Fast In the Life Lane

Day 43 Back in the Salad Again

2011-05-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:30 a.m. - 10 hours of sleep. weight - 167 lbs. Wow, I didn't even realize how tired I was. It must have taken about a day for the adrenalin to wear off. I feel good today but I'm even more sore today than yesterday in the triceps and shoulders. 10:15 a.m. - Had 24 oz. coffee w/ 8 grams of protein and a package of liquid Power Bar. The coffee went well with the tahini-sunflower cookie. 12:45 p.m. - Went out for lunch. Had a small salad, cup of soup, small root beer and 8 french fries. 1:40 p.m. - Drank 16 oz. chain-branched amino acid drink. 2:30 p.m. - had upper body massage therapy. 4:30 - 7:40 p.m. taught classes. In the course of the evening did 150 leg lifts, 85 sit ups, 150 side leg lifts, 70 twisting sit ups and no push ups. 8:30 p.m. - had small bowl of popcorn, two apple slices, one string cheese. 9:00 p.m. - small salad. 9:30 p.m. - 4 oz. Activa yogurt. 10:00 p.m. - 2 teaspoons of peanut butter. Now comes the challenge of eating the right foods in the right quantity at the right time.

Day 42 Conspicous Consumption

2011-05-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:15 a.m. 6 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 165 lbs. 6:20 a.m. drank 15 oz. Naked brand juice smoothie. Feeling good today even though I didn't sleep much. My left shoulder feels kind of weak and hard to raise up, but it will be fine. I'm not particularly hungry or even looking forward to eating today. However I'm expected to join the eating world again so I will. I will hate to see the fast end. Just like I hate to see eating end when I start the fast. Kind of strange. 10:00 - 12:05 p.m. - went to church. 1:00 p.m. Went to Gramma's Kitchen to eat my first meal in six weeks. They had a brunch buffet so I had a good choice of foods. If you're going to break a fast in a place like this, here's how you do it. I started with half a plate of fruit. It was watermelon, pineapple and cantaloupe cut in little pieces. Next, I had a salad with lettuce, broccoli, ranch dressing, sunflower seeds and croutons. After that, about two eggs, scrambled and a biscuit with sausage gravy. Finally, a small pastry. I had orange juice and coffee with the meal. I ate very slowly and enjoyed the food. I was satisfied but not full or uncomfortable. 6:00 p.m. - It seemed to me like we had just eaten, but my wife and daughter wanted to go out for dinner. I had a tostada, chips and salsa with a root beer. A small but enjoyable meal. I feel fine although it still a little strange to be eating again.

Day 41 The Big Day, Push Ups for Peace Part 2

2011-05-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

It was exactly 3:00. As each of the charity representatives spoke, I listened and geared up mentally at the same time. I was there not only for myself, but for other people and organizations. Children's Therapy Center, Kids Against Hunger, Make A Wish Foundation and The Optimist Club were all there, expecting and depending on me to succeed. During Pastor Steve's invocation I allowed myself to relax yet still be geared up , ready to begin, as though I had my finger on an internal "go" button. After the pastor was done, Jennifer the emcee turned it over to me and it was finally time to start. I took the crowd of nearly fifty participants through some warm ups and headed toward my spot. The little black clock in front of me was five seconds from the twelve, the whistle blew and we were off. I didn't know what to expect. Would I have pain or even failure in my shoulder? The first set of 33 push ups went very well. With each set, I gained more confidence that I would break the world record . As the hour progressed I built my own little world consisting of a mat, a chair, a clock and a whistle blowing every minute. I was intent only on what I had to do. I was aware that there were two hundred or so people around me but I didn't see them and only vaguely heard them. Although it wasn't that warm, sweat was dripping profusely from my body after about twenty minutes. There was only 35 to 40 seconds between each set of 34 push ups to relax, get my breathing normal and get keep my mind right for the next set. As expected, it started getting a little rough about 40 minutes in to it...

Day 41 The Big Day, Push Ups for Peace Part 3

2011-05-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

All I had to do was stick to the plan. Do 60 sets 0f push ups on the backs of my hands every minute for an hour. 40 of those sets would be 33 push ups and 20 of the sets would be 34 push ups for a total of exactly 2000. That would break the old record of 1,940 in an hour set in 2006 by Paddy Doyle of England. I knew it would get tough in the last third of the hour, but I didn't expect to fall from exhaustion on the last push up somewhere around the fiftieth minute. I really had to focus on resting and breathing to get my energy back in those last few minutes. Maybe it helped that I took an extra five seconds rest in each of the last five sets. Maybe it was that the music was blaring (I think it was the "Rocky" theme) and that the crowd was chanting my name: Mor-row! _ Mor-row!_ Mor-row! I just know there was a lot of excitement and it gave me the extra finishing energy I needed. I had done it. 2000 push ups on the back of the hands in an hour, with 5 seconds to spare. I felt great exhilaration, joy and relief as I signed autographs, thanked attendees and gave interviews. I was thankful that I had made it through the fasting, the training, the fund raising, promoting and film shooting and now the record attempt and the event. Strangely enough, my shoulder didn't even hurt during the push ups. It wasn't till about 10 minutes after I was done that it began to get sore again. With ice on my shoulder, I stood talking to people as the crowd slowly dispersed. Workers who stayed were encouraged to help themselves to some of the five complimentary pizzas from Happy Joe's. I wasn't ready to eat yet... 6:30 p.m. drank a 14 oz. Muscle Milk w/ 25 grams of protein. 7:15-8:30 p.m. Played Scrabble with my wife and daughter to unwind. I won with a score of 211 points. Up till almost midnight reading. Finally I unwound enough to go to bed after such a big day.

Day 41

2011-05-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Day 41 The Big Day - Push Ups for Peace, Part 1

2011-05-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:15 - 8 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 165 lbs. Feeling good so far. Today is the big day, the last day of Fastivus (a 41 day personal holiday season of fasting), Push ups for Peace(a unique charity event) and the final episode of Fast in the Life Lane, the documentary. I know my mind is ready. I just hope my body is ready especially my shoulder. 7:30 a.m. - iced down shoulder for 20 minutes. 7:35 a.m. - drank 16 oz. branched-chain amino acid drink. 7:40 a.m. - took hot bath. 8:40 a.m. - light martial art work out with 72 year old black belt student. 10:00 a.m. - taught kid's class. 11:00 a.m. - taught another kid's class at arsenal. 12:15 p.m. - drank another 16 oz. branched-chain amino acid drink. 12:30 - 1:40 p.m. - sipped on 12 oz. coffee w/ 2 packs of Power Bar liquid gels. 1:00 p.m. - Went up to Lujacks and picked up a 2012 Camaro. We used it in a scene where I am driving up in a fast car for the event. Kind of a fun mocumentary angle thrown in to this mostly serious film. 2:00 p.m. - started final preparations for the attempt - my mat, towel, drinks, chart and marker. We had to get the cameras set in the front and side view for Guinness to review later. I did the pre-event interviews and checked with the emcee. It was 3:00 and time to begin. I opened up a can of Guru energy drink took my place and prepared my mind for the next hour.

Day 40 Promise Myself To Be Strong

2011-05-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:20 - 7 hours of sleep. weight - 167 lbs. Feeling kind of tired but I don't know why. I hope I don't wake up like this tomorrow. 7:00 a.m. - conducted class with a light workout. 8:30 a.m. - Went to Cup A' Jo's - Had 24 oz. cup of coffee, 34 grams of protein added. 10:30 a.m. - conducted class, did 50 leg lifts, 35 sit ups, no push ups, stretching , forms and stick work. 12:30 p.m. - drank 8 oz. of almond milk w/ 8 grams of protein. 2:00 p.m. - chiropractic adjustment. 3:40 p.m. - drank 16 oz. of branched-chain amino acid formula. 5:15 - drank 12 oz. almond milk w/ 20 grams of protein. 7:00 p.m. - drank 16 oz. branched-chain amino acid formula. 8:15 p.m. - drank 16 oz. almond milk w/ 25 grams of protein. 8:20 -8:40 p.m. - iced down shoulder. 9:30 - 9:50 p.m. - iced down shoulder again. 10:10 p.m. - Shoulder feeling good now, I don't know what else I can do. Right now I'm thinking about what I have to do tomorrow. I keep reading numbers 1 and 5 of the Optimist Creed: (1) Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. (2) to think only of the best, to work only for best and to expect only the best. If I can keep that promise, I'll be fine no matter what. See you tomorrow.

Day 39 Unsure But Certain

2011-05-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:50 a.m. eight hours of sleep. weight 168 lbs. Feeling very good today. Shoulder feels pretty good. 9:15 a.m. - drank 15.2 fl. oz. of Naked brand berry blast. It contains the fruit of 4 raspberries, 5 blackberries, 4 strawberries, 3 1/2 apples and 1/2 banana. 10:30 - 12:30 a.m. - conducted class - work out included 10 knuckle push ups, 25 leg lifts, 20 sit ups, 10 finger tip push ups and 6 fist together push ups. 1:00 p.m. - one hour massage - extra therapy on shoulder. 2:30 p.m. - drank fresh 14 oz. carrot-apple-ginger juice. 2:45 - 4:00 p.m. taught two lessons. 4:30 p.m. - taught arsenal kids class called SKIES. It's an acronym for skills, knowledge, inspiration and experience. Shot footage for the documentary there. 5:45 p.m. - Drank 14 oz. almond milk with 18 grams of protein. 6:00 p.m. - conducted teen class. 7:20 - 7:50 taught lesson. 8:15 - Drank 14 oz. of almond milk with 18 grams of protein. It was a typical Thursday before a very unusual event on Saturday. I'm still very unsure about my shoulder but I'm certain I'll just do my best till I drop.

Day 38 No Chip On My Shoulder

2011-04-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:oo a.m. - 71/2 hours of sleep. weight - 170 lbs. Feeling a little tired this morning, stayed up too late night. I gained two pounds since yesterday, probably from so little exercise. 8:45 a.m. - Went to Tri-med Health and Wellness Center. Got a massage and electrical stimulation therapy on the shoulder, plus a good adjustment from Dr. Mally. I felt much better. 10:15a.m. - drank 14 0z. Muscle Milk - 25 grams of protein. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - taught lessons. 11:35 a.m. - took 6 oz. of almond milk w/ 6 grams of protein. 12:30 p.m. - drank 2 oz. of aloe vera juice and 12oz. hot raspberry green tea. 1:00 p.m. - drank 20 oz. protein smoothie - 25 grams of protein. 4:30 - 7:45 p.m. - taught classes, cautiously did 10 push ups, then later 10 more and later 17 more. Also did 16 reverse rack rows (horizontal pull ups). I'm being very careful about the push ups. 9:00 p.m. - I watched the Paula Sands Live show that I did yesterday. The spot was good but my push ups looked terrible. I didn't go low or high enough and my body was not straight. How embarrassing and disappointing. I'm glad I saw it. Now I'm aware of how I looked and am more determined to have better form. 10:30 p.m. - At home I iced down my shoulder. Calling it a day.

Day 37 Shoulder Response Ability Part Two

2011-04-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

2:45 to 3:15 p.m. - Went to Dr. John Stader's Chiropractic Office in Bettendorf. He treated my shoulder with ultra-sound, electric stimulation, ice pack and active isolated stretching. We were also filming the documentary at this location. It was at this point my producer realized how serious my condition was. He told me to tell how I felt and what I thought in front of the camera. It was sinking in as to just what kind of a dilemma I was in. My only hope was to work hard to heal up enough in time for Saturday's big event. More immediate though we had to leave for Paula Sands Live. 4:30 p.m. -Went on the Paula Sands Live show on Channel six and was the first guest. We talked about Push ups for Peace but I was apprehensive because I knew she would eventually ask me to demonstrate push ups. She did of course, so I calmly got in position to do them and it kind of surprised me that I got through 35 wrist push ups with relative ease. After the interview I was interviewed by the documentary film maker. I expressed relief and gratefulness. It seemed like a miracle. 5:50 p.m. - drank 12 oz. drink w/20 grams of protein. 6:00 p.m. - conducted teen class. 17 in attendance. 9:50 p.m. - Had 8 oz. of chicken soup broth. What a day! Talk to you tomorrow.

Day 37 Shoulder Response Ability Part One

2011-04-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:30 a.m. - 7 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 168 lbs. Shoulder still hurts, it is still a big concern. 7:15 a.m. - Left for Optimist club meeting. The meeting was very interesting as there was a lot of energy and enthusiasm. One of our members arranged the speaker for the day. It just so happened as the speaker began, that member had a medical emergency and 911 was called. With great poise, the speaker continued as his friend was being treated and taken away. 8:50 a.m. - Came home to change clothes. Put more Biofreeze on my shoulder. My wife prayed over me and my shoulder. She could sense that I was feeling down about it. It's no fun when a lot of people are depending on you and something like this happens. I guess I'll have to go on and just do it. 9:45 a.m. - drank 15.2 oz. of Naked brand blue machine (blueberries, black berries, apple and banana). 10:30 a.m. - conducted class, did leg lifts and sit ups but no push ups. 12:30 p.m. - got a one hour massage at Backsavers Therapeutic Massage in Bettendorf. Lian worked extra on my shoulder. We shot footage for the documentary while I was there. 2:30 p.m. - drank 14 oz. freshly juiced carrot-apple-ginger juice.

