Success...in baby steps.

So.....we are making some progress here.

I have *cleared* it with the family, as far as going gluten free is concerned. Can't say all members are on board(ahem, Hubby) but so far only one wants to move  out and get his own gluten abundant apartment. :) I did explain very clearly to the kids what the reasons were behind my decision, and since we talk a lot about farming/GMO/organic etc they *get* what this is about. Plus they know as *athletes* we need to fuel our bodies with the best foods possible in order to have the energy we need to do the things we love. They have seen the results of this, it is something they have experienced and so for them, this isn't a big deal. When we went to the grocery/HF store earlier this week, I pointed out all the new and improved GF/DF things available now. I told them I prefer to make some of the things as they are VERY expensive, but it IS possible to replace many of the things they love. I was able to find the So Delicious brand of yogurt for Jeffrey, and though it is insanely priced, I got it for him as he really enjoys yogurt and it is a staple in his diet. We also go some of the So Delicious ice cream treats which they LOVE! Unfortunately, I will need to readjust my grocery budget, and possibly join the food coop, but honestly the improvements in Jeffrey ALONE make this worth it.

At this point, for the kids, I am more concerned with the GF aspect of their diets than I am with them being vegan/raw/etc. *I* am predominantly vegan, however I believe that is a personal choice beyond vegetarianism. They don't have a choice about the vegetarian piece at this point, but I would not make them be vegan or raw unless they feel that is something they want to pursue. We don't drink milk as a beverage but they do eat yogurt and cheese, however we will be switching to all goat cheese asap for Jeffrey, as he did very well on that before.

In the few days that we have cut his gluten/dairy down to about a quarter of what it was I have noticed a HUGE difference already. Its amazing. He is eating less, but eating better. He even drank a 16oz green smoothie last night! THAT is huge. I am so thrilled and hope this is a new trend. Max has always liked to *share* my smoothie with me, and Lilly will occasionally drink one but they both eat a good amount of raw fruits and veggies anyways.

I wish I could say things are going as well with me...my gut continues to be an issue, though I am willing to wait it out and see if it is related to my increase in LDN. Its possible. I am taking peppermint oil just in case, but I switched it to at night so I am taking it on an empty stomach to see if that helps more. Some days I can eat fine, others...not so much. Ugh. So far it has not affected my training, but I know it will catch up eventually so I need to get this straightened out. Green smoothies are always ok, so...I have those at least, lol.

I am continuing on with my streak...there have been some days where I was thisclose to not running but forced myself to and was glad I did. I always feel better after I run, but some days when my gut is being a b&tch and I feel cruddy its hard. So far though...I have managed to get it done. :) Today will be a challenge though as it is the first real snowstorm we have had this winter and it is coming down like nobody's business...it will be slow going but should be fun nonetheless. That's what Yaktrax are for! :)

As soon as I get my stomach situated, aka as soon as my body adjusts to the new dose of LDN, I am hoping to up my training a little more. I really REALLY want to get to a higher base mileage. I am pretty comfortable running 8m a day, and if I could inch that up to 10 several times a week...then come March when I start back to long runs I will be able to do longer long runs :) My confidence on the trails is improving with my more frequent runs on them, though I am not sure I am any faster, at least I am not as nervous. I run on fairly technical trails purposely bc that is what I suck at so...hoping for the best with that. I am fully confident I will be in perfect shape to pace all my peeps I am signed on to pace this year, and possibly have a better finishing rate this year at my own races. Being able to run more miles in training will certianly help. I am not fast, and have no real desire to become fast/competitive but would like to simply be a more solid mid-packer :)

OK, I have more to say but it will be a separate post as I tend to be rather long winded...(I know, right? SO hard to believe!)

If anyone is interested, the smoothie Jeffrey liked was:
1 frozen banana
1/2c cherries
1/2c pineapple
1c mangos
1c swiss chard/spinach/greens
2t raw agave
Blend until smooooooth :)