A fitness update

It's been awhile since I've updated on my running. Since deciding not to run Loch Ness, actually. But all sorts of things have happened, so an update feels necessary.

TW: Medical photos of my endoscopy and discussion of weight and body fat under the jump.

A little bit of everything

June has really felt like the longest month ever, and it's not over yet. I think being busy makes certain months seem long, and that's certainly been the case lately.

Living with Celiac

Recently, I heard that there is research coming out about the development of a series of vaccines to treat Celiac. I signed up for updates and information - and to maybe take part in a trial - through Beyond Celiac. Now, I get interesting updates in my email every week.

This week's email struck a little nerve. They sent the infographic below:

Apparently May is Celiac Awareness Month. Who knew? Actually, it's ironic that I didn't know because I was just about to write, "I've lived with Celiac in my family my entire life and I've lived with it personally for 20 years, so there's not much I don't know."

Eating pizza like a normal kid back before I was diagnosed.

My sister was diagnosed when she was 18 months old. This was back in the early '90s when Celiac was pretty unheard of. About eight years later, research came out about the heredity of the disease, and our entire family got tested.

Snacking on some naturally gluten free goodness!

My blood test came back positive (no surprise - I was really underweight and had stomachaches all the time) and we confirmed it with an endoscopy.

I'm pretty sure this photo was taken after I'd gone to the hospital for what they thought was appendicitis but which turned out to be just a really terrible stomachache, probably from gluten. (Before diagnosis)

But this post is not about my diagnosis story or how I adjusted or any of that. I wanted to talk about how I relate to these "I wish people knew" stories.

Even though I've had Celiac my entire adult life, I can see how I have to live differently than others in ways people often take for granted. The truth is, I don't consciously often think about my life with Celiac, even though I think about Celiac almost daily.

If we're going to try a new restaurant, I look up the menu online to see if I can eat anything there. I avoid certain types of food - like Chinese takeout - entirely. I eat before events - like friends' weddings or the Triumph event I was invited to speak at in March - because I never know if I'll be able to have what's served.

Delicious-looking flan-style mousse at the Triumph event...safe to eat, or nah?

I am not shy about asking if I'll be able to eat what's on the menu, but I do feel badly asking for something special to be made, so I just pack a snack.

My purse is always full of snacks for that reason!

I never feel like I can be spontaneous and go to a non-English speaking country because I'm too afraid I'll end up eating food I can't have. When I chose to study abroad in college, there were two main factors in my country of choice: can I speak the language and therefore eat safely, and were people I knew going.

Scotland was the right choice because they had gluten free options all over the place...and kilts!

I am not "healthier" for eating gluten free in the sense that I absolutely love junk food and sugar. I'd prefer to eat like a 5-year-old at a birthday party daily. The only reason I'm "healthier" for eating gluten free is that, for me, gluten is damaging.

I will say, though, that Celiac is not all-consuming. It does not "invade" every aspect of my life. That's a sad way to live. Yes, reading labels and asking about ingredients is second-nature to me, and Celiac itself comes up almost-daily in conversation with my family...

"Anchor down for Italian restaurants with over 15 gluten free options for my friends who are physically unable to consume gluten!!!"

And of course, anytime I'm going to eat, it becomes a factor. But I do not spend hours of my life thinking about Celiac and how it affects me. I hope the person who sent in that note is a new diagnosee and can find balance and peace, because their life sounds exhausting!

These days I know lots of people who have Celiac, but growing up it was just me and my sister. It's kind of fun to be able to trade expertise with friends now...back in the day, tasting GF food was expensive and often disgusting.

It's honestly amazing to me how many GF baking options we can find at the normal grocery store these days.

My mom baked bread for Stephanie and me. We ordered food from Canada (Kinnikinnik was our first foray into gluten free donuts) and it was a big deal when a shipment arrived. I remember looking at the catalogue and circling things with Steph as we decided what looked worth trying out. We're both in the habit of sending each other photos of new GF foods we find in the grocery store because the novelty hasn't worn off.

Anyway, the best thing Celiac has done for me is make me an adventurous eater. If I can eat something, I will try it at least once.

