A New Focus – Posture

Written July 28, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday, my wife made a rather unsettling observation: my posture has visibly deteriorated. I’ve been vaguely aware of it, but hearing it from her made the issue into sharp focus. I’ve always had a habit of slouching—whether sitting in my chair or standing. Over the years, this bad habit has become more ingrained, almost second nature. What concerned my wife even more was when she spoke with my mother and discovered that she, too, had had difficulties maintaining proper posture due to bone alignment issues. This conversation made my wife think that my posture problems might be rooted in something similar.

This concern isn’t just about appearances or comfort. Poor posture can lead to various health issues, some extending beyond the apparent back pain or muscle stiffness. My wife, who has always been attentive to my well-being, pointed out that poor posture can adversely affect how we breathe and potentially negatively impact the health of our internal organs. Considering that I’m already dealing with compromised kidney function, the idea of adding more health complications to the mix is not something I take lightly.

Honestly, I can’t recall when I consciously maintained proper posture for any significant period. It’s one of those things I’ve always known I should do but never really attempted to correct. Perhaps it’s because the immediate consequences of poor posture aren’t always obvious, so it’s easy to let it slide. However, now that my wife has brought it to my attention, I’m realizing how important it is to address this issue before it leads to more severe problems.

Moving forward, I’ve decided to make a concerted effort to improve my posture. I plan to periodically assess how I’m sitting and standing throughout the day and make adjustments as needed. I know this won’t be an overnight change. Still, if I can consistently correct my posture, I believe it will feel more natural over time. The goal is to reach a point where good posture becomes the norm, and I won’t have to consciously think about it as much.

Of course, I’m unsure what benefits to expect from improving my posture. However, failing to correct it could lead to more significant skeletal issues caused by the excess strain that poor posture places on various body parts. This realization has made me even more determined to make this change.

My wife has also suggested that I consult a professional, such as a doctor or chiropractor, to better understand what might be contributing to my poor posture and how best to address it. It might be something as simple as strengthening my back muscles, or perhaps there’s a need for spinal alignment. Since neither of us is qualified to make these determinations, I’ll discuss this with my general practitioner at my next appointment. In the meantime, I’m committed to being more mindful of how I carry myself and making a conscious effort to sustain better posture throughout the day.

This journey toward better posture is just beginning. While I’m uncertain of the challenges and outcomes that lie ahead, I’m optimistic that this small change could have a meaningful impact on my overall health. I’m grateful to my wife for bringing this to my attention and for her continued support in helping me make these necessary adjustments.

Back To 10K Runs In the Heat

Written July 27, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today is a Saturday, and like most Saturdays, I aim to complete a 10k run. However, I haven’t been able to stick to this goal consistently due to the heat, which makes running quite uncomfortable. To address this, I’ve adjusted my schedule and run early in the morning when the temperature is more relaxed. This change has allowed me to start doing 10k runs again recently.

My nephrologist recommended using a running app to track my progress, so I tried it. I completed my weekly 10k run this morning, but around the 8-kilometer mark, I lost focus and couldn’t remember how far I had run. Thankfully, I’m very familiar with my route, so I kept going until the app announced my distance. Hearing the app’s voice confirming that I had reached my goal was a relief.

I use a free app from Asics that provides updates at set intervals. I’ve configured it to announce my progress every minute, which helps me stay motivated and on track. My wife, however, finds frequent updates distracting and has her app set to announce every five minutes. It’s interesting how we each find different ways to stay focused during our runs.

I’m pleased to have completed another 10k run, although I felt exhausted afterward. I suspect that my body is adjusting after not running this distance regularly for a while. In 2023, I ran 10k thrice a week, so not keeping up that frequency has likely impacted my stamina. While I can still complete the distance, my pace has plateaued, and pushing myself to run faster during 10k runs has been challenging.

I’ve focused more on 5k runs weekly to improve my speed. Running shorter distances allows me to concentrate on increasing my pace without the fatigue of longer runs. This adjustment is a more manageable approach for now. In the future, I may need to revise my running schedule further, but for now, I’ll continue with this plan.

Getting back into the routine of regular 10k runs has been a rewarding experience, even if it is only once a week. I’m eager to see how my performance improves with consistent training. The journey back to my previous fitness level is challenging. Still, I’m confident that I’ll continue to make progress with perseverance and the right strategy.

A Runner’s Diary in Humid Nashville

Written July 24, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Lately, the weather has been nothing short of erratic. We’ve oscillated between intense heat waves driven by hurricanes and sudden thunderstorms, keeping me on my toes. Typically, I check the weather app to gauge when rain might interrupt my week—this is crucial for planning things like lawn mowing, where timing is everything. More often than not, the rain is predicted well in advance, so I make it a point to regularly consult my weather app.

