S2E8 21-Day Dreams Fast Journal

Compdude · June 10, 2020, 3:38pm

Day 19/21 - (456 Hours Completed)
2 days to Project Deadline: 6/12/20

Weight loss: -2lbs Total loss: -31lbs
BGL (Blood Glucose Level): Normal
Energy: ( In Pain, Tired, Ok, Strong)
Exercise: Rest

Today’s motivation: Answering the Call

NOTE: Context to video. October 15, 1988. First game of the World Series between the LA Dodgers and the Oakland Athletics. Two outs in the bottom of the ninth with the Dodgers down 1 run to the Athletics. Kirk Gibson was so injured that he wasn’t introduced with the rest of his teammates at the opening of the game. He makes a surprise appearance as a pinch hitter. Hobbled with not just one; but, two bad legs (Injured left hamstring and Swollen right knee). He faces off against the American League’s top saves reliever. Down 2 strikes he hits a home run to win the game. He “answered the call”. Will you in finishing your fast?

Personal Section:

Day 19:

Couldn’t sleep. Played a mobile dungeon hack-n-slash game. Looked up and it was 4am. Slept until 7am. Couldn’t fall back asleep. No energy. Cancelled walk.

On the bright side, I didn’t hit the expected weight plateau and instead dropped 2 pounds. Looking at my journals for the previous two 21-days I’m always exhausted the last 3 to 4 days. I’d hoped being in better physical shape could change that. Nope. Detoxification is just too draining on the body.

Lab results available on the online portal. Good news and bad news. The Good: HA1c is 5.0. 6 months ago when I ended my 40-day it was 5.7 which is on the border of normal and pre-diabetic. Firmly in normal now. Yay! The Bad. My eGFR is 47 meaning I’m still in Stage 3a of CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease). I’ve not gotten worse but I’ve not gotten better. Its not an unexpected development as both Dr Jason Fung and Dr Ken Berry have both said from their clientele that neither have seen improvement in CKD I’d hope based on anecdotal comments on the Internet I could have been that exception.

Exercise Section

Too exhausted to walk. Cancelling all exercise for the remaining 2 days.

Sat 5/23 - Tue 5/26: 4-Day Workout Cycle Complete
Wed 5/27 - Sat 5/30: 4-Day Workout Cycle Complete
Sun 5/31 - Thu 6/4: 5-Day Workout Cycle Complete
Fri 6/5 -1 mile walk
Sat 6/6 - 1 mile walk
Sun 6/7 - 1 mile walk
Mon 6/8 - Costco shopping
Tue 6/9 - 1 mile walk
Wed 6/10 - Rest
Thur 6/11 Rest
Fri 6/12 Rest

Speaking

My hoped for speaking mentor responded to me yesterday and has agreed! Will make arrangements to run my Zoom presentation to him after I hear from the USC endocrinologist. Yay!

Revised my PowerPoint again.

Writing

With the exhaustion I’m feeling I’m holding off until 6/13.

NASM CEU Course:

Too exhausted to work on TOC. Like writing, postponing further work until 6/13.

Water Fasting Warriors

Working on gathering documentation from my achievements from my past careers:

Contacted the HR Department of the Parsons Corporation where I won IT Department Employee of the Year back in 1986. They will email me a PDF document.
Left a voice mail with the Microsoft Marketing Department if they could email me a PDF copy of a 1992 Case Study where I led the development and implementation of a software prototype for ADT Security Systems and the Boeing Company using Microsoft software and NCR hardware.
Sent a LinkedIn invitation to the Chief Scientist of Intermedia who I used to work for when he was VP of Software Engineering to ask if he can email me a PDF testimonial letter about the fact I saved a $500k project for Bell Canada.
Getting in touch with a couple of my old personal training clients for testimonials on the results I achieved for them.

No song lyrics today.

Miramar · June 10, 2020, 3:38pm

You are heading in the right direction and I bet you’ll get that kidney thing all sorted out soon.