Day 36 Push Ups to Pieces

2011-04-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:00 a.m. - 8 hours of sleep. weight - 168 lbs. Feeling really good today. A big contrast to six weeks ago at 197 lbs. when I was more tired in the morning, and had less energy and sore joints. 8:30 - 8:50 a.m. - drank 12 oz. hot raspberry green tea w/ honey. 9:50 - 10:15 a.m. - drank 20 oz. protein smoothie - 25 grams of protein. 10:30 a.m. - taught 30 min. lesson. Because I need to heal my shoulder, I arranged a 30 minute massage from 12:45 - 1:15 p.m. A small girl with strong hands worked on me and did a good job. I felt better. 1:30 p.m. - taught lesson. 2:00 p.m. - meeting. 3:15 p.m. - Drank 16 oz. protein drink w/ 32 grams of protein. 4:30 - 8:15 p.m. - Taught classes and a lesson. Did some leg lifts and sit ups but no push ups. I may not do any all week till the event. Maybe the shoulder will recover by then if I just give it a rest. 9:30 p.m. - Drank 16 oz. of choc. almond milk.

Day 35 Easter Sunday

2011-04-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:30 a.m. - 8 hours of sleep. weight - 170 lbs. Still maintaining the same weight, thanks to the extra protein drinks and salty soup broth. Drank 8oz. cranberry-pomegranate with a 2.5 oz. liquid supplement called "I Am Healthy", yes really. 9:00 a.m. - drank 8 oz. cup of coffee at church gathering downstairs. 9:30 a.m. - 8 oz. coffee refill while I wait. 10:00 a.m. - went upstairs to church service. 1:30 p.m. - got home took a nap till 2:30 p.m. I'm not sure why I was so tired. 3:00 p.m. - drank 8:oz. cranberry-pomegranate juice with 2.5 oz. liquid supplement called "I Am Happy", no kidding. 3:30 p.m. - saw movie "Water For Elephants". It was slow in places but overall I enjoyed it. 6:15 p.m. - Went for a two mile walk. 7:15 p.m. - Did yard work. 8:15 p.m. - Sat down to read. I've learned that I need to keep busy on Sundays since they are water days. Even though I did have some juice and coffee today, Sunday afternoons can be long. So it's best to do something constructive. ... All day in the back of my mind I've been thinking about my shoulder. It's still sore. I hope this whole event isn't ruined. I will have to focus on healing.

Day 34 One Week Left of Fastivus Holiday Season

2011-04-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:00 a.m. - 7 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 170 lbs. I feel very good although I think I could have slept longer. 7:30 a.m. - Slowly drank 16 oz.cranberry-pomegranate juice. 8:10 a.m. - Did 45 reps of 100 lbs.(the last 5 were tough) at Bill Reagan's home gym. 8:30 a.m. - taught "old guy's class" Did 10 full knuckle push ups, 30 leg lifts, 20 sit ups and10 full fingertip push ups. 9:50 a.m. - drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk w/ added protein, 40 grams total. 10:00 a.m. - taught kid's class. 11:00 a.m. - taught kid's class at arsenal. 1:00 p.m. - taught lesson. 1:30 p.m. - drank 16 oz protein drink w/ added protein - 40 grams total. 1:40 -2:10 p.m. - taught lesson. 2:40 - 3:40 p.m. - Sipped on 12 oz. peach-mango green tea while I did the hour of power - 36 push ups per minute, 25 min. on the knuckles, 35 min. on the wrist. total 2,160 push ups in an hour. Unfortunately, about 48 minutes into the hour I got a bad feeling in my left shoulder in the front, like a strain or something. I was still able to finish. I hope it's nothing. 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. - Watched the news and had 24 oz. egg drop soup broth. 7:00 p.m. - Played a game of scrabble, scored 320 to win. 8:45 p.m. - Enjoyed 14 oz. frozen Muscle Milk, a nice treat. I think I may have really strained a muscle in my shoulder today. I'm a bit concerned as it's still a little sore.

Day 33 Good Friday Part Two

2011-04-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

4:30 p.m. - Drank 10 oz. of protein drink w/ 17 grams of protein. 6:30 p.m. - drank 12 oz. cranberry-pomegranate juice. 6:30 p.m. - Left for 7 p.m. Good Friday church service. Shot some video there for a few minutes. 8:15 p.m. - ate a 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch cracker and a slightly larger than a thimble full of grape juice for communion. 9:30 p.m. - At home drank a 14 oz. Muscle Milk w/ 25 grams of protein. It was a good Friday today and I'm looking forward to tomorrow 's hour of power. I'll see how 36 push ups a per minute for an hour feel. That's about 200 over the current record. If I get through that okay I should be good for the event April 30.

Day 33 Good Friday Part One

2011-04-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:3o a.m. 7 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 170 lbs. Almost over-slept but feeling good. This is the longest I can remember that I have maintained the same weight for so long. This may be a natural weight for me but it's certainly not the normal one. I was going to say that my driver's license says I weigh 185, but I just checked and they don't put your weight on it anymore. 7:00 a.m. - conducted class , shot more of the documentary "Fast in the Life Lane". Workout included 3 sets 50 knuckle push ups, 50 leg lifts, 35 sit ups, 30 side leg lifts, 30 twisting sit ups. 8:30 a.m. - Went to Cup a' Jo's Drank 20 oz. Almond French coffee w/ 17 grams of chocolate whey protein added. Shot some more good footage there. 10:30 a.m. - conducted class but took it easy. Workout included 10 knuckle push ups, 35 leg lifts, 25 sit ups, 10 finger tip push ups. 30 side leg lifts, 30 twisting sit ups. 11:30 a.m. - drank 8 oz. almond milk w/ 17 grams of protein. 12 noon - workout - 20 min. fast walk, progressive 2 sec. perfect push ups (partners alternate and start with one, then two and so on). total - 55. Progressive reverse rack rows - total 55, progressive wrist rolls - 30.

Day 32 Take It Easy, Like the Eagles

2011-04-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:30 a.m. - 8 hours of sleep. weight - 170 lbs. Feeling good so far today, the sun is out more or less. 9:00 - starting sipping 20 oz. coffee w/ 17 grams of protein added. I know this is a juice day but I want to hold on 170 lbs. for a while. 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. sipped on 24 oz. of egg drop soup broth. 2:45 3:45 taught lesson to my 77 year old student Bob. It is his second time back since his knee replacement in December. He is doing better and better. He even remembered his Kali stick fighting patterns. 4:00 p.m. - drank 12 oz. cranberry-pomegranate juice. 4:30 p.m.- taught kid's class. 5:30 p.m. - drank 11.5 oz. cran-apple juice. 6:00 p.m. - conducted teen class. 7:oo p.m. drank 14 oz. almond milk w/ 17 grams of protein. 7:30 p.m. - Taught lesson. 9:30 - At home - drank 16 oz. pomegranate-cranberry juice. Took it easy today but I plan a moderate workout tomorrow (day 33, Good Friday), then hit it hard with an hour of power on day 34, Saturday. Have a great weekend.

Day 31 Gonna Fly Now (It's a Rocky Road)

2011-04-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:50 a.m. - 7 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 170 lbs. Feeling good and ready to work hard today. 9:15 a.m. - drank 18 oz. smoothie, 25 grams of protein. 9:45 a.m. - drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk, 25 grams of protein. 10:30 a.m. - sipped on 16 oz. raspberry green tea w/ 26 grams of protein through noon. 12:05 p.m. - started work out with trainer Ian. Did alternate progressive perfect push-ups - 1+2+3+4+5+6 = 21 total 2 sec. push-ups. Next - progressive reverse rack rows ( horizontal pull-ups) by 5's, 5+10+15=30 total. Then - 75 leg lifts holding 1 brick w/ feet and 50 sit-ups holding 2 bricks. Now, we're warmed up. Did 40 push-ups per minute for 40 minutes. 1600 hundred total. The first 25 min. were done on the wrists and the next 15 min. on the knuckles. Felt good. 3:00 p.m. - drank 8 oz drink w/ 18 grams of protein. 3:30 p.m. - taught lesson to 5 year old and his grandfather. 4:00 drank another 8 oz. drink w/ 18 grams of protein. 4:30 - 7:45 p.m. - taught three classes. Workouts included 75 push-ups, 135 leg lifts, 90 sit-ups. 8:30 p.m. - drank 12 oz. almond milk w/ 17 grams of protein. I felt good about the 40 minute push-up workout today. I plan on doing a full hour at 36 per minute on day 34. I should be ready for Push-ups for Peace April 30th. Looking forward to it every day. Talk to you tomorrow.

Day 30 A Long Fast Day

2011-04-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:30 a.m. - 6 hours of sleep. Feeling very good considering only six hours of rest. 7:15 - 8:15 a.m. - Attended Morning Optimist Club meeting. We were scheduled to shoot for the documentary "Fast in the Life Lane". It was a great meeting, there were 54 members in attendance and everyone was in a great mood. I did 35 wrist push-ups for the crowd to promote Push-ups for Peace. The mayor called me the night before to tell me he would be out of town but the Alderman-at-Large would speak for him. He did a great job filling in. We got some great footage and interviews. 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. -drank 20 oz. smoothie w/ 25 grams of protein. 9:45 - drank 12 oz. hot raspberry green tea. 10:45 - conducted class, interviewed tenants for the film. 2:oo p.m. - drank 14 oz. carrot-apple-ginger juice. 3:00 p.m. - drank 6 oz. almond milk. 4:30 p.m. - taught arsenal class. 6:oo p.m.. - conducted teen class. 17 teenagers in attendance. 7:00 p.m. - taught lesson. 9:30 p.m. got home, had 8 oz. chicken soup broth. 10:00 - drank 16 oz. pomegranate-cranberry juice.

Day 29 Back On Track

2011-04-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:40 - 9 hours of sleep. weight - 171 lbs. Feeling much better today, I've got my head together and ready for the day. 8:30 a.m. - drank 22 oz. of EAS Advent Edge carb control drink. It had 34 grams of protein. 9:30 a.m. - drank 12 oz. peach-mango green tea. 10:00 a.m. - meeting at gallery in Davenport. 11:00 a.m. - taught lesson. 1:30 p.m. - advertising meeting. 2:00 p.m. - taught lesson. 3:3o p.m. - drank 12 oz. almond milk w/ 7 grams of protein. 3:45 - 4:15 - cleaned training area. 4:15 - 7:50 p.m. - taught classes. As always, did exercises with the class. Workout included: 40 knuckle push-ups, 27 finger push-ups, 16 fist together push-ups, 80 leg lifts, 40 sit-ups, 80 side leg lifts, 50 twisting sit-ups. 8:15 p.m. - did 30 2 sec. perfect push-ups. 8:30 p.m. - drank 12 oz. almond milk w/ 7 grams protein. As you can see it was a typical day in the life lane of fasting. It seems however that keeping busy through out the day works well for me. Tomorrow we're shooting footage for the documentary at the Optimist Club meeting. It should be interesting and fun. Talk to you then.

Day 28 Restless, Tempted, Sore and Distracted

2011-04-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Up at 9:00 a.m. - 11 hours of sleep. weight - 172 lbs. I did it. I was able to gain a pound today. All that protein yesterday helped. 12:45 p.m. Went to channel 8 for Children's Therapy Center telethon. Another optimist and I presented a giant check on the air. Also did an interview about Push-ups for Peace. They interviewed me with an eleven year old girl named Mikayla, from the therapy center, who said to me before we went on the air "Don't mess up , I don't need the bad publicity." She was really funny. 3:00 p.m. - Went home. Today is a water day and for some reason especially difficult. It's been four weeks and 25 pounds ago since I've eaten and I'm finding myself wanting to chew on something. I ended up chewing on some cauliflower, broccoli and carrot and spitting it out over the sink disposal. It was not that satisfying but it did give me some kind of relief. I found myself wondering why I'm even doing this(the fast). The rest of the evening I spent reading and drinking water. Funny how I felt so physically strong yesterday and not so mentally strong today. I'm sure I'll get my head together tomorrow as I'll be busy again. Looking forward to tomorrow and hope the soreness will be gone from my shoulders.

Day 27 A Saturday But Not a "Weakend" Part Two

2011-04-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

6:10 p.m. - drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk 25 grams of protein. 7:00 p.m. - went to the mall and got a pedicure. 7:30 p.m. - got a 15 minute massage on the shoulders. 8:30 - 9:00 p.m. -I went home and drank 22oz. protein drink w/ 34 grams of protein. I drank about a 100 grams of protein today because of all the push ups I did yesterday and today. It was about 1400 Friday and 2,025 today, plus all the bench press work this morning. I figure I need to repair and replace a lot of muscle tissue tonight. Also I checked a year ago on day 27 and I'm running 3 lbs. lighter this year. I'm trying to hold on to some body weight. We'll find out tomorrow if it worked. Well, it was a long, hard day but I enjoyed it. Talk to you on day 28.

