Raw stats were 5 wins and 7 losses with a 2.52 GPA and an odometer reading of 390. Can't say that I am pleased with those numbers but I believe it's the best I've done since Q1-2013.
-Won my first 2 and my last 2 but lost 7 of 8 in between but if not for the hip injury, I'd have decent stats so far.
-Raced only once (Super Hero 5K) while technically still in rehab mode. Finished in a slow time of 21:09 but it was good enough for 3rd in my age group and got to take home some hardware.
-5 major adjustments but I am left with the same formula that I was taking 3 months ago. All adjustments can be explained by the medical report.
For any new readers, I was so bad at the end of 2013 due to multiple chemical sensitivity that I nearly gave up hope. Fortunately, the Hulda Clark liver detox has been a miracle cure for that issue and I opened with 2 solid victories.
Adjustment #1- Adding back the Cal at the end of Week 2. A common issue with the "hill pattern" on a medical report is decreased Calcium so it makes perfect sense. My Cal had dropped from 30 to 23 on the medical report (ideal is 40). It seemed to be working but early in Week 4, hip pain, which had been bothering me since December finally put me on the sidelines for the better part of 3 weeks.
Adjustment #2- Switching from Thym-Adren (adrenal suppressant) to Endodren (adrenal stimulator). I wasn't running at the time but my energy was shot so badly that I didn't even need to run to know that an adjustment was needed. This was a bad call. Although it provided the symptom relief, it took my chemistry in the wrong direction. The medical report revealed that the copper toxicity over-rode the fast oxidation symptoms. Fortunately, I crashed after 12 days on it.
Adjustment #3- Switched from the Endodren to ADHS (modulator). This is what I should have done for #2. The ADHS is not as strong but will move your chemistry in the right direction regardless of which side of the spectrum you lie. It was a very good sign that I could tolerate that stuff now because I could not do so before the detox.
Adjustment #4- Back to the Thym-Adren. The medical report arrived and I knew that the copper toxicity was the problem. Took some selenium and C briefly but those were just tweaks. This is key to get me back to balance.
Adjustment #5- Cut out the Cal again. Back on the same formula as I was right after the detox. Apparently, my Cal has risen to an acceptable level. This should be a winner and if I am able to stay with it, I could be within the "normal range" by early May.
EDIT: The Cal was NOT the problem after all. It's too much Thym-Adren. Will I have to detox again? Will I be flooded with copper? Will I have to switch to the modulator or can I clear the copper with C or selenium?
Second quarter preview:
I'm sticking to the same basic training formula:
-1 time trial or tempo
-1 short interval workout
-1 long run in the range of 12-15 miles
-3 easy runs at "comfortable pace"
Race plans:
-5K in Decatur next weekend.
-Hueytown 5K (local) on 5/10.
Neither of those are definite and I have yet to sign up for either. I will pull out in the event of bad weather or feeling like crap.
-Blue Ridge half in Roanoke, Virginia (4/26)
-Blue Nose half in Halifax, Nova Scotia (5/18)
Both are confirmed but low-key. Neither are PR courses and the race is just one of many things I will be doing on the trip. I won't be too upset if I can't run these. I just want to go.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Training 3/31-4/6 (race week)
3/31- I normally take off Monday in a race week but this time I really need to test how I feel without the Cal. The plan is just an easy 3 and we'll see when I wake up in the morning.
PM- 3 mile double out and back on Jemison trail in a time of 24:07 (8:02 pace). Very poor performance. I recognized even before the run that the Cal was not the problem after all. I was VERY overstimulated without it and was quite unproductive at work. I took some extra Thym-Adren and was only slightly better.. Did the first 1.5 mile leg in 12:14 then took the Cal and managed an 11:53 on the back leg. That's barely enough improvement to be statistically significant. So if it's not the Calcium, what is the problem? It's got to be too much Thym-Adren. That raises a lot of questions and concerns. I'm sure that my imbalances are still in the moderate range so if the dosage goes below 3, I'll have to detox again. Will I get flooded with copper again? Well, I know what to do if that does happen but it could be rough.
Grade:D+/1 credit/distance=3.0
4/1- COMPLETE COLLAPSE! Opened with 4 Thym-Adren and hit Gold's for a Mile at standard effort. I started off near 8:00 pace then ran each lap slower than the previous one and finished in 9:30. Popped a 5th pill and was even worse! Then, I took the normal Cal/Mag and stiffened up even more. That leaves only one option left. DETOX IS TOMORROW! My last round was on 2/7 so figure I made it 7-8 weeks versus only 3 weeks after the first one. Not too surprised this happened. This does suck but at least it didn't happen on my Nova Scotia or Virginia trip. There are still 2 big questions to be answered. Will my system be flooded with toxic copper again? If that answer is yes, I know not to touch the stimulator. Can I take selenium and C with Thym-Adren or will I need the modulator?
Grade:F/1 credit/distance=1.5
4/2- Detox day. No running. I have ordered a product called GB-3, which I had looked into before. It aids liver function and may prevent a copper overload. Worth a try. Race day is only 3 days away and I am questionable at best.
4/3- AM Detox was about as painless as I could expect but I haven't gotten out many stones. Yes, there are some but not nearly as many as last time. Not sure what to make of that but at the end of the day, all that matters is being able to take Thym-Adren plus Cal/Mag. That's what I need to get into balance. We shall see what happens this afternoon. Workout will be an easy run at Gold's with a toilet available every lap. In other news, I have booked the Nova Scotia hotels. Just like Dumb and Dumber, I'm really doing it now!
PM- I did have to go 2 more time in the afternoon and passed more stones but it still wasn't as much as last time. I'm not sure if the detox was necessary or helpful this time around. The Thym-Adren is NOT the problem after all. It is the copper toxicity for sure. I have 2 offsetting imbalances and when the copper toxicity takes over, it is the fatigue that will dominate. The Thym-Adren is too strong so I've got to go with the modulator at least for the next week or so. It's possible that the GB-3 will help and it's possible that the selenium will help as well so I hope to be back to the Thym-Adren after next week. Yes, I did train today. 3 miles at Gold's in an overall time of 23:12 (7:44 pace). Took off at 8:00 pace and held it through the first mile. Then, I took some selenium and improved to 7:38-7:34 over the last 2 miles. That is a statistically significant improvement. The selenium STAYS in the formula.
Grade:C+/1 credit/distance=3.5
4/4- 5 mile tempo in 34:54 (6:59 pace). Hard fought last mile in 6:42 to break 35. 1st half: 17:37, 2nd half: 17:17. This is still about 2 minutes slower than my average at my peak but I get a decent grade because of the improvement over the past 2 days. Today I went with the ADHS+ selenium. I want to try the GB-3 as well as the molydenum. The latter will also have to be ordered online.
Grade:B/2 credits/distance=5.0
4/5- Today my system rejected the selenium. That's two times this has happened. I do better on selenium for a few days then my system rejects it. No idea why. That is not good news. This means that the GB-3 or molybdenum MUST work or I may never clear the excess copper. Attempted to run long today and ran a steady 7:50 pace for about 4 miles then faded in Mile 5 then crashed in Mile 6. I stopped the watch at 5 miles in 39:23 (7:53 pace) then walk/jogged another mile and caught a ride back to the Shak from Jennifer. I will try to go long again tomorrow.
Grade:C-/1 credit/distance=6.0
PM- Took half a selenium and felt considerably worse. This confirms that it won't work. Zinc didn't work either and recently, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) didn't work either. I don't have much confidence in the GB-3 because it seems to do the same things as the liver flush. I have just 3 options left after the GB-3. 1) A different form of Vitamin C, 2) Molybdenum, 3) Manganese. All 3 will increase tissue sodium BUT getting rid of the copper will lower it so I figure it's a zero sum effect. If none of those work, I SHOULD be able to take the modulator long-term. If that's the case, I will remain mild-moderately unbalanced. I will not PR again but should maintain decent ability.
4/6- AM Manganese has failed. I don't even need to run to know it. Only 2 options remain. GB-3 should arrive early next week. Molybdenum will take longer. The latter seems to be my best chance because it is specifically used to bind excess copper. I may attempt a run this evening but it will be junk miles.
PM- Junk mile in 9:46 at Gold's. Rubidium is another option if both the GB-3 and Molybdenum fail.
Grade:F/2 credit/distance=1.0
Weekly summary:
Worst non-injury week of the year. Everything I tried failed. 'Nuff said.
