Rising, Falling, and Rising Again

I clipped in, ready to push hard, ready to chase the numbers on my screen. My heart was steady. My legs, eager. But my lungs are a question mark ready to be tested.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. The effort was moderate—something I should have powered through without thinking. Throw on a show or audiobook and settle in aero, and let the trainer hum. Yet sweat poured off me, far more than expected, pooling. My body, still shaking off the last remnants of sickness, wasn’t ready to rise to the challenge this morning.

I wanted to fight through it, to ignore the rasp in my breath, to let my willpower outrun my failing endurance. But there’s no negotiating with oxygen debt. There’s no gutting it out when the fire in your chest drowns out everything else, like I was on a mountain stage. Though I thought I could empty myself and settle in, I faded. I had to unclip. I had to let go.

And that’s the hardest part—knowing that my heart and my legs were willing, but my body still carried the weight of what came before. It’s frustrating, humbling, infuriating. But it’s also a reminder. Fire isn’t just destruction. It clears the way for something new.

Today, I fell. But it was better than yesterday, and tomorrow I’ll rise again.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/from-the-ashes/1642030744?i=1642030746

Creeping Strength: From “No” to “Go”

Some days, the body says no. Heavy limbs, foggy mind, lungs that feel half their size. The morning is slow—meds, coffee, waiting. Then, a whisper of strength. A chance.

By early afternoon, there’s an opening. No time for shoes. jump on the treadmill. A cautious first mile, testing the ground, lungs still tight. The second mile moves a little easier, breath deepens, legs find rhythm. Then, in the third, something shifts. The air feels lighter, space opens up in my chest, and suddenly I’m running faster than I started. Lungs still ache after, but it’s a huge improvement from yesterday

Negative splits weren’t the goal, but they happened. Strength, creeping in, showing up when I least expected it. Not all at once, not overnight. But today, just enough to move from no to go.

When the Body Says “Go” but the Lungs Say “No”

It started with a restless feeling—the kind that creeps in when you’ve been sick too long. My legs ached for movement, my muscles twitched with unused energy. I took that as a signal. Time to get back on the treadmill. Time to shake off the remnants of this nasty upper respiratory infection.

The first few steps felt good. Too good. Like my body had been waiting for this, like it knew before I did that I needed to move. But then, the deep inhale. A mistake. My lungs, still raw and angry, seized in protest, and suddenly I was hacking up what felt like a lifetime supply of phlegm. My pace slowed, my chest burned, and for a moment, I questioned whether I’d returned too soon.

But I kept going. Despite the coughing fits and moments where my breath felt ragged, I felt a slight lift. Each footstrike was a reminder—I’m still here. I’m still rebuilding. And even if my lungs aren’t ready today, they’ll be a little stronger tomorrow.

So I coughed, I gasped, I jogged. It wasn’t pretty, but it was movement. And for today, that was enough.

Crinkled Bits

In the quiet drum of evening chatter,
After I gather dirty plates, glasses and platters.
With a gentle arm, I guide you to rest,
Your weary head on pillow is best.

Valentine's wrappers strewn on the floor,
Sweet memories linger, but the day asks for more.
With able hands, I gather the cheer,
Each crinkled remnant, a joy held dear.
The kids are restless, their chocolate giggles abound,
With patience, I usher them softly to ground.

Whispers of stories, a lullaby's grace,
As they nestle close in their cozy embrace.
With a quick detour, I find my own way,
An hour on the treadmill, my solace today.
A light workout, a breath for the soul,
In caring for me, I’m better for all.

The night lingers on, a familiar refrain,
I sneak back to their rooms, where dreams may be lain.
A final snuggle as eyelids grow thick,
Ensuring their comfort, my heart beats a tick.

With tasks all complete, I pause to reflect,
The moments that matter, the love we protect.
In small acts of kindness, our treasures we lay,
And with this simple joy, I know I’ve won the day.