Day 27 A Saturday But Not a "Weakend" Part One

2011-04-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:10 a.m. - 6 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 171 lbs. Feeling pretty good for the amount of sleep I got. 6:45 a.m. - drank 12 oz. V8 strawberry-banana fusion light. 7:00 Did a bench press workout at World Record holder Bill Reagan's gym. My work out included: 115 lbs. 20 reps, 195 lbs. 9 reps, 215 lbs. 6 reps, 245 lbs. 1 rep, 215 lbs. 6 reps, and 100 lbs. 40 reps. While we were there we shot footage for the documentary "Fast in the Life Lane". 8:30 a.m. - Taught a class for my older group ( mostly brown and black belts that range in age from 45 to 72 years old). We worked on empty hand, stick and staff defenses. We also shot some footage of this class for the film. 10:45 a.m. - drank a 20 oz. freshly juiced carrot-apple-ginger juice. 11:00 a.m. - taught class at R. I. Arsenal. 12:15 p.m. - drank 15.2 oz. 19 gram protein drink. 1:45 p.m. - put on martial arts demonstration at arsenal for about sixty parents with kids class. 2:40 - 3:40 p.m. - "Did hour of power" 30 - 35 push ups per minute. did a total of 2,025 push ups in the hour. drank a 20 oz. Gatorade during this time. 4:30 p.m. - drank 8 oz. rice milk w/ whey protein, 26 grams.

Day 26 T.G.I.F.

2011-04-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:05 a.m. - 7 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 172 lbs. 7:00 a.m. - drank 14 oz. of Muscle Milk 25g of protein. Woke up feeling a little tired today. I'm sure that will change. 7:05 - 8:15 a.m. - conducted early morning Friday class. Workout included 4 sets of 50 push ups, 50 leg lifts, 35 sit ups, 25 left and right side leg lifts and 20 twisting sit ups. 9:00 - 11:45 a.m. sipped on 24 oz. coffee from Cup A' Jo's. I mixed in 18 grams of protein. 10:30 - 11:55 a.m. taught 10:30 class. The session included a good martial arts workout plus 25 push ups, 40 leg lifts and 25 sit ups. 3:30 p.m. - drank 15 oz. drink with 17 grams of protein. 3:50 - 4:45 p.m. - worked out alone. Did 35 push ups per minute on the bars for 40 minutes. total - 1,400. Plus 30 reverse punch lifts left & right w/ 45# dumbbell, 31 bicep curls & 31 triceps curls left & right w/ 30 # dumbbell. Sipped on 12 oz. peach-mango green tea during workout. 7:00 p.m. - drank 16 oz. V8 strawberry-banana fusion light. 8:00 p.m. - drank 8 oz. rice milk w/ 14g whey protein. 1o:45 p.m. - drank another 16 oz. V8 strawberry-banana fusion light. I love Fridays because I can get up early and work out hard all day and really fell good. I hope your Friday was as good as mine.

Day 25 A. M. Radio

2011-04-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:45 a.m. - 8 hours of sleep. weight 172 lbs. I'm down 2 lbs. from yesterday, a little surprising. 9:00 a.m. - Stopped to get gas for the truck, got a 16 oz. cup of coffee. I was not going to drink coffee on this fast. Sorry for backsliding a little. 9:45 a.m. - Drank 11 oz. 17 gram protein drink. 10:30 - 11:50 a.m. - taught class, light workout (50 push ups, 100 leg lifts 50 sit ups, and a lot of Kali stick fighting). 1:00 p.m. - drank 15 oz. Naked brand blueberry-blackberry juice. 2:45 -3:20 - taught lesson to Bob, a 77 year old student, first time back from knee replacement in December. He did very well. It's great to have someone that age with such a good attitude. 5:00 p.m. - Did a radio show with local talk show host Jim fisher 0n 1420 A.M. radio. Jim was very kind and helpful. I don't know how many people were listening but he let me plug Optimists club, Push ups for Peace plus the blog and documentary "Fast in the Life Lane". He was kind enough to mention my academy and the benefits of martial arts. 6:00 p.m. - Back to work teaching till 7:30 p.m. Drank a 16 oz. pomegranate green tea. That's it. Early day tomorrow.

Day 24 A Fast Day in the Life Lane

2011-04-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:45 a.m. - 7 hours of sleep. weight - 174 lbs. Feeling good this morning, ready to workout hard and promote Push ups for Peace. 7:45 a.m. - drank a 20 oz. 25 gram protein smoothie from Q.C. Fusion. 8:55 a.m. - drank 20 oz. 25 gram protein smoothie from Cafe Express. I'm working on getting some protein in my system for today's workout. 10:15 - drank 12 0z. hot raspberry green tea with 20 gram protein energy shot. 11:00 a.m. - taught lesson to 4 1/2 year old student, Kirin, who does very well. 12:30 p.m. - drank 12 oz. cold raspberry green tea as I worked out. My workout consisted of : 45 reverse rack rows (horizontal pull ups), 16 wrist rolls (a stick, a rope, a ten lb. weight), 30 bicep curls left & right, 30 triceps curls left & right, 60 leg lifts w/ 1 brick between feet, 35 sit ups holding 2 bricks, 45 knuckle push ups per minute for 10 minutes, 40 knuckle push ups for 15 minutes, 35 push ups for 5 minutes. A total of 1,225 for the half-hour. 4:00 p.m. drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk , 25 grams of protein. 4:30 - 8-45 p.m. taught classes. did exercises with the class: 75 push ups, 100 leg lifts and 65 sit ups. 9:30 p.m. - Got home and had 7 0z. of chicken soup broth. Kind of a busy day but a good one.

Day 23 Another Pleasant Valley Funday

2011-04-13T15:39:00.001-07:00

Up at 6:30 a.m. - 7 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 174 lbs. 7:00 a.m. - drank 12 oz. pomegranate-cranberry juice. 7:15 a.m. - Attended Optimist club meeting but had to leave early. 8:10 - 11:25 a.m - Spoke again at Pleasant valley High School. Did four classes in the morning. Only had maybe two kids falling asleep and only two trying to use their phones, but it was no problem getting their attention. 12:20 - 2:45 p.m. - Spoke to three more classes about my journey to world records, Push ups for Peace and serving the community. I was very impressed with the High School and really enjoyed speaking to the students. Sipped on a 12 oz. raspberry-acai green tea as I spoke. 4:30 p.m. - Taught class at the Rock Island Arsenal. 6:00 p.m. - Taught teen class. 7:45 p.m. drank 11 oz. protein drink with 17 grams of protein. I thought I should have some protein just to keep my weight up. I have lost 23 lbs. in 23 days. I'm sure the process will be slowing down more soon. It was another great day, I'm feeling good and looking forward to tomorrow's workout.

Day 22 A Pleasant Valley High

2011-04-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:30 - 7 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 175 lbs. 7:30 a.m. - drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk light, 2o grams of protein. 8:10 - 11:20 - Spoke to four classes of 9th graders on community service and Push ups for Peace at Pleasant Valley High School. In each class, I spoke of how I achieved a world record and how Push ups for Peace started. I also punched through a board for them to illustrate body-mind-spirit or strength-knowledge- intentions. I explained that to achieve a goal, one must have those elements working together. 12:00 - drank 11oz. protein drink, 17 grams of protein. 1:00 -2:40 p.m. - spoke to two more classes at P. V. High. 3:45 - 8:15 p.m. taught classes and lessons. 7:15 p.m. - drank 14 oz. 25 g protein drink. In the classes tonight did a total of 125 push ups, 75 leg lifts, 50 sit ups, 5o side leg lifts and 50 twisting sit ups. 9:30 p.m. - drank 16 oz. blueberry white tea. 9:45 p.m. - did 100 push ups on the bars. 10:30 p.m. - drank 11 0z. 17 g protein drink. Didn't workout as much as I would have liked, but got something done anyway. I'll try an hour of power Wednesday. Still feeling good, but very busy all the time.

Day 21 Good bye Columbus

2011-04-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:30 a.m. - 7 hours of sleep. weight - 176 1/2 lbs. Feeling good considering I've been sleeping on a hide-a-bed for two nights. 7:30 a.m. - On the road back to Iowa. 8:00 a.m. Sipping on 24 oz. coffee as I drive from Columbus. 9:45 - sipping on 8 oz. mocha coffee and 16 oz. orange juice. 11:30 a.m. - drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk - 25 grams of protein. 2:30 p.m. - completed 1000 left and 1000 right rapid fist to finger spreads plus 1000 right and 1ooo left ball squeeze exercises. 4:30 p.m. - arrived in the Quad Cities. 5:30 p.m. - Had 20 oz. of chicken soup broth. Took it easy the rest of the evening. Got a big day tomorrow. I'll be speaking to high school students all day, then teaching classes all evening. I hope I can squeeze in a workout sometime. I'm only half way, but I would say this fast is going as good, or better than expected. See you tomorrow.

Day 20 A Fast Day Off

2011-04-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:30 a.m. - 8 hours of sleep. weight - 177 lbs. Spent 8 hours in the car yesterday, so not much physical activity. 11:00 drank 12 oz. pomegranate-cranberry juice. 11:30 - Took 2 1/2 year old grandson to Little Gym. It's a gym just for that age group. 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Went to a restaurant called Hoggy's Barn and Grill. There was an actual farm tractor hanging from the ceiling over our table. I ordered a 16 oz. cranberry juice. My son, who is turning 30, ordered wings for starters. Then he had a large order of ribs with onion rings. The onion rings were the size of donuts. I'm not kidding. He said it was all very good. 6:00p.m. - Taught my 6 year old granddaughter how to play Skipbo. She beat everybody. 7:45 p.m. - Went to see the movie - The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon. It was good. 9:40 p.m. drank 12 oz. pomegranate-cranberry juice. It's good to take a day off. You can have fun, even if your fasting. 1o:45 - couldn't resist doing 50 knuckle push ups before bed.

Day 19 A Fast Trip East

2011-04-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:a.m. - 6 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 176 lbs. Feeling good getting up, considering I got less sleep than usual. I'm surprised that I dropped 2 lbs. - I don't really know why. 6:45 a.m.- drank 14 oz, Muscle Milk Light - 20 grams of protein. 7:00 a.m. Friday morning workout - did 5 sets of 50 knuckle push ups on bricks, 50 leg lifts holding one brick, 50 sit ups holding two bricks, 30 side leg lifts and 30 twisting sit ups. 9:05 a.m. - Left town for Columbus, Ohio. 9:15 - drank another Muscle Milk Light. 10:30 a.m. - still driving east on I 74, drank 12 0z, pomegranate-cranberry juice. 1:20 - 2:30 p.m. Continue to drive into Indiana as I sip on 18 oz. coffee. (I gave up coffee on this fast, unless I'm driving). 2:30 p.m. - from the passenger side, completed 1000 rapid fist to finger spreads on each hand and 1000 ball ball squeezes on each hand. A total of 4000 reps. It's good to do something while you sit there in the car. 2:45 p.m. drank regular Muscle Milk 14 oz. 25 grams of protein near Mt. Comfort, Indiana. 6:30 p.m. - Arrived in Columbus, Ohio. Spent the rest of the evening visiting with our son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Day 18 Teens Not Idle

2011-04-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:a.m. - 8 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 178 lbs. Feeling better and better as this fast goes on. 9:15 a.m. - started drinking ( I drink slowly) 20 oz. raspberry-pomegranate tea. 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. - taught lesson and class - light workout 25 push ups, 25 leg lifts, 15 sit ups and 30 side leg lifts. 12:30 p.m. - drank 20 oz. strawberry-kiwi juice (1/4 diluted). 2:00 p.m. - drank 12 oz. raspberry-acai green tea drink. 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. - got a one hour ashi-shiatsu massage (one where the practitioner uses her feet). I felt a little guilty taking the time for this, but it is good for the body, especially if you workout a lot. 4:30 p.m. - taught a kid's class at the arsenal. 6:00 p.m. - Conducted the teen class while we shot it for the documentary. The class went very well. I have the most experienced teens lead the exercise. They did so well I rewarded them with a pizza party. Three large Happy Joe's pizzas covered the fourteen or so that attended. 7:30 p.m. - taught some Father-son lessons. 8:30 - drank 20 oz. Gatorade. Well this was kind of a typical day. I will say I really proud of my teenagers. What a great group they are.

Day 17 Well and Ready

2011-04-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

Up at 4:15 a.m. with minor sore throat - sprayed it with some sore throat spray and went back to bed. Up at 7:45 a.m. - 7 hours of sleep. weight - 179 lbs. Had 16 oz. cup of coffee for the 2 nd time in this fast. Had 4 Halls lemon-honey throat drops and 4 Halls citrus vitamin C drops with the coffee. A good combination, I feel better already. 10:00 a.m. - drank 14 oz. Myoplex protein drink. (25 grams of protein). 11:00 Drank 20 oz. green tea. 12:15 p.m. - did 40 reverse rack rows (horizontal pull ups), 12 wrist rolls, 25 left and right bicep curls, same for the triceps, 50 leg lifts holding 1 brick with the feet and 25 sit ups holding 2 bricks. 12:25 p.m. - 1:25 p.m. Did the push up hour of power: 34 push ups every minute for an hour for a total of 2040 push ups in an hour. Did half on the knuckles and half on the wrists. I put skin shield on my wrists, it worked pretty well to protect the skin. It was kind of tough about 40 minutes into the hour, but then it gets easier. I think I'll be ready for April 30. 3:00 p.m. - Drank another 14 oz. protein drink. 3:45 - 5:30 p.m. - taught kids class. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - taught adult classes. Did 25 knuckle push- ups, 50 leg lifts, 45 sit ups, 30 side leg lifts, 10 finger tip push ups and 10 fist together push ups. Feeling great at the end of the day. Good night.