Just yesterday, while reviewing the forecast for today, I saw that rain was expected during my usual running time. This left me in a quandary, debating whether to brave the rain for my run or postpone it until tomorrow. The decision was challenging, as skipping a run disrupts my routine.

Despite the ominous forecast for this morning, fate seemed to have other plans, and the anticipated rain did not come to pass. Instead, I was met with an alternative challenge: running in the extreme humidity that characterizes Nashville’s summers. Humid weather here feels more oppressive than a straightforward downpour. It can make the air feel ten degrees hotter, and breathing becomes akin to inhaling steam vapor—much like what you’d experience near a humidifier in the vegetable aisle of a grocery store.

Following my run, the weather remained dry, yet the air was dense, almost pressing against my skin. Morning temperatures are more forgiving than the scorching heat of the afternoon. I’ve made this discovery recently, and it’s a primary reason I’ve shifted my runs to earlier in the day. My wife has also taken to morning runs, likely for the same reasons.

Navigating these unpredictable weather patterns has become a part of our daily routine. While the unpredictability can be frustrating, adapting our schedules and finding small victories in the timing of our activities—like avoiding the peak afternoon heat—adds a layer of satisfaction to our day. 

It’s about making the best of what we’re dealt with, whether mowing the lawn in a brief dry spell or choosing the lesser evil of humidity over rain for a run. As we adjust and adapt, the weather remains an ever-present factor in our plans, a reminder of nature’s unpredictability.

Sometimes, It Takes Two To Tweak the Schedule

Written July 19, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I’ve recently embarked on a journey to optimize my morning routine. As I fine-tuned the details, I found that my Friday schedule required additional adjustments to fit the new rhythm I aimed for.

Traditionally, my mornings were structured to allow me to weave in leisurely chores and exercise, maintaining a steady flow throughout the day. A key part of this was managing my laundry, a seemingly mundane task that, if not timed correctly, could disrupt my entire day. My old routine had me darting to the laundry room to transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer after the first load, a practice I meticulously timed to ensure it wouldn’t interrupt my other activities.

However, when I introduced a new element—running first thing in the morning—I encountered a logistical hiccup that threw off my well-planned schedule. The crux of the problem was my clothing. I prefer specific attire for my post-run activities. With my new running schedule, these clothes wouldn’t be ready unless I delayed my shower by an hour. But every hour postponed in the morning cascades into the rest of my day, pushing back all subsequent tasks and appointments.

To circumvent this issue, I initially thought of starting the first batch of laundry the night before, on Thursday. I planned to throw the laundry into the washer before bed and then transfer it to the dryer right before I laced up my running shoes in the morning. This would ideally have my preferred clothes fresh and ready by the time I was done with my shower.

However, when I discussed this plan with my wife, she raised a valid concern about leaving wet laundry overnight. She pointed out that this could lead to mildew growth, which isn’t just unsanitary—it could ruin the fabric of my preferred running gear. After considering her feedback, we brainstormed alternative solutions, and she suggested a slight tweak to the plan.

Her proposal was that she could handle the first batch of laundry when she went out for her own run. This timing would allow the clothes to wash while she ran, and they’d be ready for the dryer just as she returned. I could then take over, putting the freshly washed clothes into the dryer before starting my run. This would ensure everything was ready on time without any delays or risk of bacterial buildup.

We decided to test this new approach the following week. If it proved effective, it would solve the morning logistics problem without compromising the cleanliness or integrity of our clothing. This trial period would also allow us to see if further tweaks were necessary or if we had finally crafted the perfect morning schedule to accommodate our active lifestyles.

In essence, the challenge of balancing a new running routine with laundry might seem trivial, but it reflects how even small changes require thoughtful adjustment in our daily lives.

A Delicate Balance of Health and Habit – Staying Hydrated

Written July 6, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I’ve meticulously monitored my water intake to ensure my kidneys function more efficiently. I’ve integrated this routine into my daily schedule using my smartphone, as waiting until I feel thirsty usually indicates that I’m already too dehydrated.

Occasionally, my busy schedule leads me to miss these drinking reminders. Just last night, I was behind on my water quota, necessitating a late-evening rush to meet my goals. The result was less than ideal, as I had to wake up several times throughout the night to use the bathroom.

On one hand, it’s reassuring to know that my kidneys are functioning well enough to produce urine actively. I take some comfort in achieving my hydration goals, yet the disruption to my sleep is a trade-off I’m keen to avoid. It would be beneficial to complete my water intake earlier in the evening to minimize nighttime interruptions.

Managing my daily essentials—eating, drinking, exercising, working, and sleeping—sometimes feels overwhelming. Each element is crucial to my health, and maintaining a disciplined schedule seems to be the key to staying on track.