Success comes in many colors…

Monday is a red day, but my red mug was already dirty despite the rest of my gear being prepped for the week. I don’t have OCD, but I could tell this was foreshadowing for how the day might play out.

Mondays can often be a lot, especially when the intensity of the day doesn’t align with your workout goals. If the morning routine doesn’t allow for that high-energy session you were aiming for, it can be disheartening. Take the win for what you accomplished, and trust that once the day winds down and everyone is settled into bed, there's an opportunity to pivot. That quiet time becomes a chance to engage in a different kind of exercise—perhaps a calming yoga session or a cleansing jog that heats you up just enough to help you cool down before sleep. This flexibility not only helps maintain your fitness routine but also allows for a moment of self-care amidst the chaos of the week.

And sometimes, you can’t always get hung up on every detail. Make sure to balance your determination and commitment to your goals to those around you. Whether it’s your family or friends that’s excited to see you after a big day, be open to those moments where they feed off your energy and just know that your smile can make all their difference.

Tonight as the tightness of the day was creeping in as I started to count up all the things still on my plate at home, I suddenly melted when my youngest jumped into my arms after school. Nothing else mattered but that pure bliss. Instead of the normal script for the evening, I read stories and just played with the kiddos. It wasn’t planned, but it was perfect. A welcome relief that made bedtime easier after a fun night and was also the reason I could squeeze out a second workout tonight. Nothing crazy, but it was progress. And what matters more is that I did it while being flexible. To an outsider, this day might have seemed underwhelming, but it was a great day for growth in my adaptability. Though I’m proud of today, tomorrow I’m ready to get back to my orange mug that’s ready for coffee followed by Watts on the bike.

Finding Stillness

Yesterday, the snow flew again and blanketed the barren ground, making today’s cold morning perfect for a warm fireplace to attend church from home.

The concept of Sabbath, traditionally observed as a day of rest, can be a struggle for many. In a world that prioritizes productivity and constant activity, the challenge lies in resisting the urge to jump into ongoing projects or new ideas. As one attempts to embrace a period of relaxation, the mind is frequently flooded with thoughts about unfinished tasks, looming deadlines, or the allure of initiating something to get ahead. This internal conflict can turn a day intended for rejuvenation into an exercise in restraint.

Even in moments of physical stillness, the mind continues to race with a never-ending list of responsibilities. The temptation to "just do a little" can be persistent, leading individuals to rationalize cutting short their rest for the sake of productivity. This inclination not only undermines the purpose of the Sabbath but also complicates the ability to genuinely unwind. Finding true peace amidst a cacophony of thoughts can feel almost impossible.

Moreover, the societal expectation to be perpetually busy weighs heavily, making it difficult to embrace stillness without guilt or anxiety. Engaging in moments of quiet reflection becomes challenging when the pressure to be efficient looms large. The contrast between the desire for rest and the compulsion to be active highlights the ongoing struggle many face in reclaiming their time for rejuvenation. Especially when the consequences of not capitalizing on this time seems so palpable. Embracing the Sabbath requires conscious effort and a deep commitment to prioritize well-being over unrelenting busyness.

Most Sundays I end up doing light busywork that leaves me still feeling depleted, so today I recommit. We want to make today a family day with active play for natural exercise, cooking from scratch, playing games, reconnecting, and having faith that the rest of the world’s commitments will fall into place.

Emerging from my Pain Cave

My garage is my chrysalis, my pain cave, and where I go to heal. Spinning on the bike for over three hours, I covered 44 miles while meticulously practicing my nutrition strategy, timing my eating and drinking to ensure my body adapts to a high cadence and long duration expected of the 100-mile ride next August. It wasn’t the speed or distance I was going for, but sustaining a heart rate that would burn a higher percentage of fat than other sources.