Day 16 Starve a cold and feed it soup

2011-04-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:30 a.m. - 7 hours of sleep. Weight - 179 lbs. 6:35 a.m. drank 16 oz. 1/4 diluted pomegranate-cranberry juice. 7:15 - 9:15 a.m. attended Optimist Club meeting. 9:45 a.m. - drank 12 oz. raspberry-acai green tea. 10:30 a.m. - taught class, did the usual light workout. (25 push ups, 45 leg lifts, 25 sit ups). 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Did some fund raising for Push ups for Peace. 3:00 p.m. - drank 10 oz. of hot and sour soup broth from Little Rangoon, the Burmese restaurant. I started sneezing earlier today and my nose started running. Whenever that happens I get the hot and sour soup. It's served very hot and very spicy. You can see the little hot peppers floating in the soup, each one it's own tiny explosion. It hit the spot. 3:30 -8:40 p.m. - taught classes and lessons. By 8:00 p.m. my nose was running again and was feeling a little tired. 9:25 p.m. - drank 8 oz. of chicken soup broth from Ross's restaurant. They have very good soup also. I felt like my body was catching a cold, but I can't let that happen. 10:05 p.m. - took some calcium, vitamin D and 1/2 aspirin and called it a day. With a good night's rest, I'll feel better and be able to handle tomorrow's tough 90 minute workout.

Day 15 Can and Did Camera

2011-04-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:40 a.m. - 8 1/2 hours of sleep. weight 180 lbs. 7:30 - drank 2 oz. aloe vera juice. Also started drinking 16 oz. protein drink and a12 oz. raspberry green tea with 2oz. protein energy shot. I sipped on those items all morning. I woke up not feeling as strong as usual, probably from the water only day yesterday. I'm a little surprised to see my weight stay at 180 lbs. for so long but that's the metabolic slowdown that naturally occurs. 12:30 p.m. - The film maker shot my workout for Fast in the Life Lane, the documentary. I did 8 exercises pretty rapidly: 25 reverse rack rows, 65 dips on the bars, 75 push ups, plus 5 others, then some heavy bag work, and finally some Knife throwing. It was tiring but fun. 3:30 p.m. - drank 14 oz. protein drink. (25 grams of protein). 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Taught classes. Did about 100 push ups, 100 leg lifts, and 100 sit ups during that time leading classes. 10:15 p.m. - did 120 push ups on the bars before I left the academy. 10:15 p.m. - did 80 push ups on the knuckles at home. Had a good day today. Not really hungry, and feeling good. I'm so busy the days go by quickly. Tomorrow I'll take it easy.

Day 14 The Fourteenth of Fastivus

2011-04-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Up at 9:15 a.m. - 9 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 180 lbs. Why did I sleep so long? because I could. Today is a water only day, so I will take it easy and relax. Today is also the Fourteenth of Fastivus, a significant marker in the holiday season of Fastivus. It is 1/3 of the 41 days of fasting and training for the final day of the feat of strength by the Grand Elder. This year it is Saturday, April 30, at the Push ups for Peace Festival. I'm looking forward to that day. I hope you will be there. - 1:30 p.m. - Went for a mile walk. 3:30 p.m. - Went to see the movie - King's Speech at the theater. Excellent movie. The title seemed boring so I didn't want to see it, but I'm glad I did. - The water only day gets easier as time goes on. Last week I was really tired but I'm getting used to it. Tomorrow I plan on some good workouts and shooting more of Fast in the Life Lane, the documentary. See you then.

Day 13 Just Dessert

2011-04-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:15 a.m. - 7 hours of sleep - feeling rested and ready for the day. Weight - 180 lbs. 6:30 a.m. - Consumed 16 oz. of cranberry-pomegranate juice, 1/4 diluted. 8:30 - Taught "Old guy's class" -light workout, warmed up with 15 knuckle and 10 finger tip push ups - 65 leg lifts and 50 sit ups. 10:00 a.m. Taught kid"s class. - 11:00a.m. - Taught class on Rock Island Arsenal. - 11:00 - 12: 10 -p.m. drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. taught lessons. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - worked out - did progressive perfect push ups (2 sec. long) 1 then 2 then 3 all the way to 20. total 210 - also 100 leg lifts with 1 brick between the feet - 50 sit ups with a brick in each hand - 25 reverse rack rows. (horizontal pull ups) Drank 20 oz. Gatorade during workout. 5:30 p.m. - Drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk - 25 grams of protein. 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Went to a birthday party - they had three large tables of desserts - cake, pies, brownies, mini eclairs and every kind of sweet treat can think of, maybe even some you can't. In my eating life, I would have enjoyed these things, but on a fast, I have no interest nor am I tempted. Another time those things can be enjoyed. I did have an 8 oz. sweetened tea. 9:45 p.m. - consumed 16 oz. diluted pomegranate-cranberry. I should sleep well tonight. Tomorrow's challenge - water only.

Day 12 Doctor's approval

2011-04-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:30 a.m. - 8 hours sleep. weight - 180 lbs. I'm noticing that it is now easier to get up in the morning. I feel better upon first awakening instead of dragging my feet. I have more energy and much sooner. A big contrast to just 12 days and 17 lbs. ago. 6:50 - Drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk brand drink. 25 grams of protein. 7:00a.m. - Taught early morning class. Did 5 sets of 50 knuckle push ups, 50 leg lifts, 35 sit ups, 50 side leg lifts and 40 twisting sit ups. 8:35 had 16 oz. pomegranate-cranberry tea. 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Drank 16 oz. protein drink with supplements. total of 14 grams of protein. 11:15 - 11:50 - taught class. 12:30 -1:30 p.m. - Did the hour of power. Today it was 33 knuckle push ups every minute for an hour for a total of 1,980. I drank a 20 oz Gatorade during that time. 2:00 p.m. - Had a Doctor's appointment for a physical examination to be shot for the documentary. My Blood pressure was a little high at 140/ 80 since I had just worked out. 20 minutes later it was down to 133 / 80. I' sure it's back to 120/ 80 now. According to the Doctor I'm in great shape. 5:00 p.m. - taught lesson. 5:30 p.m. - Day is over, time to go home. 6:45 p.m. - Drank 16 oz. pomegranate-cranberry juice (1/4 water). Another great day done.

Day 11 High School Spirit

2011-04-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:30 a.m. - 8 hours of sleep. weight - 181 lbs. 8:30 a.m. - drank 16 oz. of pomegranate-cranberry juice, diluted 1/3 water 9:45 a.m. - taught lesson and class. 12:30 p.m. - drank 12 oz. of fresh apple-carrot-ginger juice. 3:00 p.m. - I gave a talk to a full classroom of about 40 students at Moline High School. I spoke of how I got involved in Guinness records, about the origin of Push ups for Peace and a little about Fast in the Life Lane, the documentary. (We were filming the documentary right there). They also heard about the importance or fitness, sacrificing to serve others and the importance of body-mind-spirit working together to achieve a goal (I illustrated this by punching through a board). I also told them story of Suzanne Mitchell, an 11 year old girl who believed in the idea of Push ups for Peace and did 300 push ups at last year's event just a few weeks before her untimely death. At the end of the speech the 15 students and the teacher committed to participating on April 30 at Push ups for Peace. I was very impressed with the turn out considering these students came on their own time after school. 4:30 - Taught classes till 7:00 p.m. Drank a 20 oz. Gatorade during that time. 7:30 p.m. 0ut the door and home early. (Early for me anyway).

Day 10 House Arrest

2011-03-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:25 a.m. - 9 hours 0f sleep. weight - 182 lbs. 8:00 a.m. - Drank 18 oz. of kiwi-strawberry juice, diluted 1/3 water. 9:00 a.m. - Drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk , 25 grams of protein. 9:30 - drank 8 oz. pineapple-mango juice 1/3 water. 11:00 a.m. taught lesson to 4 1/2 year old star pupil. 2:15 p.m. - worked out in gym as I drank 8 oz. GURU brand energy drink. The work out was an eight exercise total arm workout. 3:00 p.m. -8:30 taught two lessons and two classes. 8:45 - Did 350 push ups (5 sets of 70) 9:00 - drank 8 oz. rice milk with 7 grams of protein. 10:15 p.m. - did 350 more push ups. 10:30 p.m. - drank 8 oz. more of rice milk with protein. I guess I was here at the school 13 hours today with out even going outside. It was like a self imposed house arrest. All of a sudden it's late into the night. I got a lot done but there's much more to do (another day). I'm out of here. Good night.

Day 9 A day in the Fast Life

2011-03-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Up at 6 a.m. - 7 hours of sleep. weight - 183 lbs. 6:15 - drank 16 oz. strawberry-kiwi juice 1/3 diluted. 7:00 a.m. - Attended Optimist Club meeting . Speakers for Children"s Therapy Center, Make A wish Foundation and Jim Mitchell for Push ups for Peace were there. All three speakers were excellent but Jim's was very emotional and moving. 9:15 - drank 16 oz. Strawberry-kiwi juice. 9:30 - 2:00 p.m. - spent time promoting Push ups for Peace. 1:15 - Drank 15 oz. Naked brand mixed fruit smoothie. 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. taught lessons. 4:15 p.m. - drank 5oz. glass of pineapple-mango juice. 4:30 p.m. taught kid's class on the arsenal. 6:oo p.m. - taught teen class. 7:30p.m. - taught adult class. 9:45 - drank 18 oz. strawberry-juice 1/2 water. Well there you have it. A typical day in the fast life. The highlight of the day was Jim's speech about the time he spent with his 11 year old daughter at Push ups for Peace before she passed away. I was tearing up, almost crying but I wasn't the only one. Tomorrow is a workout day. Got to push my self. Or perhaps, let myself be drawn towards the goal. Peace everyone - Good Night.

Day 8 Monday, Monday, So Good to Me

2011-03-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:45 a.m. 8 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 184 lbs. 7:00 a.m. - drank 18 oz. kiwi-strawberry juice (diluted 1/2 water). 8:00 a.m. - Shot video segment at Children's Therapy Center. 9:05 a.m. - Drank 14 oz. protein drink (25 grams of protein). 1:15 p.m. - Drank 8 oz. pineapple-mango juice 1/2 diluted. 4:30- taught kids class. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. taught adult class, workout included 100 knuckle push ups, 100 leg lifts, 100 sit ups, 20 fingertip push ups, 20 narrow and wide push ups. 8:00 p.m. - started doing bar push ups - 10 sets of 45 + 90 more in a row. 10:10 - Did 100 more knuckle push ups at home. A total of 780 push ups for the night. 10:15 - Drank 18 oz. 1/3 diluted strawberry-kiwi juice. Another great busy day. It was a good workout tonight, but I know I'll have to work harder to get to where I should be. My weight loss has slowed down and I'm now in the fasting mind set.

Day 7 Fast Within a Fast

2011-03-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:30 a.m. - 61/2 hours of sleep. Weight - 185 lbs. I was up till 2:00 a.m. last night because of the coffee last evening but I feel pretty good now. 11:00 a.m. - went to Unitarian Church to help lead a discussion on non-violence with teen group. 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Went to the museum to see the Titanic film and exibit. I became very sleepy and tired around 3:30 p.m. The only reason I made it through the afternoon is because it was so interesting. I was home by 5:30 p.m. and relaxed the rest of the rest of the evening. A water fast is not a high energy day but I think it a good cleanse for the body and mind. In bed by 10:15. Looking forward to a good workout tomorrow and maybe my energy back.

Day 6 Seminar Day in Chicago

2011-03-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:40 a.m. 8 1/3 hours of sleep. weight - 185 lbs. 8:30 a.m. - taught class - light workout. 9;30 a.m. Left for Chicago to teach a seminar at Tsai's Kung Fu Academy. Drank a 20 oz. Gatorade and 20 oz. pineapple-mango. on the way up to the seminar. 1:30 - 4:30 - taught about a dozen students our style of Shaolin Chuan Kung Fu. I ended the session by sparring six of the advanced students two minutes each. It was fun. I'm sure they had fun too. The very last thing was sparring four 11 year old kung fu girls at once. It was a draw. The crowd applauded. 6:00 p.m. - I didn't want to do it , but I stopped and got a 16 oz. coffee just to stay awake on the drive back home. 8:30 - drank 14 oz. diluted pineapple-mango juice. 9:45 - 10:15 drank 15 oz. Naked brand fruit juice smoothie. Felt very good today except for the afternoon sleepyness driving back. I would say I feel more "back to normal" whatever that is. Tomorrow is the first water only day. It's a fast within a fast. Hope I make it.

Day 5 The Toxic nine

2011-03-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:00 a.m. - 7 1/2 hours of sleep weight - 188 lbs. 7:00 a.m. taught early class - included 250 push ups (5 sets of 50) 100 leg lifts, 50 sit ups, 100 side leg lifts, and 50 side sit ups. 8:40 a.m. drank 18 oz. mangosteen tea with honey. 9:45 a.m. - taught lessons. 11:00 a.m. taught class, drank 14 oz. protein drink (25 grams of protein). 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Did the hour of power work out - 10 slow (2 second) perfect push ups every minute for an hour- total - 600. 1:30 - Did bank work and fund raising. 3:30 - 5:15 taught lessons. 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Attended church carnival committee meeting. 6:30 - drank 14 oz. 25 gram protein drink. 7:30 drank 12 oz. pomegranate-cranberry juice. ... Today I have more energy on 7 1/2 hours of sleep than days 3 and 4 when I slept nine or more hours. I now think I was going through some kind of detoxification on those days. That might explain the weakness and fatigue I experienced. I think I'll call that period the toxic nine phase, since that is the amount of weight lost in that time. ... However, I felt much better today. I think the worst is over.