Distance=20.0/ GPA= 11.3/8= 1.41
YTD: 410 miles. Record: 5-8 with a 2.41 GPA
PM- 3 mile double out and back on Jemison trail in a time of 24:07 (8:02 pace). Very poor performance. I recognized even before the run that the Cal was not the problem after all. I was VERY overstimulated without it and was quite unproductive at work. I took some extra Thym-Adren and was only slightly better.. Did the first 1.5 mile leg in 12:14 then took the Cal and managed an 11:53 on the back leg. That's barely enough improvement to be statistically significant. So if it's not the Calcium, what is the problem? It's got to be too much Thym-Adren. That raises a lot of questions and concerns. I'm sure that my imbalances are still in the moderate range so if the dosage goes below 3, I'll have to detox again. Will I get flooded with copper again? Well, I know what to do if that does happen but it could be rough.
Grade:D+/1 credit/distance=3.0
4/1- COMPLETE COLLAPSE! Opened with 4 Thym-Adren and hit Gold's for a Mile at standard effort. I started off near 8:00 pace then ran each lap slower than the previous one and finished in 9:30. Popped a 5th pill and was even worse! Then, I took the normal Cal/Mag and stiffened up even more. That leaves only one option left. DETOX IS TOMORROW! My last round was on 2/7 so figure I made it 7-8 weeks versus only 3 weeks after the first one. Not too surprised this happened. This does suck but at least it didn't happen on my Nova Scotia or Virginia trip. There are still 2 big questions to be answered. Will my system be flooded with toxic copper again? If that answer is yes, I know not to touch the stimulator. Can I take selenium and C with Thym-Adren or will I need the modulator?
Grade:F/1 credit/distance=1.5
4/2- Detox day. No running. I have ordered a product called GB-3, which I had looked into before. It aids liver function and may prevent a copper overload. Worth a try. Race day is only 3 days away and I am questionable at best.
4/3- AM Detox was about as painless as I could expect but I haven't gotten out many stones. Yes, there are some but not nearly as many as last time. Not sure what to make of that but at the end of the day, all that matters is being able to take Thym-Adren plus Cal/Mag. That's what I need to get into balance. We shall see what happens this afternoon. Workout will be an easy run at Gold's with a toilet available every lap. In other news, I have booked the Nova Scotia hotels. Just like Dumb and Dumber, I'm really doing it now!
PM- I did have to go 2 more time in the afternoon and passed more stones but it still wasn't as much as last time. I'm not sure if the detox was necessary or helpful this time around. The Thym-Adren is NOT the problem after all. It is the copper toxicity for sure. I have 2 offsetting imbalances and when the copper toxicity takes over, it is the fatigue that will dominate. The Thym-Adren is too strong so I've got to go with the modulator at least for the next week or so. It's possible that the GB-3 will help and it's possible that the selenium will help as well so I hope to be back to the Thym-Adren after next week. Yes, I did train today. 3 miles at Gold's in an overall time of 23:12 (7:44 pace). Took off at 8:00 pace and held it through the first mile. Then, I took some selenium and improved to 7:38-7:34 over the last 2 miles. That is a statistically significant improvement. The selenium STAYS in the formula.
Grade:C+/1 credit/distance=3.5
4/4- 5 mile tempo in 34:54 (6:59 pace). Hard fought last mile in 6:42 to break 35. 1st half: 17:37, 2nd half: 17:17. This is still about 2 minutes slower than my average at my peak but I get a decent grade because of the improvement over the past 2 days. Today I went with the ADHS+ selenium. I want to try the GB-3 as well as the molydenum. The latter will also have to be ordered online.
Grade:B/2 credits/distance=5.0
4/5- Today my system rejected the selenium. That's two times this has happened. I do better on selenium for a few days then my system rejects it. No idea why. That is not good news. This means that the GB-3 or molybdenum MUST work or I may never clear the excess copper. Attempted to run long today and ran a steady 7:50 pace for about 4 miles then faded in Mile 5 then crashed in Mile 6. I stopped the watch at 5 miles in 39:23 (7:53 pace) then walk/jogged another mile and caught a ride back to the Shak from Jennifer. I will try to go long again tomorrow.
Grade:C-/1 credit/distance=6.0
PM- Took half a selenium and felt considerably worse. This confirms that it won't work. Zinc didn't work either and recently, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) didn't work either. I don't have much confidence in the GB-3 because it seems to do the same things as the liver flush. I have just 3 options left after the GB-3. 1) A different form of Vitamin C, 2) Molybdenum, 3) Manganese. All 3 will increase tissue sodium BUT getting rid of the copper will lower it so I figure it's a zero sum effect. If none of those work, I SHOULD be able to take the modulator long-term. If that's the case, I will remain mild-moderately unbalanced. I will not PR again but should maintain decent ability.
4/6- AM Manganese has failed. I don't even need to run to know it. Only 2 options remain. GB-3 should arrive early next week. Molybdenum will take longer. The latter seems to be my best chance because it is specifically used to bind excess copper. I may attempt a run this evening but it will be junk miles.
PM- Junk mile in 9:46 at Gold's. Rubidium is another option if both the GB-3 and Molybdenum fail.
Grade:F/2 credit/distance=1.0
Weekly summary:
Worst non-injury week of the year. Everything I tried failed. 'Nuff said.
Distance=20.0/ GPA= 11.3/8= 1.41
YTD: 410 miles. Record: 5-8 with a 2.41 GPA
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Message #74-Persistence
Mark 9:26-
The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out.
Genesis
32:26-But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless
me.”
Luke 18:7-8-
And will not God bring about justice for his
chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell
you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.
In the
weeks following my breakthrough after the liver cleanse, I suffered a hip
injury and saw my energy flip from over-stimulation to fatigue and back. Fortunately,
my latest medical report revealed the reason.
I had a hidden copper toxicity that was brought to the surface and such
symptoms were to be expected as my body cleared out the excess. I believe that I am back on track toward
balance now and expect to be back to form, if not better, within a couple months.
Throughout
our history and our personal struggles, we see that evil does not surrender its
grip without a tremendous fight. For
example, as depicted in the movie Lincoln, we saw considerable resistance to
the abolition of slavery even when Union victory was inevitable. Drug addicts often relapse several times
before finally becoming clean. My friend
Adam told me a story that he saw a drug user who convulsed violently and
involuntarily for several seconds while receiving prayer. My first thought was that sounds a lot like
demon possession. Satan knows that he is over-matched by the power of God and
that he is doomed to be cast into the lake of fire so why doesn’t he just
quit? Last weekend, I attended a worship
event hosted by Dan Mohler, who shared a revelation on the subject. Our enemy wants us to be as hopeless as him.
As for me,
I have been put in 3 “hopeless situations” as follows:
-not
knowing what was wrong with me
-knowledge
of my condition but not how to treat it and being told that it was all emotional.
-knowing what
was wrong and exactly how to treat it but my system rejected every pill that I
tried.
Situation #3 looks
pretty hopeless and it was where I was for much of 2013. My friend Tyler told me that my calling is so
high that the enemy will stop at nothing to prevent it from coming to
fruition. Remember that if you are under
similar attack. Mohler also shared another
nugget of wisdom. Since the enemy is the
father of lies, if he tells you that you will never make it, it means that you
certainly will. If we can match Satan’s
level of persistence, I believe that we will see a lot more of our dreams
realized. As I wrote in my first message
back in 2007, God seems slow answer prayers but it is because his time frame is
on another level. He is never late but
rarely early and you will see that the time of preparation was not in vain.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Training 3/24-3/30
3/24- I MADE IT! 5K time trial in 19:54 (6:23 pace). Fastest time since 2012. Splits were 6:18-6:27-6:28-41. Little too fast early but maintained about a 5-7 second cushion most of the way. The sub-20 was still in doubt up until about 300 to go and I left nothing to chance with a strong finish. Cut off another 11 ticks from last week and am now within 41 of a PR. This was just a stepping stone. Improvements will not come so easily from here on out. As recently as March of last year, I was capable of a sub-40 10K and am determined to get back there.
Grade:A-/2 credits/distance=4.0
3/25- Health screening at work today turned out well as usual. BP was 122/82. Weight: 160, Cholesterol: 151. I am paper healthy and look fine on the outside. Inside is another matter. The workout was a standard issue run. Easy 6 at Gold's in 45-flat (7:30 pace). Slowed just a tad in Mile 6 only because I did not want to be under 7:30 overall. Strong.
Grade:A-/1 credit/distance=6.0
3/26- OUTSTANDING! Trak Shak 7.5 in a comfortable 54:24 (7:17 pace). Felt so much easier than last week's 7:24 pace. Paces were a bit more variable this time depending on the terrain but all but Mile 1 was faster than last time. Fell just 2 ticks short of seeing every mile below 7:30. I hope this one does not come back to bite me. I want a quality speed session and it will have to be done either tomorrow morning in the cold or inside on Friday because it will be stormy.
