Training 3/27-4/2

 3/27- Hoped to take a shot at the 5K PR of 29:13, which looks soft after the 7:48 Mile yesterday.  Came through the first lap on schedule at 2:15 but it felt as hard as sub-8 pace.  Fell off pace in lap 2 and just slow jogged another 2 laps naked.  Time for 1 mile was over 10 minutes, maybe even over 11.  Took the bottle of ACV to work and drank enough to induce diarrhea at the end of the day but the extreme need appears to be fading.

Distance=1.0

3/28- Hated interval workout.  Opened with a 3:32 (10:36 pace) then after a tablespoon of ACV, I did a 3:17 (9:51 pace).  Enough to be considered significant but not a night and day difference.  The adrenal spike hit HARD during the day.  Managed only a 3:56 (11:48 pace) on the 3rd interval after work.  This was done AFTER loading on Thym-Adren.

Distance=1.0

3/29-AM- Adrenal spike seems to have diminished.  1 mile in 10:27 with an even pace.  Neither the ACV nor the Thym-Adren seems to be making a significant difference.  IN THEORY, I've got it under control but it never happens in reality so I'm not getting my hopes up.

PM- Felt better during the day.  2 miles on Lakeshore in 17:49 (8:49 pace).  Hit the mile in 8:38 but felt a fade coming.  I still held it together for a 9:11 in Mile 2, which is faster than 5K PR pace.  I don't think I  had quite enough today but it would have been close. All I needed was another 1.1 at 10 minute pace but I was just about spent.

Distance-3.0   

3/30- 5K time trial at Vestavia and I was successful this time.  Finished in 27:48 (PR).  Improvement of 85 seconds and a pace per mile of 8:56.  Splits were 8:47-9:01-9:00 then finished with a 60 second last 200.  Didn't go nuts at the end because I knew that I had the sub-28 locked up.  1st half- 13:52, 2nd half- 13:56.  I'd say that's pretty even.  

Distance=3.5

3/31- Unplanned rest day.  Adrenal spike is back.

4/1- 3x half mile on the coast.  I was awful on just 3 Thym-Adren pills then slightly better on caffeine.  I was significantly better on 6 pills so I'm going with that until further notice.  Splits were 4:54-4:46-4:05.  Not real good.

Distance= 1.5

4/2- Opened with a 4:06 lap at Montreat on no pills (12:18 pace).  Did 2.5 on Lakeshore in 28:30 (11:18 pace) on 6 pills.  OUCH!  Is the adrenal spike that bad or am I tired from surfing?

Distance= 3.0

-13 miles on the week.  YTD- 135

Solution for Candida

 Is this a permanent solution?  Somehow, I doubt it but here it is:

Apple Cider Vinegar is the first MUST take every day.  BUT I can only tolerate a maximum of 1 tablespoon.  If I take more than 1 tablespoon, I'll be awful.  I can only say that it must be an overwhelming die-off reaction.  I thought that extra Molybdenum would help but it seems like I get no additional benefit beyond 2 of those pills.  

Also, if I go more than 1 day without it, I'll be awful.  Probiotics do help but it's not nearly enough.  Over a half lap, I was only 7 seconds better on Probiotics alone.  I gained 40 seconds after Molybdenum+ ACV.

Molybdenum is the second must take pill.  However, it's no good without the ACV.  ACV MUST be taken with the Moly.  ACV alone even in small doses will cause overwhelming die-off.

Add to all of this is the Auto-Immune side.  Without the Cytokine suppressant, I cannot tolerate EITHER the ACV or the Probiotics.

Formula:

ACV, Molybdenum, Probiotics, Cytokine suppressant.  

I'm not even sure if my dietary restrictions are necessary but I will at least try to stay clean for the next 21 days.  It will be much easier to do so if the formula is stable and I am improving steadily.

One of my non-negotiable standards is NO extreme dependence on any one treatment.  I've flunked that test BIGLY.  I can only hope that the dependence will fade in time and the tolerance will also improve.

UPDATE:

THIS IS MASSIVE!  I now NEED ACV AT HIGHER DOSES!  I predict that this need will diminish in time.

