Category: Brian’s Journey

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I Am Learning How To Balance My Ambition

Written on August 10, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday, I set out to run 10 kilometers. However, it quickly became apparent that my legs hadn’t fully recovered from my previous run—they were sore and heavy. Despite my initial ambition, I realized that pushing through might not be the wisest decision, so I reluctantly cut the run short at 5 kilometers.

As I reflected on this decision, my wife shared a cautionary tale from her past. Years ago, when she was younger and just as driven, she ignored the early warning signs of soreness in her legs and kept running. Unfortunately, this led to stress fractures that sidelined her for several weeks. She emphasized the importance of listening to our bodies, no matter how strong the desire to achieve a goal might be. Her experience is a powerful reminder that ambition, if not balanced with self-care, can sometimes lead to setbacks.

Balancing my goals with my physical limitations has always been a challenge. There’s a fine line between pushing myself to improve and pushing myself too far. At times, it feels frustrating, especially when I see my progress over the past year. Thanks to my running app, I’ve been able to track my distances and pace, and I’ve seen significant improvement. Even when I complete a 10-kilometer run, my times are much better than last year. This progress motivates me to keep going but also comes with a price.

I’ve noticed that my recovery time has become longer, which I suspect is partly due to my limited protein intake. While a typical adult consumes about 1/1000 of their body weight in protein, I can only manage a little over half of that. This has made it challenging to fully recover from muscle soreness, even though I’ve figured out how to manage my weight and prevent muscle loss. Recovery remains an ongoing struggle.

Despite these challenges, I’m trying to focus on the positives. I’m proud of how hard I work and how much I’ve improved despite my difficulties. My wife often reminds me that I’m resilient, even though I get tired more easily and have trouble recovering. She understands my struggles and supports my determination to reach my goals.

Ultimately, I’ve decided to embrace a more balanced perspective. It’s okay if I can’t always run 10 kilometers due to physical limitations. The muscle soreness I’m experiencing is a sign that I’m pushing myself toward my goals, and that’s something to be proud of. Most importantly, I continue moving forward and never give up, even when the journey gets tough.

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This Is How I Maintained My Weight With Renal Restrictions

Written on August 6, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

I’ve recently developed a new habit that’s become a key part of my daily routine: eating two small pastry bites before my morning run and four while mowing the lawn. This might seem like a quirky ritual, but for someone like me, living with chronic kidney disease, it’s actually a carefully considered strategy. My condition requires me to follow a highly controlled diet, which means that many of the foods others enjoy freely are off-limits or need to be consumed in minimal quantities. For example, I have to be extremely cautious with my protein, cheese, and chocolate intake—three things I used to enjoy but now have to ration carefully.

But those are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other foods that I need to monitor closely, especially when it comes to salt. Salt is a concern because it’s hidden in many everyday items, like bread. Many of the bread on store shelves contain far more salt than my kidneys can safely handle, so I’ve had to say goodbye to many of my old favorites.

When we first discovered my kidney disease, it was a wake-up call that prompted significant changes in our household. Dining out, for example, became a rare occasion—something we now do no more than once a week, if at all. We also became much more vigilant about what we bring into our kitchen. Spice mixes, which often contain hidden salt, are a perfect example. My wife began making our spice blends and sauces from scratch each weekend to avoid this. This way, we can ensure that everything we eat is within my dietary guidelines. While this may sound like a lot of work, we ease into it gradually, making it feel like a natural part of our lifestyle rather than a burden.

Summer, of course, brings its own challenges, particularly with the added task of lawn care. Because of my dietary restrictions, I used to rely on small, plant-based protein bars to keep my energy up during these activities. My doctor assured me these were safe in moderation, but I might have overdone it. I soon realized that I needed to cut back on them, which led to a new problem: maintaining my weight. My weight tends to hover between 145 and 155 pounds, and according to my smart scale, I have more muscle than the average person my age, thanks to regular exercise. However, with so little body fat, any drop in weight likely means I’m losing muscle, which isn’t ideal.