Grade:A/1 credit/distance=8.0
3/27- AM. Chose to sleep in. I'll bet Mountain Brook's track will be open this afternoon because it's Spring Break. It's there or Friday morning at the gym. I won't drive around for an hour.
PM- Salazar 300s at Vestavia. 10 reps in sets of 5 with an average of 56.8 then closed with a 32 second 200. Even 5:00 pace overall. #1 and #6 were 56 and the rest were 57 so that's some remarkable consistency. Temp was in the upper 60s but I had to battle a 15 mph wind right in my face in the homestretch. That probably cost me about a second per rep. Overall, this was solid but not stellar. I did improve 1.2 ticks per rep from a 58.0 to 56.8 since last Salazar workout.
An older couple asked me if I was a college athlete and could not believe it when I told them that I was 33 years old. My speed is not what it was when I was 28 but these workout help rebuild it.
Grade:B+/2 credits/distance=3.0
3/28- Planned rest day. Foot is sore again. Could be the too flexible shoes (Lunar Racer) but most of it is likely due to insufficient magnesium. My need for Mag has increased in recent weeks for sure. I know that's related to copper toxicity but increased intensity of training plays a role as well.
3/29- Windy with drizzle outside with temps in the 50s so I decided to postpone the LR until tomorrow, which will be sunny and 60. Good call. I would have struggled in a long run but was okay for a standard issue workout. Gold's 6 in 44:48 (7:28 pace). Very similar to Tuesday's workout. Slight fade in the 2nd half (22:16/22:32) and a bit of a tender Achilles. May need to cut the Cal altogether. Need only a "D" tomorrow to win this week.
PM- Decidedly worse after taking the Cal. Hopefully it will be out of my system by tomorrow because I took it at noon rather than the evening. I've got to do something about this. I don't think I can handle being off it completely. I may take it only as needed or take half every day. Man, I hate cutting pills in half. I'd prefer to hold off the next detox until the middle of May or at least my next medical report. Again, as long as I take the Magnesium and Thym-Adren, my chemistry will definitely move in the right direction.
Grade:B+/1 credit/distance=6.0
3/30- The Cal hasn't fully cleared and I was feeling it today. Still, I improved my long run over last week. Trak Shak 13 in 1:41:36 (7:49 pace). That's better than the 10@7:57 that I managed last week but that's still just so-so. In a race setting, I would not have been much below 1:40 for a half. I did fade a bit in the second half (50ish-51:30ish) but 11 of 13 miles were sub-8 so there was no collapse.
Grade:B-/2 credits/distance=13.0
Weekly summary:
Another nice win. 2 in row now. I have not won 3 straight since Weeks 9-11 of last year. Again, the long run was the poorest showing of the week but I'm not racing a goal half until Fall anyway so I'd rather perform best in speed and tempo workouts at this stage. I'm going to try to get by without the Cal. That's the fifth major adjustment of the year. Still far too unstable but again, I can deal with the occasional "C" workout, not the "D" and "F" workouts. I'm planning on racing a 5K next week so there will be no tempo and the mileage will be low.
Distance=40.0/ GPA= 30.4/9= 3.38
YTD: 390 miles. Record: 5-7 with a 2.52 GPA
Grade:A-/2 credits/distance=4.0
3/25- Health screening at work today turned out well as usual. BP was 122/82. Weight: 160, Cholesterol: 151. I am paper healthy and look fine on the outside. Inside is another matter. The workout was a standard issue run. Easy 6 at Gold's in 45-flat (7:30 pace). Slowed just a tad in Mile 6 only because I did not want to be under 7:30 overall. Strong.
Grade:A-/1 credit/distance=6.0
3/26- OUTSTANDING! Trak Shak 7.5 in a comfortable 54:24 (7:17 pace). Felt so much easier than last week's 7:24 pace. Paces were a bit more variable this time depending on the terrain but all but Mile 1 was faster than last time. Fell just 2 ticks short of seeing every mile below 7:30. I hope this one does not come back to bite me. I want a quality speed session and it will have to be done either tomorrow morning in the cold or inside on Friday because it will be stormy.
Grade:A/1 credit/distance=8.0
3/27- AM. Chose to sleep in. I'll bet Mountain Brook's track will be open this afternoon because it's Spring Break. It's there or Friday morning at the gym. I won't drive around for an hour.
PM- Salazar 300s at Vestavia. 10 reps in sets of 5 with an average of 56.8 then closed with a 32 second 200. Even 5:00 pace overall. #1 and #6 were 56 and the rest were 57 so that's some remarkable consistency. Temp was in the upper 60s but I had to battle a 15 mph wind right in my face in the homestretch. That probably cost me about a second per rep. Overall, this was solid but not stellar. I did improve 1.2 ticks per rep from a 58.0 to 56.8 since last Salazar workout.
An older couple asked me if I was a college athlete and could not believe it when I told them that I was 33 years old. My speed is not what it was when I was 28 but these workout help rebuild it.
Grade:B+/2 credits/distance=3.0
3/28- Planned rest day. Foot is sore again. Could be the too flexible shoes (Lunar Racer) but most of it is likely due to insufficient magnesium. My need for Mag has increased in recent weeks for sure. I know that's related to copper toxicity but increased intensity of training plays a role as well.
3/29- Windy with drizzle outside with temps in the 50s so I decided to postpone the LR until tomorrow, which will be sunny and 60. Good call. I would have struggled in a long run but was okay for a standard issue workout. Gold's 6 in 44:48 (7:28 pace). Very similar to Tuesday's workout. Slight fade in the 2nd half (22:16/22:32) and a bit of a tender Achilles. May need to cut the Cal altogether. Need only a "D" tomorrow to win this week.
PM- Decidedly worse after taking the Cal. Hopefully it will be out of my system by tomorrow because I took it at noon rather than the evening. I've got to do something about this. I don't think I can handle being off it completely. I may take it only as needed or take half every day. Man, I hate cutting pills in half. I'd prefer to hold off the next detox until the middle of May or at least my next medical report. Again, as long as I take the Magnesium and Thym-Adren, my chemistry will definitely move in the right direction.
Grade:B+/1 credit/distance=6.0
3/30- The Cal hasn't fully cleared and I was feeling it today. Still, I improved my long run over last week. Trak Shak 13 in 1:41:36 (7:49 pace). That's better than the 10@7:57 that I managed last week but that's still just so-so. In a race setting, I would not have been much below 1:40 for a half. I did fade a bit in the second half (50ish-51:30ish) but 11 of 13 miles were sub-8 so there was no collapse.
Grade:B-/2 credits/distance=13.0
Weekly summary:
Another nice win. 2 in row now. I have not won 3 straight since Weeks 9-11 of last year. Again, the long run was the poorest showing of the week but I'm not racing a goal half until Fall anyway so I'd rather perform best in speed and tempo workouts at this stage. I'm going to try to get by without the Cal. That's the fifth major adjustment of the year. Still far too unstable but again, I can deal with the occasional "C" workout, not the "D" and "F" workouts. I'm planning on racing a 5K next week so there will be no tempo and the mileage will be low.
Distance=40.0/ GPA= 30.4/9= 3.38
YTD: 390 miles. Record: 5-7 with a 2.52 GPA
Monday, March 17, 2014
Training 3/17-3/23
3/17- Gold's 6 miler on a dreary day. Enjoyable run. Finished in 44:37 (7:26 pace). Nice even splits (22:15-22:22) and never really felt uncomfortable despite a bit of stiffness in the calf muscles. Good job. Let's avoid a mini-relapse this week.
Grade:A-/1 credit/distance=6.0
3/18- AM. 5K time trial in 20:05. Paced it almost perfectly (6:24-6:29-6:30-42) but it was just out of my reach. I remained on pace roughly through 1.75 and still had a shot up until about 600 to go but just could not muster a kick. I had a case of the spaghetti legs. Como es Juan? This is still my best time in 2 years and I'm coming back for more this evening.
PM- Reminiscent of the old Crazy J. Lakeshore-Brookwood 6 miler. Took off at 7:20 pace in the first mile and never slowed down. Finished the route in a time of 43:48 (7:18 pace) and felt fine in doing so. 1st half: 21:43, 2nd half: 21:55. The back half is slightly uphill and I was well ahead of pace so I'd say that's pretty even. I'm in good position for a win this week.
Grade:A-/3 credit/distance=9.5
3/19- 5th straight sub-7:30 workout. I had to work for this one however. Trak Shak 7.5 mile route in a time of 55:23 (7:24 pace). Despite sore legs, I managed to pace it well on a hilly route. The only mile slower than 7:30 was Mile 7 and those familiar with this route know why. Good job.