The sweat dripped from my brow, soaking a towel draped over the handlebars, a reminder of the effort involved in maintaining an aero-position on my triathlon bike, where even a slight shift in form can impact my speed. The room was dim, with blue mood lights illuminating the space behind the monitor that tracks my workout with an app fueled by AI to keep my workouts aligned with my Functional Threshold Power (FTP), allowing me to build strength without risking burnout.

The goal to shed extra pounds looms large in my mind, a necessary sacrifice to ease the climb up 10,000 feet of elevation next August; every bead of sweat now promises a blessing later. Despite fueling appropriately, I felt a paradoxical emptiness accompanied by waves of nausea, a reminder that hunger will be a constant companion on this journey to the Starvation Xtri named after one of the reservoirs used to swim in for the event. How apropos. To endure this state, I have to continually remind myself of the need to temper my desires, honing my body into a form capable of tackling the challenges ahead. As I simplify the variables, and perfect each part of my day, my goal is to see this repeatable success by simply beating myself each day. Drip by drip.

From Jar to Summit: Psychology of Prepping for the Long Game

Preparing for the week ahead involves meticulously organizing pre-workout strawberry protein shakes in graduated ball jars, ensuring that each portion is perfectly measured for convenience. Almond milk is stored separately, ready to be mixed with a cordless immersion blender for a smooth and refreshing start to the day. It makes it very easy to clean as compared to a large blender or inconsistency of a metal shaker ball.

Alongside, a variety of flavors of overnight oats are prepped to serve as a nourishing post-workout meal, packed with a generous dose of protein to kickstart recovery. As each day has a color associated with it, I also get these in random flavors that span the ROYGBIV theme as not to allow myself to get attached to the flavor. The sweat treat post workout is the reward for a job well earned, but I am careful not to get these just because they taste good. They are balanced to top off my stomach and provide even and sustained blood sugar levels in the morning. It’s the intentionality and thoughtful preparation sets a solid foundation for maintaining energy and focus throughout the week, while allowing my muscle memory to take over so I have reduced cognitive load going through the motions of the morning.

There’s also just something so satisfying about having a system and seeing the progress throughout the week as I knock off each day, killing the cups one by one as I imagine myself in 175 days summiting Mt. Solitude.

Leaving the Edges

Modern Reflections on Ancient Principles

This year I’ve committed with my wife to reading through scripture. Although I was raised to understand the stories of the Bible, and studied excerpts through a literary lens in college, I have never been disciplined enough to read through the Bible from cover to cover. As we currently read through Leviticus (let’s be honest, most of these laws feel old, dry and outdated in modern life), I was struck by some principles whose values seemed relevant today that I wanted to take a moment to chew on.

There’s an old command, buried in the book of Leviticus, that speaks louder today than ever before:

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner residing among you.” (Leviticus 23:22)

At first glance, this verse seems outdated. Something for farmers in ancient Israel, not modern-day people navigating busy lives, full schedules, and personal ambitions. But the principle behind it is timeless: true prosperity isn’t measured by what we keep, but by what we leave for others.

The Edges of Our Fields

In ancient times, this law ensured that no one was left behind. The poor and the outsider had a right to gather from the fields, preserving both their dignity and survival. The landowners were not commanded to hand over food directly but to create space for those in need to help themselves.

Fast forward to today: We may not be harvesting fields, but we are harvesting time, energy, and resources. And the question remains - are we leaving the edges, or are we taking everything for ourselves?

Consumerism and self-preservation dominate modern culture. We fill our schedules to the brim, spend our resources on personal gain, and prioritize convenience over connection. Even as conversations about equity and inclusion in society shift, we must ask ourselves whether our personal actions reflect a willingness to make room for others, or if we are taking everything for ourselves.

A Moment of Reflection

Regardless of faith or background, the lesson is the same: if we take everything for ourselves, who is left with nothing?

Take a simple example-your time. Imagine you’re in line at the grocery store, in a rush, with a long list of things to do. You see someone behind you with just a few items, maybe a parent struggling with a restless toddler or an elderly person who looks tired. You have a choice: do you let them go ahead, leaving the edges of your time, or do you hold on tightly to every second?

