am on my way to accomplishing a life goal.
Training for this Half has taught taught me in a very practical way that life is about the Journey and I want my journey not to be a selfish one.

Although I am running alone I decided that I don't want to run for myself. I would like to know that every painful step I take out there is for someone else. After all...life is not about me and neither should my running be.

So...I could really use your support out there. It would be nice to know that while I train you are 'running with me'. It would also be motivating to know that every km means one more dollar for a child.

So will you help me? I would like to raise 366 Dollars. One dollar for every km left to go...race included.

I set up a page at www.CanadaHelps.org with the charities I chose to run for. It is a VERY SAFE AND SECURE website and the money goes TO THE CHARITY. Not to me. I just get to see the total given.

To give just go to www.CanadaHelps.org and go to GIVING PAGES. Search Alyson McNish. or try the following link http://www.canadahelps.org/gp/11649

Thank you in advance for helping me with my journey...and thank you from the kids you are about to help!!! Alyson McNish