Day 4 Feeling Better

2011-03-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:00 a.m. 9 1/2 hours of sleep. weight - 188 lbs. Feeling better and more rested today. 8:10 - drank 15 oz. pomegrante - cranberry juice. 10:30 - taught class, but assistant led exercises. 12:00 attended Optimist board meeting. 11:45 - 12:15 p.m. drank 20 oz. green tea. 1:00 p.m. to 1:50 taught lesson. 3:45 p.m. - Drank 15 oz. fresh apple-carrot-ginger juice. It was delicious. taught 4:30 class about 14 kids aged 5 to 12 years old. Demonsrtated animal forms of Shaolin Chuan Kung Fu, sparred in a no pads black belt match and sparred some of the kids. 6:00 p.m.- Taught the teen age class - worked on falling and throwing. Did a light work out in the weight room and called it a day. 8:45 p.m. drank 18 oz. pomegranate-cranberry juice. Had a fairly busy day, but a good one.

Day 3 Why Am I Doing This?

2011-03-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:30 a.m. 9 hours of sleep. weight - 189 lbs. Could have slept more, feeling tired today. I seem to have a mild headache. 9:00 - 9:30 Made a couple of fundraising visits. 10:00 - 11:30 taught lessons. 11:45 drank 15 oz. protein drink + supplements. 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. office work. 1:00 - 2:45 - More fundraising visits. 3:00 - 7:45 taught lessons and classes. 3:30 - 5:00 drank 20 oz. gatorade. 5:15 did 2 sets of 70 push ups plus 50 leg lifts and 50 sit ups. During 6:30 class did 100 push ups (35 +35+ 30), 100 leg lifts 50 sit ups. Still feeling tired during class but pressed on. I'm starting to wonder why I'm doing this. But I remember that this is just temporary and things will be better soon. 8:05 p.m. - After class I did 3 sets of 70 push ups, 100 leg lifts and 50 sit ups. After that I pretty much had it for the day. 8:45 - Drank 14 oz. protein drink with 25 grams of protein. Sleepy and tired, looking foward to a good night's rest and tomorrow's challenge whatever it may be.

Day 2

2011-03-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:15 a.m. 71/2 hours of sleep. Weight - 192 lbs. 6:30 - drank 20 oz. pomegranate - cranberry juice ( one third diluted ). 7:15 - Optimist club meeting 8:30 - drank 2 oz. aloe vera juice and 12 oz. hot green tea. 10:30 - taught class - light workout 30 push ups, 60 leg lifts, and 40 sit ups. 2:00 drank 12 oz. fresh apple - carrot - ginger drink. 3:30 - 5:30 - drank 20 oz. gatorade. Taught classes 4:30 - 8:30. Another light workout - 90 push ups, 100 leg lifts, and50 sit ups. I am very tired tonight . A good night's rest should help. It's a big workout day tomorrow.

Day One - Fastivus Begins

2011-03-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:a.m. 71/2 hours of sleep. weight - 197 lbs. Shot the film project all day. Taught 3 classes this evening. Did exercises with the class. Did about 270 push ups, 200 leg lifts and 150 sit ups. Drank a 20 oz. green tea from about 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. Drank a 15 0z. protein drink from about 4:00 - 5:30. Then a 20 oz. Gatorade from about 6:00 - 8:00. I feel great today and look forward to the next 40 days of training and fasting.

Day Before the Eve of Fastivus

2011-03-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog of 2011. The name has been changed, but the mission is still the same. It is: 1) Fast for 40 days to discipline and strengthen the body and mind. 2) Train for a world 's record to test my limits. 3) Create a fundraiser that will help children in need and get people involved. This years event, called "Push Ups for Peace" will be Saturday, April 30, at 2:30 p. m. at St. Ambrose University. Starting Monday, March 21, I will be fasting for about 41 days. I wll be drinking water throughout the fast. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays I will have only protein drinks. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, only diluted juices. On Sundays only water. This period of time is my annual spring holiday I call Fastivus. Fastivus is a time of renewal of the mind, restoration of body and resolve of the spirit. I look forward to this great spring " holiday season" and hope you join me in this year's Fast in the Life Lane.

Life after Fastivus

2010-05-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have made an entry to this blog. Although it has not been a "fast in the life lane" period of time, I have been maintaining a weight of 175 lbs. and working out on a regular basis. Today we did the hour of power but the format is a little different. In the first minute we did push ups. In the second, we did leg lifts. Third, sit ups. Fourth, balance on one leg. Fifth, horse riding stance with feet flat, thighs level and back straight. I did 55 push ups, 55 leg lifts, 55 sit ups, 55 seconds on one leg with a staff balanced on the head, and 55 seconds horse riding stance with a staff on the thighs ( to assure a level stance). That made a total for the hour - 660 push ups , 660 leg lifts, 660 sit ups, 660 seconds (11 minutes) of one leg balance, and 660 seconds of horse riding stance. It was a good work out and I feel great. Hope you do too. See you then.

Day 41 A Matter Of Mind Over Body Part I I

2010-05-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

After the halfway point it gets a little harder, especially in that third quarter. I had been talking on the microphone between sets, but now I just sat in the chair, rested and focused. It's kind of a blur now, but towards the end there were a few sets where it seemed like I just barely made it. When that happened, I would concentrate on resting and breathing as I waited for the next set. The energy and excitement never let up all though the hour. I could hear the crowd yelling for me. That really kept me going. As I got to the final three sets I knew I had it, but I had to take an extra fifteen seconds each time. That may not sound like much but it really makes a difference at that point. As I finished the last set before the hour ticked away, the crowd gathered around me yelling in support. I had made it. Achieved my goal of 2100 push ups on the back of my hands on the 41st day of fasting at the age of 58. Plus, with help from a great group of volunteers we held small but fun event that raised about $3,000 for local charity. After all the congratulations and interviews, Happy Joe's delivered pizza for anyone who stuck around. I picked up a small slice of veggie pizza and said " Should I break my fast? " I ate very slowly and carefully. It was a nice celebration as my mother and sister and other family members were there. A great day.

Day 41 A Matter Of Mind Over Body Part I

2010-05-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:30 a.m. 7 hours of rest. weight - 167 lbs. 7:00 drank 14 fl. oz. of EAS. Myoplex - 25 grams of protein. 8:30 20 oz. of coffee with 9 grams of protein mixed in, sipped on it till noon. 10:00 - conducted kids class. went very well. 1:30 p.m. arrived at St. Ambrose. I had one hour to prepare for the event. I was worried about the bleachers not being out but we found someone to do it. Then it was around 2:20 and the music D.J. wasn't there yet, but he got in and got set up on time. Now the only thing left to think about was doing 2100 push ups in the next hour. I was ready. It helped that many students, friends and family showed up to join me, help out or just to watch and cheer. After a few words from the charity recipients and a prayer from the Pastor we were ready to begin. What happened in the next hour was amazing. I'll never forget the energy, support, and enthusiasm from that small crowd of a hundred people. I got down every minute along with about forty five others doing push ups. the excitement just kept growing as the hour went on. At first I could talk between sets and introduce people talk about the music that was playing, but after about a half an hour I had to really focus on getting through each set.

Day 40 Merry Fastivus and a Happy Feat Ahead

2010-05-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:15 a.m. 6 hours of sleep. weight - 167 lbs. 7:00 a.m. conducted class - light workout, did chi kung and only 4 sets of 25 push ups. 8:30 had 12 oz. coffee and 15 oz. orange juice. 10:30 had 20 oz. coffee mixed with 34 grams of protein plus supplements. 12:30 p.m. light combat conditioning workout. 1:30 taught lesson. 2:00 drank 20 oz. G2 Gatorade. 4:15 to 5:00 taught lesson. 6:00 drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 6:30 - Went to St. Ambrose to check out the facility for the Push Ups for Peace event. 8:30 drank 5.5 oz. of V8. 9:00 p.m. drank 14 oz. of EAS Myoplex 25 grams of protein. Tomorrow is the big day. The last day of Fastivus the Grand Elder must perform a feat of strength. This will be the culmination of the last forty days. Fasting seems like the normal state of being. So does training very hard. I don't miss eating that much but it will soon be time to be among the eaters again. As soon as one starts eating at the end of Fastivus, It's like leaving the Garden. I have prepared myself physically and mentally for tomorrow. I fully intend to achieve 35 push ups every minute on the back of my hands for an hour. 2,100. I feel great (except for the sores on the back of my hands). On to day 41.

Day 39 The Light of Optimism

2010-05-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:15 a.m. 8.5 hours of sleep, weight - 167.5 lbs. 9:10 a.m. drank 5.5 ozs. of V-8. 9:45 - drank 16 oz. of coffee with 7 grams of protein mixed in. 10:00 taught lesson. 11:15 doctor appointment. 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 meetings. 1:45 - drank 10 oz. Gatorade. 3:30 drank 10 more oz. of Gatorade. 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. taught kids and teenagers. Did a light workout in teen class. Feeling better today. My back isn't as sore and things seem to be going a little better over all. Sometimes I wonder If I can really do it. (the record Saturday) That's silly though, I know I can. It's funny how doubts try to creep in to your mind. Today's fourtun-E-cookie: There is no guarantee of an outcome, except for the certainty of your vision.

Day 38 Not A Good Time For A Bad Day

2010-05-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:30 7.5 hours of sleep. weight - 168 lbs. 7:30 a.m.- drank 3 oz. of aloe vera juice. 7:40- drank 20 oz. protein smoothie, 30 grams of protein. 8:15- drank 12 oz. green tea + supplements. 11:15 - 1:45 p.m. Had a good workout today. Did 40 reverse rack rows, 25 upward rowing 3o bicep curls, 30 tricep curls, 3 sets of wrist rolls total - 36. Progressive perfect push ups 2 sec. each 1- 22 +20 for a total of 273. Drank 20 oz. Gatorade during workout. 1:45 p.m. Drank 16 oz, fruit smoothie, 25 grams of protein. 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. taught lessons. 4:30 to 7:45 taught classes. Took it easy - did exercises with students, light workouts. Something not good is happening today. My lower back is hurting, unexpected bills have come in, people aren't showing up. This is a big weekend and I hope things don't fall apart. I'm looking for a better day tomorrow. I can't let these things get me down. 9:45 p.m. - drank a 14 oz. Muscle Milk Light. 20 grams of protein. Blaiku - Dark clouds on horizon/ threat of storm shadows over me/ready for raindrops.

Day 37 The Child is the Father of the Man

2010-04-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:20 a.m. 6.5 hours of sleep. weight - 168 lbs. I woke up just in time. I dreamed I was filling up a plate of food at my Mother's house. 7:00 a.m. drank 5.5 oz. V-8. 7:15 a.m. Optimist Club meeting - was presented with the International President's Citation award. I don't know why. Sipped on 15 oz. orange juice and 10 oz. cup of coffee. 10:30 taught class - medium work out 2:00 p.m. drank 14 oz. fresh apple-carrot-ginger juice. 3:00 p.m. taught 30 minute lesson. 4:30 - 8:45 taught kids, teen, then adult classes. I had a dream about my father last night. (he passed away in 1977 at the age of 50). It was like he was coming back from a long absence or maybe had a stroke. He didn't recognize me at first. It was strange being eight years older than my dad. I wonder if he would understand what I'm doing. I wonder if many people do, for that matter. Push ups For Peace benefits Q.C. Children's Therapy Center and Kids Against Hunger. My workouts symbolize therapy for the kids. My fasting symbolizes the fight against not only hunger, but also obesity and addiction. I think my dad would have been proud. I hope so.

Day 36 Mad Max Monday

2010-04-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:30 a.m. 8 hours of rest, 6.5 hours of sleep. weight - 168 lbs. 7:15 drank 3 oz. of aloe vera juice. 7:30 drank 20 oz. smoothie with 24 grams protein. Sipped on 16 oz. green tea till 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. drank a 20 0z. fruit smoothie with 24 grams of protein. I figured with the weight loss and the work out today I could use a lot of protein. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. did hour of power workout today. did 1,886 knuckle push ups 180 one and a half second perfect push ups for a total of 2,066 push ups. drank 20 oz. Gatorade during hour. 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. taught lessons. 4:15 drank 7.6 oz. of natural fruit smoothie - 15 grams of protein. 4:30 to 7:45 - taught classes- did exercises with students. through out night did 150 push ups, 165 leg lifts and 125 sit ups. 6:30 drank 7.6 oz. of fruit smoothie. 15 grams of protein. Had a great work out day today. Feeling strong and well. My plan is to max out on push ups today, and taper down this week to be ready for Saturday.

Day 35 Eye Of The Tiger

2010-04-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:45 a.m. 8 hours of sleep. weight - 170 lbs. 8:00 a.m. Left Moline for Morris Ill. for a karate tournament. Drank a 20 oz. Gatorade on the way up. Since tournaments are long days, and Black Belts are expected to judge, I thought it would be wise to have something to get me through the day. 10:15 arrived at tournament site. Started judging form competition - sipped on a GURU energy drink from the health food store. I acted as referee and judge most of the afternoon. 4:30 p.m. competed in advanced black belt weapons form division placed 1st. I was #4 to go in the empty hand form division and got 1st place in that as well. 5:15 p.m. fought one match and lost. It felt good to compete again, It had been over a year since I last competed and six months since I've even sparred with anyone. I think I lost the match because I wasn't patient enough to use strategy and just started banging away. It was fun though. Next time however I need to train more for the sparring event and not just form. It's like I'm hungry again. (in the competition sense). It was not the typical Fastivus Sunday, but I had a lot of fun and made some friends. By the way, there a lot of good "over fifty" fighters out there.

