So I have been running very little if at all. Kind of strange thinking about how I found time to run in the past, right now I have zero spare time whatsoever it seems. I've pretty much given up on the internet since it's such a time suck. The only time I have to run is at night and motivation is pretty low right now to run! 

I can feel my strength has slipped since stopping my calisthenics in December. My ability to hammer out push ups is gone. I can tell my endurance from running has lapsed as well. Oh well, as mentioned time to focus on preventative measures which I can sneak in around kids.

Still rolling with the high fat diet and I feel great. I haven't lost much weight, not that I have much to lose anyway, but that's not my goal. My main worry is vitamins and minerals but I eat a ton of greens and vegetables so I'd guess that's covered. Besides if guess I'd feel like crap if I was deficient. As long as I'm getting a variety I would guess I'm ok.

Hernia op in about four weeks, then it's time to focus on rebuilding to be stronger and faster! 

So it begins. A little planning ahead. Signed up for the Beacons Ultra in mid November. 46 miles, two loops, around the Brecon Beacons in Wales. I did this race in 2012 (?) and loved it. 2013 I intended to do it but was burnt out. So, hopefully 2015! Hopefully in addition to a hundred like Ćotswold.

Been doing some research on "prehab" for running. I'm essentially looking for things I can do now and post surgery leading up to full hernia recovery to bullet proof my body against injury. Ordered a book specifically on the topic which I'm looking forward too. I'm guessing it will be lots of simple exercises such as things a physio would prescribe. This could fill the time and the need that running and my body weight routin fills until I'm back in action. 

Seems like a good habit to build now. 

Been running when I feel like it, no pressure. It's been ok but as mentioned odd not having a goal. The weather has been crappy lately, wet, trying to snow, snowing, windy but fun to get outside none the less. Actually have been running in the the daylight! Well until next week when the wife goes back to work! 

The above photo is from today's easy 5 miler, and just before I took the photo huge snowflakes were dropping! Then the sun came out! 

Day 29 of low carb high fat eating and I feel great! Never hungry. The oddest feeling! I feel totally normal and am out of the funk that is the "induction" period transferring to ketosis. It wasn't too bad but now I feel the difference. I got some stick to pee on to see how far into ketosis I am but normally can smell the acetone secretions. 

Rather than explain the whole thing this dude's website does an excellent job of explaining it all: 

http://josepharcita.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/guide-to-ketosis.html#33BB

The date is set

A little closure to this game. March 6th they'll slit me open, poke my innards back in, insert some mesh over the hole, and sew me up! The doctor said I should be back to normal mileage by June. Also currently I can run as I please. No weight stuff thoughts expected.

It's unreal how bummed out I was and having it open ended just made it worse! 

It was nice talking to a doctor in the private sector versus public health, so much more personable! Not that the other doctors I've seen were bad, just different. He actually gave a shit about me and was curious of who I was! He had my personal history already from the previous doctor which was a conversation piece since I've got emergency medical background. I could've talked to him for hours! I think he was elated I wasn't overweight as he said it can be much more difficult to do the procedure. I wonder if it was a "whew, thank god, an easy one" moment? 

So that means I can hopefully sneak in a fall hundred miler hopefully. Centurion Running Autumn 100 near Reading or Cotswold Way Century are both options. I'd just like to keep up any qualifying races in order to get in to future events. The guys at Centurion put on a very "American style" ultra which is welcoming, they do the North Downs Way 50 which was my first ultra. Great show. It's also later n the fall than Cotswold giving me more time to train. Cotswold however is very close to home which is very convenient, it's also point to point versus an out and back format. I guess lets first see how this surgery goes. Autumn 100 will fill first I'd guess so I'll need to keep tabs on that as well.

This morning I emailed the appropriate race directors in order to withdrawal from GUCR, Lakeland 100, and the Wychavon Way Ultra. Sad, but I do at least get some money back. Kind of a bummer but maybe for the better with two kids now it may be a good thing.

Day 23 of the high fat diet. Kind of a weird feeling. I never have sugar crashes or get the hanger. Consistent energy all the time, even on my runs, even if I don't eat! Any runs have been base building and easy right at the perfect pace for fat burning. Unfortunately I won't be experimenting with speedwork. I'm definitely in ketosis as I've got body odor and also my urine stinks! I'd like to keep it up for another month and have my cholesterol etc checked to see the outcome. We will see if I last, it takes quite a bit of will power to skip all the treats! 

Got out for an easy six miles today. Felt good, fast, and renewed my motivation. New current goal is run for fun, no races in mind, go when I can, as far as I feel like. There is no reason to stop yet and no goal yet and that's ok. 

Been cold out and the canal froze in certain spots. A trail of broken ice in the middle from a boat. No mud, cold air, very nice.

Doctor appointment Thursday to see what the plan is for this hernia. Looking forward to that to get a time frame, then planning can commence. 

What are the positives of this hernia situation? What are some "to do" list things? What are things I can do while recovering?

-you'll run again

- the appointment is near

- time off could be good for your feet (numb top of foot issue)

- use it to lose weight, you want to be faster, carry less

- experiment with ketogenic diet

- focus on Jeet Kune Do

- find some friends 

- meditate, meditate, meditate

- rehab with Colby while Annabelle is at childcare; walk, hike, explore

- attempt to find other stay at home dads with like minded kid friendly interests (hiking, biking?)

- get OUT with the kids

I think I'm coming to terms with a mandatory lay off. It sucks but it has to happen. Damn I've been down though. 

I was doing well and I've hit a low again. Why run and train with no ultimate goal? Yeah I guess long term there are some I've got but no intermediate steps right now. Until I have an answer to surgery for this hernia I'm in limbo and it's killing me. 

I hate to lose fitness, but the effort mentally it takes to get out, stay positive, and be happy smiley dad and husband is draining. It's even harder with little support. Saturday's are always good as my coworkers are always interested in training etc but otherwise nothing. 

This week was the UTMB lottery results as well. Obviously I wasn't in the draw, which is for the better with this hernia, but it still really brought me down. Also looking at 2015 it will be very hard to get any racing in most likely. There are very few fall races and I have no idea how my fitness will be or how long to get it back. Limbo.

I miss being around like minded people but don't know where to look here.