Grade:A-/1 credit/distance=7.5
3/20- Planned rest day. Well deserved. I hope I can handle a speed day tomorrow and a long run this weekend. Foot is a little tender today. Hopefully, it's no big deal. Getting closer to balance will be the best way to cure it. Prolo did help PF but not as much as getting in closer to balance. I bet my tissue Na and K skyrocketed when I was on the Endodren and only began going back down the last 3 weeks. If I had to guess, my Na is in the 70s now and the K is around 25. Yes, I do admit to pushing too hard the last 2 days.
3/21- AM 10x200 at Spain Park. Wanted to do 12 but had to get to work on time. First 9 were 34-35 then closed with a 32. On target but my body feels shot. I'm going to try upping my Mag again.
PM- 1.5 mile junk run on Wisteria untimed.
Grade:B/2 credits/distance=3.0
3/22- Lakeshore 10 in 79:32 (7:57 pace). Weak effort and faded badly in the 2nd half (38:32/41:00) but double digits with a sub-8 average is enough to clinch a win this week. I should have waited until tomorrow to go long. I am adding Mag and reducing Cal so we'll see. Foot remains tender but it's holding up.
Grade:C/2 credits/distance=10.0
3/23- EXCELLENT. Lakeshore 5 in 35-flat (7:00 pace) while feeling comfortable. I credit cutting the Cal and adding the Mag. It did make a big difference but I am encouraged that I was not horrible yesterday. Before the detox, being only slightly off would make a HUGE difference (I'm talking 9+ pace vs sub-7). Added a mile cool. I think I've finally gotten some good shoes to stave off plantar fasciitis. I'm going with the Adidas Energy Boosts. The Karhus are good but a bit too flexible. The Kinvara 2s were great. The Kinvara 4s SUCK. I don't need heel cushioning but do need some in the forefoot.
Grade:A/1 credit/distance=6.0
Weekly summary:
A convincing win. Last year, the slump started after Week 11 and I lost 29 of 39 to end the year. I did over-reach early in the week but the magnesium deficit was the primary cause of the minor hiccups on Thurs-Sat. Again, it is encouraging that I was not horrible even on my worst day. I believe that with proper shoes and the trend toward balance, PF should not be a major issue.
Distance=42.0/ GPA= 34.5/10= 3.45 (highest of the year)
YTD: 350 miles. Record- 4-7 with a 2.44 GPA.
Grade:A-/1 credit/distance=6.0
3/18- AM. 5K time trial in 20:05. Paced it almost perfectly (6:24-6:29-6:30-42) but it was just out of my reach. I remained on pace roughly through 1.75 and still had a shot up until about 600 to go but just could not muster a kick. I had a case of the spaghetti legs. Como es Juan? This is still my best time in 2 years and I'm coming back for more this evening.
PM- Reminiscent of the old Crazy J. Lakeshore-Brookwood 6 miler. Took off at 7:20 pace in the first mile and never slowed down. Finished the route in a time of 43:48 (7:18 pace) and felt fine in doing so. 1st half: 21:43, 2nd half: 21:55. The back half is slightly uphill and I was well ahead of pace so I'd say that's pretty even. I'm in good position for a win this week.
Grade:A-/3 credit/distance=9.5
3/19- 5th straight sub-7:30 workout. I had to work for this one however. Trak Shak 7.5 mile route in a time of 55:23 (7:24 pace). Despite sore legs, I managed to pace it well on a hilly route. The only mile slower than 7:30 was Mile 7 and those familiar with this route know why. Good job.
Grade:A-/1 credit/distance=7.5
3/20- Planned rest day. Well deserved. I hope I can handle a speed day tomorrow and a long run this weekend. Foot is a little tender today. Hopefully, it's no big deal. Getting closer to balance will be the best way to cure it. Prolo did help PF but not as much as getting in closer to balance. I bet my tissue Na and K skyrocketed when I was on the Endodren and only began going back down the last 3 weeks. If I had to guess, my Na is in the 70s now and the K is around 25. Yes, I do admit to pushing too hard the last 2 days.
3/21- AM 10x200 at Spain Park. Wanted to do 12 but had to get to work on time. First 9 were 34-35 then closed with a 32. On target but my body feels shot. I'm going to try upping my Mag again.
PM- 1.5 mile junk run on Wisteria untimed.
Grade:B/2 credits/distance=3.0
3/22- Lakeshore 10 in 79:32 (7:57 pace). Weak effort and faded badly in the 2nd half (38:32/41:00) but double digits with a sub-8 average is enough to clinch a win this week. I should have waited until tomorrow to go long. I am adding Mag and reducing Cal so we'll see. Foot remains tender but it's holding up.
Grade:C/2 credits/distance=10.0
3/23- EXCELLENT. Lakeshore 5 in 35-flat (7:00 pace) while feeling comfortable. I credit cutting the Cal and adding the Mag. It did make a big difference but I am encouraged that I was not horrible yesterday. Before the detox, being only slightly off would make a HUGE difference (I'm talking 9+ pace vs sub-7). Added a mile cool. I think I've finally gotten some good shoes to stave off plantar fasciitis. I'm going with the Adidas Energy Boosts. The Karhus are good but a bit too flexible. The Kinvara 2s were great. The Kinvara 4s SUCK. I don't need heel cushioning but do need some in the forefoot.
Grade:A/1 credit/distance=6.0
Weekly summary:
A convincing win. Last year, the slump started after Week 11 and I lost 29 of 39 to end the year. I did over-reach early in the week but the magnesium deficit was the primary cause of the minor hiccups on Thurs-Sat. Again, it is encouraging that I was not horrible even on my worst day. I believe that with proper shoes and the trend toward balance, PF should not be a major issue.
Distance=42.0/ GPA= 34.5/10= 3.45 (highest of the year)
YTD: 350 miles. Record- 4-7 with a 2.44 GPA.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Zinc/copper ratio
Well, the doc has been busy this week but he did confirm via e-mail what I had suspected:
THE COPPER TOXICITY IS THE SOURCE OF MY SYMPTOMS. An ideal zinc/copper ratio is 8.00 (20/2.5). Anything below 4 is considered severe. Mine was 2.86 (16/5.6). That's ugly!
I am fully convinced that I had a hidden toxicity all along. Here's why. Even when I was red hot at times in 2011 and 2012, I was never even close to balance. That's right. I ran my 1:28 in Texas with moderate-severe adrenal over-activity. According to ARL, my ratios of 15 for the Na/Mg and 1.5 for the Ca/K correspond to at least a 25% energy loss. Do you mean to tell me that I am capable of a 1:06 (nearly world class) if I am in balance? I don't think so! Anyone who has trained with me when I am hot would agree that I am more talented than my times indicate but I don't kid myself. Even if I was fully healthy, my ceiling would have been mid-pack at the Division 2 level.
So now, how was I able to run so well in spite of the those imbalances? I believe that the hidden copper toxicity blocked the full expression of those symptoms. Then, after the detox, the copper was released from my liver and apparently spread throughout my tissues. This is not confirmed by the doctor but why else would the copper skyrocket on the hair test from 1.6 to 5.6?
It was the sudden increase in copper that caused the slow oxidation symptoms but now that I am eliminating the excess, the previously suppressed fast oxidation symptoms have kicked in full force. That's why I am back on the adrenal suppressant. It's not pretty right now but the best news is the apparent stability. Before the detox, I had days in which 2 pills were not enough but 3 were too many. Indeed on the day of my 10K PR (39:44), I took 2.5 pills. If I had taken either 2 pills or 3, I would have been at least 90 seconds slower. Today, I did my morning workout on 6 pills then took 2 more in the afternoon with similar results. That is EXCELLENT NEWS. I might be able to miss a dose every now and then or accidentally take 1 too many without any adverse effects. Most people take that for granted but for me, that would be HUGE. It will take time to get in balance and I am afraid of another relapse when I get back to 20:00 shape for 5K. If my system rejects the adrenal suppressant again, I'll just detox again. If I feel fatigued shortly thereafter, I know that my system is flooded with copper again and I will take the modulator instead of the stimulator until it clears. I believe that my prognosis is good long-term.
I still recommend doing a detox liver cleanse FIRST instead of as a last resort but practitioners need to be aware of the fact that excess copper could spill out into the tissues and modify the program if need be.
As for me, I believe that I will beat my old PRs by significant margins if I am free from BOTH the glandular imbalances AND the copper toxicity but I don't plan on training any harder than I did when I was at my peak. I want the improvement to be directly attributed to the balanced chemistry and nothing more. Does it really matter if my 10K PR is 36:xx vs. 38:xx minutes? No, and there are other things in life more important than running.
