Changes and New Directions

It has been over a year since I posted a new blog. Most of the reason was due to declining health and the challenges that goes along with that. For those new to the blog, refer to the first 3 posts for more info on my journey living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS. A more in depth blog on current research and treatments will follow shortly.

CFS is a very delicate balancing act. Running yourself down, eating foods sensitive to your body and coming into contact with various environmental toxins can wreak havoc on an already overtaxed system, causing a 'relapse' of CFS symptoms. As a result of being careless, I experienced a relapse last year bringing with it some new disturbing symptoms. After extensive testing, I went from having a UTI, to hydronephrosis of the kidneys to kidney stones and ovarian cysts, peripheral neuropathy and eventually chronic cystitis where the Urologist washed his hands of me and said I was the 3rd patient he's seen that week with these symptoms and basically just deal with it and here's some pills. I was in constant SEVERE kidney and bladder pain made worse by almost every food except bland lean meats and vegetables. I lost 12 pounds in two months becoming frail and underweight. My legs, feet, arms and hands tingled and burned so bad from the neuropathy, it was difficult to sleep. I'd go into bouts of uncontrollable shaking from the anxiety of it all. My husband thought he might lose me. It was a nightmare.

Fortunately after a few months, I recovered mostly and tried to move on with my life. But after 9 years of successfully managing this illness, it felt like I had entered a new stage of downward health. The Candida overgrowth that I had experienced and overcome when I first discovered Acupuncture, was back with a vengeance. More foods are becoming intolerable to my digestive system and must be eliminated. The neuropathy is a constant nuisance with some days better than others.

I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. The time for change is now. I have a renewed drive and ferocity to overcome illness 'labels' and finally heal. This blog was originally started to chronicle my running and pet sitting experiences. I will continue to do so with more of a focus on my journey of returning to health through super foods and supplements. Providing recipes and my experiences cooking/preparing/trying new meals, food, herbs and spices with pics of course! Looking at current research on the healing components of supplementation and certain foods in aiding body healing as well as which ones I'm using and any significant effects they have on me. I hope to chronicle not just the successes, but the failures, and boy have there been a few foibles in just the 4 short weeks into this journey!

I used to keep quiet about CFS since there has always been a stigma around it.

'But you look perfectly fine!'

As I open up to more and more people, they share their struggles with similar autoimmune illnesses such as Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Adrenal Fatigue, IBS, Lyme Disease, Shingles, Thyroid Disorder, etc. In fact, millions of people around the world suffer from these 'mystery illnesses' but so far there is no cure, only management.

My hope is that through my own trial and error, this blog will not only motivate others to develop a better relationship with healing foods, but take back their well-being and vitality. Consider joining me along the way, ask questions and share your experiences as we work towards a common goal: optimal health.

Winter Running and Pet Sitting Changes

Welcome back winter runners! How are we doing? Quite chilly out there, eh? I have to admit, the last few days I've been enjoying the warmth of running inside on the treadmill and catching up on old DVDs like Charlie's Angels Full Throttle. I didn't realize what a spectacularly silly movie that was until watching it 10 years later. Ah well, tastes change.

I did manage to get an 8 mile run in earlier this week and it felt really good! Here I am complying with my shirt mantra Run, Rest Repeat.

CFS is back in remission for the moment which is great because life is about to change professionally for me. I've been toying with an idea the last few years but have not quite been in a position to execute it. As some of you know, I've run a Pet Sitting company for 10 years. It is the best job in the world and I am blessed to work with some of the kindest pet owners out there. Pet sitting can also be very time consuming as there never really is an 'off' day or even half day and the hours are long. 

Last year I shortened my hours to have part of the evening off to spend with my husband (since he basically has a 9-5 job) and be able to do normal activities like dinner with friends without stressing over finding a back-up to cover any late visits. However, the new client calls continued to come in and if you know me, you understand that I feel really bad for letting anyone down, including strangers and found it hard to say 'no' to new dog clients that needed later evening or very early morning visits. You might wonder, 'why doesn't she hire someone to take over these visits?' Trust me, I have looked, but there is more to pet sitting than loving animals. More on that later.