Compdude · June 10, 2020, 3:44pm

Not betting on it. I resolved the 2 primary causes of CKD: diabetes and hypertension 6 months ago and have seen no improvement. Also both Dr Fung and Dr Berry are credible authoritative voices who have been using fasting protocols to help their patients for years; especially Dr Fung who is a nephrologist (kidney doctor).

But we’ll see what the blood panels say in another 6 months. Since its been almost a year, I can probably say with confidence that I’ve securely adapted to my new fasting lifestyle.

But, thanks anyway for the positive thought.

Compdude · June 10, 2020, 3:49pm

No my BDay is Nov 19th. It was on Day 30 of my 40-day fast last year.

Compdude · June 10, 2020, 3:53pm

I had EVERY confidence you would. You’d come too far.

Miramar · June 10, 2020, 4:22pm

Are you open to trying new things?
Here’s a link good for I think 72 hours?

Compdude · June 10, 2020, 6:34pm

I’ll have to look at this after the fast is completed. Don’t have the mental energy to look at something this in-depth for over an hour.

But I agree. When I was a mentor I was tough on my protégés in terms of having them eliminate negative self-talk from their daily routines which usually led to negative emotions and a downward spiral into hopelessness.

I credit mental and emotional discipline, which I learned from my parents, in overcoming a devastating knee injury and told I could never play sports again when I was 18, overcoming temporary homelessness to attain my bachelors degree, moving to Seattle after mainframe computers became obsolete to break into the software engineering industry armed only with a history degree and 8 years of IT experience, and overcome congestive heart failure and cataract surgery in my right eye to create my own treatment protocol to become “medication free”.

Miramar · June 10, 2020, 7:55pm

Well let me know if you need a fresh link later.

It’s Gaia channel, Which allows sharing of some material but they put a time limit on the viewing time.

I’ll be happy to send again.

Compdude · June 11, 2020, 12:47pm

Day 20/21 - (480 Hours Completed)
1 day to Project Deadline: 6/12/20

Weight loss: 0 Total loss: -31lbs
BGL (Blood Glucose Level): Normal
Energy: ( In Pain, Tired, Ok, Strong)
Exercise: Rest

Today’s motivation: I’m Still Standing

Personal Section:

Day 20:

1 day to go! Put out the frozen stew meat and carrots for tomorrow’s 2nd meal of Vegetable and Beef soup.
Slept 6 hours. Feel stronger today, though woke up with that nauseous feeling in my stomach and keto breath in the mouth.
My doctor’s appointment got delayed to Tuesday next week because of all the SARS-CoV-2 cases they are handling. What could be disappointing is it may end up just being a phone call consultation. I pushed for an in-person examination as I want the satisfaction of seeing his face when he sees the visual evidence that I did it, despite his skepticism. Petty, I know; but, its been one of my motivating factors since August of last year.
Looking over my blood panels results I’ll ask the doctor to run the tests again in one month. Because of the fat burning all the standard cholesterol panels are off. By then I’ll be past refeed and into the workout phase.

Exercise Section

Even though my energy level has recovered somewhat I’m sticking to the plan of resting today and tomorrow.

Sat 5/23 - Tue 5/26: 4-Day Workout Cycle Complete
Wed 5/27 - Sat 5/30: 4-Day Workout Cycle Complete
Sun 5/31 - Thu 6/4: 5-Day Workout Cycle Complete
Fri 6/5 -1 mile walk
Sat 6/6 - 1 mile walk
Sun 6/7 - 1 mile walk
Mon 6/8 - Costco shopping
Tue 6/9 - 1 mile walk
Wed 6/10 - Rest
Thur 6/11 Rest
Fri 6/12 Rest

Speaking

Came up with an idea to make my PowerPoint tighter. Too tired yesterday to do anything about it. Will tackle it today.

Writing

Postponed until 6/13.

NASM CEU Course:

Postponed until 6/13.