I wracked my brain for my own "what I wish people knew about Celiac" and I think it's this:

I am living a happy, full life with Celiac, and as far as autoimmune diseases go, Celiac isn't really that bad. It's not too hard to avoid gluten and thereby live a healthy life. I don't mean to be dismissive of it, though; adjusting to the diet can be tough and the symptoms can be awful and dangerous; I'm just at the point in my life where it's all second nature.

The gluten free fad has been a double-edged sword, and I just wish people were more aware that the condescension for people who eat gluten free can be harmful for those of us who need to be able to trust ingredient lists and labels when shopping and servers and chefs when we eat out.

ABK

Back on the Horse...Slowly

It feels like I've taken ages off from running, but in reality it's really only been a couple weeks. I didn't run at all the week after A1A, and last week I got in one measly run and some stretching. But this week I'm finally feeling ready to push myself and begin "training". 

Can I call it training if there's not a goal race in mind?

I actually am running just one more race this month. Kristin has a love affair with hills and signed up for a very hilly half marathon in Marco Island on March 20. I personally kind of hate hills, and this race is literally a constant up-and-down. (They're manmade, I'm pretty sure.) She asked me to run it with her, and I couldn't let her down! It's going to be a new kind of challenge for me. We're planning to just take it slow and enjoy the run together; no PRs or goals of any kind on this one!

Anyway, this week I'm trying to get my butt moving again. I met Elizabeth at her house and we ran to the park while her stepdaughter scooted ahead of us; then we did a few sprint intervals, and ran back.

It felt good to be moving, but wow were my legs reluctant at first!

The first day of speed work in months was humbling, but we finished with a smile!

I also did some upper body T25 this week, and some sporadic squats, planks, and core work. Honestly, it's nothing to write home - or a blog post - about, but at least I'm moving again.

It was pretty pathetic how wobbly 8 pound weights left my arms.

I have no transition for this, but I have something cool to share. Last year, a friend of mine linked me up with the developers of this new gluten-tester called Nima. I just received my Nima to beta test and the first thing I tried it on was a bowl of Lucky Charms! They just recently got the gluten free label (I've been waiting since Cheerios went GF because they get their oats from the same place) so they felt like a great first test. 

All good! The Nima shows a frown if there's gluten detected.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting my groove back. It's been nice to take time off, but I miss being in a good workout routine. Once it becomes habit again, I know it will all be easier. Spring is never my strongest season, but I'm determined not to waste any time getting back in the saddle!

Are you a fan of hilly races?

How do you get back into your routine after time off?

ABK

There's Something About Going Back to School...

...that makes you feel like you're finally enjoying vacation.

Last week I officially went back to work. Well, kind of. Thursday was our first day back and the majority of the day was housekeeping/welcoming stuff. Friday I spent some time getting my room organized. Over the summer we got Smartboards, so I had to try a new setup for my desks because of where my whiteboards now hang. That's okay; change is good.

Year seven is underway! My classroom is by no means finished in this photo.

This weekend, Matt and I drove to Manasota Key, where Kristin had rented a house for her birthday weekend. We had a great time with her friends and family. We even fit in a nice morning run.

We spent the weekend pretty much just relaxing on the beach...it was just what I needed.

I need to pause here to extol one of Kristin's more singular virtues. Because her whole family eats gluten free, she often gives me foods they've tried and enjoyed, like teriyaki sauce or donuts. This week, we've been really excited to have finally found gluten free Cheerios. When I successfully discovered the honey nut flavor, I bought her a box. When she found the regular, she got me one.

I found them in Publix and literally texted this picture to Kristin and my sister while I was still standing in the cereal aisle. I ate a bowl as soon as I got home.

Monday, Kristin surprised me with this:

We have both been sifting through EVERY box on the shelf to see if any GF ones are hidden in the back. (I left my pillow at the beach house, so she was going to drop it in my car in the morning.)

Our obsession makes a lot of sense if you've ever been forced to abstain from eating foods that carry some emotional or cultural connotation. Matt says I'm an easy friend because I can be wooed by a box of cereal, but I'm not the only one. Kristin's husband joked that he was nearly moved to tears because the Cheerios brought back memories of his childhood.

One of the highlights of last week was receiving a special surprise from an old student I keep in touch with. While out of town for art camp, she came across a book in a used bookstore that reminded her of me, and she got it and dropped it off at work for me.

So thoughtful!

