{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Kate}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm sorry you felt like crap during your last race. I wouldn't at all be surprised if it's the low red blood cell count - makes lots of sense to me.

Eden is right about your athleticism and how much more the variation could be affecting you than the average person. Have you discused with your doctor the amount of exercise that you do, and how you've been feeling? It makes me wonder if there are any simple, non-invasive ways of improving the count that the doc would want to do when he/she sees the whole picture?

I'm afraid I can't answer your question about changing eating habits either. I've always been and always will be an omnivore. There are times that I crave meat and I just know I need protein.....and so I have some! It's a good thing!

Good luck and keep us posted on how you feel and what happens with your blood count.

Hugs and bright red butterflies to pump you up!

~T~