Training 3/13-3/26

 Here's the deal.  I need Probiotics and Apple Cider Vinegar to kill off the Candida infection.  I could not tolerate EITHER of them without the proper auto-immune treatment (Cytokine suppress).  The solution was right in front of me but I could not tolerate it until I addressed the auto-immune side.  The VERY stuff that was supposed to cure me?  Yet, because of the auto-immune issues, I could not tolerate the cure.  My reaction to it was intolerable.  THAT IS THE ULTIMATE IN CRUELTY!

3/13- Unplanned rest day.  I could not tolerate the Probiotics before.  Now, I have an insatiable need and cannot tolerate the Taurine, which I've learned can feed Candida.  Finished my forbidden drink at 8 PM.  No more for 21 days.  I had better be improving by that point.

3/14- AM Opened with a 4:48 lap at Montreat (14:24 pace).  That is my WORST showing on record.  I was actually faster with a sprained ankle.  On full adrenal and methylation support, I was only marginally better with a 4:46.  However, I did improve to a 3:53 (11:39 pace) on mega Probiotics.  That's still BAAAAUHD but it is a night and day difference (MINUS 2:45).  

PM- Took another Probiotic and improved to a 1:49 half lap then managed a 1:39 on Glutathione, which also supposedly helps kill Candida.

Distance=1.5

3/15- Unplanned rest day.  BRUTAL DIE OFF REACTION but I have not caved.  Day 2 is often the worst.  I've ordered Molybdenum to help with the die off.

3/16- Adrenal spike today but I still got out there and ran a Mile at Montreat.  Clocked a 12:24 but at least I made the full distance.  Splits were 6:09-6:15.

Distance=1.0

3/17- Repeated the Montreat Mile and my time is down to 10:35 with splits of 5:15-5:20.  I am now within 2:19 of a PR and I improved by 1:45 since yesterday.  At midnight, I will hit the 100 hour mark of drinking nothing but water.  It should get easier from this point on.  Why did I fail in the past?  The die off can make auto-immune symptoms worse.  Now, I have the proper treatment.

Distance=1.0

3/18- Not much better than yesterday but at least the need for Probiotics has diminished.  2 miles on Lakeshore in 21:43 (10:51 pace).  I stopped at the turnaround to take the Probiotics.  I hit the Mile mark in 11-flat and was only slightly better on the back half.  I have mixed feelings on this one.  When the process is working, I should NOT see a night and day difference from one day to the next.  It should be barely noticeable BUT steady.  I'm so far behind that it will take years to get back to respectability at this rate.  The Molybdenum should arrive tomorrow.  That might make a difference.

Distance=2.0

3/19- The moly did arrive last night and the reaction was immediately negative, but that turned into an insatiable need by this morning.  Half lap intervals:

0 moly- 1:57 (11:42 pace)  WORSE THAN YESTERDAY

1 moly- 1:39 (9:54 pace) MINUS 1:48

2 moly- 1:24 (8:24 pace) MINUS 1:30

I would have seen further gains if I had taken more but I chose to hold it there.  The gains were short-lived.  I was horrible again by lunchtime and got better only after popping more of those pills.  

Distance=0.5

Reaction:

The fact that I improved so much on the moly is confirmation that my symptoms are due to candida die-off.  The die off started shortly after I got back from California.  I need to stay with the plan but at least the ill-effects will be mitigated.  Problem is that it could take months to clear the candida.  I've now made it 6 days without sugared or alcoholic drinks.  15 days to go.  

3/20- 2 miles in 19:21 (9:40 pace). Splits were 9:38-9:43.  Repeated the Lakeshore workout.  Just wanted a significant improvement over last time (21:43) and I got just about what I wanted.  The moly has definitely helped and I am less dependent on it too.  I actually forgot to take it in the morning and still got through the day at work.  Unfortunately, I did cave on caffeine.  It was a sugar free energy drink so the no sugar or alcohol streak still stands at 7 days.  The caffeine must NOT become a daily habit.  This needs to be a one day blip.  The candida die off should begin to diminish after Day 10.  