I've never aired my politics on here before but given the fact that many people are losing their doctors and insurance plans, it makes a lot of sense that more people will be trying alternative medicine. I cannot stress enough that blindly seeking symptom relief is a TERRIBLE IDEA. If you complain of fatigue and pick up a cheap adrenal stimulator at a local health food store, it is likely to be ineffective or it could succeed temporarily then leave you worse off than you had been before. Do a hair test from a licensed practice that uses either Accutrace or Analytical Research Labs.
THE COPPER TOXICITY IS THE SOURCE OF MY SYMPTOMS. An ideal zinc/copper ratio is 8.00 (20/2.5). Anything below 4 is considered severe. Mine was 2.86 (16/5.6). That's ugly!
I am fully convinced that I had a hidden toxicity all along. Here's why. Even when I was red hot at times in 2011 and 2012, I was never even close to balance. That's right. I ran my 1:28 in Texas with moderate-severe adrenal over-activity. According to ARL, my ratios of 15 for the Na/Mg and 1.5 for the Ca/K correspond to at least a 25% energy loss. Do you mean to tell me that I am capable of a 1:06 (nearly world class) if I am in balance? I don't think so! Anyone who has trained with me when I am hot would agree that I am more talented than my times indicate but I don't kid myself. Even if I was fully healthy, my ceiling would have been mid-pack at the Division 2 level.
So now, how was I able to run so well in spite of the those imbalances? I believe that the hidden copper toxicity blocked the full expression of those symptoms. Then, after the detox, the copper was released from my liver and apparently spread throughout my tissues. This is not confirmed by the doctor but why else would the copper skyrocket on the hair test from 1.6 to 5.6?
It was the sudden increase in copper that caused the slow oxidation symptoms but now that I am eliminating the excess, the previously suppressed fast oxidation symptoms have kicked in full force. That's why I am back on the adrenal suppressant. It's not pretty right now but the best news is the apparent stability. Before the detox, I had days in which 2 pills were not enough but 3 were too many. Indeed on the day of my 10K PR (39:44), I took 2.5 pills. If I had taken either 2 pills or 3, I would have been at least 90 seconds slower. Today, I did my morning workout on 6 pills then took 2 more in the afternoon with similar results. That is EXCELLENT NEWS. I might be able to miss a dose every now and then or accidentally take 1 too many without any adverse effects. Most people take that for granted but for me, that would be HUGE. It will take time to get in balance and I am afraid of another relapse when I get back to 20:00 shape for 5K. If my system rejects the adrenal suppressant again, I'll just detox again. If I feel fatigued shortly thereafter, I know that my system is flooded with copper again and I will take the modulator instead of the stimulator until it clears. I believe that my prognosis is good long-term.
I still recommend doing a detox liver cleanse FIRST instead of as a last resort but practitioners need to be aware of the fact that excess copper could spill out into the tissues and modify the program if need be.
As for me, I believe that I will beat my old PRs by significant margins if I am free from BOTH the glandular imbalances AND the copper toxicity but I don't plan on training any harder than I did when I was at my peak. I want the improvement to be directly attributed to the balanced chemistry and nothing more. Does it really matter if my 10K PR is 36:xx vs. 38:xx minutes? No, and there are other things in life more important than running.
I've never aired my politics on here before but given the fact that many people are losing their doctors and insurance plans, it makes a lot of sense that more people will be trying alternative medicine. I cannot stress enough that blindly seeking symptom relief is a TERRIBLE IDEA. If you complain of fatigue and pick up a cheap adrenal stimulator at a local health food store, it is likely to be ineffective or it could succeed temporarily then leave you worse off than you had been before. Do a hair test from a licensed practice that uses either Accutrace or Analytical Research Labs.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Training 3/10-3/16
3/10- AM- 3 miles in 23:49 (7:56 pace). Much improved over yesterday. Managed a negative split too with 12:10-11:38. I'm going again this afternoon. I know exactly what happened. I am getting rid of the excess copper thanks to the Vitamin C so the over-stimulation is kicking in hard. Because of that, I can now once again tolerate the adrenal suppressant. The current formula is a 1:1 Cal/Mag, Thym-Adren and Vitamin C. That should be a winner. If my system rejects it, I'll just detox.
PM- Mountain Brook 5 in 36:58 (7:23 pace). Almost back to normal. Not sure I had a tempo in me today but probably a decent long run. Same route as Saturday except that I did the Jemison out and back first, which made for a tough 3rd mile. Still kept the pace below 7:30 all the way.
Grade:A-/2 credit/distance=8.0
3/11- AM Tried to get up for a track workout but felt too over-stimulated. I expect to be better by the afternoon. I've got to take the C in the evening or maybe even lay off it for a few days. Doc confirmed what I already knew. The copper toxicity was the cause of the slow oxidation symptoms. This demonstrates precisely why patients should not blindly seek symptom relief without knowing where they are chemically. If you do so, it's likely to be ineffective or it could succeed temporarily then leave you worse off than you were before starting it.
PM- AWFUL. 2 miles in 17:xx. No further comments needed.
Grade:F/1 credit/distance=2.0
3/12- Not much better. I am off the Vitamin C but managed just 3 miles in 23:55 (7:58 pace) with a hard fought last 1/4 mile to get the sub-8 pace. My theory is that I have completed the copper elimination and am feeling the full effect of the extreme fast oxidation. It is possible that the hidden copper toxicity blocked some of those effects in the past. How else could I get to sub-90 form yet have severe imbalances? I am talented but not that talented. It will take time to get in balance and the recovery is slow but I do have hope. I don't feel much effect from 1 pill, which could be a positive for stability. I may not feel much difference from day to day but week to week is another matter. I am likely OUT for Rumpshaker.
Grade:C-/1 credit/distance=3.0
3/13- Just like yesterday. I was awful when I woke up and only slightly less awful after taking mega Thym-Adren. Still, my 3 mile time was down to 23:20 (7:47 pace) with even splits (11:38-11:42). Let's see a sub-23 tomorrow and a sub-22 before the end of next week. Hard not to be discouraged. I am now definitely OUT for Rumpshaker. I won't enjoy it if I can't break 21 and I won't even be close to that.
Grade:C-/1 credit/distance=3.0
3/14- Same ol' tired 3 miler but this time, I was MUCH improved. Time was all the way down to 21:20 (7:07 pace) and dipped to 6:59 in Mile 3. I did cut the dosage from 8 pills to 6 and got some new shoes (Karhu Fluid) that I like very much. I want to see what 2 extra pills does to me this afternoon so I'll be back for a junk session this evening. Not sure what to make of this just yet. Still out for Rumpshaker but do think I can get in a double digit run this weekend.
PM- 2 mile junk run on Wisteria in 13:45 (6:52 pace). The 2 extra Thym-Adren pills did not seem to affect me too much. On a 3 miler, my time would have been similar to this morning. That may mean if I miss an occasional dose or take 1-2 too many, it's NO BIG DEAL! EXCELLENT NEWS!
Grade:B/1 credit/distance=5.0
3/15- 13 miles with the Gnomes and made a break away towards the end. Finished a hilly route in a time of 1:42:13 (7:52 pace) with a 7:30 average over the last 4 miles. Good job. It was the right call to bail on Rumpshaker. I still believe I would have been well over 20, maybe even over 21. Need just 6 tomorrow to hit 40 on the week.
PM- Just a 1 Mile shake out run. No real complaints. If I feel like backing off early tomorrow, I can do it and still hit 40.
Grade:B/2 credits/distance=14.0
3/16- Gold's 5 in 37:18 (7:28 pace). Felt GREAT early but the last 2 miles were a strain. Splits were 18:33-18:45. I'm sure glad I did that shake out run yesterday afternoon. Solid overall. I feel low in Cal/Mag so I'm upping that dose and hope to remain on 6 Thym-Adren. As for shoes, I'm going with the Karhu Fluid as my tempo shoe. I really liked the Kinvara 2 but am disappointed in the 4 and it will be used only for junk runs.
Grade:B+/1 credit/distance=5.0
Weekly summary:
Hit the mileage goal but the only real quality day was the long run on Saturday. As I've posted, I believe that I am eliminating the copper, which allows the fast oxidation symptoms to kick in fully. Improvement should be steady from this point on. PLEASE no more relapses. I hope to be at least sub-21 for 5K by the end of next week. Again, a loss overall but the overall GPA ticks up.
Distance= 40.0/ GPA= 23.1/9= 2.57
YTD: 308 miles. Record: 3-7 with a 2.34 GPA
PM- Mountain Brook 5 in 36:58 (7:23 pace). Almost back to normal. Not sure I had a tempo in me today but probably a decent long run. Same route as Saturday except that I did the Jemison out and back first, which made for a tough 3rd mile. Still kept the pace below 7:30 all the way.
