Running: A Fever

I think this falls under the auspices of the Mental Health Department. I took a vacation and I felt very differently. I was able to let go of the concerns of my day-to-day life. Staying fit, whether mentally or physically, should not be a chore that has no other purpose. This is why you don't hear me slaving at the stationary bike doing something I hate for the sake of health. There are so many options that I am bound to find plenty that I enjoy so much more. One of the things I have loved doing for the past couple of years is hiking. And the hiking is mighty fine at Mount Nebo State Park, near Dardanelle, Arkansas. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/156

The goal, if you want to live a long, happy, healthy life right up to the very end, is to stay active. One of the most interesting and pleasurably ways to do this is to go hiking. It's something I never did much until recently, and I've really enjoyed the state parks here in Arkansas, known as the Natural State. I spent 4 days at Mount Nebo State Park near Dardanelle, Arkansas. The idea was do enjoy solitude, and use it and this time to do some reading, writing, and hiking, and just enjoy the scenery. Which I have been doing. I rented Cabin 65 at Mt. Nebo, which, like many of the buildings here, is in the National Register of Historic Places: Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/155

This is the sixth and final episode in a series on brain chemicals which started with Episode 139 (http://RunningAFEVER.com/139). See episode 139 for an overview of these chemicals based on Simon Sinek's speech "Why Leaders Eat Last". Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. It is the first stage of 'fight or flight' process. It gives us emergency energy, but to get it, shuts down some things like growth and the immune system. It inhibits release of oxytocin, which makes us self-interested and less interested in social bonding. It's also tied to belly fat because of its association with metabolism, which we'll discuss later. Cortisol is called a steroid, though WebMD actually uses it in the definition of steroid, referring to steroids as synthetic drugs. And points out that corticosteroids are different from the male hormone-related steroid compounds that some athletes use.

This is the fourth in a series on brain chemicals. See Episode 139 "Brain Chemistry" for an overview on how these chemicals fit into our survival as a species. (http://RunningAFEVER.com/139). To review, oxytocin is associated with love, trust, and friendship. It is triggered by physical contact, hugging, shaking hands, acts of human generosity (witnessed, received or done). But not generosity with money. Time and action are the important things here. It inhibits addiction, boosts the immune system, and takes time. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/153

This is the third in a series of episodes going into detail on the five brain chemicals I summarized in Episode 139 on brain chemistry (http://RunningAFEVER.com/139). A summary of what we already know from that episode: 1. Seratonin is what some call the leadership chemical, associated with pride, status, recognition. 2. It's why we have graduation, awards, it increases confidence. 3. At graduation not only does the graduate get seratonin, the parents watching in the audience do too. 4. It makes us live to help others. BUT ... YOU CAN TRICK IT Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/152

This is the second in a series of episodes going into some detail about the brain chemicals discussed first in Episode 139 (http://RunningAFEVER.com/139). In review, dopamine: 1. Comes from accomplishment, crossing things off a to-do list; it makes sure we get things done. 2. This is why we need to write down goals. When we see it, like an apple on a tree, the closer we get the more dopamine is released. 3. This is why we have corporate vision - because you can see it, for example, Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech. 4. It is "highly,highly,highly addictive" - it's associated with addictions to alcohol, gambling, cell phones. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/151

This is a first in a series of five episodes that will take an in-depth look at one of the brain chemicals first mentioned in Episode 139 (http://RunningAFEVER.com/139). Endorphins are defined as any of a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and having a number of physiological functions. They are peptides which activate the body's opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect. What does that mean? It's gets you high!   Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/150

5 Tricks to Avoid Temptation Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/149 Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 208 (-66) Workout time: 53 Minutes Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 2.74 Miles (466.78) Steps: 3,494 Muscle Mass 7-day Avg. (change since Aug 2018): 153.81 (+11) Body Fat 7-day Avg.: 26% Daily Sleep Duration 7-day Avg: 5 hours 2019 Goal: 15% Body Fat