Distance=2.0

3/21- 10,000 meters at Mountain Brook in 62:45 (10:05 pace) PR!  BIG TIME PR! That's more than 9 minutes better than last time.  This was better than I expected.  I thought I'd be in the 64-65 range.  I'm still short of the standard but I am now within 30 seconds per mile.  The watch did not turn to 60 until I had less than 500 meters to go.  I am more than 95% of the way there.  1st half- 30:57, 2nd half- 31:48.  Mile 5 was pretty ugly but I bounced back in Mile 6.  I might try to take down the 5K PR this weekend.

Distance=6.5

3/22- VERY sore and this does not feel normal.  Opened with a 1:58 half lap then was only slightly better on Probiotics (1:52) and it wasn't until I popped some Moly that I felt much better (1:21).  

PM- Felt no better on extra moly.  Only did a naked mile at Montreat.  Very slow pace.

Distance= 1.5

3/23- The culprit was discovered last night.  Too much Apple Cider Vinegar.  Moly did help but it wasn't enough to get me even close to normal.  It seems like 5 of those pills are no better than 2.  I have no choice other than to reduce if not eliminate the ACV.  Sadly, I caved again on the caffeine and later the alcohol. Kinda had to in order to get through the work day.   It didn't make any difference in how I felt.  Unfortunately, I am back to Day 1 tomorrow.  Hopefully, the withdrawal won't be severe.

Distance= 0.5

3/24- 1 mile at Vestavia in 11:35.  OUCH!  1st half- 5:10, 2nd half- 6:25.  I don't know what happened.  I took no ACV last night.  Just probiotics this morning.  I still need moly.  May have been worse without it.  Caffeine withdrawal?  I don't think so.  Probably, I just need to clear the ACV.  I'm staying off it for 5 days.  I sure hope I don't get in a situation in which I need it every day at a narrow window.

Distance=1.0

3/25- Awful on Probiotics alone.  Only slightly better on Molybdenum.  It was not until I took the ACV that I felt better.  It was MUCH better.  I ran a 71 half lap without even pushing hard.  I could have done close to 60 if I went all out.

Distance=1.0

3/26- Woke up awful even though I took some ACV last night.  Nothing helped until I took another tablespoon of ACV.  I thought about a 5K time trial but knew by the 2nd lap that I would not make it.  Settled for 1 Mile in 9:28 with splits of 4:38-4:50.  

2nd Tablespoon of ACV- I expected to be better but not by this much. Improved to 7:48 (PR).  That's a 28 second improvement over my previous time and it feels good to break the 8 minute barrier.  Splits were 1:53-1:58-2:01-1:56.  I left a few seconds out there.  By 600 meters in, I knew I would break 8 so I wanted to enjoy the back half.  I let off just a hair but that's okay.  That will make it easier to PR again.  Added a half mile cool.  As expected, it didn't take long until I needed ACV again.

Distance=2.5

-21 miles total.  YTD- 122

Road Trips 4: Deep South and Florida

Louisiana-

All over.  Cities that I have seen include Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Bogalusa, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans and Grand Isle.  It's a good stopping point to break up a trip to Texas.  First visit came in 2003 to New Orleans.  I was nearly robbed but had a funny story to tell about it.  The police officer approached my new companion and said "Hey.  How you doin'.  Didn't know you were giving tours."  A better trip came in 2009 to Baton Rouge when I set a PR in a half marathon and placed in my age group.  I would race in New Orleans again in 2012 at the Crescent City Classic but it was not until my third visit in 2022 that I began to somewhat like the city. 

All the other cities listed were stop overs on my way to/from Texas.  I felt right at home at a bar in Bogaloosa but just an hour south, I felt out of place in Cajun Country.  I captured a beautiful sunset in Lake Charles and actually caught some waves in Grand Isle.   

Mississippi- 

Memphis suburbs, Jackson, Gulfport, Ship Island, Natchez, Greenville, Vicksburg, Tupelo, Meridian, Columbus.

Again, my first visit came in 2003 to Gulfport.  I was unimpressed by the beaches there but if you are willing to cruise to Ship Island, you'll find clear water that is good for swimming.  There's not much to see in Jackson but the northern suburbs are pretty nice.  That's where I raced in 2010.  Tupelo is one of my favorite small cities and I found VERY friendly people there.  Don't miss the Elvis museums.  Meridian, Columbus and Natchez are worth a quick look but I highly recommend seeing the Civil War battlefield in Vicksburg.  It's a pretty cool town too.     