Grade:A-/2 credit/distance=8.0
3/11- AM Tried to get up for a track workout but felt too over-stimulated. I expect to be better by the afternoon. I've got to take the C in the evening or maybe even lay off it for a few days. Doc confirmed what I already knew. The copper toxicity was the cause of the slow oxidation symptoms. This demonstrates precisely why patients should not blindly seek symptom relief without knowing where they are chemically. If you do so, it's likely to be ineffective or it could succeed temporarily then leave you worse off than you were before starting it.
PM- AWFUL. 2 miles in 17:xx. No further comments needed.
Grade:F/1 credit/distance=2.0
3/12- Not much better. I am off the Vitamin C but managed just 3 miles in 23:55 (7:58 pace) with a hard fought last 1/4 mile to get the sub-8 pace. My theory is that I have completed the copper elimination and am feeling the full effect of the extreme fast oxidation. It is possible that the hidden copper toxicity blocked some of those effects in the past. How else could I get to sub-90 form yet have severe imbalances? I am talented but not that talented. It will take time to get in balance and the recovery is slow but I do have hope. I don't feel much effect from 1 pill, which could be a positive for stability. I may not feel much difference from day to day but week to week is another matter. I am likely OUT for Rumpshaker.
Grade:C-/1 credit/distance=3.0
3/13- Just like yesterday. I was awful when I woke up and only slightly less awful after taking mega Thym-Adren. Still, my 3 mile time was down to 23:20 (7:47 pace) with even splits (11:38-11:42). Let's see a sub-23 tomorrow and a sub-22 before the end of next week. Hard not to be discouraged. I am now definitely OUT for Rumpshaker. I won't enjoy it if I can't break 21 and I won't even be close to that.
Grade:C-/1 credit/distance=3.0
3/14- Same ol' tired 3 miler but this time, I was MUCH improved. Time was all the way down to 21:20 (7:07 pace) and dipped to 6:59 in Mile 3. I did cut the dosage from 8 pills to 6 and got some new shoes (Karhu Fluid) that I like very much. I want to see what 2 extra pills does to me this afternoon so I'll be back for a junk session this evening. Not sure what to make of this just yet. Still out for Rumpshaker but do think I can get in a double digit run this weekend.
PM- 2 mile junk run on Wisteria in 13:45 (6:52 pace). The 2 extra Thym-Adren pills did not seem to affect me too much. On a 3 miler, my time would have been similar to this morning. That may mean if I miss an occasional dose or take 1-2 too many, it's NO BIG DEAL! EXCELLENT NEWS!
Grade:B/1 credit/distance=5.0
3/15- 13 miles with the Gnomes and made a break away towards the end. Finished a hilly route in a time of 1:42:13 (7:52 pace) with a 7:30 average over the last 4 miles. Good job. It was the right call to bail on Rumpshaker. I still believe I would have been well over 20, maybe even over 21. Need just 6 tomorrow to hit 40 on the week.
PM- Just a 1 Mile shake out run. No real complaints. If I feel like backing off early tomorrow, I can do it and still hit 40.
Grade:B/2 credits/distance=14.0
3/16- Gold's 5 in 37:18 (7:28 pace). Felt GREAT early but the last 2 miles were a strain. Splits were 18:33-18:45. I'm sure glad I did that shake out run yesterday afternoon. Solid overall. I feel low in Cal/Mag so I'm upping that dose and hope to remain on 6 Thym-Adren. As for shoes, I'm going with the Karhu Fluid as my tempo shoe. I really liked the Kinvara 2 but am disappointed in the 4 and it will be used only for junk runs.
Grade:B+/1 credit/distance=5.0
Weekly summary:
Hit the mileage goal but the only real quality day was the long run on Saturday. As I've posted, I believe that I am eliminating the copper, which allows the fast oxidation symptoms to kick in fully. Improvement should be steady from this point on. PLEASE no more relapses. I hope to be at least sub-21 for 5K by the end of next week. Again, a loss overall but the overall GPA ticks up.
Distance= 40.0/ GPA= 23.1/9= 2.57
YTD: 308 miles. Record: 3-7 with a 2.34 GPA
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Medical report
I got the "hill pattern," so named for the way the graph looks concerning the values of the 4 key electrolytes. In such a pattern, we see a low Ca/Mg , a high Na/Mg and a high-normal Na/K.
According to Dr. Wilson and quoted directly from his article on the subject, "It indicates turning a corner, overcoming something, released from a bondage."
In my case, the bondage was the liver toxicity and inability to process key supplements, from which I have been freed. Simple answer and it makes perfect sense. This pattern is strongly associated with improving one's health but it does not happen overnight.
This is the 3rd time that I have gotten the "hill pattern." The first came in the summer of 2008, when I finally broke through the barrier of adrenal exhaustion. The Fall of that year was only so-so but 2009 was a great year for me in almost every way. I improved my half marathon PR by nearly 10 minutes and set adult PRs at every distance from the marathon all the way down to the 400 meters. The second time came in the Spring of 2011 after I got a chronically infected root canal tooth pulled. That summer was characterized by wild ups and downs. I was either red hot or ice cold in my workouts, very little in between. However, the Fall of 2011-Winter 2012 remains my best stretch of running ever.
Now the raw stats:
Calcium-23 vs ideal of 40 (down from 30 last time). Negative trend but no concern because it's characteristic of the hill pattern.
Magnesium-8 vs ideal of 6 (up from 3 last time). Positive trend. Mag RBC was only 5.6 so this indicates some degree of Mag loss but I'm still MUCH better off in this area than I was last test.
Sodium- 61 vs ideal of 25 or 30 (down from 85 last time). Positive trend. Not as much of a drop as I had hoped to see but it's progress.
Potassium-21 vs ideal of 10 (down from 31 last time). Positive trend. Again, I was hoping for lower but I'll take it.
Now the ratios:
Ca/Mg (blood sugar)- 23/8- 2.88. Borderline diabetic but I'm not too worried about it. It's likely a temporary reaction and characteristic of the hill pattern. A total 180 degree shift from recent results and I expect it to normalize next time. I will maintain a 1:1 supplement plan here.
Na/Mg (Adrenal)- 61/8- 7.63. Mild-moderate over-activity but a MASSIVE improvement over last time (28.33, which is beyond extreme).
Na/K (Vitality)- 61/21-2.90. Excellent number. No trace of adrenal fatigue.
Ca/K (Thyroid)- 23/21- 1.10. Moderate-severe over-activity. Again, the low Cal pulled this ratio down so it's likely not quite as bad as the results indicate.
Overall, my extreme fast oxidation has slowed but it remains over-active. So now, why did my system reject the Thym-Adren (adrenal suppressant)? I'll have to call my doctor but I believe that the reason is copper toxicity. On my report, the copper value rose dramatically from 1.6 to 5.6 (ideal is 2.5). Thus, my normally good zinc/copper ratio was very low this time around (2.86 vs 8.00).
What to make of this and what to do about it?
I am aware of a connection between liver toxicity and copper issues but my knowledge is limited at this time (it won't be for long). It is possible that I had a hidden copper toxicity or bio-unavailable copper all along but until now, it never showed on the hair test because of the liver processing issues.
The ADHS (modulator) will help but it is unlikely to be as effective as the Thym-Adren. The Thym-Adren has pulled the Na down to 30 (ideal) before while the ADHS has only lowered it to around 50. If I normalize the copper, will I be able to take Thym-Adren again? Probably. I don't see why not. How to do that? I know that Vitamin C is a direct copper antagonist so extra C may be helpful. Zinc is also a possibility as is another product called GB-3 which also supports liver function and may eliminate the need for periodic detoxes.
For the first time in a long time, I have hope of a full recovery.
Edit on 3/8/14:
I'm not at all worried about the blood sugar ratio. That was almost certainly a temporary reaction and characteristic of the hill pattern. I predict that next time, the Cal will be back up to the 30 range and the Mag hopefully will not drop below 5. The ideal ratio is 6.67. My "healthy range" is 4-10.
As for the zinc/copper, I am mildly concerned but as a fast oxidizer, I should do well in eliminating excess copper. Zinc won't work for me but C has been effective in the past and it seems that selenium can also be used judiciously. GB-3 remains a possibility but I will have to talk to my doctor before I order that because it's fairly pricey. Multiple sources have confirmed that excess copper can and does accumulate in the liver. I am quickly becoming convinced that I was copper toxic all along but the copper read low on my hair tests because it was stuck in my liver prior to the detox. Now, it has been dumped out and spread throughout my tissues. Hence, the high reading this time. Still, if I do what needs to be done, I am confident that this ratio will also normalize. The ideal ratio here is 8.0 but men should be a bit more zinc dominant. I'll set the "healthy range" at 6-12.