I thought long and hard about looking elsewhere for a steady job but truly feel there isn't anything out there as rewarding as pet sitting is for me. Plus the freedom it affords cannot be matched. Therefore, I've decided to change my business to Heather's Cat Sitting, Inc. and accommodate mostly cats starting this year. I love my dog clients and of course will continue to care for their fabulous canine companions, but most new clients will be cat owners. The shorter hours will provide me with the downtime needed to avoid burnout and spend quality time with my family. 

The business was also growing with the help of a few new back-up pet sitters, however the main one I hired just a few months ago has decided to move out of the area and can no longer cover my vacation days. I am actively searching for a new part time back-up pet sitter who lives in the area, has pet sitting/working with animals experience and has the availability to work on an as-needed basis (morning, midday and early evenings) with the intent of turning pet sitting into a career. If you are interested or know someone that might be, please email resumes and background details to heatherscatsitting@gmail.com

I'm looking forward to the new possibilities this year will bring and pray you all can say the same!

Keep on running, even when the wind is against you and the dreary days seem to last forever. Hope is just up ahead. Run and grasp it.

Setbacks and life

My blogging goal was to post every week and apparently I'm the worst blogger ever since I can barely manage once every 3 months! To be fair, the holiday seasons of November and December are the busiest pet sitting times of the year so I had my hands full (literally) with walking dogs and petting kitties. Here's some highlights:

In my last post, I spoke of minor setbacks. During the end of last year up until the present, I hit the wall of setbacks (sorry, running pun!). My fab running partner, Bria, was graciously accompanying me on the longer marathon training runs. We made it to 15 but I felt horrible after that run. I choked it up to too much training too fast. Previous weeks were 10, 12, 13, 13, then 15 miles. Something felt wrong physically though. Long story short, I was having a CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) flair up. My previous posts explain how I live with CFS which sucks but flair ups are worse. Every muscle in my body aches, like I have the flu, and I have sparing energy to make it through the day. Running takes most of that energy, leaving little else for work/normal daily life. So I took a break over the holiday season and made the decision to downgrade to the Clearwater half-marathon instead of the marathon. 

The last long run before the holidays with Bria. 8 miles over the Clearwater bridge. 

And my new compression tights. Very comfy.

Then January came. Over the holidays since I wasn't running, I made the excellent decision to eat horribly (only fitting right?). I have several food allergies that I stupidly chose to ignore which in turn caused health complications that lasted the first 3 weeks of January. Fun! So I spent almost all of January laying on the couch recovering. 

Yesterday was my first run outside in over a month. 4 miles completed with some difficulty. It's crazy how much endurance my body lost but I'm choosing to be positive and take the challenge of working my way up to double digit running again. See, I'm smiling after the run!

As with anything, setbacks are temporary. I've learned to embrace them. After all, I did have the opportunity to catch up on all the Netflix shows/movies on my list. 

But now I'm ready to get out there again and improve my fitness! Next up, The Claw 10 mile trail run at Alafia River State Park in May! The very same race, my loving hubby proposed to me after in 2013. It's our favorite race and they also have a 5 mile run so put your running shoes on, get some miles under your belt and join us out there this year! 

Fall training at its best

Ahh October. My favorite month of the year. Cooler weather, guilt-free candy eating, pumpkin spiced everything and the start-up of another race season. What's not to love?

But first, let's recap all the goings on since the August post.

1. During the year, I started developing some issues with blisters, seemingly from my running shoes. With the help and patience of the wonderful owners and staff at the new St. Pete Running Company store, I was able to test out several new shoes to find the right fit. Ultimately, I went with these:

The Saucony Kinvara 5

Very roomy toe box to minimize blisters, super light weight and comfy. I went up a size and 1/2 instead of just one for extra room which seems to be working for the most part. As the marathon approaches, I'll rethink a higher mileage shoe but for now, these work well for training.

2. Half-Marathon and Marathon training officially started last month! Woohoo! This becomes a whole new ball-park of running. No longer are the days of 'I think I'll run 4 miles today because I have the time and the weather is perfect.' These distances take a well-thought-out plan, discipline and sacrifice (eeek!). When everyone else is out on a Friday/Saturday night, I'm the one running in the dark, eyeing you, secretly wanting your glass of wine...  Each weekend from now until mid-January will be a pre-determined long run to build mileage. That could be anywhere from 8 to 22. It sounds scary and even though this is my third marathon training plan, it is scary!!