Day 34 Yin-Yang And The Restless

2010-04-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:15 a.m. 6.5 hours of sleep weight - 171 lbs. 8:30 taught senior swat class - light workout did stick work, hand drills and staff manipulation. 10:00 taught kids class. Drank 20 oz. Gatorade for the next two hours. 11:00 Adult class - light workout. 12:30 taught lesson - drank 7 oz. protein drink, 9 grams of protein. 4:00 p.m. arrived home. 4:30 drank 17 oz. of V-8. 5:15 - drank 14 oz. of Muscle Milk Light. 20 grams of protein. 7:30 drank 16 oz. cranberry - pomegranate beverage. 8:45 drank 16 oz. more of cranberry pomegranate beverage. Took it easy this evening and relaxed but feeling restless. I would have rather done something, but it was wiser to do nothing. I practiced my forms today so I should be ready tomorrow for the tournament.

Day 33 Easy To Be Hard

2010-04-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:15 a.m. 7.5 hours of sleep. weight - 172 lbs. 7:00 a.m. taught class - did staff and stick fighting drills. did only 4 sets 25 knuckle push ups. 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 - had 12 oz. orange juice and 12 0z. cup of coffee at Cup o' Jo's. 10:00 -11:30 sipped on 20 oz. coffee with 39 grams of protein mixed in. 12:15 p.m. did hour of power. 3 sets of 35 wrist push ups then 2 sets 40 knuckle push ups every 5 minutes, a total of 2,220 for the hour. It went very well today. I felt strong all the way through with only a little difficulty at the end. There was very little pain in the wrists but the skin was raw from the carpet. Drank a Cliff Quench sport drink 16 fl. oz. during the hour. 9 people were present. 2:30 p.m. taught knife throwing lesson till 3:45. drank 15 oz. fruit smoothie at 4:30. 30 grams of protein. 8:30 p.m. drank 17 oz. of V-8. Played scrabble till 9:40. 11:00 p.m. - drank 7 oz. of A&W root beer and allowed a small ball of chocolate to dissolve in my mouth. I guess I really went wild. Forgive me. Today went very well. I enjoy Fridays even though it's the hardest day of training. Only eight days till Push Ups for Peace.

Day 32 Boxing outside the thought.

2010-04-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:30 a.m. - 7 hours of sleep. weight - 171 lbs. 10:30a.m. - taught class, did exercises with students - 25 push ups, 50 leg lifts, 75 sit ups. 12:00 taught 30 min. lesson. 1:30 p.m. drank 12 oz. egg drop soup broth. 1:30 drank - 14 oz. fresh carrot-apple-ginger juice. 2:45p.m. - drank 15 0z. Naked brand Green Machine Super food juice smoothie. 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. taught lessons and classes. light workout in teen class. Drank 20 oz. Gatorade during class. I think I will go to a karate tournament on Sunday, day 35 and compete in form and sparring competition. It is a water only day but I think I can do it. It should be fun. I'll have to dust off my sparring gear and shadow box a little. I'm feeling faster than I did a few weeks ago. Looking forward to the challenge. Today's Fortun-E-cookie: You have already fought the match before you step into the ring.

Day 31 Routine Zen Life

2010-04-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:45 a.m. 8.5 hours of sleep. weight - 172 lbs. 8:50 - drank 20 oz. cup of coffee slowly over two hour period. 9:00 - taught private lesson. 10:45 drank 14 0z. Muscle Milk Light - 20 grams of protein. 11:00 workout - did 2 second alternating progressive perfect push ups with Ian Fink. Here's how it works. First I do a push up, then the other person does one, then I do two then he does two, then I do three and so on. I went from 1 to 23 + 23 before failure, for a total of 299 2 sec. perfect push ups. Also did 14 flights of stairs, 16 leg extensions(90#), 12 leg curls(60#), 14 rope wrist rolls(10#) and 25 knuckle push ups on the sidewalk. 1:00 p.m. - taught 30 min. lesson. 3:30 - taught 30 min. lesson. 4:15 p.m. - drank 15 oz. fruit smoothie, 30 grams of protein. 4:15 - 7:45p.m. - taught classes, did exercises with students, included 65 push ups, 160 leg lifts and 90 sit ups. drank 20 oz. Gatorade during classes. Just another day in the holiday of Fastivus. Feeling good and strong and enthused about life. after 30 days of fasting things start to normalize. Today's fortun-E-cookie: knowing with out doing is like a table without legs.

Day 30 Fast Times at Plateau High

2010-04-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:00 a.m. 6.5 hours of sleep. weight - 170 lbs. Yikes! I knew I was really busy yesterday but I didn't expect to drop that much weight all of a sudden. But then again I have seen it happen before. 7:45 - 8:45 Optimist club meeting. Speaker was Mayor of Davenport. A good meeting as usual. drank 30 oz. 1/2 orange juice 1/2 water till 9:15 10:30 taught class - light workout. 12:30 p.m. drank 7 oz. smoothie 11 grams of protein. 1:30 stopped by K&K Hardware, Bettendorf Life Fitness, Muscle Max and Johnny Haynes' house. 1:45 p.m. - drank 20 fl. oz. of Cyto Max, 40 grams of protein. 3:00 taught lesson. 4:15 - 7:30 taught classes, drank 20 oz. Gatorade during that time. 9:45 drank large mug and a half of chicken soup broth. added a pinch each of garlic powder, celery salt, curry, cumin and ginger. I tried to take a little extra protein today just to keep the weight up. My wife asked me when I got home " What are you so happy about?" I said "I'm not carrying around the thirty pounds I was 4 weeks ago so I feel pretty good almost all the time." blaiku titled "Fast Time" - Afternoon hours creep/days run in, blur then fade out/weekends stall, month gone.

Day 29 Another Manic Monday

2010-04-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:am 8.5 hours of sleep. weight - 174 lbs. 8:10 a.m. went to Fusion for 3 oz. aloe vera juice, 16 oz. green tea and 20 oz. protein smoothie - 20 grams of protein. 8:20 visited St. Ambrose University, Greatest Grains Natural Foods, 97x, Dav. Police Dept., Scott Co. Centennial Building and 7th Judicial district Dept. of Corrections to promote Push Ups for Peace. 10: 30 worked in office - made calls. 12:10 drank 9 0z. smoothie - 19 grams of protein. Sipped on 20 oz. coffee. 12:30 workout - included 100 push ups, 40 reverse rack rows, 60 dips, 25 more rev. rack rows, 25 upward rowing (65 lbs.) plus bicep and tricep work. 1:30 more calls and paper work. 2:50 - 3:50 taught priv. lesson. 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. taught kids class. 5:30 - 7:30 taught adult classes did exercises with students - included 50 push ups, 110 leg lifts, 70 sit ups. 7:30 wrote comment to Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes. 11:10 p.m. did 140 push ups on palms in 62 seconds. Well, it was a very busy day. I had a lot of energy and got a lot done. I wish you could have joined me but at least you can read this blog. I'm looking forward to the event May 1st. I hope you can join us there. Today's fortun -E- cookie: Enjoy life's pleasure in work, then reap the treasure.

Day 28 Suprising Sunday Stamina

2010-04-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Up at 9:30 a.m. 6.5 hours of sleep. weight - 174 lbs. Today is the 4th Sunday of Fastivus, a day of rest and water only. 1:30 arrived at Channel 8 for Children's Therapy Center telethon. Helped present check for 500 dollars from the Optimist Club. Did a live Interview with James Zahara to promote Push ups for Peace. We ended up doing push ups on the air . I did 115 push ups in about 55 seconds. It was fun. 6:55 p.m. Watching 60 Minutes and saw a segment by Andy Rooney on "desire". I think I'll write a comment on the CBS website. 7:00 p.m. did yard work for about 50 minutes. 8:00 Felt energetic, went for a walk probably about 3 miles. 9:10 got back from the walk felt really good, not tired or weak like previous Sundays. I feel great, even on only water and 6 hours of sleep. I guess it must be the 4 week Fastivian euphoria. It's amazing the energy and well being one can have on a fast.

Day 27 Centering to the Point

2010-04-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:20 a.m. 6.5 hours of sleep. weight - 174 lbs. 8:30 taught senior class, worked stick drills and knife throwing. drank 8.3 oz. of GURU natural energy drink (contains guarana, echinacea, panax ginseng, and ginkgo biloba). 10:00 a.m. taught kids class. drank 20 oz. Gatorade. taught adult class, did exercises with students. 12:30 p.m. taught lesson. 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. conducted knife throwing seminar. Had fun throwing a variety of knives and weapons. 3:30 drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 4:30 p.m. drank 15.2 oz. of Bolthouse Farms drink. 19 grams of protein. 5:15 I practiced some knife throwing on my own. 7:20 drank 14 oz. Muscle Milk, 25 grams of protein.Feeling restless since 6:30 or 7:00. Saturdays seem to do that to me. Even though I slept less than 7 hours, I'm not tired yet. 8:30 to 9:00 drank 12 oz. egg drop soup broth. Had a good day today. Even the kid's class went well. Tomorrow is total water day. We'll see how it goes. Blaiku # 6 Hand, knife and mind one/ target center draws the point/ thought birthing action.

Day 26 A Full Day - Running on Empty

2010-04-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:45 a.m. 7 hours of sleep weight - 175 lbs. 7:15 taught early class work out included 3 sets of 35 knuckle push ups, 50 leg lifts, 35 sit ups, 50 side leg lifts, 30 twisting sit ups. 8:45 to 9:40 a.m. had 22 oz. cup of coffee with 25 grams protein powder mixed in at Cup O' Jo's. 10:a.m. drank 6 oz. 0f China Cola with supplements. (You can swallow pills easier with a carbonated beverage. Did you know that?) 10:30 a.m. conducted class, included a very light workout. 11:45 drank 19 gram protein drink. 12:15-1:15 p.m. did hour of power work out. As you know, that is a set of push ups every minute for an hour. I alternated with 35 back of the hand push ups one minute and 15 slow perfect push ups ( one and a half seconds) the next, for a total of 1500 push ups for an hour. 1:30 p.m. did 20 minute heavy bag work out with partner. ten 30 second rounds, for a total of 550 punches. 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. taught lesson. 7:30 drank 6oz. of China Cola. 8:15 drank 15 oz. protein juice smoothie. 30 grams of protein. Had another great day of fasting and training. The back of the hand push ups weren't that hard just a little painful getting in and out of position. There's a good chance I can beat the record. 1,940.

Day 25 Fast Is As Fast Does

2010-04-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:15 a.m. 8 hours of sleep weight - 175 lbs. 8:30 a.m. drank 14 oz. of diluted orange- cran pomegranate juice. 9:00 a.m. drank 20 oz. coffee. 10:30 a.m. conducted class, included usual exercise - 15 knuckle push ups, 50 leg lifts, 35 sit ups, 12 finger tip push ups, 50 side leg lifts, 30 twisting sit ups, 8 fist together push ups, 10 V-ups. 1:45 p.m. drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 3:15 drank 14 oz. fresh juiced carrot-apple-ginger from Heritage Natural Foods. 3:15 to 7:00 p.m. taught classes, did exercises with 6:00 teen class. Feeling great today. My body seems to like 175 lbs. Also, I'm on the last hole in my belt. Carrying around 25 lbs. less is a great burden off my body. However, removing desires from my self is an even greater relief. Blaiku #5 - A burden lifted/ lighter than before I soar/ unfettered by desires.

Day 24 Mojo in the Dojo

2010-04-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:35 a.m. 8 hours of sleep weight - 175 lbs. 7:50 a.m. drank 12 oz. of orange-cran-pomegranate 9:30 12 oz. more of same drink as above. 9:30 drank 20 oz. of coffee with 20 grams of protein mixed in. 10:30 drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 11:40 work out: 35 reverse rack rows (horizontal pull up), progressive curls on 65 lb. curling bar 1 - 8, total = 36, 10 lb. wrist rolls on rope, parking garage 16 flights of stairs. bench press 135 lbs. 1 set of 15 1 set of 20. 4:00 p.m. drank protein juice smoothie. 30 grams of protein. 4:15 - 7:15 p.m. taught classes, did exercises with students. 5:30 - 35 push ups, 80 leg lifts, 40 sit ups. 6:30 class - 50 push ups, 100 leg lifts, 65 sit ups. drank 20 oz. Gatorade during classes. 8:55 - did 36 2-sec. perfect push ups for 72 seconds. Had some good work outs today. I feel good at this weight. Blaiku #4 Work now, fulfillment/ and happiness follow but/ indulge - sad storm brews.

Day 23 Chicken Soup for the Spirit

2010-04-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:00 a.m. - 5.5 hours of sleep. weight 174 lbs. 7:15 a.m. Optimist club meeting. drank 30 oz. of 1/2 orange juice 1/2 water 8:30 am - 9:00 took nap. 11:30 drank 14 oz. carrot-apple-ginger fresh juice. 11:55 drank 15 oz. Naked brand juice smoothie 30 grams of protein. 12:20 to 1:40 took grand kids to Family museum in Bettendorf. 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. taught lesson. 3:00 to 4:00 drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 4:00 to 7:00 taught kids then teens. 7:15 p.m. drank 7oz. Perfectly protein drink. 9 grams of protein. 7:30 p.m. taught class. Did exercises with students -15 knuckle push ups, 30 leg lifts, 20 sit ups, 10 finger tip push ups, 30 side leg lifts, 20 twisting sit ups, 8 fist together push ups, 10 V- ups. 9:30 drank large mug and a half of Ross's Chicken soup broth. It was good. Still feeling great, enjoying the fasting life style even more every day. Blaiku # 3 - Mind summons spirit/ aiming over the mountain/ the body follows.