Stitch Fix Review for Men. When you lose a lot of weight like I did in 2018, old clothes just don't fit anymore. This can be inconvenient. But now that I am closer to where I want to be body-wise, I can afford to invest in improving my wardrobe. Over the winter I was conservative and bought relatively inexpensive clothing, but now I want not only a better cut of cloth but some clothes and equipment that are specific to what I am trying to do, for example, hiking and weight-lifting. Stitch Fix is a company that provides style advice coupled with a buying service. Basically, it is a subscription to clothing. The customer can choose when and how often to receive "fixes". There is an extensive questionnaire when you sign up, and ongoing updates and communication about what your current needs are, and any style refinements. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/148 To sign up and get a $25 credit on your first shipment from Stitch Fix, click here: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/rl3l201fld?sod=w&so

I've known for a while that I wanted to get whatever additional testing made sense at the time of my next physical. Well, since I've been at the doctor's office quite a bit lately due to my ankle injury, I decided to go ahead and get my annual physical, which is a few months overdue anyway. It was a good opportunity to ask my doctor about what he recommends in terms of optional testing.  The usual tests provide some very useful data, such as cholesterol level, liver enzyme levels, PSA levels for prostate health, and others. I think these particular tests are probably determined by what insurance covers for a particular patient's plan. But there are other tests you can get if you don't mind paying extra and possibly going through some additional lab procedures.  Read the full article at http://RunningAFEVER.com/147 Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 208 (-65) Workout time:  53 Minutes Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 2.74 Miles (466.78) Steps: 3,494 Muscle Mass 7-day Avg. (change since Aug 2

I take an afternoon and go to Devil's Den State Park on a TUESDAY! It's great weather and a special treat. I'm back in the gym, getting back after about a month off due to an ankle injury. I'm also trying out the first aircraft in the Running: A FEVER aviation department. Be sure to visit http://RunningAFEVER.com/YouTube for some upcoming drone footage. I think I'd like to stay at a cabin in a state park during the winter. Why not try something different? As humans, we work together. We're wired that way. We keep each other accountable and that's one great reason to have a social life and social connections. This is extremel important to our well-being and success. Honesty is so important. There's something about getting ideas out in the open that makes them more real and gives me a more objective view. It's a lot easier to rationalize when everything is in my head. Once I talk about it with someone else, even if it's not face-to-face like in this podcast, everything changes. Weight 7-day Avg. (change since J

Today we're going to make Thai Basil Beef. With only 6 ingredients and about 30 minutes to make 4 servings, it's a simple, spicy addition to your meal prep repertoire. I'm trying to help make it easier for you to eat healthy. You CAN stick to a diet, and if you use these recipes and the meal-prep method, you'll always have something good to eat, good tasting and good for you, just a few minutes from hot and ready. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/145 Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 207 (-69) Workout time: 0 Minutes Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 0 Miles (464.04) Steps: 2,814 Muscle Mass 7-day Avg. (change since Aug 2018): 151.20 (+8) Body Fat 7-day Avg.: 27% Daily Sleep Duration 7-day Avg: 6 hours 2019 Goal: 15% Body Fat

I've been looking for alternatives for cardio, since I don't care much for running or stationary biking. One suggestion I received was skating. There are several types of skating, including recreational, competitive speed skating, and the kind I'm interested in, fitness skating. Obviously, I needed a pair of skates, and I chose the Rollerblade Bladerunner. Rollerblade is one of the largest manufacturers of inline skates, in fact the brand name used to be synonymous with inline skating, the way escalator is for moving stairways. Since they are so big, they have a full selection of skates from child to adult, from beginner to pro, and all of the different styles for speed skating, fitness skating, and others. But I chose the brand mainly through the Amazon ratings. I chose an intermediate style of skate. I have a lot of experience skating, but have not skated for a long time. These skates have 90mm wheels, which are in between the standard 80mm and what the speed skaters use, 100mm or even 125mm. The speed skat

Here's a Medical Department update on my achilles tendon injury. I went to the doctor today. He noticed some swelling, but he said that based on my ability to move my foot, the tendon was not completely torn. I could have bursitis because there is a bursal sac right behind the tendon. The treatment consists of a course of steroids for a week, plus the wearing of the "walking boot". The boot immobilizes my foot to prevent continued injury while I heal. I will be wearing this for at least a week, then we'll reevaluate. If my left achilles looks the same as my right one, then I'll probably be in decent shape and won't need surgery. The injury is not as bad as it could have been. I need to be more careful about stretching and easing into any new form of exercise. Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 215 (-59) Workout time: 0 Minutes Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 0 Miles (464.04) Steps: 1,501 Muscle Mass 7-day Avg. (change since Aug 2018): 157.39 (+14) Body Fat 7-day Avg.: 26% Daily Sleep Duration 7