By closely monitoring my progress throughout the day, I aim to consistently meet or exceed my modest goal of 2 liters of water well before it’s time to wind down for bed. This proactive approach helps me stay hydrated and enhances my overall well-being by allowing for uninterrupted rest.

A Sweet Touch to Our Healthy Lifestyle

Written July 23, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

My wife has been delightfully busy in the kitchen, transforming summer fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches into delicious homemade jams. Since we’re not big bread eaters, these vibrant concoctions find their way into our pastries instead.

We indulged in flaky pastry puffs filled with these homemade jams just last night. We had three different types of jams and, correspondingly, three varieties of pastry puffs. My wife prepares the jams without using pectin or excessive sugar, opting instead to blend fruits that are naturally higher in pectin or sugar. The result? Our Jams are significantly less sweet than those you find in grocery stores. Among them, the peach jam is my personal favorite. Something about the love and care she puts into making them makes every bite memorable.

Traditionally, I would reach for protein bars when I felt peckish, especially since gaining muscle mass has challenged me. My kidney condition limits my animal protein consumption, so my snacks are derived from plant-based proteins. However, recent lab results prompted me to reduce my snack intake, which has sometimes left me feeling hungry.

Managing my snacks can be tricky as I need to adhere to a renal diet to preserve my kidney health for as long as possible. Staying active sometimes makes it difficult to maintain my weight. I’ve considered discussing this with my wife; I’m confident she’ll have some creative solutions to help manage these dietary challenges.

This morning, before my run, I had one of the pastry puffs we made the night before. It provided enough energy to stave off hunger throughout my exercise, making the run much more enjoyable and holding me over until breakfast. It was such a positive experience that I’m considering making this a regular part of my routine. To prepare for the week ahead, I plan on baking a batch of blueberry muffins this afternoon.

Each step in adapting our eating habits has been an adventure. My wife’s culinary skills add flavor to our meals and bring a dash of sweetness to our health-focused lifestyle. It’s a delicate balance that enriches our days and keeps us looking forward to every meal.

Balancing Act – Running, Baking, and Staying on Schedule

Written 7/21/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I generally refrain from writing on Sundays because I skipped documenting my journal post-10k run yesterday. The fatigue was overwhelming, rendering me unable to muster the creativity needed for writing. My kidney issues exacerbate this exhaustion, making me feel unusually drained. The guilt from yesterday’s inactivity still lingers. Hence, today’s journal entry attempts to compensate for that brief lapse.

Yesterday marked a deviation from summer’s relentless heat, and I felt a surge of happiness completing my 10k run amidst slightly cooler conditions. I’ve been tweaking my routine recently, having observed that running early in the morning can be beneficial during the hot months.

Adjusting my schedule, however, tends to disrupt my biological rhythm. I’ve started my days earlier than usual, hitting the pavement right after waking up. Although my body still resists this new timetable, I’m optimistic it will adapt.

Reflecting on my post-run exhaustion, it might be due to not running such a distance in a while; my body was probably caught off guard. I can’t shake off the feeling that I used yesterday’s achievement as an excuse to neglect my other responsibilities.

On a brighter note, today involves some baking. We bought puff pastry sheets yesterday and plan to create small pockets filled with various jams my wife has prepared. We’ve made these before with decent success and decided it’s worth doing again.

Our culinary agenda today also includes making pizza. It makes sense to let the puff pastry sheets warm to room temperature now so I can assemble and bake them simultaneously with the pizza, minimizing the time our oven warms the kitchen.

I plan to save some of these pastries for snacking while mowing the lawn next week. While it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the completion of a challenging task, I must ensure it doesn’t sideline my other projects.

Time To Adjust My Daily Routine

Written 6/29/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I’ve been experimenting quite a bit with my daily schedule. One significant change I made was to start running earlier in the morning. The main reason for this shift was the rising temperatures during the day. A summer day in Nashville can be near 100F (38C). Can you imagine how terrible that would be? By running first thing after waking up, I could enjoy the cooler morning air, making my runs much more pleasant. My running pace has been improving since the schedule adjustment.

However, this change brought a new challenge: when to have breakfast. When I finished my run and returned home in the morning, the temperature was already climbing, but it was still bearable. However, my hunger was almost unbearable. Ideally, I prefer to run after breakfast, but I find exercising on a full stomach uncomfortable.

Balancing my physical activities and eating schedule has always been tricky. I exercise regularly and do a lot of weekly physical yard work. My workouts help build muscle, which in turn burns more calories. Consequently, I wake up ravenous most mornings.

Every decision, no matter how small, has its pros and cons. I feel the consequences a lot more, especially regarding my physical condition. Even the timing of my meals can significantly impact how I feel and perform throughout the day. Therefore, adjusting my eating schedule has become a trial-and-error process. I’m confident that I’ll eventually find the right balance.