Now, the big 2: The oxidation ratios.
Ideal Ca/K is 4.0. I'm at 1.1 or 27.5%, a modest improvement over the 0.96 (24%) last time. I want this one at least 3.
My ideal Na/Mg is 5.0. Yes, the "book value" is 4.17 but it's better for athletes to run a little on the high side so I've bumped the Na up from 25 to 30. I'm currently at 7.63. (5/7.63)= 65.5%. I expect the Mag to drop next test so it must be accompanied by a similar drop in Na to at least maintain this ratio.
My Metabolic Score:
This term has been invented by me by taking the average of thyroid and adrenal percentages. My current score is 46.5% (27.5+65.5)/2. That doesn't look too good but it's a big improvement over the 20.8% that I had last time. In order to declare myself healthy, that score needs to be at least 70%, maybe even 75% and have the blood sugar and zinc/copper in the range while avoiding a crash in the Na/K. It can be done.
According to Dr. Wilson and quoted directly from his article on the subject, "It indicates turning a corner, overcoming something, released from a bondage."
In my case, the bondage was the liver toxicity and inability to process key supplements, from which I have been freed. Simple answer and it makes perfect sense. This pattern is strongly associated with improving one's health but it does not happen overnight.
This is the 3rd time that I have gotten the "hill pattern." The first came in the summer of 2008, when I finally broke through the barrier of adrenal exhaustion. The Fall of that year was only so-so but 2009 was a great year for me in almost every way. I improved my half marathon PR by nearly 10 minutes and set adult PRs at every distance from the marathon all the way down to the 400 meters. The second time came in the Spring of 2011 after I got a chronically infected root canal tooth pulled. That summer was characterized by wild ups and downs. I was either red hot or ice cold in my workouts, very little in between. However, the Fall of 2011-Winter 2012 remains my best stretch of running ever.
Now the raw stats:
Calcium-23 vs ideal of 40 (down from 30 last time). Negative trend but no concern because it's characteristic of the hill pattern.
Magnesium-8 vs ideal of 6 (up from 3 last time). Positive trend. Mag RBC was only 5.6 so this indicates some degree of Mag loss but I'm still MUCH better off in this area than I was last test.
Sodium- 61 vs ideal of 25 or 30 (down from 85 last time). Positive trend. Not as much of a drop as I had hoped to see but it's progress.
Potassium-21 vs ideal of 10 (down from 31 last time). Positive trend. Again, I was hoping for lower but I'll take it.
Now the ratios:
Ca/Mg (blood sugar)- 23/8- 2.88. Borderline diabetic but I'm not too worried about it. It's likely a temporary reaction and characteristic of the hill pattern. A total 180 degree shift from recent results and I expect it to normalize next time. I will maintain a 1:1 supplement plan here.
Na/Mg (Adrenal)- 61/8- 7.63. Mild-moderate over-activity but a MASSIVE improvement over last time (28.33, which is beyond extreme).
Na/K (Vitality)- 61/21-2.90. Excellent number. No trace of adrenal fatigue.
Ca/K (Thyroid)- 23/21- 1.10. Moderate-severe over-activity. Again, the low Cal pulled this ratio down so it's likely not quite as bad as the results indicate.
Overall, my extreme fast oxidation has slowed but it remains over-active. So now, why did my system reject the Thym-Adren (adrenal suppressant)? I'll have to call my doctor but I believe that the reason is copper toxicity. On my report, the copper value rose dramatically from 1.6 to 5.6 (ideal is 2.5). Thus, my normally good zinc/copper ratio was very low this time around (2.86 vs 8.00).
What to make of this and what to do about it?
I am aware of a connection between liver toxicity and copper issues but my knowledge is limited at this time (it won't be for long). It is possible that I had a hidden copper toxicity or bio-unavailable copper all along but until now, it never showed on the hair test because of the liver processing issues.
The ADHS (modulator) will help but it is unlikely to be as effective as the Thym-Adren. The Thym-Adren has pulled the Na down to 30 (ideal) before while the ADHS has only lowered it to around 50. If I normalize the copper, will I be able to take Thym-Adren again? Probably. I don't see why not. How to do that? I know that Vitamin C is a direct copper antagonist so extra C may be helpful. Zinc is also a possibility as is another product called GB-3 which also supports liver function and may eliminate the need for periodic detoxes.
For the first time in a long time, I have hope of a full recovery.
Edit on 3/8/14:
I'm not at all worried about the blood sugar ratio. That was almost certainly a temporary reaction and characteristic of the hill pattern. I predict that next time, the Cal will be back up to the 30 range and the Mag hopefully will not drop below 5. The ideal ratio is 6.67. My "healthy range" is 4-10.
As for the zinc/copper, I am mildly concerned but as a fast oxidizer, I should do well in eliminating excess copper. Zinc won't work for me but C has been effective in the past and it seems that selenium can also be used judiciously. GB-3 remains a possibility but I will have to talk to my doctor before I order that because it's fairly pricey. Multiple sources have confirmed that excess copper can and does accumulate in the liver. I am quickly becoming convinced that I was copper toxic all along but the copper read low on my hair tests because it was stuck in my liver prior to the detox. Now, it has been dumped out and spread throughout my tissues. Hence, the high reading this time. Still, if I do what needs to be done, I am confident that this ratio will also normalize. The ideal ratio here is 8.0 but men should be a bit more zinc dominant. I'll set the "healthy range" at 6-12.
Now, the big 2: The oxidation ratios.
Ideal Ca/K is 4.0. I'm at 1.1 or 27.5%, a modest improvement over the 0.96 (24%) last time. I want this one at least 3.
My ideal Na/Mg is 5.0. Yes, the "book value" is 4.17 but it's better for athletes to run a little on the high side so I've bumped the Na up from 25 to 30. I'm currently at 7.63. (5/7.63)= 65.5%. I expect the Mag to drop next test so it must be accompanied by a similar drop in Na to at least maintain this ratio.
My Metabolic Score:
This term has been invented by me by taking the average of thyroid and adrenal percentages. My current score is 46.5% (27.5+65.5)/2. That doesn't look too good but it's a big improvement over the 20.8% that I had last time. In order to declare myself healthy, that score needs to be at least 70%, maybe even 75% and have the blood sugar and zinc/copper in the range while avoiding a crash in the Na/K. It can be done.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Training 3/3-3/9
3/3- AM- BEYOND AWFUL! 2 miles at Gold's in about 18 minutes and I quit at that point. No need to panic yet. I know the reason. I suspected low neurotransmitters and tried some tyrosine +C. Needless to say, it didn't work. Even if my neuros are a little low, ADHS will take care of that. It does have a small amount of tyrosine+C but other stuff to balance everything out. I called the doctor's office again and they promised to send out the medical report immediately. I will try to run again this evening and I'll be lenient and give myself a "D" if I can run at all. No more experimentation. ADHS should be a winning formula no matter what the report says.
PM- MUCH BETTER. 3 miles in 23:21 (7:47 pace) with a negative split (11:48/11:33). I know that magnesium "neutralizes" adrenaline so it could be a delicate balance. That said, I do not anticipate the severe instability of the past. A sub-8 pace was the "C-" goal and I made it.
Grade:C-/1 credit/distance=5.0
3/4- AM- Now I am worried. 2 miles in 16:49 (8:25 pace) with splits of 8:01-8:48. Woke up feeling very overstimulated and my normal ADHS was not enough. That said, I am virtually certain that Thym-Adren would take me too far in the opposite direction. I must increase the Mag and ADHS dose. I am feeling uncertain. I know that ADHS can bring my Na down to the 50s but it needs to be closer to 30 to feel my best. I will take more and hope to do better this afternoon.
PM- Feel no better and I know the culprit now. It is FRS "Healthy Energy" Maybe someday I will learn to drink mostly water with the occasional lemonade or tea but nothing else! I'm taking the afternoon off and I am counting it as my rest day this week. No grade.
Distance=2.0
3/5- As expected, the morning was rough but I began feeling better as the day progressed. I was not quite up for a tempo or speed session but was solid in a standard issue run. Trak Shak 5.5 mile loop in 41:11 (7:29 pace). Fell asleep a bit in Mile 4 but outside of that I was pretty even. Medical report came in today and I am generally pleased.
Grade:B+/1 credit/distance=6.0
3/6- AM- Attempted a tempo and sucked. 3 miles in 21:47 (7:16 pace) with a massive fade to a 7:49 last mile. I think I know the problem. The copper is beginning to clear out, which is causing the over-stimulation to kick in. Thus, I need more ADHS. I am still afraid to try the Thym-Adren.
