I have tried to sit down and write this blog at least 3 times. Where does the time go?

I had a fabulous sunset run. Two cups of coffee prior timed just right- and I would have to credit my brown rice and tofu lunch several hours prior. I have also been eating my Ezekiel noodles with goo goo sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, a little spice and honey, etc.) There is most certainly an obvious difference in my running and energy level when I eat quality grains prior to a run. Certainly, caffeine can boost you -- but I swear- I feel very different after I eat whole grain versus processed white rice.

I followed my run with a simple water and honey drink. Sometimes one needs a little salt- I added some sea salt to my water, but it upset my stomach. Too much perhaps? Cold water versus warm? I seem to remember something about needing room temperature water versus cold immediatley after extreme exertion. Cold water was an obvious no-no.

I visited the local naturopathic doctor- Dr. Julia Whipkey. She is a big Dr. D fan and has had the privlege of working him briefly ( a seminar or conference, I believe?). She trained traditionally as a nurse, didn't like what she saw, and became a ND through Trinity College. She is also a breast cancer survivor and treated herself. My goodness, what a fabulous role model I have met! Unfortunately, she is planning on leaving Rockford soon. (How soon, I am not certain and for how long I am not certain.)

She took a blood, urine, and saliva sample. Together we looked at my blood under the microscope. How fascinating. Good news- my blood does not clump together inappropriately and ergo my diet is pretty clean! Hooray! Bad news- red blood cells are too few and there is a little bit of liver stress.

I am also low in calcium. That one surprised me. I know one thing- I drink too much coffee. Caffeine interferes with absorption. Many things interfere with absorption. Goodness! What is a girl to do?

I was advised by a friend to juice 3 carrots, one beet, and half an apple. This would provide 100% of my daily iron allotment. Of course, I need more than 100% due to my exercise routine and stress level. I am beginning to understand why Dr. D advises moderate strength training and 'hiking' versus serious running. I have always had trouble absorbing iron and been slightly anemic for as long as I can remember.

I look forward to my next doctor appointment, as Dr. Julia will have studied my samples for 72 hours. She will be able to conclude what supplements I need to add to my diet. We are also seriously talking about a 'detox.' Considering the fact I am an ex-smoker, it makes sense to me.

Meanwhile, I am off to the grocery store for a few simple veggies. I will hold off on buying a juicer for now. I suspect it will be worth the investment, but then I need to commit to making the time to clean that darn machine!