The oddest thing is that I literally put What I Talk About When I Talk About Running on my wish list not five days before she gave it to me! How did she know?! I can't wait to dive into this one; I've heard great things.

This week begins marathon training for real. I'll be battling the exhaustion that comes with suddenly being thrown into a super early, day-long work schedule after time off, but I'm determined to start training on the right foot.

You've gotta love a fitness enthusiast teacher who will text you in the morning to make sure you're awake to work out!

Is there a particular food you could eat non-stop and never get sick of it?
What's the most random act of kindness a friend has done for you?

ABK

Chag Sameach!

Since getting married, Matt and I have taken on Passover as the holiday to host. This was the first year we hosted in our new house! I planned the menu carefully, knowing that I would be out of commission entirely the day before due to surgery.

Our menu was as follows:

Charoset (and not just for the Seder plate, because YUM!)

Matzah (we order it from Israel made with certified gluten free oats)

Matzo ball soup

Green beans almondine

Brisket

Flourless chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream

You've got to love a meal that is 100% gluten free! (Well, Steph and I do anyway.)

I did all the shopping Wednesday and made the cake. It was a feat of pure willpower not to sneak tastes before Friday night.

Friday morning started on the right foot when flowers arrived from my grandparents! They are so thoughtful; they knew we were hosting Seder and wanted to provide a centerpiece! 

I prepped the brisket and got it into the oven by 10am. I had spent about a week trying to figure out the perfect recipe and taking advice from various sources and friends. I finally decided to pick and choose among all the insights I'd gathered and ended up with a recipe I felt confident in.

I've never cooked something this immense or so rife with cultural significance before; the stakes were high!

With onions, garlic, potatoes, and carrots in the roasting pan, I seasoned the brisket with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then poured a tomato sauce infused beef broth into the pan and cooked it at 300 degrees. It was fork-tender by 2pm but I kept it cooking until 3:00, then pulled it out and let it rest for an hour. It was absolutely perfect: fork-tender, juicy, and flavorful.

This was seriously a rite of passage; being able to cook a full brisket for Passover really made me feel like a full-fledged adult.

Dad is striking his usual "no pictures, please" pose as we set the table.

My parents and siblings arrived that evening and I led Seder. As usual when my family all gets together, it was hilarious and just barely on-topic. (I think Seder was interrupted twice to discuss movies and other completely random stuff.) The food was fantastic and basically the evening was just what I wanted it to be!

Mom's matzo ball soup and charoset.

The main course!

The funniest part of dinner - second only to my sister singing the four questions - was Zach asking if there were rolls to go with the brisket. (On Passover, you don't eat bread. I was like, "Um, matzah?")

I made that!

After dinner, we hung out a bit and I showed off the development of our baby pineapples and bananas. Steph and Gordon spent the night, but everyone else headed out after a few rounds of family pictures.

Zach testing the Indo Board.

Steph taking a turn.

Zach and Matt are matching and didn't even plan it!

The family :o) We're all pretty much color-coordinated now that I think about it. We must have read each other's minds.

Passover is definitely my favorite holiday. Its message of freedom has always resonated deeply with me, and our particular Haggadah draws our attention to the fact that the Jewish people, having suffered oppression, are called upon to seek freedom for all oppressed people. I love that Passover is still so relevant today; although the current situation in Israel is tenuous (to say the least), the holiday gives me hope for the future.

Do you ever host holidays at your house?

What's your favorite holiday?

What's your favorite holiday meal?

ABK

Myths About Gluten

I've been hemming and hawing over writing a "how to be gluten free" post for months now, but every time I started to write it, I realized I had too much to say and not enough focus.

Some history: I've been gluten free since I was 11. I was diagnosed with Celiac just before Thanksgiving that year, and spent Thanksgiving crying in a bathroom because I couldn't have gravy, cornbread, stuffing, pie...or a variety of other scrumptious fare. So when I say I'm "gluten free", I don't mean "when I feel like it/because it's a fad/just recently." I mean: I do not eat anything with gluten in it, ever, and haven't in well over a decade.

Before the diagnosis, I was extremely underweight and always sick. Check out those knobby knees!

(I'm going to try my best not to be preachy, but damn, this is such a soap-box issue for me.)