Day 22 A Strong Start.

2010-04-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:55 a.m. 9.5 hours 0f sleep. weight - 174.5 lbs. 7:15 up long enough to 16 oz. of 1/2 orange and cran-pomegranate juice and 1/2 water. 8:50 a.m. drank 8 oz. of 1/2 cran-pomegranate 1/2 water. 9:30 drank 3oz. aloe vera juice, 16 oz. green tea and 20 oz. protein smoothie 24 grams of protein. 12:10 to 1:30 p.m. drank 13 oz. Amazon energy drink from the natural food store. Did progressive perfect push ups 2 seconds each. 55 total plus 25 dips - 50 leg lifts- 25 vertical sit ups on the inversion table, 65 more 2 sec. perfect push ups, 25 more dips- 50 more leg lifts-25 more vertical sit ups and 33 consecutive perfect push ups to failure. 1:30 p.m. drank 10 oz. diluted cran-pomegranate juice. 3:00 p.m. - drank 15 oz. of Naked brand fruit smoothie 30 grams of protein. 4:30 taught kids class. 5:25 - 6:25 p.m. drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 5:30 taught class did exercises with students. 7:30 arrived home. 8:30 to 11:00 played scrabble with daughter. scored a 99 point turn in the 3rd game. 10:15 p.m. drank diluted cran-pomegranate juice. 11:20 did 142 push ups on my palms in a minute. Had a great day. Felt strong all day. It was worth enduring the weekend to be here now.

Day 21 Weakend

2010-04-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:50 a.m. 8 hours 0f rest, 7 hours of sleep. weight 175 lbs. Today is the 3rd Sunday of Fastivus. a totally water day, or fast within a fast. I've lost more weight than expected. Spent the day relaxing. Took the grandchildren for a walk. Had a birthday party for my son with Happy Joe's Pizza and Whitey's ice cream turtle pie. It's not so bad missing out on the food, but missing out on sharing the enjoyment of the food together. It's difficult, but as long as everyone is having a good time and you are a part of it, it's fine. The days are very long at this point and I'm low on energy but lots of rest tonight and some nourishment tomorrow and everything will be great.
Blaiku (blog haiku) #2 Thoughts, desires come/ and go like steaming vapors/ exit the mind's loose fist.

Day 20 Empty Restlessness

2010-04-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:45 a.m. 6.5 hours of sleep. weight - 177 lbs. 8:10 a.m. drank 12 oz. 1/2 cran- pomegranate 1/2 water. 8:30 a.m. taught joint lock training class. 9:45 drank 18 oz. Dole strawberry - kiwi juice with some water added. 11:00 conducted class did light workout with students. 12:15 drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 12:30 to 2:00 taught lessons. 4:00 Got home had 5.5 oz. V8 5:35 drank 11 oz. Vita Coca coconut water with pineapple juice. 6:15 Sat down with family for a meal. Slowly drank 15 0z. Sunkist Pina -Colada complete protein smoothie 20 grams of protein. 6:30 to 8:30 sat around on the deck, enjoyed the evening. 8:45 went with my son to his friend's house to watch UFC. till 11:45 p.m. Kind of late for me. It was kind of a hard day for me. A part of me wanted to join in and eat with the family. I also felt restless in the early evening. However it helps to remember the long term fulfillment of fasting over temporary cravings. Of course it's better not to be around food but when you can't avoid it you must stay detached from it. Blaiku (blog haiku) #1 Fullness so empty/ emptiness so fulfilling/ when the fast is on.

Day 19 Part 2 of 3 Workouts

2010-04-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

2:30 p.m. taught lesson 4:30 drank 7.5 oz. of Bolthouse Farms protein drink 10 grams of protein. 5:00 went to bank. 5:20 got home put clothes in dryer. 5:30 did yard work for 45 min. 6:15 went for a mile walk. 7:2o did three blogs at once, day 17, 18, and19. ( hope you didn't miss 17 and 18). 9:30 p.m. drank 15.2 Oz's. of Perfectly Protein. 10 grams of protein. Felt good today, had three great workouts. I think it's possible to break the present world record. reason #19 for fasting - to increase strength, stamina and resolve.

Day 19 My Three Workouts

2010-04-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:10 a.m. 7.5 hours of sleep. weight - 178 lbs. feeling a little more sleepy than I like. 7:00 a.m. taught early bird class. did 4 sets of 50 push ups, 50 leg lifts, 35 sit ups, 50 more leg lifts 30 more sit ups. did dragon form, tai chi speed (very slow). 3 students in attendance. 8:45 a.m. Went to Cup o' Jo's - drank (over a 45 min. period), 22 oz. coffee with 30 grams of whey protein powder mixed in. protein 25 grams. 14 oz. of orange juice. (I never take sugar with coffee so I take a sip of orange juice then a sip of coffee, back and forth. try it it's good.) 10:30 a.m. taught class - did 10 slow knuckle push ups. 25 slow leg lifts, 15 slow sit ups, 10 slow fingertip push ups, 30 side leg lifts, 8 slow fist together push ups. directed 10 minutes zero tolerance martial arts floor drills. There were 8 students in attendance. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. did Hour of Power drank 8.3 oz. of GURU 100% natural energy drink. did alternate 42 knuckle push ups with 33 wrist push ups every minute for an hour. For a total of 2,250 push ups in an hour. 5 people were in attendance with me Ian, a retired police officer Jeanette, a social worker Terry, sergeant U.S. army reserves John, a plumber and Dustin, a college researcher.

Day 18 Itch And Scratch

2010-04-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:05 a.m. 7 hours of sleep. weight - 178 lbs. 8:45 drank 20 oz. of G2 Gatorade. 10:30 a.m. taught class did chi kung and ran forms at tai chi speed. 1:30 p.m. drank 14 oz. fresh juiced carrot - apple - ginger drink. 2:00 had interview at McDonald's with Bettendorf News reporter. (I have nothing against that corporation. They don't make me eat their food). 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. taught classes to kids and teens. did basic routine of push ups, leg lifts and sit ups with teen class. drank 11.2 0z. Vita Coco coconut water with acai and pomegranate. 10:00 drank 5.5 oz. of V8 before bed.
... Many people may wonder - What is the key to dieting, exercising regularly or avoiding bad foods? How do you get the self control? Strange as it may sound, self control is not the way to go. You might as well create an itch and try not to scratch it. Why not cut out the middle man and not have the itch in the first place. How? By figuring out what you really, really want. Is it short term pleasure or long term fulfillment and happiness? You can eliminate cravings and desires by looking and working toward something positive and bigger than yourself. ... reason #18 for fasting: to see how thoughts and desires work.

Day 17 Ice Cream Nice Dream

2010-04-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:15 a.m. 7.5 hours of sleep. weight - 179 lbs. 8:30 - 9:00 - drank 18 0z. 0f coconut - pineapple natural energy drink. 10:30 - drank 15 0z. Bolt house Farms Perfectly Protein 19 grams of protein. 11:00 - 12:20 did combat conditioning work out. included Hindu push ups, one leg up push ups, 60 kneeling horse squats, 4 minute Chinese chair, side leg lifts, no momentum sit ups and more. 12:30 drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 4:00 - 8:00 taught classes, worked out with students. 8:15 p.m. drank 10 oz. Almond Breeze drink. Feeling better than ever. My body is moving with ease. less joint pain and more flexibility. A lady dropped by with a gallon of Whitey's ice cream and a large carrot cake for her niece's birthday party. I have greatly enjoyed ice cream, with cake, with pie, with cookies. But now I have no desire or craving for these things. I remember liking ice cream, but now frozen bovine mammary secretions have no interest for me. I remember liking it but now that seems like an illusion or dream. Strangely enough as an eater, my fast seemed like a dream. Unburdened by cravings I find freedom and happiness. reason #17 for fasting: to find the path to true control of your self.

Day 16 Dieters May Have "Wait" Problem

2010-04-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:15 a.m. 7 hours of sleep, weight - 180 lbs. 7:15 a.m. Optimist club meeting
8:30 Push ups For Peace committee meeting. 9:30 taught lesson. 10:3o taught class
drank 12 fl. oz. Amazon Energy drink. 12:30 drank 15 fl. oz. of 1/2 orange juice 1/2 H2o.
3:30 -7:00 p.m. taught classes. did exercises with teen class. 6:00 drank 16 oz. of almond dream. 7:00 to 7:30 - weapons training. Maybe you've noticed my weight has not changed
in four days. This is not unusual in a fast. What allows me to fast is the very thing that frustrates eaters on a diet. A slow metabolism. If I'm having 4 day plateau fasting, just think what you could have just eating less. So if you are trying to lose weight on any diet, be prepared
to give it time. Siddhartha said " I can think, I can wait, I can fast. reason # 16 to fast - to
watch your body improve it's form. (as long as you exercise and listen to your body).

Day 15 Guinness World Records

2010-04-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:45 a.m. 9 hours of sleep. weight - 180 lbs. 8:20 drank 6 oz. of aloe vera juice.
10:oo to 11:30 drank 20 oz. coffee with 25 grams of whey protein mixed in.
12:15 t0 1:30 p.m. time for workout - did 55 2 sec. perfect push ups, 50 leg lifts with 2 bricks,
36 more perfect push ups, ran 12 flights of stairs, and 29 more perfect push ups.
2:15 p.m. drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 3:30 drank 15.2 oz. Bolthouse Farms Perfectly Protein, 19 grams of protein. 4:30 - 7:45 p.m. taught classes - did push ups, leg lifts, sit ups with the students.
8:30 p.m. drank 14 oz. of green tea.
I received an e-mail from Guinness World Records regarding my attempt for most push ups on the knuckles. " ...and so we suggest you attempt this instead: 'Most push ups (using back of hands) in an hour'. The current record is 1,940 set by Paddy Doyle, Birmingham, UK on 8 November 2007." This was disappointing. There's no way to appeal their decision. I'm going to have to take their challenge. It's gonna' be painful. But It'll hurt so good. reason # 15 for fasting: To face trials while believing for the best outcome.

Day 14 The Family Easter Feast Fast

2010-04-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:45 a.m. 8 hours of sleep. weight - 180 lbs. 9:00 left for church - stuffed plastic eggs with candy for an Easter egg hunt in church basement. 10:45 hit the road for Houghton Ia. 1:15 p.m. Everyone sat down for a delicious meal of ham, potatoes, rice, vegetables and desserts such as German chocolate cake and key lime pie. Easter Sunday for me happens to fall on the 2nd Sunday of Fastivus. As you may know from a previous blog, Fastivians drink only water on Sunday. We eat no food for 41 days. We drink only fruit juices and protein drinks. Chicken soup broth is permitted twice a week. So Sunday is a fast within a fast. So here I am, sitting at the table with all this great food, drinking my water. I steer the conversation away from myself or fasting once the initial " aren't you eating" is asked. A good fastivian is considerate of eaters and has no need to talk of his practice. Nor does he have any real desire for food. That is gone during Fastivus. As Grand Elder of Fastivus I do not depend on food as a source gratification or comfort as eaters do. I look forward and prepare for the Great Feat to close the Fastivus season.
reason #14 for fasting - to triumph over impulses, cravings and desires for long term happiness.

Day 13 Zen Fast In Wonderland

2010-04-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:00 a.m. 8 hours of sleep. weight - 180 lbs. I was surprised to see I had dropped 5 lbs. However, with three workouts, a B.M., and a low intake, I guess it makes sense. Fridays are pretty intense. 8:30a.m. taught class - light workout, drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 10:00 taught kids class. 11:00 taught adult class - light workout drank 15.2 oz. protein drink - 10 grams of protein. 12:30 p.m. taught one private lesson. 1:00 p.m. drank 7 oz. protein drink - 5 grams of protein. 1:10 - 2:55 conducted a knife throwing seminar. knife throwing is a very zen activity, and fun too. 4:25 p.m. went to the showing of Alice In Wonderland with Johnny Depp. When I fast, it seems like I've fallen into a different world as well. Time kind of slows down. there's no lunch time, no dinner time, just time. People who complain about time going by too quickly should fast. You just fall into the present and stay there. It's good for you. 6:30 p.m. 5 .5 oz. of V8. 9:00 p.m. 5.5 more 0z. of V8. reason #13 for fasting - to slow down time and think more.

Day 12 A Good Friday

2010-04-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

Up at 6:20 a.m. 7.5 hours of sleep - weight 185 lbs. 7:00- taught the early class till 8:15 a.m. workout included 4 sets of 50 push ups, as well as 100 leg lifts and 60 sit ups. 9:00 - sipped on 10 oz. orange juice and 10 oz. coffee with 10 grams of protein powder. 10:30 - taught class - light workout drills and staff work. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - did 15 push ups per minute for total of 900 perfect push ups about 1.5 seconds each. 1:45 drank 20 oz. Gatorade 4:45 drank 11 oz. E.A.S. Myoplex light shake - 20 grams of protein. Had a great day today. I would rather have three good workouts and no meals than the other way around. They say a fast can make you weak. I say not if you do it right. Reason # 12 for fasting - To get stronger. Jesus said "Man does not live by bread alone." Find the true source of your strength.

