Everyone knows that most elite runners will do absolutely everything they can to be the absolute best they can be. Often that means finding ways that are not morally or ethically correct to get that advantage. With more and more cases about cheating, our sport is headed in a bad direction, and I am sure we have not seen the last of this controversy.

I want to get the most out of my body too, I want to be the best I can be, and as much as these runners may find ways that they know in their heart is wrong (you know I am all about my gut directing me what to do), I have been lucky enough to come across a few companies who do want to help runners in a safe and legal way. In a way that actually saves their health too, not just pushing their bodies to a place where it was not naturally meant to be.

I have my EnduroPacks to help me recover better (and it really works!), I consume the right fuel to run to my best, and of course, I put in the time and hard work.

Recently though, I have been thinking more and more about the future, about a life after running being the priority, and I think it is time to start preparing for that. I think we all know what I am referring to here.

I am not quite ready to reveal to the world exactly what this is, but I am sure a lot of you can guess.

Tawnee and I ended up talking for another 45 minutes after the interview, and we have been in regular contact since. I am actually going to now see her for a full athlete analysis (via Skype) to see what we can figure out. I do intend on sharing this journey with you, but right now, my heart is not quite ready to give you any more details, and I hope you understand.

BUT

One thing I will share, is that last weekend, I did the Inside Tracker Ultimate Athlete Blood Test. They are currently analyzing my results to see various markers in my blood that I have never looked into before.

Now, Inside Tracker is not related to seeing Tawnee, but by looking at nutrient and hormone levels in my blood they provide highly individualized recommendations based on height/weight/age/gender and activity level.

They will then recommend specific foods to eat more or less of, as well as lifestyle related recommendations, while also taking my running goals into account.

I HATE getting blood work, and did have to lie down while they took the whopping 6 vials of blood (fasted might I add, that in itself was a struggle!!!!), but I am very excited to see what they find! I am sure many of you will be interested to hear, as maybe this is something you will want to consider in the future too!

Have you ever had your blood analyzed?