52 in 52

Why I’m doing the Autoimmune Protocol diet

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I may not look sick but it still feels like someone ran over me with a dump truck

I may not look sick but it still feels like someone ran over me with a dump truck

If you’re not familiar with the Autoimmune Protocol diet, it’s a diet that is designed to reduce inflammation and provide a wholesome diet for those suffering from Autoimmune Diseases – Crohn’s Disease etc.

To be clear, I have not been diagnosed with any of those.

However, for the last 6 months or so I have been suffering from a long list of symptoms, which we initially thought could have been Coeliac, but a blood test has since proven that to be negative. The symptoms I’ve had include:

  • Fatigue (even to the point that leaving the house for a couple of hours meant I needed to lay down when we got home)
  • Bloating (I looked pregnant at some points)
  • Varying bowel movements
  • Headaches
  • Stomach cramps (including around my belly button, which I can only explain it feels like someone is trying to rip my belly button out – it hurts)
  • Extreme sugar cravings
  • Diagnosis of Leaky Gut by a naturopath
  • Irritability (just ask Mario – he’ll vouch for this one)
  • Itchy ears

And that’s not even going into the private ones 🙂

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2015 52 in 52: The List

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Every year a friend and I each write a list of things that we would like to achieve during the year. This is the list for 2015: Physical Activity Hire something fun e.g. Mini Moke, Segway, House and/or BBQ boat etc  Run 5km in under 30mins  Have a sauna Do a class at the gym … Read more

2014: 52 in 52 list in review

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I’m posting this a bit early, but tomorrow I leave for camping so I won’t be in range to post anything more. I’ve scheduled my post for my 2015 list though so that it’s there while I’m away, right on time. The only reason I’m able to post this one early is because it’s pretty … Read more

52: Blog 100 memories (6 to 10 – Historical moments)

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52 in 52 - memories

Sadly, this has been inspired by the events of the Sydney siege, of which I’m watching the rolling broadcast on TV as we speak. My thoughts are with the hostages, and I hope it’s a peaceful resolution with no injuries or fatalities. The list below are from those historical moments where you always remember where … Read more

52 in 52: Compete in a triathlon

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“52 in 52″ is a list of things that I would like to complete throughout 2014. Click here to the whole list.

I have been exposed to triathlons from an early age. My dad was a big fan of them, and when I was about 12 I helped volunteer at the world famous Mooloolaba Triathlon. I stood proudly in my oversized volunteers shirt, and pointed the competitors towards the transition. After it was all over, I wandered around the transition in awe of all the chaos. Water bottles everywhere, scattered numbers, and the odd person here and there returning to pick up their gear. At the after party, an older girl (probably early 20's) asked me “when are you going to do one?” I said I didn't know, and she said “make sure you do, you have the build for it”.

Many years later in my mid 20's, I mentioned to a friend that I was interested. She agreed, and as chance would have it she knew someone that competed in triathlons that was also a personal trainer. We started training, and then it all fizzled out.

This year I decided it was the year. I had met Mario, who also competed in triathlons, and my fitness level was at an all time high. It was time to push. I contacted my friend again, she said she was keen, and before we had a chance to change our minds we paid for the entry fee.

I started going for longer bike rides, and swimming more frequently. I did more boot camp classes. I didn't run enough, which I would pay for later, but I was training. I was scared. I knew I could make the distances, but I didn't know how fast. I wanted to do well. Really well.

When the day arrived, I had managed to sleep relatively well the night before. We had been down and checked in early the day prior, leaving our bikes in the transition area. I had set up my shoes with the cool new spring laces, and also laid out my clothes in preparation.

I was as ready as I was ever going to be.

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