Alabama- 

Huntsville, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Selma, Auburn, Mobile, Gulf Shores.

My home since 2006 and I think that I have stepped foot in every county even if it was only to get gas.  For tourists, here is what I recommend:  The beaches in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are just as nice as the ones across the border in Florida.  There are some gripping Civil Rights museums in Selma, Montgomery and Birmingham.  There is also Space Center in Huntsville. My first visit here was in 1992 for a Junior Olympic race in Mobile.  

Florida- 

Key West, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Okeechobee, Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota, Sanibel, Perry, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Apalachicola, Panama City, Pensacola.

First visit here came in the mid-80s to Disney World.  We returned in 1990 to Sanibel Island then again in 1991 to Disney again.  I began exploring this state on my own in 2004 with a beach hopping trip from Jacksonville to Panama City.  I've been all the way up and down both coasts from Ft. Myers to Pensacola and Key West to Fernandina.  I've also toured some off the beaten path areas such as the Big Bend and Forgotten Florida.  Both have more of a native vibe.  

Georgia- 

Atlanta, Savannah, Columbus, Valdosta, Brunswick, Macon, Tifton, Rome, Athens, Augusta.

First visit was in 2000 to the Columbus area.  It's a surprisingly diverse geographical state with beaches and mountains and the big city of Atlanta.  Savannah is one of my favorite cities to visit.  Its beaches are often overlooked because of neighboring Florida and South Carolina and though its mountains are not quite as high as North Carolina, there are still some beautiful spots in the northern part of the state.  Though both are solidly southern, the vibe in South Georgia is much different than North Georgia.

South Carolina- 

Greenville, Clemson, Anderson, Columbia, Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach

Lived here from 2003-2006.  I have probably visited every county here as well.  My first visit came in 1991 to Myrtle Beach and I fell in love with the state.  In Greenville, everything that I wanted to do was just a day trip away.  Mountains, beach, big cities.  All within 3 hours.  Charleston is one of my favorite cities and I spent many happy hours at Isle of Palms.  I haven't extensively toured Columbia but came away with a more favorable impression in 2022

Training 3/6-3/12

 3/6- AM- After just a TRACE of Apple Cider Vinegar last night, I got an IMMEDIATE negative reaction.  Even Auto Immune support did not help.  I must STOP both the Probiotics and the ACV at least for the time being.  I may try again on Wednesday when the stronger Auto Immune stuff (Cytokine suppress) arrives.   1 mile in 12:53.  OUCH!  At least there was no knee pain

PM- Improved by 1:45 down to 11:08 with an even pace and no attempt to kick at the end.  I should be better tomorrow.  OR not.  I did not turn to caffeine today.  I may have a mild withdrawal after last weekend but that should not last more than a day or two.

Distance=2.0

3/7- Unplanned rest day.  I need the Auto Immune support.  The only one that works is the Cytokine Suppress.  It should arrive tomorrow evening.  Tried to run but could not even maintain a 12 minute pace.

3/8- The pills arrived today.  Did a 2:01 half lap without and a 1:25 with.  Hardly a miracle but certainly a night and day difference.  In terms of pace, I dropped from a 12:06 to an 8:30 (MINUS 3:36).  Added a junk cool.  I've learned that there is an ingredient in energy drinks called guarana that relieves auto immune symptoms.  That's why it was so hard to quit those suckers permanently.

Distance=0.5

3/9- 2.5 on Lakeshore in 28:18 (11:19 pace).  No surprise.  This was about what I expected.  Come next week, I should do better.  Relatively even pace.  Never tired but could not pick up any speed.

Distance=2.5

3/10- Junk run.  Only 1 mile.  AWFUL

Distance=1.0

3/11- Unplanned rest day.

3/12- 1 mile worth of intervals.  Got down to 60 seconds after loading on Probiotics but collapsed later in the day.  