My wife has her own routine and preferences, particularly when it comes to eating. She dislikes eating late and avoids any food after 7 p.m. Most evenings, she spends her last two hours reading or planning for the next day. Since her activity level is much lower at night, she worries that going to bed with a full stomach will make her feel uncomfortable in the morning.

There is another adjustment I need to make – it’s time to prepare our supper. Previously, when I ran later in the day, I prepared our supper after my run. But with my new schedule, starting to cook after my run would feel more like lunch than dinner. This shift has left me disoriented, and I need to rearrange our daily routine to prepare supper at a suitable time.

Despite these challenges, I view my life as a continuous learning experience. No matter how minor, each change teaches me something new about myself and how to better manage my time and activities. I’m constantly learning how to adapt and find balance, and I know I’ll eventually get it right.

I Learned Something From My Bad Lab Result Last Week

Written July 5, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I recently received the second set of results from my latest kidney function tests, and it turns out that the previous decline in my kidney function was likely due to dehydration. This revelation came after days of insufficient water intake before the tests. My doctor had already suspected as much during my last visit, as there were no indicators of kidney failure in my health logs.

Monitoring key biometrics is essential for monitoring my kidney health. In 2015, we were still using a blood pressure machine. We were told to take my blood pressure several times a day. With my left hand not moving well from stroke, I switched to using a smartwatch to track various metrics such as blood pressure, heart rate, sleep patterns, and daily steps. I also keep tabs on my weight and body composition. Although the readings for body composition are estimates, they are still helpful in monitoring my overall health.

Speaking of which, our weight machine can calculate the percentage of water in my body, so I should also pay attention to the log and ensure that I am not dehydrated in the future.

Getting bad lab results was sucked, but this experience underscored the critical importance of hydration, particularly during warmer weather. Since then, I’ve made a concerted effort to increase my water consumption. 

The positive impact of staying well-hydrated was evident in my most recent lab results, which relieved my wife immensely. She had been quite concerned about the potential deterioration of my kidney health. Her relief was palpable, and it even sparked a discussion about making dietary adjustments. She’s considering incorporating more plant-based proteins into our meals a few times a week, a change aimed at supporting my kidney health.

The good news is that my kidneys are still functioning all right. The key takeaway for me is the importance of maintaining proper hydration. I’ve set a personal goal to ensure I consume at least two liters of water daily, not counting other beverages. This commitment to hydration is not just about improving my kidney function—it’s about enhancing my overall health and well-being.

Staying vigilant about hydration and closely monitoring my health metrics has been instrumental in managing my kidney health. It’s a reminder of how interconnected our body systems are and how lifestyle choices can significantly influence our health outcomes. Moving forward, I’ll continue to track my biometrics and adjust my habits as needed to support my kidney function and overall health.

How To Deal With Summer Run

Written 6/30/2024

reviewed 7/21

Hello Dear Readers,

I’ve adjusted my daily routine, particularly regarding my running schedule. After the last lab results, this was more of a necessary course of action. Typically, I hit the pavement in the afternoons. Still, with the steaming summer heat in Nashville proving both humid and intense, I’ve shifted my runs to the early mornings. I plan to maintain this change until the next time change on November 3, 2024.

The necessity to modify my routine stems primarily from my health. I manage a challenging kidney condition that frequently leaves me fatigued and makes physical activity more strenuous than it used to be. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for my condition, and last week, we concluded that I need to significantly increase my water intake to sustain my kidney functions. 

You can no longer compromise when you have very few kidney functions. I have to be totally committed to improving my kidneys. I’ve worked on this for nearly a decade and improved my kidney to level 3 from level 5. I know it is working. 

Suppose the hotter environment requires me to drink more to be adequately hydrated. I need to change the external environment in which I run. As we know, I am not a weather wizard who can magically change the actual weather; I just need to work around my schedule. Running in the cooler morning temperatures helps me meet these hydration needs more effectively, as I tend to sweat less than I would in the sweltering heat of the day.

My experience yesterday morning confirmed the wisdom of this adjustment. Running early in the cooler weather was markedly more pleasant. My wife prefers to complete most of her chores in the morning, including her own runs. She has often mentioned shifting her schedule to dodge the oppressive heat, which significantly impacts her running pace.

Having cooler rest days is an added benefit. At least, the weather will continue to trend towards more bearable temperatures next week. It’s been an exceptionally hot summer here in Nashville. Although it’s still June, and today marks the month’s end, we have two – three more months of heat to anticipate.

Adjusting my routine aligns better with the seasonal conditions. It supports my health needs, making each step on my morning runs easier on my body. It’s a reminder of the small, daily choices we can make to significantly improve our quality of life, even amid challenging health conditions.