3. Unfortunately life has a way of derailing plans. Bria (my running partner in crime) and I had  successfully built up to 10 miles......when I get hit with the flu. I don't get sick often, maybe once a year, but when it happens, I'm down for the count. Week 1: dying in bed, only getting up every couple hours to work (that's right, no sick days for pet sitters). Week 2: hacking up a lung and snot....everywhere. Luckily, I have a husband who's not grossed out by anything! Week 3: weak as a kitten but otherwise getting back to normal. Soooo 3 weeks of no running then jump back into 12 miles. Hard, but thank the Lord for His strength because I did it! It's all uphill from here...literally.

4. And of course balancing work with play is a must!
                              M and I did a couples painting which now hangs in our living room.

I loved the experience at Painting With a Twist so much (fun fact, the owners are a pet sitting client) I went back to paint the Eiffel Tower.

I completed the task of putting the wedding and honeymoon pictures into albums. Such a great feeling to check that off the list. I'm ready to celebrate our 1 year anniversary in December! Where did the year go??

I also went to Busch Garden's Howl O Scream twice this year! 

 And just this past Sunday, Me, hubby and Bria ran the Florida Road Races Halloween Halfathon.

It was the perfect race weather, plus everyone dresses up in costume so of course I was a cat and Bria Wonder Woman! The event was fun, well-organized and we now have a sparkly new medal.

That's it for October. Have a super fun Halloween and get those miles in!
Until next time, Happy Running!

August ~ Heat Smarts

Hi sun. This is Heather. Remember me?  Listen, I know it's August and you're just doing your job but could you back off a bit? Thanks.

This may or may not be a conversation playing in my head while walking dogs or running in the hours between 8am-8pm. I'm super ready for Fall or what we call in Florida; slightly less hot Summer. At this time of year, the best way to not die whilst getting in a daily run is to continue to do it! Some years, I said screw it and took to the treadmill in my lovely air conditioned work-out room. Bad idea. The minute you return to running outside, it feels like you're drowning in humidity water and the sun is beating you into the pavement like a jackhammer. The sad truth is, the more you run in the heat, the better acclimated you become to it.

A few weeks ago, I had a lighter work load and decided to create a running challenge for myself.
6 days~6 miles each day. This was such an exciting prospect, especially to accomplish in the summer, that I decided to start Sunday night instead of Monday. 6 miles done in the evening, no problem. This was going to be easy peasy.

Dialogue in my head:

Monday  -  Oh God, it's hot. At least there are water fountains every 2 miles, thank you! What mile am I on? 3? Ugh. Should have brought the running belt with extra water. Now what mile, 5? Man, I'm thristy. Dowsing my head with cold water didn't help either. Definitely bringing the belt tomorrow. 

Tuesday  - Yay Bria is running with me in this madness! Cloud cover...score! Running belt, why are you so tight? Love the water, not liking the belt. Note to self: bring only hand-held water bottle tomorrow. Yay Bria! Retreat to Hea/Bria's world conversation.

Wednesday - Sun, why do you forsake me? Who's idea was it anyway to run 6 miles during the day for 6 days?? Sounded a lot better at the beginning of the week. What mile am I on? Fourve? Uhhhh ....blank....

Thursday - Just do it. The faster you run, the quicker you get home. ....blaaaaaank..... cute dog

Friday - Woohoo, day 6 and cloud cover! I love this challenge! Why not go through Saturday? 7 days - 6 miles. Let's do this! 

Saturday - bbboooghurrrsss......hot.......why?......torture.......mmmm, pizza..........blank......

And done! For some reason this is fun for me, even through the highs and lows. Maybe because it feels amazing to have a goal and accomplish it. Or maybe I'm masochistic. All runners are to some degree, right?
Now get back out there! The heat isn't going anywhere. Be safe. Run smart.

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Next blog: I switch running shoes!
Here's a preview

 Happy Running!!!

Chapter 1.2 Back Story Part 3

A year and 1/2 into this illness, I had given up on doctors or getting better in the near future. However, I stayed true in my Faith and kept a positive outlook of hope. A few months later I was chatting with a client about the illness and she spoke highly of a doctor in Tampa who worked wonders with Acupuncture. I had considered alternative medicine in the past and decided to give the doctor a chance, knowing this would be the last doctor I saw, as my resources were bled dry. I prayed for healing and continued to pray throughout the weekly treatments.