This is a small moment, but it speaks to a larger mindset. Do we create margin in our lives for kindness, generosity, and awareness of others? Or do we structure our days so tightly that there’s no room for anything beyond our own needs?

Rising Above Self-Interest

Living with open hands does not mean losing something for ourselves. It means acknowledging that life is not just about what we can gain, but about what we can give.

This is not just about grand gestures. It’s about the daily choices we make:

• Taking the time to truly listen when someone needs to talk.

• Leaving space in our budgets to support a local food pantry or community program.

• Teaching children not just to succeed, but to consider how their actions impact those around them.

On a day where we honor the life of a family member who recently passed, it has unique significance considering how we spend our time and how we want to be remembered.

So, the question remains: What are the edges of your field? And what are you doing with them?

Triggered

Sometimes, it is the benign moments that trigger the most profound waves of grief—simple sights or sounds that pull back the veil on a sorrow still raw beneath the surface. One might find joy in the happiness in a “normal” day, yet that same normalcy seems oddly wrong in a life that has experienced the loss of a child. It is paradoxical how happiness can swiftly morph into heartache, bringing forth memories that stir longing and loss, despite the passage of nearly a year since that horrific event.

In times of sickness, when the body is frail and weary, the mind can be more susceptible and prone to falter. The recovery can feel daunting and heavier with every passing moment. Tasks that should be simple become Herculean struggles, and the realization of this difficulty brings with it an overwhelming sense of failure. The climb back to health is steep and unforgiving, magnifying every setback, no matter how small. Grief resurfaces without warning, a shadow that lingers, stinging like an unhealed wound; each surge of emotion pain brings waves of nausea that overlap with the physical bouts of diarrhea that have made me feel raw to the core the past few days.

The frustration of being unable to change the past weighs heavily on the heart. It’s a relentless cycle, as fleeting memories trigger waves of sorrow that crash against the shores of a fragile spirit. Just when it seems manageable, an innocuous reminder—the character in a movie, a baby bump on an expecting mother—strikes a nerve and sends ripples of grief coursing through one’s body, leaving a lingering in the gut that is hard to shake.

In those moments, one seeks out glimmers of hope, fragile as they may be. Little sparks of joy, whether found in nature, progress at work, companionship, or creativity, become essential lifelines—small reminders that even amidst despair, there exists the potential for healing and light. Holding onto these moments becomes a quiet rebellion against the darkness, a testament to resilience in the face of an unrelenting tide of emotion. When looking at the horizon and seeing the bleakness of a barren landscape of winter, one has to have faith in a spring that is bound to come just around the corner and simply keep one’s eye trained on the horizon while leaning in.

Ripples of Happiness

With another step on a familiar path, a sense of empowerment creeps back as the rhythm of my feet on the treadmill chase a sense of normalcy. Not something I’m normally proud of, but today something is better than nothing. Later in the day, gathering the kids for a light swim at the gym brought a welcome warmth to the evening. Laughter echoed off the pool walls as I gave my daughter increasing leads and would race her length after length. Splashes filled the air and for a brief evening a healthy dose of fun is helping us all to feel grounded once again.

The Dark Side of the Pillow

The sickness has settled in, bringing a wave of nausea and restless night filled with frequent trips to the bathroom and an overwhelming sense of fatigue that lingers throughout the day. Sleep comes in brief, uneasy stretches, only to be interrupted by the constant urge to stay close to the restroom. I can only focus on recovery by pushing fluids as much as possible. Each small sip offers a glimmer of hope for a quicker return to normalcy…

Weighing the Options

There are days when the body feels heavy, drained by the demands of daily life. Perhaps you’ve faced a long week and have left you feeling utterly wiped. when that happens, the thought of fitting in a workout can feel like a tough equation to balance.