To tackle this issue, my wife turned to the DaVita website, a resource we’ve trusted since my time on peritoneal dialysis. DaVita specializes in kidney care and offers a wealth of kidney-friendly recipes. We found some great ideas there and decided to start making small muffins or pastry bites. These are perfect for my needs because they’re made in small portions, which means that eating a few won’t cause my blood sugar to spike, especially when I’m active. The pastry bites are filled with jam that my wife makes herself, using fresh fruit from the farmer’s market and just a touch of sugar. Store-bought jams are often too sweet for us, so this homemade version is a better fit.

Since I started incorporating these pastry bites into my diet, my weight has stabilized, and I’m no longer worried about muscle loss. I may need to adjust this routine when the lawn mowing season ends, but for now, eating two pastry bites before my run and four.

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Challenges We Found Out by Living by the Beautiful Stream

Written August 8, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Living in Nashville has unique perks and challenges, especially when you have a home like ours. Nestled close to a small stream and surrounded by a dense forest, our house offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. The forest is thick enough that we can’t even see the houses on the other side, which gives us a sense of seclusion and privacy that we truly cherish. We love the natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere our location provides, but, as with all good things, there’s a trade-off—one that comes in the form of insects.

When you live in a place like Nashville, known for its hot and humid summers, you can expect insects to be part of the package, especially when your home is close to a stream. Our backyard is a haven for various bugs—fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, and other critters that seem to thrive in this environment. While we enjoy the natural surroundings, these uninvited guests can be quite a nuisance.

To manage the insect problem, we’ve enlisted the help of a pest control service. Our pest control service provider covers termites and other pests around our house, ensuring our home is protected. However, no pest control can completely rid our backyard of insects nor should that be the goal. There’s always going to be something buzzing around. Plus, I’m not entirely comfortable with spreading too many chemicals around, especially considering the potential impact on the environment and our health.

During our first summer in Nashville, my wife reached her limit with the insects. She’s always been diligent about yard work, including lawn mowing, but the bugs made it unbearable. She started using insect repellent religiously before stepping outside, ensuring she was fully protected. As soon as she returned indoors, she would immediately wash her clothes to avoid bringing ticks into the house. This routine became even more critical since we had a cat at the time, and the last thing we wanted was to expose our furry friend to any pests.

As for me, I’ve had a more on-and-off relationship with insect repellent. Before heading out to mow the lawn this morning, I finally remembered to spray myself down. I’ve used repellent but hadn’t noticed a significant difference in the number of bug bites, so I got lax about it. However, just last week, I found myself covered in mosquito bites, which prompted me to give the repellent another shot. This time, I was pleasantly surprised to see a noticeable bit reduction. Sometimes, it seems it takes a little persistence to find what works best.

Living near the stream and forest has its challenges, especially with insects. Still, the beauty and serenity of our surroundings make it all worthwhile. With some preparation and proper precautions, we can continue enjoying our little paradise in Nashville despite the bugs.

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We Got a New Book To Learn How To Write

Written August 7, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today, my wife received a book she had eagerly ordered, and the excitement on her face was unmistakable as soon as I handed it to her. The book in question is Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder, a highly regarded guide in storytelling. She’s been diligently studying how to craft a compelling narrative, dreaming of publishing her own novel one day. This book is another step in her journey toward that goal.

Save The Cat! isn’t just any book on writing; it’s known for offering a structured approach to storytelling that has proven successful across different media. While it doesn’t provide a cookie-cutter formula that fits every novel, it does offer a framework that can be adapted to various genres. We discovered that some Japanese manga companies encourage their authors to adopt a similar structured style. This approach makes it easier to adapt their stories into other formats, like dramas, movies, or anime. The idea of writing with such flexibility in mind is something my wife finds particularly fascinating as she considers how her future work could transcend traditional formats.