Water Fasting Warriors

Haven’t heard from the graphics artist yet. That’s fine as he’s busy and I don’t quite need the revised logo yet. I’ll check with him this weekend.
Got an email response from Parsons HR. Unfortunately the attachment they sent didn’t have the .PDF extension so my Adobe Acrobat reader wouldn’t open it. Sent a request to have them resend.
One of my 2 former training clients responded. He’s working on the paragraph testimonial.
The head of the Inland Empire’s Speakers Bureau responded to my inquiry regarding one of the required tasks needed to be classified as a Qualified Speaker. I’ll be tackling that after the fast is over.

Elton John’s I’m Still Standing song lyrics:

You could never know what it’s like
Your blood like winter freezes just like ice
And there’s a cold lonely light that shines from you
You’ll wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you use

And did you think this fool could never win
Well look at me, I’m coming back again
I got a taste of love in a simple way
And if you need to know while I’m still standing you just fade away

Don’t you know I’m still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I’m still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I’m still standing yeah yeah yeah
I’m still standing yeah yeah yeah

Once I never could hope to win
You starting down the road leaving me again
The threats you made were meant to cut me down
And if our love was just a circus you’d be a clown by now

You know I’m still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I’m still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I’m still standing yeah yeah yeah
I’m still standing yeah yeah yeah

Don’t you know I’m still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I’m still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I’m still standing yeah yeah yeah
I’m still standing yeah yeah yeah

Bernie Taupin & Elton John: Songwriters

manunez · June 11, 2020, 4:14pm

I, too, can’t wait till my appointment in August. I didn’t even tell them I was going to fast, just said that because I was borderline I was going to try to “eat less and move more.”

manunez · June 12, 2020, 1:28pm

Today is the end, right? How are you feeling?

Compdude · June 12, 2020, 4:50pm

Day 21/21 - (504 Hours Completed)
6-Month “6-pack at 60” Project COMPLETED: 6/12/20

Weight loss: -1 Total loss: -32lbs
BGL (Blood Glucose Level): Normal
Energy: ( In Pain, Tired, Ok, Strong)
Exercise: Rest

Today’s motivation: Dreams

Personal Section:

Day 21:

DONE. Yesterday, I had more energy than the day before. Probably because I knew I was close to finishing. Had a hard time going to sleep because I was so excited. Only slept 3 hours.

I got delayed in journaling because after eating my 1st meal which was small and light I had to immediately start cooking my homemade vegetable and beef soup. I combined recipes from what I consider the best 4 YouTube videos. My prep took an hour. Right now I got the beef and initial ingredients simmering for an hour and a half. Then I’ll add the carrots and celery, and simmer for another 30 minutes. Then I’ll add the potatoes and frozen corn and simmer for another 30. I learned the key is layering the flavors.

Exercise Section

Tired from lack of sleep.

Sat 5/23 - Tue 5/26: 4-Day Workout Cycle Complete
Wed 5/27 - Sat 5/30: 4-Day Workout Cycle Complete
Sun 5/31 - Thu 6/4: 5-Day Workout Cycle Complete
Fri 6/5 -1 mile walk
Sat 6/6 - 1 mile walk
Sun 6/7 - 1 mile walk
Mon 6/8 - Costco shopping
Tue 6/9 - 1 mile walk
Wed 6/10 - Rest
Thur 6/11 - Rest
Fri 6/12 - Rest

Speaking

Scheduled the 2nd half of my Zoom PowerPoint presentation for next week’s Toastmasters meeting. It will be for 20 minutes with a 5 to 7 minute Q&A.

The endocrinologist at USC is reviewing the 1st PowerPoint for science accuracy.

Completed the 1st draft of the 2nd PowerPoint

Wednesday next week I scheduled an evaluation from my professional public speaking mentor for the 2nd PowerPoint presentation.

Writing

Postponed until 6/14.

NASM CEU Course:

Postponed until 6/14.