The internal conflict arises: Should you push through the exhaustion and commit to a workout, or is it wiser to surrender to the fatigue and rest? On one hand, the motivation to maintain your fitness routine can urge you to lace up your sneakers and head to the treadmill, armed with the belief that a brief session might rejuvenate both body and mind.

On the other hand, the notion of sacrificing precious rest time for physical exertion can seem counterproductive, especially when your body is signaling a need for recuperation.
Making this decision isn’t easy. While the drive to stay consistent and push one’s limits is admirable, it’s essential to listen to your body’s signals.

Ignoring your fatigue can lead to burnout or even injury, while recognizing the importance of rest can support long-term wellness. Thus, weighing the benefits of a single workout against the necessity of restorative sleep could guide you toward a more balanced choice on a challenging day.

A Winning Event

Celebrating our engage-aversary at the Target Center was a night to remember. The atmosphere was electric as we entered the arena, surrounded by excited fans and the rhythmic thump of basketballs echoing in the background. Although the Timberwolves faced a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer, the experience rose above the scoreboard.

As we reminisce about this special occasion, it also nudges us closer to our upcoming ten-year wedding anniversary. This milestone prompts a deep reflection on our journey together, despite our adversities this past year. Each obstacle has brought us not only closer to one another but has strengthened the foundation of our relationship.

Celebrating the date we made our commitment to one another serves as a reminder of our resilience and the joy we find in sharing life’s experiences, both triumphant and challenging.

The evening at the game may not have ended in victory for the team, but it certainly was a win for us as a couple. Moments like this remind us of the importance of celebrating not just the big milestones but also the small experiences that knit our lives together.

Catching a crab

The room was dimly lit with the bed, adorned with soft blankets and pillows, beckoned with the promise of comfort, but the weight of the lingering to-do list loomed heavily in the mind. As the minutes danced by, a sense of defeat settled in; it was now 9:30 PM, a full fifteen minutes past the intended bedtime. Despite the day's hustle and the mental checklist for work, to sustain my calorie deficit, and taking care of the needs of my family, the final item—ending the day with a moment of peace—remained uncrossed, shining like an unfinished thought. With a sigh, the day’s accomplishments felt overshadowed by this small but lingering disappointment, the reminder of how easily time slips away.

Life often presents us with situations where we miss cut-offs or overlook important action items. Whether it’s failing to stick to a bedtime routine or skipping a key task, these moments can feel discouraging. However, they also provide opportunities for acceptance and resiliency. By recognizing the situation, stepping back, and allowing ourselves to rest, we can create a foundation for recommitting to our goals.

When one falters, it’s essential to first cultivate acceptance. Acknowledging what happened—rather than berating ourselves—helps to clarify our feelings and sets the stage for moving forward. Acceptance doesn’t mean we resign ourselves to failure; instead, it allows us to confront reality without unnecessary self-criticism. This shift in perspective can be a powerful tool for growth.

After missing my bedtime routine yesterday (by a long shot), it became clear that my day today was affected. Rather than dwell on the setback, I chose to take a step back. Stepping back isn’t about disengaging; instead, it’s about creating space to assess my situation. This moment of reflection allows me to acknowledge the importance of balance in my life.

In this process, listening to our bodies, logic, and intuition is vital. We must respect the limits of our physical and mental health, balancing our ambitions with self-care. When we take the time to tune in to these aspects, we can make informed decisions that align with our long-term goals.

Even when we deviate from our intended paths, it’s important to remember that one setback doesn’t define our journey. By recommitting the next day—with renewed energy shaped by acceptance—we can harness the lessons learned from our experience to drive us forward.

After acknowledging my missed routine, I took small but meaningful steps today to stay committed. Each positive action, even if minor, reinforces our resilience. The energy that comes from a balanced approach—one that respects both our aspirations and our well-being—enables us to double down on significant efforts. It also tempers desire that can lead to spiraling, and the more this is suppressed, the easier it is to fuel the good habits that need extra kindling.

