Histamine.

I am no expert on distance running.

I like to run and I am slow so the challenge of running far suits me.

Those squats I do at the gym are perfect for propelling the junk in my trunk!

I burn lots of calories and it doesn't really bother my cardiovascular issues like allergies and asthma.

Except.... for how I will later explain in this post.

Today hubs and I set that alarm for 4:30!

Coffee.. and you guessed it :poop:

Dress and out the door.

There we are at 5 am in the driveway heading out.

Look we're smiling.

The run was over 10 miles-to Peoria where my husband works.

We didn't know what the trails would be like.  It was fairly clear the first couple miles. 

A few icy patches.

Then this...

For someone who likes to trail run I don't know why this wasn't fun.  

It was already trampled on and then refrozen so my knees were killing me.

It was slow going for a bit.

We made it to East Peoria and up that hill on the bridge by Walmart.  

Running at times a 9 minute mile pace and others an 11 minute mile pace.

I ate figs and half a banana trying to keep from putting things that were too processed in this body.

Done!  SAWEEETTT!

Then it starts.

Histamine.

When this first started happening over a year ago I had no clue what was going on.

Allergies?  Asthma?

Then it happened inside too but mostly outside.

I'd use my inhaler.

No help.

For hours or should I say FOUR hours I would wheeze, cough, sneeze, eyes watering, runny nose.

Miserable.  Can't sleep.  Congestion.

Two allergy meds, an inhaler and benedryl couldn't help.

Then....research.

I am overheating and when some people overheat they produce histamine.

The best and most natural healthy answer?

Get your core body temperature down as quickly as possible.

Douse your head with cold packs or cold water or cold air.

Anything but quickly before the inflammation starts.

So there in the ELM parking lot in 25 degree weather I stripped down all but my base layer.

Windows open in the van.

Trying to cool myself.

It works!  It took about 10 minutes but it works

Now....

Eating this concoction of leftovers at 10:15 because when you get up at 4:30 and run 10 miles you are hungry for lunch at 10!

Happy Friday!