Six weeks later, I am the person you see today. Running (pun intended) at 90% capacity on most days. It's no cure by any means, but it is closer to normal than I ever thought possible for someone living with CFS. I try to explain it in terms of a battery holding a charge. My body is a battery that lasts about three weeks. Acupuncture is the charger. I feel pretty good as long as I get 'fully charged' every month. I still have to be careful as to how much energy I expend in a day. Frequent rest breaks are a must. Luckily, my job allows me to do so. I thank the Lord every day for the life he restored in me.

The best part about semi-normalcy is being a runner again! It even has a bonus effect on my health. The more I run, the better I feel. Maybe it's the harmful toxins sweat out or the strengthening of bones and muscles or the lubrication of joints that provide relief somewhere inside. All I know and am satisfied with is in caveman terms Run = Good.

Over the last few years, I've learned a lot about running gadgets, technique, nutrition, stretching, recovery etc. I'd love to share a little bit of what's worked for me in the coming posts in the hopes of encouraging you to give this wonderful exercise a try. Or if you're already a runner, maybe it will encourage you along the way and inspire you to run farther and faster than you ever imagined. Join me on my journey through the training, races, defeats and victories in this magical world of running.

                Me and Bria training for what would be known as the infamous X-Country Marathon in              2013!

Chapter 1.1 Back Story Part 2

In 2005, I was finishing my Master's Degree while simultaneously starting a pet sitting business.  

A whirlwind of change occurred after that. The economy was booming and my company took off. I took every client who called within a 20 mile radius. My work days started at 6:30am and ended around 10:30pm, driving around 100 miles daily. Something that started out as a way to make a little extra cash had turned into a career. On top of working, I was in my early 20's enjoying an active social life. Involved at church, playing on a co-ed softball team, running several times per week and dating. I was planning new goals for running. Training for my first ever half-marathon. Life was good.

I loved pet sitting, however, caring for pets is a 7 day a week, 365 days a year commitment. No days off, no calling in sick. If I was ill, tough, I worked through it. The hours I was putting in with work and play left no downtime to recover. A year later I became sick with the flu, continued working 10-12 hour days, then my body shut down. I don't blame it. I was young, not invincible.

Now normally, you get sick, go to the doctor, take meds and feel better in 3-7 days. This is what I did. But I didn't get better. After one month of feeling like I had the flu, the doctor ran tests and concluded I had Mononucleosis. Where in the world did I get that? I went from having a flu virus to Mono? After 6 months, I started seeing countless doctors for answers. My symptoms were flu-like; weak, so tired I could barely get out of bed, horrible muscle aches made worse by movement, foggy headed, constant sore throats, etc. No one could explain what was wrong. I looked perfectly healthy on the outside, but felt like I was dying on the inside. I started doing my own research and came across a condition called CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It fit everything I was going through. It was similar to an auto immune disease that can be triggered by multiple causes, one of which, a viral infection. One year after the viral onset, my primary doctor diagnosed me with CFS. Victory! I had an answer! Now what?

Nothing. Most doctors had never even heard of CFS. There was no cure or treatment. Only management of the disease. I saw specialists, was given pain and antidepressant meds (just in case it was all in my head), off label drugs for Fibromyalgia, etc... Too many to list. I tried a few but never for long. I'm a firm believer that certain prescription drugs mask pain and cause serious side effects. Not to say they aren't right for everyone, they just didn't improve my condition. In fact, the side effects worsened it.

Over a year had passed and I wasn't feeling any better. I was forced to cut back significantly with work, lying in bed in agony between pet sit visits. Barely working part-time. Running was out of the question. I tried very hard to run, even if it was a mile or two, as the doctors all said it would improve my condition. It didn't. I was confined in bed, exhausted for 3 days after a short run. I gave up socializing and any extra activities. Everything was draining and painful. I joined online chat forums with people experiencing the same thing I was going through, searching for answers and options I hadn't explored yet. These people lived with CFS for 5, 10, 20+ years with no end or cure in sight.

I tried staying positive but almost everything I cared about had been taken away. A rewarding career and business were hanging on by a thread. An active social life and friendships were diminishing. Most of all, I could no longer run. The biggest passion of my life was cut off abruptly. There were so many questions and not enough answers. Would I ever be healthy again? Have a normal life? Run again? It was bleak.

~Continued in Chapter 1.3