Tomorrow is a new day, and with it comes the chance to reenergize. Take a deep breath, give back this feeling to God to hold. Trust that tomorrow will show a path to redeem oneself. Resilience is not merely about pushing through; it’s about understanding, adapting, and riding the tide amid life’s inevitable dips and swells...and today was like catching a crab (an unclean pull of an oar that catches the water to break the rhythm (as seen at 1:42 https://youtu.be/yn2R3g5foFM?si=sozrrAPbSG_I_7hT)).

Blue on a Green Day

Monday started this week with the vibrant red of determination. The fire of motivation pushed through a tough workout, setting the tone for the days to unfold.

Tuesday followed in a bright orange glow, where everything fell into place; deadlines were met, and goals were achieved with ease.

Wednesday, a rich yellow, shone down as successes continued, bringing warmth and positivity to each task at hand.

By Thursday, it felt as though the week was on a flawless streak, a serene green enveloping the day, suggesting peace and contentment.
However, as the sun rose unexpected blue, settling in like a fog over the awakening heart. Even though I got up early, crushed my workout, and noticed how all those days of pushing myself were paying off, there was still this heavy feeling hanging around. My men’s group opened me up last night, leaving me feeling exposed as I faced a new day that should’ve felt bright and full of success.

Though this morning's haze of blue might carry a weight, but it also foreshadows an opportunity for further introspection. Acknowledging the emotional weight might be my call to explore resilience. Perhaps today the next step is to embrace the full spectrum of emotions, recognizing that they intricately weave our experiences together. It's okay to feel blue amid the successes; it can serve as a reminder to nurture the emotional self just as we do our physical well-being. Today, I will take a breath, honor these feelings, and move forward with the confidence that emotional vulnerability can inspire even greater strength.

Adaptability

“What is within my realm of control?”

This simple yet profound question surfaces as I wake up later than I intended, my body feeling heavy with the lingering remnants of sleep, uncertain whether it's the onset of a cold that is creeping in or the continued effects of sleeping pills that have blurred my morning clarity. The world is still dark, but as I look ant my watch I know I’ve gone past the Point of No Return to get the planned workout completed. A wave of urgency washes over me, accompanied by a subtle undercurrent of anxiety and fear as though ulven ser på meg fra det svarte (the wolf looks at me from the black). Any disruption in routine rattles the foundation of discipline I’ve carefully built over time. I must remind myself that not everything that is broken can be repaired immediately; some things simply require acceptance and patience as I navigate the day ahead.

As I gather my swirling thoughts, I begin to center myself. While I can't control every external factor or the occasional hiccup that may arise in my schedule, I can certainly focus on what remains steady and unwavering—the conscious choices I make in the moments that lie ahead. A brief assessment of my priorities reveals what I need to do next to regain my footing. This moment is crucial and pivotal. With a deep breath that fills my lungs, I decide to reclaim my day, to honor that which motivates me, and refocus my discipline that guides me through life's challenges.

A welling sense of affirmation fills me as I articulate my intentions clearly: the commitment to control my diet will take precedence above all else. Tracking what I consume transcends my usual focus on workout metrics. Over the next 187 days, I resolutely commit to nourishing my body appropriately, intending to starve my fat cells of easy carbohydrates and fats, and instead, prioritize protein for optimal muscle development while effectively slimming down as I simultaneously bulk-up.

The path that lies before me is clear and promising.

• Review Tasks: I’ll check off small completed tasks to build momentum and focus on those that matter most.

• Add Small Efforts: I’ll look for opportunities to take small actions that further my goals, like a quick set of sit-ups between calls.

• Update Evening Routine: Consider modifying our night routine with kids to include more physical activities like walks or games that can increase fitness when I have a missed morning workout.