In addition to exploring Save The Cat!, my wife and I often find ourselves engrossed in the ‘Writing Excuses’ podcast hosted by Brandon Sanderson and a group of other talented authors. The podcast is a treasure trove of insights into the craft of writing, and it’s where we first started deepening our understanding of storytelling. We’re both huge fans of Brandon Sanderson’s books, which is what initially drew us to the podcast. The episodes are rich with practical advice, lively discussions, and expert opinions on various aspects of writing—from character development to world-building.

For my wife, the podcast has become more than just a source of inspiration. She sees it as a vital tool for learning not just how to write but also how to read critically. Although her primary focus is on nonfiction, the podcast has helped her analyze the books she reads with a more discerning eye. This analytical approach is something she applies to her own writing, using the lessons learned from fiction to enhance her nonfiction work.

I’m particularly intrigued by Save The Cat! because it presents a clear and practical structure for creating engaging stories. The method Snyder outlines has been used successfully by countless writers, not just in novels but in screenplays and other forms of storytelling. As someone who also aspires to write a book one day, I believe this resource could be instrumental in helping us both achieve our writing goals.

In our shared journey toward becoming published authors, every tool and piece of advice we gather brings us closer to realizing our dreams. Save The Cat! feels like a significant addition to our writer’s toolkit, and I’m excited to see how it will influence our work in the future.

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How Small Changes To Make My Daily Routine Better

Written August 2, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Over the past few weeks, I’ve introduced some new routines into my daily life, including running and lawn mowing. While these activities are refreshing and beneficial, they’ve also presented challenges, particularly in maintaining my schedule. I’ve found it difficult to complete my tasks as smoothly as I would like, and it’s made me reflect on how we often need to make adjustments when we introduce something new into our lives. When you’re trying something unfamiliar, it’s common to tweak your routine multiple times before it feels right and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Without these adjustments, there’s a risk of falling into a pattern of making excuses to avoid specific tasks, especially the more daunting ones. Eventually, you might stop doing them altogether.

In my case, I’ve been trying to juggle multiple responsibilities—on top of my new running and mowing schedule; I still want to keep up with my regular chores, like laundry and vacuuming the house. It’s a balancing act, and I’ve noticed that when I try to pack too much into a single day, I get exhausted relatively quickly. The summer heat in Nashville only intensifies this fatigue, making it even harder to stay on top of everything. I realized that if I didn’t find a way to manage my time and energy better, I might start dropping some of these activities, which I didn’t want to happen.

After some trial and error, I discovered that the key to improving my routines—running, kombucha bottling, or laundry—was to start earlier. This simple change has made a significant difference. For example, I’ve started bottling kombucha and doing laundry a day earlier than I used to. Additionally, I’ve begun running and lawn mowing several hours earlier in the day. These adjustments have been surprisingly effective.

I implemented my new laundry plan this week, and it’s been a success. Instead of doing all the laundry in one go, I’ve split the tasks across two days. I tackle some of the laundry on Thursday and finish the rest on Friday. This change has had a positive ripple effect on my running routine. I’m not as exhausted as I used to be, so I have more energy left for my runs later in the day. In fact, I beat my target pace while running this morning—a small victory that felt incredibly rewarding. It’s incredible how a few simple tweaks can lead to such noticeable improvements in multiple areas of life.

From this experience, I’ve learned that starting tasks earlier not only helps me get them done more efficiently but also reduces the mental burden of having to begin them in the first place. There’s something liberating about knowing that I’ve already checked off a significant part of my to-do list by the time the day is in full swing. It’s one less thing to worry about, and that peace of mind is invaluable.

Looking forward, when I think about new routines or habits I want to develop, I’ll keep this lesson in mind: start earlier than necessary. This approach not only sets me up for success but also opens the door to further improvements down the line. While I might find opportunities to refine these routines in the future, for now, I’m satisfied with the progress I’ve made. It’s a good reminder that the most minor changes can sometimes have the most significant impact.