Distance=1.0

- 7 miles total.  YTD- 101

Before the Cytokine suppressants arrived, I could not tolerate Probiotics or ACV.  ACV is now tolerated and I have an insatiable need for Probiotics and complete intolerance for Taurine, sugars and alcohol.

Road Trips 3: Upper South

 I've thoroughly explored this region and have been to each of these states countless times.  

Arkansas- Probably my least visited state of this group but it's an underrated gem.  My first visit came in 2004 but it was little more than a drive through from Memphis to Texarkana.  I made the strict standard in 2006 with a stop at the high point in Mount Magazine (2743 feet).  My race here came in 2011 at the White River half in Mountain Home.  I've spent a couple nights in West Memphis on road trips because I wanted to get across the river as well as Pine Bluff on a alternate route back from Texas.  I toured Little Rock for the first time in 2014 on my way back from Tulsa and returned in 2020 on my way back from Oklahoma.  I went hiking in Hot Springs NP and Pinnacle Mountain just outside of Little Rock.  

Tennessee- One of my favorite states.  I only wish that it had a beach.  My first visit here came in 2002 on a family trip to Gatlinburg.  I've been back there many times, most recently for skiing.  Other cities that I have visited several times include Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis plus several other small towns.  All 3 have plenty to offer.  In Chattanooga, see Lookout Mountain, Rock City and Ruby Falls as well as the Incline.  Nashville has Broadway and Country music museums.  Memphis is probably my favorite of the 3 to visit with Beale Street, Graceland, and several Blues and Rock museums.  This state also has some beautiful parks with waterfalls that are especially awesome in the Fall.  3 half marathons here and my favorite was Memphis St. Jude.

North Carolina- Beautiful beaches and mountains.  What more can I ask for?  My first visit was little more than a drive through in 1991 and I didn't meet the strict standard until 2002 for white water rafting in Cherokee.  In terms of cities, I've been to Asheville and Charlotte several times but have only briefly visited Raleigh.  However, nature is what makes this state stand out.  I've been on the Blue Ridge Parkway many times and drove the whole thing in 2005.  Mount Mitchell edges out NH's Mt. Washington as the highest point in the East.  I've gone skiing 3 times at Cataloochee in Maggie Valley and tubing in Boone.  Unfortunately, the beaches are a little too far for regular visits but I've been to the Outer Banks and Carolina Beach, near Wilmington.  Both have more consistent surf.  I've done a half in Charlotte and a 10K in Asheville.  

Virginia- The first family vacation that I remember clearly was Virginia Beach in 1987.  I wanted to go back on my own terms for years and finally made it in 2022.  My sister lived in the DC suburbs for a few years so we spent Christmas there during that time.  Other cities that I have visited include Charlottesville, Roanoke, Bristol, Mt. Vernon, Richmond, Norfolk and Colonial Williamsburg.  TONS of historical museums here including the homes of Washington and Jefferson.  In addition to Virginia Beach, I've caught waves in Chincoteague Island and spent a night in Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore.  Outside of the DC metro area, the predominant culture is still southern but the Tidewater region has a much different vibe than Appalachia.  Race was in Roanoke in 2014.  

Kentucky- Made the strict standard in 2004 with a stop at the state Capitol in Frankfort.  I've also been to Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green.  Though I'd classify Kentucky as fully southern, the western half has a much different vibe than the eastern part.  Appalachia is beautiful but unfortunately, it still has quite a bit of poverty.  Highlights include Churchill Downs, Louisville slugger factory, Bourbon tasting, Corvette museum and horse farms.  Race was Run the Bluegrass in 2015 and I'd like to race in Louisville at some point.   

West Virginia- First visit here came in the 1980s at Wheeling.  I've been to dog racing at Wheeling Downs and Oglebay Park.  Other cities visited include Morgantown, Huntington, Summersville, Beckley and Charleston.  Like North Carolina, scenery is what makes this state.  Options include rafting, New River Gorge, Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods.  Snowshoe is considered one of the best ski resorts in the East.  I've never been there but have been to Winterplace, outside of Beckley. I'd classify this state as predominantly southern.  The northern panhandle is a hybrid of the Northeast and Midwest but southern accents can be heard as far north as Morgantown, just a few miles from the PA border.