Category: Brian’s Journey

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Key To Change Yourself Better Is Leaning From Your Mistakes

Written 6/26/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Sometimes, taking care of our bodies means working toward improving small things. Recently, I had the experience of getting a disappointing lab result, which turned out to be because I was too dehydrated. I now make sure every day that I drink 1.5 – 2.0 liters of water, which is the recommended intake for my body.

Before my kidney failure, I ignored how much I drank or anything like that. When you get hit with trauma such as a brain stroke, you start to wonder what you have been doing all wrong. Well, there are no benefits in crying about my past. All I had to do was make changes to my lifestyle to sustain my kidneys’ health. It is a trial-and-error process. It is a long process, as sometimes you do not see the results as fast as you want.

After the last lab experience, this will not happen to me again. The level of activities or external environmental factors such as weather can drastically impact your body. Sometimes, I need to adjust the amount of water I am drinking.

Making this little change into a habit is tricky. For example, I started mowing the lawn but needed to remember to take some water. It never occurred to me to bring a water bottle when I did a few hours of mowing. Interestingly, we are all cursed with habit no matter how much we try to change our past behaviors. Now, I know I have to keep hydrating. So, I stopped mowing, got water, and resumed rather than just pushing through without water.

It’s important to reinforce this good decision. Even small steps are worth taking and celebrating if they’re in the right direction. Making sure to stay hydrated is just one of those small steps that can have a big impact on overall health.

I’ve learned through this journey that maintaining health requires continuous effort and adaptation. It’s about listening to your body and making adjustments as needed. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in daily routines and forget the essentials, like drinking enough water. But we can significantly improve our health by being mindful and making small, consistent changes.

For anyone dealing with similar issues, remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. The important thing is you will learn from them. It’s part of the process. The key is to keep trying and not give up. Every small change adds up over time, leading to better health and well-being.

It is crucial to take care of our bodies by making small improvements, like staying properly hydrated. My experience has taught me the importance of paying attention to my body’s needs and making necessary adjustments. It’s a journey of trial and error, but we can achieve a healthier lifestyle with persistence and mindfulness.

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I Improved My Kidney From Stage 5 to Stage 3

Written on July 7, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Reflecting on the strategies my wife and I implemented to improve my kidney health, I recalled a piece of simple yet profound advice: “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.” For my kidney health, this meant addressing the issues causing harm. My primary problem was high blood pressure. A nephrologist explained its impact on kidneys by comparing it to spraying water through a paper filter at high pressure, which can tear the paper. Although kidney filtration involves more chemical processes, the tissues involved are delicate.

The hole was my blood pressure in my case. To manage my condition, we made some changes to my medications, selecting ones less harsh on my kidneys and organizing them in a medication box to ensure I wouldn’t forget a dose.

Our approach was threefold: medication, diet, and exercise. Regularly monitoring my blood pressure helped us evaluate the effectiveness of these methods and make necessary adjustments.

We worked with our doctor to adjust some of the medication I was taking after the brain stroke. Some of the medication I was taking was invasive to my kidney. 

Dietary adjustments were crucial. My wife, who usually uses minimal salt, helped reduce our sodium intake further. We also cut down on store-bought processed foods, opting for homemade meals. I needed to carefully monitor my intake of proteins and phosphorus, frequently consulting food lists to avoid them. Cheese and chocolate, which I love a lot, are also included. It is not that I cannot eat them completely, but I have to be mindful about eating them. Although this required some adjustments, it was more manageable than anticipated.

Exercise also played a significant role. After experiencing a brain stroke, my wife, a runner, encouraged me to take up running. She had recommended me before, but this time, she was very adamant about it. She loves digging into neuroscience books way before my stroke. She thought the key was some cardio that used my legs. This was in 2016.

Starting with just over a mile, I gradually increased my distance. We went to pick up a pair of good Nike running shoes that year. That was my first serious pair of running shoes. My wife said it was like a ritual. Surprisingly, the pair of good running shoes motivated me. I was surprised to find out how much shoes impact your running. I gradually increased my running, and now I can run 10km without problems. In the beginning, I did not initially enjoy running, but now I enjoy running. I grew to appreciate it as it aided my brain’s recovery.

When I suffered the brain stroke, I was diagnosed with stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease, indicating severe damage with almost no kidney function remaining, necessitating my addition to the transplant list and starting peritoneal dialysis. However, nearly a decade later, with persistent efforts and lifestyle changes, my condition has improved to stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease, and I am no longer on the transplant list. This journey has taught me that kidney health can be restored with dedication.

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Figuring Out How To Faster and Safer Running

Written July 2, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

This morning, I awoke to a familiar yet nearly forgotten sensation: a dull soreness permeating through the muscles of my legs. It was an immediate reminder of yesterday’s run, where I embarked on an experiment to tweak my running technique—a decision prompted by a period of stagnation in my physical progress and an interest in refining my approach to running.

For quite some time, my focus on running had been primarily on how many miles I could cover, with less consideration given to how I achieved those miles. I was more desperate to get my legs back then. I know I can run, and yesterday marked a pivotal shift in my mindset and approach. I made a conscious effort to modify my running form, aiming for a method that could enhance my effectiveness and speed on the track.

The specific change I implemented involved a more deliberate motion of pushing my hips forward before my knees, allowing my foot to land behind me when extending my knee. This technique aims to optimize stride efficiency and, ultimately, increase my overall speed. While slightly awkward at first, I hope it promises to become more fluid with practice. 

My wife, who has been a source of advice due to her own experiences with running, once told me that proper running form is crucial for improving speed and avoiding injuries. She learned the importance of good form the hard way, having to undergo extensive retraining after years of running with poor techniques during her youth. Her struggles and subsequent improvements have constantly reminded me that investing in proper form is worthwhile.

Reflecting on my previous runs, I realized that while I had successfully increased my endurance and mileage, I had perhaps overlooked how efficiently I ran. This oversight could explain why improvements in speed and ease had plateaued. With this in mind, I set out to make a change, driven by the idea that enhancing my form could lead to a more effective and fulfilling running practice.

The soreness I feel today differs from the usual fatigue after a long run; it feels like a clear sign of the other muscles engaging due to the new running form. It’s an encouraging indicator that my efforts to change my technique are bearing fruit, working new muscle groups that had previously been underutilized in my running. 

Looking ahead, it will take a few more runs to fully integrate this new form into my natural stride. The initial awkwardness of the motion is a small price to pay for the benefits I expect to gain. I am mentally preparing myself for this adjustment period, reminding myself of the long-term gains over the temporary discomfort.

This development in my running journey excites me. It represents not just a change in how I run but a deeper understanding of the mechanics of running and how they influence overall performance. I am eager to see how these changes will impact my speed, endurance, and, perhaps most importantly, my enjoyment of running. Each step forward with this new form is a step toward a more efficient, faster, and healthier running future.