Half of a Workout is Still a Workout

Starvation #236

The fear of failure often looms larger after achieving a perfect training day. Moments of triumph can create an unintentional pressure to replicate that success. After a day filled with diligent practice of Norwegian, thoughtful scripture reading, a solid workout, balanced meals, and proper rest, the expectation for the following days can feel overwhelming.

The notion of needing to repeat this routine for 189 more days can lead to anxiety, as the mind races with thoughts of what happens if perfection slips away. One perfect day can amplify the stakes, making the fear of falling short feel akin to a daunting weight.
Establishing and maintaining a routine is challenging in itself, but the mental burden of sustaining it over an extended period only intensifies the difficulty. The body may respond positively, showing signs of progress, yet the mind wrestles with doubt.

The consistent push to swim, bike, and run must be balanced to avoid over-exertion; soreness can serve as a reminder that even with dedication, the body has its limits. Each training session needs to be carefully tailored, ensuring that physical efforts align with recovery time. The fine line between pushing hard enough to improve and risking injury or burnout can be a source of ongoing concern.

Today was a prime example of how life can disrupt even the most determined plans. What was intended to be a straightforward bike session turned complicated, as the demands of family life took precedence. Children require attention, and fulfilling those responsibilities often comes at the expense of personal training goals. This juxtaposition of parental commitments and personal aspirations can create a sense of guilt, as though taking time for oneself is selfish. Yet, nurturing family connections is essential, reminding us that balance is not only desirable but necessary.

Finding ways to place family first while still caring for one’s own well-being requires intentionality. It means carving out pockets of time for personal pursuits while also engaging meaningfully with loved ones. This can involve early mornings or late evenings dedicated to training, ensuring family obligations are met without sacrificing personal commitments. It may also necessitate open communication with family members about the importance of individual goals, fostering an understanding that supports growth and health for everyone involved.

Ultimately, the journey towards achieving a perfectly healthy life is not linear. Each day will vary, presenting its own set of challenges and triumphs. Embracing the inevitability of imperfection may lessen the burden of fear. The focus should shift from an unrealistic expectation of daily perfection to resuming the pursuit of progress, and reaffirming the dedication to both self-care and family. In this continuous cycle of training and life, acknowledging that both aspects have equal value will lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling experience.

This is what winning looks like today:

Liquid Green

Chris Hemsworth’s National Geographic series Limitless series explores the potential of fasting as a method for improving physical and mental resilience. It presents various approaches to nutrition and wellness that challenge traditional paradigms. This week, inspired by the series, I focused on achieving a caloric deficit of at least 1,000 calories a day while aiming for a protein intake of 163 grams. This rigorous nutrition plan required careful meal preparation and creative thinking to meet my dietary goals.

As part of this endeavor, I decided to incorporate a green vanilla matcha protein pre-workout shake. At first glance, the drink's visual presentation was unappealing; the murky green color mixed with hints of beige failed to inspire confidence. I initially hesitated, feeling that the shake would taste as strange as it looked. However, I was surprised by the subtle, pleasant sweetness that emerged with each sip. The combination of matcha and vanilla created a harmonious flavor that not only masked any trace of bitterness but also provided a gentle energy boost, awakening my body and mind for the day ahead.

This unexpected delight is transforming my morning routine. As I sipped on the shake, I felt a sense of accomplishment—not just for the commitment to hitting my nutritional goals, but for embracing an experience that initially seemed uninviting. In doing so, I connected with both Hemsworth's exploration of resilience through fasting and my own journey toward healthier living.

Each Day is a New Day

After months of unwavering commitment and disciplined routines, it can be disheartening to notice only minimal progress in fitness journeys. Yet, this realization can serve as a catalyst for new beginnings. Embracing the concept of small victories allows one to redefine success beyond mere physical changes, fostering a deeper understanding of health and well-being.

By shifting focus to consistency, mental resilience, and the joy of movement, the stoic mind can reignite their motivation and discover fresh pathways to growth. Renewed perspective needs reinforcement, so trust this process with others…