PM- Added 3 more ADHS and was MUCH improved. Full 5K in 20:16 (6:31 pace). Splits were 6:37-6:31-6:28-40. I don't think I have ever negative split a 5K but today my 1st half was 10:12 and the 2nd half was 10:04. Cut off another 19 seconds in 7 days. Nice job. I am only 6 seconds per mile shy of a sub-20 5K but still a rather distressing 63 seconds (:21/mi) from a PR. Let's just keep up this steady progress.
Grade:B+/2 credits/distance=6.5
3/7- I've got to start doing my track workouts in the mornings this time of year. I tried Spain Park and Vestavia. Both were closed for soccer games. Then, I got caught in rush hour traffic and ended up on South Lakeshore. All told, it took me an hour to find a place to run. For those not from B'ham, South Lakeshore is a road with light traffic that is marked at 200 meter intervals. It always feels weird not knowing exactly how far you've gone plus the road is slightly sloped so times won't be as fast as on a track. The workout was a short pyramid as planned. 200-400-600-800-600-400-200 plus 3/4 mile warm and cool. I aimed for an overall pace between 5:30-5:40 per mile and was able to do it. R was 2 minutes after each rep, which was probably too much. Here are the split times:
200- 39 (uphill). 400- 84 (uphill), 600- 2:05 (downhill),800- 2:55 (uphill)
600-2:09 (downhill), 400- 77 (downhill), 200-37 (downhill). That's an overall pace of 5:33 per mile. Legs felt okay after yesterday's hard tempo. Solid but unspectacular overall. Going to try some zinc and Vitamin C now ahead of my easy day tomorrow. Both help eliminate copper.
Grade:B+/2 credits/distance=3.5
3/8- Felt noticeably worse shortly after taking some extra zinc. I know that's not the answer and it only cost me $8. Extra Vitamin C this morning did not seem to make much difference. I waited until afternoon to run to give it more time for the zinc to clear out. Apparently, it has. Pushed a little too hard for an easy day but I needed to test it out. The workout was a scenic 5 mile route through Mountain Brook in a time of 37:20 (7:28 pace). Route was the Canterbury loop plus an out and back section on Jemison trail. Good job. Need a "B minus" on the LR to win this week.
Grade:A-/1 credit/distance=5.0
3/9- AM Long run FAIL. Quit after only 1 mile in just under 9 minutes. I'm betting that it was the Vitamin C. Apparently, it cannot be taken with the ADHS probably because the tyrosine puts the adrenaline over the top. Tried some Thym-Adren and it seemed to help a little bit. Junk run is on tap this afternoon.
PM- Not much better but the good news is that I was not worse after taking the Thym-Adren. 2 miles on Wisteria in 17:30 (8:45 pace). Down mile in 8:25, Up mile in 9:05. BAAAUHD! I get a plus because I figured something out today. No Vitamin C with the ADHS!
Grade:F+/2 credit/distance=3.0
Weekly summary:
ARRGH! 6 losses in the last 7 weeks. Difficult to spin this one positively but I did show progress on the medical report and learned what not to take. I have 2 options going forward. A: Stick with the ADHS alone and trust the steady progress or B: Take the C+ Thym-Adren. I'm going with option B because it's what has given me the most success in the past. If it fails, I know there's another option out there and if that fails, I will detox again. Yearly GPA has ticked up again.
Distance=31.0/ GPA= 22.5/9= 2.50
YTD: 268 miles. Record is 3-6 with a 2.32 GPA. UGLY!
PM- MUCH BETTER. 3 miles in 23:21 (7:47 pace) with a negative split (11:48/11:33). I know that magnesium "neutralizes" adrenaline so it could be a delicate balance. That said, I do not anticipate the severe instability of the past. A sub-8 pace was the "C-" goal and I made it.
Grade:C-/1 credit/distance=5.0
3/4- AM- Now I am worried. 2 miles in 16:49 (8:25 pace) with splits of 8:01-8:48. Woke up feeling very overstimulated and my normal ADHS was not enough. That said, I am virtually certain that Thym-Adren would take me too far in the opposite direction. I must increase the Mag and ADHS dose. I am feeling uncertain. I know that ADHS can bring my Na down to the 50s but it needs to be closer to 30 to feel my best. I will take more and hope to do better this afternoon.
PM- Feel no better and I know the culprit now. It is FRS "Healthy Energy" Maybe someday I will learn to drink mostly water with the occasional lemonade or tea but nothing else! I'm taking the afternoon off and I am counting it as my rest day this week. No grade.
Distance=2.0
3/5- As expected, the morning was rough but I began feeling better as the day progressed. I was not quite up for a tempo or speed session but was solid in a standard issue run. Trak Shak 5.5 mile loop in 41:11 (7:29 pace). Fell asleep a bit in Mile 4 but outside of that I was pretty even. Medical report came in today and I am generally pleased.
Grade:B+/1 credit/distance=6.0
3/6- AM- Attempted a tempo and sucked. 3 miles in 21:47 (7:16 pace) with a massive fade to a 7:49 last mile. I think I know the problem. The copper is beginning to clear out, which is causing the over-stimulation to kick in. Thus, I need more ADHS. I am still afraid to try the Thym-Adren.
PM- Added 3 more ADHS and was MUCH improved. Full 5K in 20:16 (6:31 pace). Splits were 6:37-6:31-6:28-40. I don't think I have ever negative split a 5K but today my 1st half was 10:12 and the 2nd half was 10:04. Cut off another 19 seconds in 7 days. Nice job. I am only 6 seconds per mile shy of a sub-20 5K but still a rather distressing 63 seconds (:21/mi) from a PR. Let's just keep up this steady progress.
Grade:B+/2 credits/distance=6.5
3/7- I've got to start doing my track workouts in the mornings this time of year. I tried Spain Park and Vestavia. Both were closed for soccer games. Then, I got caught in rush hour traffic and ended up on South Lakeshore. All told, it took me an hour to find a place to run. For those not from B'ham, South Lakeshore is a road with light traffic that is marked at 200 meter intervals. It always feels weird not knowing exactly how far you've gone plus the road is slightly sloped so times won't be as fast as on a track. The workout was a short pyramid as planned. 200-400-600-800-600-400-200 plus 3/4 mile warm and cool. I aimed for an overall pace between 5:30-5:40 per mile and was able to do it. R was 2 minutes after each rep, which was probably too much. Here are the split times:
200- 39 (uphill). 400- 84 (uphill), 600- 2:05 (downhill),800- 2:55 (uphill)
600-2:09 (downhill), 400- 77 (downhill), 200-37 (downhill). That's an overall pace of 5:33 per mile. Legs felt okay after yesterday's hard tempo. Solid but unspectacular overall. Going to try some zinc and Vitamin C now ahead of my easy day tomorrow. Both help eliminate copper.
Grade:B+/2 credits/distance=3.5
3/8- Felt noticeably worse shortly after taking some extra zinc. I know that's not the answer and it only cost me $8. Extra Vitamin C this morning did not seem to make much difference. I waited until afternoon to run to give it more time for the zinc to clear out. Apparently, it has. Pushed a little too hard for an easy day but I needed to test it out. The workout was a scenic 5 mile route through Mountain Brook in a time of 37:20 (7:28 pace). Route was the Canterbury loop plus an out and back section on Jemison trail. Good job. Need a "B minus" on the LR to win this week.
Grade:A-/1 credit/distance=5.0
3/9- AM Long run FAIL. Quit after only 1 mile in just under 9 minutes. I'm betting that it was the Vitamin C. Apparently, it cannot be taken with the ADHS probably because the tyrosine puts the adrenaline over the top. Tried some Thym-Adren and it seemed to help a little bit. Junk run is on tap this afternoon.
PM- Not much better but the good news is that I was not worse after taking the Thym-Adren. 2 miles on Wisteria in 17:30 (8:45 pace). Down mile in 8:25, Up mile in 9:05. BAAAUHD! I get a plus because I figured something out today. No Vitamin C with the ADHS!
Grade:F+/2 credit/distance=3.0
Weekly summary:
ARRGH! 6 losses in the last 7 weeks. Difficult to spin this one positively but I did show progress on the medical report and learned what not to take. I have 2 options going forward. A: Stick with the ADHS alone and trust the steady progress or B: Take the C+ Thym-Adren. I'm going with option B because it's what has given me the most success in the past. If it fails, I know there's another option out there and if that fails, I will detox again. Yearly GPA has ticked up again.
Distance=31.0/ GPA= 22.5/9= 2.50
YTD: 268 miles. Record is 3-6 with a 2.32 GPA. UGLY!
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