Let's start with a definition. Most Celiac research groups (and the FDA) agree that anything with less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten is considered gluten free. (If you're eating something with 5 ppm and you eat a lot of it, and then the total is more than 20 ppm, then can it still be considered GF?) Also, the "20 ppm" rule isn't an actual federal regulation. So more specifically, I consider "gluten free" to mean that it's made with non-gluten-having ingredients.

There are two kinds of people who may find relief in going gluten free. The first are those with a diagnosed sensitivity or intolerance, such as a gluten allergy or Celiac. The second are those with other autoimmune disorders or intestinal disorders, such as Crohn's Disease. Either way, your doctor should be the one telling you to go gluten free, not some trendy fitness magazine.

Especially during New Years, when people set out to try new diets and lose weight, I see too many articles on the "value" of going gluten free. Here are a few myths debunked:

Myth 1. Cutting out gluten is good for everyone and anyone! FALSE. Unless a doctor has told you that you would benefit from cutting out gluten (or ANY food), it's probably not going to benefit you. Studies have shown that those without a medical cause who cut gluten from their diet showed no actual improvements in their health.

Myth 2. Going gluten free is a great way to lose weight! FALSE. There are just as many high-sugar, high-calorie, high-saturated-fats foods that are gluten free. These days it's so easy to find GF food, and so much of it is unhealthy. The only way going gluten free will help you lose weight is if you don't replace your usual foods with gluten free options, which really just amounts to following a low-carb diet anyway, and avoid snacks like candy, ice cream, French fries, etc.

(Fun fact, I gained a ton of weight quickly when I was diagnosed because I was so malnourished before. So if you really have Celiac, you may even gain weight, not lose it.)

Myth 3. I have Celiac, but it's okay to eat some gluten once in awhile! FALSE. I really hate this mentality. If you've cut out gluten and your body has started to heal itself, it becomes more susceptible to the dangers of gluten if you ingest it. Go 100% GF if your doctor has told you to.

Unfortunately, with Celiac, you can't pick-and-choose; all gluten needs to be avoided. (From mimiandeunice.com)

 (I get how hard the transition can be. I was lucky; I was diagnosed late but my sister had been GF since she was 18 months old, so GF food was already a staple in my house and my transition was easier. But sometimes you just need to suck it up and do what's right for your body, especially when the long-term effects could include osteoporosis and cancer.)

Myth 4. No one "needs" to be gluten free; it's just a fad! FALSE. Yes, it's become a fad thanks to Hollywood/celebrities and diet trends, but 1 in 133 people have Celiac, and gluten allergies really exist. There is no pill or cure other than to completely cut gluten from your diet. (I think the abundance of people going gluten free without a diagnosis has helped to create this fourth myth.)

Believe me, the side-effects of gluten for those of us who really need to be gluten free are proof enough. (But in case you're still doubtful, I have the blood tests and the endoscopy images to prove it!) If gluten intolerance were a made-up affliction, my mom wouldn't have spent my childhood cooking two meals (one regular, one GF), baking GF bread, or spending tons of money ordering specialty foods from Canada.

Delicious, easy to find in stores, and you have to love the whole grain option...but not cheap.

Being gluten free is expensive. Special options at restaurants often cost an extra $3-5. A loaf of gluten free bread usually runs about $4, compared to just over a buck for regular bread. Who would choose to spend that extra cash if it weren't medically necessary? (In fact, if you have proof of diagnosis, you can sometimes get a tax deduction because of the cost of GF food.)

My point here is that if I had a choice, I wouldn't be GF. I would eat the cheaper options; I would partake in the potlucks at work; I would enjoy the snacks my students bake for me during the holidays.

All this is to say that when you're looking into a way to make your daily meals healthier, cutting out gluten (or any single food group) isn't the way to do it. Add more vegetables to your diet. Eat more lean protein. Learn what a serving size really is and abide by it. Avoid overdosing on saturated fats and high-sodium foods.

And if you've noticed a correlation between your mood, bodily functions, and energy levels and gluten-rich meals, see a GI. An actual diagnosis is the right place to start.

Visit Celiac.com for lots of excellent information on Celiac, GF recipes, foods that contain gluten, recent research, and more.

What myths or misconceptions have heard about gluten free diets?
Do you have Celiac or another diagnosed reason to avoid gluten? Share your story!
Do you have any questions?

ABK