More Muddy Ketos

Today was my second real Keto run. I did the same loop as before and got more or less the same time but better results, why?
On this run I was able to keep my HR in between 175-185 bpm which is still higher than I'd like but better than 205! I also am happy that I was able to completely run up the last steep hill without stopping and/or bonking.
My legs felt great today, as did breathing and my head. If I didn't know any better I'd say that I'm getting adapted!

It has been just about three weeks and I've lost 6kg (13.2 lbs) and I am still full of energy. I'm writing this just after a nice shower post-run and I find it strange that I have no hunger what-so-ever, a little thirsty, but that's it! Breakfast this morning was butter coffee, mackerel and avocado.

Strava

Ciao for now,
Cameron

Mud and Exploding Hearts

Today was my first run over 5km since switching to the Keto Diet. In Natural Born Heroes,  Christopher McDougall describes his first easy run after switching his diet and how he felt light headed and energy deprived. He also notes advice given to him by Nutritional Guru, Phil Maffetone. He explains that you have a fat burning threshold where your body is content burning fat as long as it doesn't get oxygen depraved. The simple formula is 180 minus your age and plus or minus some other little bits. Simply, my 'fat burning' zone should be somewhere around 153-158 heartbeats per minute. Now, I didn't get light headed and sickly feeling out on my runs because I believe I experienced all of that during my first week of the 'low carb flu'. Today, I started my run in a bouncy stride and I felt full of energy and ready to attack. If anyone knows me, they know that I like to jump right into the extreme without an easy transition, today was no exception. I was in a quick pace and I was bouncing around dodging the slippery mud when I realized that at 3km I had been running about 5min/km which is quick for a 'normal' me. I checked my heart rate and immediately slowed down, I was at 205 bpm! That's why I felt like I was going to die, I told myself.

Soon after I slowed my head and heart started to feel better but I could feel my legs turning into maple syrup. A sticky, lethargic feeling of slowing down. I just tried to concentrate on keeping my 'elastic bounce' and keeping good posture. This surprisingly kept me in good spirits and allowed me to continue in good but slow form. As soon as I hit the last/only climb that is short but oh, so sweet, I didn't even consider running it. I walked the climb that normally I smoke in normal form. But I told myself that I am in a transition and that next time I come to it, I will attack!

I ordered the Banting cookbook/infobook/research book on Banting/ Keto eating by Professor Tim Noakes, The Real Meal Revolution. It is full of beautiful recipes and info on the diet/lifestyle and will make anyones mouth water.

Strava

Until next time,
Cameron

What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

While reading Natural Born Heroes, written by the Christopher McDougall, author of extremely successful Born To Run, I became inspired by many things. The book touches on skills and philosophies in today's world that would have resinated in the rich culture of ancient Greece but more so the resistance fighters on the Greek island of Crete during WWII. These Cretans were extremely 'useful' whereas they could use all of the surroundings and elements to outwit and out maneuver the Nazis. The book discusses everything from Kung Fu to knife throwing, from Natural movement and body fascia. But one of the things that I found interesting was the topic of teaching your body to burn fat instead of sugar to sustain energy to cover more distance and to maintain overall better health. The idea is to cut out carbohydrates and sugars but also to increase you fat intake so you body develops a hormone called ketos that will act as the fuel source for your body. I was so intrigued, in fact, that after reading the chapter in where this is mentioned, I found that I had immediately cut the carbs the same day and was head first into the Ketogenic diet, or Banting.

On day 2 I had terrible diarrhea and felt pretty weak and then the next 4 days were absolute shit (literally). I had no idea of what I had gotten myself into. I just wanted more energy to run and to improve my overall health, I didn't want to suffer with the runs and a foggy head and weak body. I endlessly searched the internet for what could be killing me and how to survive and found tons of interesting information both scientifically complicated and inspiring. I was determined. I held on for the expected week of 'hell in stomach' or low carb flu and soon enough it passed just like a bad dream.

Now that I am cramming in the butter and coconut oil and eating guacamole every other meal, I hope to transform my body into a fat burning machine. This blog was created to bring you along with me on my journey and give you some hopefully funny insights and just some 'what-nots' for fun. I will also be tracking to see how my running progresses while on this new regimen and yes, in Luna Sandals. I did my first run this morning and felt wonderful and I only hope it gets better. 

I will try and post links and fun bits about things I reference and please don't hesitate to ask any questions.

realmealrevolution.com

Christopher McDougall Highlights These Skills on Outside.com

No Bun Please

More butter!,

Cameron