Water Fasting Warriors

Tomorrow follow-up with graphics artist on logo.
Haven’t heard from Parsons HR. Follow-up Monday.
Found out that a Registered Dietician that was recommended to me was approached by the Deputy Director of Public Health for Riverside County to work for him. Guess I will email follow-up with her today.

Van Halen’s Dreams song lyrics:

World turns black and white
Pictures in an empty room
Your love starts fallin down
Better change your tun, yeah
Reach for the golden ring
Reach for the sky
Baby just spread your wings

We’ll get higher and higher
Straight up we’ll climb
We’ll get higher and higher
Leave it all behind

Run, run, run away
Like a train runnin off the track
Got the truth gets left behind
Falls between the cracks
Standing on broken dreams
Never losin’ sight, ah
Spread your wings

We’ll get higher and higher
Straight up we’ll climb
We’ll get higher and higher
Leave it all behind

So baby dry your eyes, save all
The tears you’ve cried
Oh that’s what dreams are made of
'Cause we belong in a world that must be strong
Oh that’s what dreams are made of

We’ll get higher and higher
Straight up we’ll climb
*Higher and higher leave it all behind *
Oh we’ll higher and higher who knows
What we’ll find

So baby dry your eyes, save all
The tears you’ve cried
Oh that’s what dreams are made of
Oh baby we belong in a world that must be strong
Oh that’s what dreams are made of

And in the end on dreams we will depend
'Cause that’s what love is made of

Alex Van Halen, Edward Van Halen, Sammy Hagar & Michael Anthony: Songwriters

manunez · June 12, 2020, 5:05pm

Congratulations! Hopefully you will journal your refeed so that I can learn.

Compdude · June 12, 2020, 5:13pm

Did I reach my goal? To be at the same physical fitness at my 18 yo self. Let me know!

Compdude · June 12, 2020, 5:19pm

Sure. I always journal the refeeds after my fasts.

Mizqtpye · June 12, 2020, 6:06pm

Woo hoo, Congrats @Compdude on all your hard work…it definitely paid off. All you need now is the thick black hair and bullfrog sign

Miramar · June 12, 2020, 6:25pm

Woohoo!

Oil that body up and get going on a tan!

Congrats! Well done! Bravo!

Overcomer · June 12, 2020, 8:10pm

Congratulations @Compdude on your numerous achievements. You are truly one to learn from in this fasting journey. So so proud of you, you have given me extra motivation to reach my goal. God bless you

Overcomer · June 12, 2020, 9:11pm

Hope everyone is doing great, I have started day 2, of my fast. Taking it day by day, so not sure how long this fast will be for.

Compdude · June 13, 2020, 6:52am

Debrief Project 6-Pack at 60

Start Date: January 21st.
Starting Weight: 213 pounds
Starting HA1c: 5.7 (Border between Normal and Pre-Diabetic)

End Date: June 12th
Ending Weight: 173lbs (Total Weight Loss: 40 pounds)
Ending HA1c: 5.0 (Low end of Normal)

Project span covered 3 21-day fasts and 2 30-day workout phases.

NOTES:

First 14 days are not a problem. Easily transition during the 1st 3 days with no transition symptoms as body has become metabolically flexibility and I’ve continued NOT becoming refined carbohydrate addicted again. Usually 14 days to deplete glycogen stores and recently acquire weight from refeed and workout time.
Final 7 days is the challenge as I start digging into decades-old visceral fat. Detoxification takes a of energy when combined with the accumulated fatigue from constant fasting requires a reduction in workouts and total rest the final 3-to-4 days.
HOWEVER, where the workouts do pay off is in the quick recovery in the early part of ReFeed from the fast.

NEXT PROJECT: Burning OFF lose skin.

From research so far, I need to drop my body fat percentage down to 10%. Not sure where I’m currently at right now. The way I’m figuring I’m going to stay with the refeed/workout/fasting cycle to get where I’m going since its proven itself with this project. I don’t think its going to take 3 cycles this time but we will see.