Day 11 Pleasure vs. Happiness

2010-04-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:50 a.m. 8.5 hours of sleep. weight - 185 lbs. 8:45 to 9:25 a.m. - drank 16 oz. coffee. 9:30 taught lesson. 10:30 - drank 16 oz. Arizona blueberry white tea till 11:30. Taught classes 10:30 to noon. 2:45 p.m. - drank 12 0z. fresh carrot-apple-ginger juice from Heritage Natural Foods. 3:30 - 7:00p.m. taught classes to kids and teenagers. I've noticed that I have been happier in the last week even though I haven't had the pleasure of a meal and have working almost constantly. It occurred to me that many people who seek and get pleasure are not happy. Smoking, drinking and eating are examples of pleasure many people pursue to excess. Too much and prolonged pleasure in smoking can bring lung disease. Too much pleasure in eating brings overweight conditions, then obesity. Too much drinking can bring drunkenness with tragic results. When pleasure is the goal it may not lead to happiness. Long term happiness seems to result from meaningful and fulfilling activities. So is true happiness the sum of your pleasures? Or is it the fruit of your positive efforts? Reason #11 to fast - to move from the ordinary state of mind to bliss (happy for no reason).

Day 10 Success through Failure

2010-04-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:00 a.m. 9 hours of sleep. weight - 187 lbs. 9:25 - drank 8.25 fl. oz. of Muscle Milk 15 grams of protein. 11:45 - drank 11 oz of E. A. S. 20 grams of protein. 12 noon - 1:30 worked out. did sets of exercises till failure (till no more repititions can be done with out losing proper form) 120 push ups, 75 dips, 55 reverse rack rows, 30 upward rows, 30 incline presses, up and down 16 flights of stairs, 25 reps of bicep and tricep dumbbell curls. 4:00 drank 8.25 oz. protein drink - 15 grams of protein. 4:30 to 7:45 p.m. - taught classes. Had a good workout with the last class - did 75 push ups 100 leg lifts 50 sit ups

Had a good day today. good workouts and stayed with three protein drinks only. weighed in one pound more today. not easy when you're fasting, unless you drink a lot of salty soup. I'm feeling better every day. I'm down two more holes on my belt, my knee bends more and I can jump higher. my feeling of well being is increasing. reason #10 for fasting - to improve flexibility & lessen joint pain (many joint problems are made worse by being overweight).

Day 9 Tuesday Afternoon

2010-03-31T18:12:00.003-07:00

Up at 6:10 a.m. - 6.5 hours of sleep. weight - 186 lbs. 7:15 t0 8:45 a.m. - Quad City morning Optimist Club. drank 30 oz. of 1/2 orange juice 1/2 water during meeting. stopped by Fusion store and drank 3 oz. aloe vera and 12 oz. warm green tea. taught lessons and classes 9:30 till noon. At 2:20 p.m. had 14 0z. fresh juiced carrot apple ginger drink. 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. taught classes, drank 20 oz. Gatorade during that time. After classes I went to Ross's 24 hour restaurant and no I didn't eat, but I got a quart of chicken noodle soup and took it home. I drank two big mugs of the broth and left the solid part for my wife. It was hot, spicy, salty and delicious. I think it could have an effect on me tomorrow. Another good day of fasting ended. reason # 9 for fasting : to develop patience.

Day 8 Monday Monday, So Good To Me.

2010-03-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:40 a.m. 9.5 hours of sleep. weight - 187 lbs. 8:30 - drank 23 oz. Arizona Green Tea with ginseng & honey - 23 ozs. 10:00 to noon office work. 12:15 to 1:30p.m. - did elevated, progressive, 2 second, perfect push ups - 210 total.. as well as 50 leg lifts with bricks on the feet and 50 sit ups holding bricks. 15 minute heavy bag work out. bicep and tricep curl routines plus rope wrist rolls. Had a good work out but didn't push my self hard enough. I'll have to work harder Wednesday. 2:30 p.m. - drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 3:20 - drank 8.25 oz. Muscle Milk -15 grams of protein. taught classes from 3:30 to 8:45. Had a good day today and felt really good. Looking forward to Wed. the 10th day of the holiday of Fastivus. I'll celebrate by working out even harder. Hard to believe the holiday of Fastivus will be 1/4 over. Reason #8 for fasting - to set a good example of discipline to others.

Day 7 Does Seven Days Make One Weak?

2010-03-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Awake at 8:00 a.m. up at 9:30. 6.5 hours of sleep. weight - 188 lbs. Watched History Channel for 90 minutes - learned about the dinosaurs demise, politics and the history of hell and the devil. 10:45 a.m. did office work. 1:00 p.m. helped choreograph martial arts dance. 3:00 went for a 50 min. walk. 4:45 watched the Hubble movie in 3D at the IMAX theater. Relaxed for the rest of the evening. Drank only water all day and felt very good - better than expected even. It's good to rest on Sunday, but back to hitting it hard tomorrow. reason #7 for fasting - to give the stomach and intestines a rest.

Day 6 Reaching the 1st Plateau

2010-03-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

Late entry for Saturday, March 27, 2010 - up at 7:00 a.m. - 8.5 hours of sleep weight - 189 lbs. taught class from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. 10:20- drank 20 oz. Gatorade - left for Chicago to teach a seminar on effortless kung fu at Johnny Tsai's Kung Fu school, the oldest kung fu school in Chicago. Had 15 oz. orange juice and 15 oz. coffee sipped on them all afternoon. Taught seminar from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. had a lot of fun teaching did some rolling hands sparring for about 15 minutes at the end. I think they had fun and learned something as well. Left Chicago at 5:30. Arrived in Moline at 8:00 p.m. 8:10 - drank 8 oz. of egg drop soup broth. 9:15 - drank 20 oz. of cranberry and mixed juice drink. Had a great day today. The seminar went very well. I felt a little sluggish in the third hour on the ride to Chicago but the orange juice and coffee gave me a lift. Notice how my weight did not go down at all from Friday to Saturday. This is not unusual, the metabolism is slowing down - one of the main reasons people get frustrated with diets, but also what allows one to fast. reason #4 for fasting - to help overcome fear.

Day 5 Over the Hump - Now Climb the Mountain

2010-03-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Late entry for Friday March 26, 2010. Day 5 - Up at 6:15 a.m.- 7 hours of sleep. weight - 189 lbs. Taught early class with 4 students in attendance. Did four sets of 50 Knuckle push ups as well as 100 leg lifts and 85 sit ups. Did a lot of stick and staff training. 8:45 to 9:35 sipped on 15 0z. orange juice and 15 oz. cup French almond toast coffee at Cup o' Jo's. Taught 10:30 class till 11:45. Drank 8oz. whey protein - 25 grams. From 1:20 to 2:20 p.m. did the hour of power with Jeanette, Dan and Nathan. They each did their own number. I chose to do 42 per minute for a total of 2,520 knuckle push ups. 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. - tended to the school and building business 6:00 drank 20 oz. Muscle Milk. 6:30 t0 7:3o speed read a book on chi kung at Borders. tired by 8:00. in bed at 10:30. Felt much better today. Had more energy from the start. Yesterday was a rough patch but you have to endure some discomfort to get to the good part. It is worth it. reason #4 for fasting - To sacrifice a little now for greater well-being in the future. (of course, it's always now.) - Later.

Day 4 Livin' off the fat of the man

2010-03-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

Up at 8:30 a.m. 8.5 hours of sleep. weight - 190 lbs. started teaching at 9:30 done at 12:45. drank a Naked brand fruit juice smoothie at 11:15. At 1:30 p.m. had a fresh 12 oz. carrot-apple-ginger drink plus some supplements. 3:30 p.m. had some Dole strawberry-kiwi 15 oz. 8:00 p.m. had a 20 oz. G2 Gatorade. Today I felt kind of sluggish, not that much energy, but that's not unusual for the fourth day, even with the extra hour of sleep. The body is adjusting to the fast. Taught classes from 2:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. this evening and felt better. I'm still excited about the Push ups for Peace event. It's only 36 days away. In the mean time I'll be " livin' off the fat of the man" so to speak. Tomorrow will be the hour of power training at 12:15 p.m. I will be doing about 2500 push ups in an hour. Come and watch -admission is only a dollar. Reason # 4 for fasting-to help the spirit overcome the flesh.

Day 3 Discipline

2010-03-24T19:37:00.001-07:00

Up at 7:30 a.m. 7.5 hours of sleep. weight - 192 lbs. 1o:3o drank 14 fl. oz. Muscle Milk -25 grams of protein. 2:00 p.m. drank 12 oz. coffee with 25 grams of protein. taught classes from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. At 6:45 drank 20 0z. Gatorade. did a couple of workouts including sparring and about 375 push ups during the evening. I have to say I feel really good so far. I had a student tell me a while back "I could never do what you do, I don't have the discipline that you have." So it occurred to me that no one has discipline to start with. It is something you acquire through persistent, continuous effort over time. So don't say you can't do something because you don't have the discipline. Just work toward your goal. If you fail, try again. The discipline will take care of it self. It's how much you want something that will take you there. Reason # 3 for fasting - To strengthen the mind. (and make your body smart). See you then.

Day 2

2010-03-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

Up 6:20 a.m. 7.5 hours of sleep. weight - 195 lbs. Drank 30 oz. 1/2 orange 1/2 water from 7:15 to 9:15. Taught 10:30 class. Drank 20 oz. Lifewater. Drank 22 oz. acai/amazon energy drink. Gave a demonstration at Palmer College at 4:00. Taught classes till 8:45 p.m. Well, that was my day except my morning Optimist Club meeting at 7:30 a.m. today. On my second day of fasting I'm going to talk about health care. We don't have health care in this country. We have disease treatment, but not health care. We spent 137 billion on diseases last year that were considered preventable, mostly due to obesity. Taxpayers paid for 1/2 of this cost. Excess body fat is linked to thousands of cases of cancer, not to mention diabetes and heart disease. With 1/2 of our population over weight and 1/3 obese, we have no health care because too many people don't care about their health. Until people take responsibility for their own health, we will have a health care disaster. Reason #2 for fasting- To detoxify the body.

Day 1

2010-03-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

Up at 7:45 a.m. 7.5 hours of sleep. weight- 201 lbs. 12:15 p.m. - drank 14 oz. protein drink called Muscle Milk. Contains 25 grams of protein. Worked out 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Taught three classes this evening from 4:15 to 8:45. Did only about 400 push ups throughout the evening. I feel really good today. I'm very excited about the next 40 days. Why fast? Reason #1 To stop the yearly cycle of weight gain. Until tomorrow, stay hungry for knowledge.

The Holiday of Fastivus

2010-03-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

I 'm sitting here on the eve of the biggest holiday of the year. Tomorrow is the first day of Fastivus. It occurs on the first Monday in spring. During that time, followers must observe a few simple practices for about 40 days. First, there is no eating during this time. Fastivians must be at least 20 years old to participate in this and begin with only three days and increase one to three days yearly. Protein drinks are permitted on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Diluted fruit juices on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Only pure water is consumed on Sunday.This fasting is not discussed with non-fastivians unless it is brought up by a non-fastivian (or eater as they are often called). It is considered bad form to initiate a discussion about one's own fast. After thirty years of celebrating Fastivus, one can become an elder in the discipline. The Grand Elder has two responsibilities. To perform a feat of strength at the end of forty days fasting, and to keep a journal of his thoughts. Look ahead in the days to come on the progress of the Grand Elder's fast and training for the feat of strength. Remember : Fastivus for the last of us.

Why?

2010-03-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Why the name Shaolin concepts for this blog? I chose it because Shaolin chuan Kung Fu is my art and way of life. Martial arts is an art because we reflect on why we do what we do. Martial arts is more than just punching, kicking , blocking, throwing and joint locking. It's even more than just self-defense and fitness. It's about that journey we all must take. The challenge we give to ourselves. The next challenge for me is 41 push ups per minute for an hour, a total of 2460 in an hour on my 41st day of fasting. Why? Because first of all, it's fun. Second, we'll be raising money for charity, and third we'll be drawing attention the the issues of hunger, obesity, fitness and preventable diseases. I will be starting my fast on Monday 3/22/10 and attempting the world's record forty one days later on Saturday, May 1st 2010. I will keep you informed of my condition as the fast and training continues.

2010-03-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

It is getting closer to the start of my yearly fast and world record attempt. There is a lot of misunderstanding of what I am doing and why. Fasting is not starving or dieting. It is a personal introspective journey into the discipline of controlling desires, cravings, urges, impulses and other short term cognitive behavior to reap the benefits of more long term gratification. Did I lose you? In other words, if we can focus on what we really, really want in the in the long term rather than doing something that we regret later, we'll be happier. Why do we not exercise when we really want to be in shape? Why do we eat when we really want to lose weight? Why do we smoke or even do drugs when we really want to quit? Fasting can unlock the answers these strange human mysteries.

Welcome to My Blog

2010-03-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

This is my new blog. I plan on keeping a journal of my thoughts and insights starting soon. I will be doing my yearly fast and at the same time preparing for another world record attempt. Many people ask me all the time about my next record and if I am fasting. This will be a way for me to inform those who are interested.