Gymshark Hoodie Tryon and Review. Gymshark is a trendy brand of workout gear that's breakin' out all over youtube. In this episode I'm going to show you my new gymshark hoodie and talk about it too! If you search youtube for workout gear, Gymshark will be among the first things you see. I'm not the most fashion conscious guy, but we talk about "fashion" on the show in terms of having the right clothes for your exercise routine. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/142 Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 211 (-66) Workout time: 0 Minutes Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 0 Miles (464.04) Steps: 3,246 Muscle Mass 7-day Avg. (change since Aug 2018): 156.29 (+13) Body Fat 7-day Avg.: 26% Daily Sleep Duration 7-day Avg: 5 hours 2019 Goal: 15% Body Fat

Today I'm going to show you how to meal prep a healthy, delicious chili. I know you've all been waiting for this, you've been hearing me talk about that super-delicious, super-healthy double bean chili I've been eating and today I'm going to share my super-secret recipe with you. Don't you feel special? Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/141   Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 210 (-68) Workout time: 0 Minutes Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 0 Miles (464.04) Steps: 2,109 Muscle Mass 7-day Avg. (change since Aug 2018): 150.59 (+12) Body Fat 7-day Avg.: 26% Daily Sleep Duration 7-day Avg: 6 hours 2019 Goal: 15% Body Fat

I've made a point of saying a high-fat diet is not healthy, even if it helps you lose weight, and especially when I've talked about the fad diet known as the Keto Diet. I've also said that we need a balance of all three macronutrients: protein, fat, and carobohydrates. From time to time I have also mentioned that some fats are "good". But this is pretty vague, so I've decided to do a deeper dive into saturated fat. As usual, this is as much for my edification as it is for yours. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/140 Recorded March 21, 2019 Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 212 (-62) Workout time: 0 Minutes Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 0 Miles (464.04) Steps: 3,307 Muscle Mass 7-day Avg. (change since Aug 2018): 159.55 (+16) Body Fat 7-day Avg.: 26% Daily Sleep Duration 7-day Avg: 6 hours 2019 Goal: 15% Body Fat

There are 4 chemicals that control happiness, pride, joy, love and fulfillment. Chemicals drive our behavior. All our desires and feelings are affected by these scientific processes. In way, chemicals control us, but we can also control them in a way. I'll explain in a little bit. As humans, we are basically survival machines. And we are built and wired to work together so that our species can continue. We're stronger as a community than we are as individuals. This is our strength and why we dominate other animals on this planet that are much stronger than we are. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/139 See the YouTube video: http://RunningAFEVER.com/139yt

When I read Tom Brady's book The TB12 Method, I noticed that he recommends not to drink water 30 minutes before each meal. I was thinking how long would I need to wait after the meal before I started drinking water again. I wondered how long it takes to digest certain foods. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/138 Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 212 (-62) Workout time: 0 Minutes Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 0 Miles (464.04) Steps: 3,307 Muscle Mass 7-day Avg. (change since Aug 2018): 159.55 (+16) Body Fat 7-day Avg.: 26% Daily Sleep Duration 7-day Avg: 6 hours 2019 Goal: 15% Body Fat

http://RunningAFEVER.com Normally I would just give little updates integrated with a topic show, but there is a lot going on right now, so I decided to just put it all in one episode instead. The topics today fall into the categories of Setbacks, Fashion and Finance, and New Environments. But I'll start with a report on my physical condition. Read the full post at http://RunningAFEVER.com/137 Weight 7-day Avg. (change since Jan 2018): 213 (-61) Workout time: 0 Minutes Total Distance (total since Nov 2017): 0 Miles (464.04) Steps: 4,026 Muscle Mass 7-day Avg. (change since Aug 2018): 159.84 (+17) Body Fat 7-day Avg.: 25.1% Daily Sleep Duration 7-day Avg: 7 hours 2019 Goal: 15% Body Fat