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More Water To Keep My Kidney Healthy

Written July 30, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Since my last doctor’s appointment, I’ve become increasingly vigilant about my water intake. The results from my lab tests were a wake-up call, confirming that I was more dehydrated than I should have been. This realization has prompted me to take hydration more seriously, especially considering my compromised kidneys. Proper hydration is crucial for everyone, but it’s even more vital in my case. I’ve made significant changes to my daily routine to ensure I get enough water, particularly during the sweltering summer months when dehydration can sneak up on you quickly.

Living in Nashville, I’m no stranger to hot and humid weather. However, the past few weeks have brought an unusually intense wave of heat and humidity, making daily activities more challenging, especially those outdoors. The weather here has worsened, with temperatures soaring and the air thick with moisture. In response, I’ve had to rethink my outdoor schedule entirely. I’ve started getting up earlier to complete tasks like gardening before the heat becomes unbearable. Even at 7 A.M., stepping outside feels uncomfortable. Still, it’s far better than the near-torturous conditions that develop as the day progresses.

One of the most noticeable changes I’ve made is how I manage my water intake throughout the day. In the past, I might have taken hydration for granted. Still, I’m acutely aware of how much water I need, especially when working outside. Initially, keeping up with my increased water consumption was straightforward. However, as I began drinking more to cope with the heat, I nearly ran out of our water supply. Fortunately, our delivery arrived just in time to replenish our stock, avoiding what could have been a very uncomfortable situation.

Recognizing that our water consumption had increased significantly, we increased our delivery order to three bottles, totaling 15 U.S. gallons. This adjustment has been necessary, as my partner and I have been drinking more water than usual. It’s no surprise, given the oppressive heat. Still, it also made me realize how much I underestimated my hydration needs. Looking back, I can see that I wasn’t drinking nearly enough water, a mistake I can’t afford to make again, especially with my health condition.

This experience has underscored the importance of staying hydrated, particularly in extreme weather. It’s easy to overlook something as simple as drinking enough water, but it’s crucial for maintaining overall health. 

In the future, I plan to continue diligently monitoring my water intake, adjusting as needed depending on the weather and my activity levels. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, ensuring I stay healthy and hydrated no matter how hot it gets outside.

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I Just Realized We Live in A Humid Place

Written July 29, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Since my brain stroke, I’ve found that my skin has become highly sensitive to changes in external temperature, making my comfort zone much narrower than it used to be. It’s not unusual for me to start the day feeling chilly, only to overheat a few hours later. The unpredictable weather in Nashville certainly doesn’t make things easier. Here, the temperature can swing wildly within a short span of time, sometimes fluctuating from 68°F (20°C) to 95°F (35°C) in just a half day.

Nashville’s summer weather can be particularly challenging due to the humidity. High humidity can make it feel up to 10°F (5.5°C) warmer than it actually is, which can be pretty uncomfortable. I typically associate humidity with heat, so it confuses my body when the weather is cool but still humid. The sensation of moisture, when it’s not actually hot, leaves me feeling disoriented and uncomfortable, and I often blame the humidity for how off I think. It’s an odd experience when the air feels thick and damp, yet the temperature is relatively mild.

According to USA.com, the average humidity in Nashville is 70.16%. Having grown up in Indiana, where the moisture is quite similar, I should be accustomed to it. However, I’ve been spoiled by the drier climate of the western U.S., where we’ve lived for several years. Summers out west are usually dry, with far less humidity, so my body has adapted to that weather. Now, I struggle to adjust back to a more humid environment.

I’ve never been particularly fond of humidity; this sensitivity has only heightened since my stroke. On days like today, the moisture still makes it uncomfortable despite the cool weather. However, I’m learning to cope with it. This morning, I woke up a little earlier than my alarm, feeling surprisingly clear-headed and more energized than usual. Despite the humidity, I felt good about my day and decided to go for a run.

I was pleased to find that my pace was better than expected, even beating my target time. Moments like these give me hope and motivate me to keep pushing forward. My goal is to improve my speed steadily and achieve a running pace faster than 10 minutes per kilometer by the end of the year. On days when I can overcome the discomfort of the weather and still perform well, I am confident that I can reach that goal.

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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.

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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.

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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.