Back to the Basics

If you haven't noticed there has been a movement in the running community back to how it all began, barefoot.  Now although many shoe companies have not endorsed this movement fully for obvious reasons, they have begun to produce extremely more minimalist shoes in the market.

Nike has introduced the Free lineup and boasts how it mimics the barefoot gait.

Adidas has also introduced a lineup of shoes called Adizero with similar characteristics.

And now New Balance is starting the Minimus lineup, which in my mind is getting closest to minimal running by a major shoe company.  Below is a teaser/intro video to the shoe and how it was developed with collaboration with one of the best ultra marathon runners, Anton Krupicka.  Krupicka is one of the quickest rising stars to the sport and is known for his simplistic approach to gear and training.  Minimal shoes and lack of timers encompass how he trains.  He simply runs as much as he can with a normal weekly training that logs over 200 miles, with much of these being barefoot.

After starting to compete in marathons and ultras he quickly began winning, and winning big.  In 2006 and 2007 he won the Leadville 100 (just google to understand how crazy this race is) where he set a record time and finished 3.25 hours before the runner-up.



(yesterday)
WOD: 6 rounds of:  400m sprint/25 burpees
times:  21:22

The Heart.

Today I held a dead lifeless heart. .

I thought that it would be somewhat magical, but to say the least, it wasn't.  The globs of fat and fibrous tissue surrounding it made for a poor presentation and the rock-like clotted blood throughout each chamber and venule only made for a more difficult preparation.  The presence of a shiny metal pacemaker inferred a poor lifestyle with bad dietary habits or possibly familial predispositions.  On the outskirts of the organ, a bypass surgery was present to help extend the life of this amazing organ.  One aspect of the heart seemed so real, so natural, and so authentic - while all the modern day innovations of healthcare showed a surreal and somewhat forged part of life.  Yet somehow, after seeing all these incredible feats of preserving life, and imagining the doctors that spent lifetimes to perfect their skills in realizing them I only could think about how much we do to destroy it.  

Why is it that as normal people we don't take on the responsibility of taking care of ourselves.  It's too often that we imagine a doctor's office as a mechanics garage that will take you in, fix you, and bill you later.  We believe that the fixing, repairing, and restructuring of our life is up to a physician or healthcare advisor when in reality we could avoid most all illnesses with prevention.  I fear the majority of Americans just lack the education and are ignorant to what they impose upon themselves with their choices.  I don't understand why more resources are used to help prevent the number one cause of death in America, heart disease.   Due to our poor lifestyle choices the rate of this disease is increasing at a phenomenal rate and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.  We know that tobacco causes lung cancer and we enforce laws to prevent adolescents from using them, while at the same time childhood obesity is skyrocketing and we do nothing.  Hmm.

Artificial heart

As I'm becoming more involved in medicine, I realize just how political and ethical the decisions we as healthcare workers are making.  I've heard it numerous times that doctors don't decide who gets treated or not, but instead just do what they've learned to do - heal the sick.   However, it's becoming more and more the issue that doctors are limiting services to underpriviledged, socioeconomically disadvantaged patients because they fear not getting reimbursed.  Morals are now brought into practices such as with cases dealing with abortions, and it's becoming a career so mixed up and confused that I can totally understand why many doctors wouldn't repeat it if presented with the opportunity.  So why do I choose to follow the crooked path to doctorhood?  Simply put - I don't know, I just want to.

Of course there are personal influences that motivate me but what I'm not inclined to do is to just treat the symptoms.  I hope one day that I can be involved of the healing process that helps someone regain function and quality of life.  I hope that I don't fall into the trap of pill pushing with a mere hope to keep a sick dying heart pumping for no reason other than self gratification.  This is what I hope for.

In the deep end.

Today was the official start of Block 2 at BCM for the MS1's. Block 2 is comprised of three main systems known around here as CRR, or Cardio-Renal-Respiratory. For the next five weeks we will be force fed more stuff than we'd ever imagine learning in this time frame, and I for one felt it today. I've had some basic background with Anatomy and basic systems throughout the body but after 4 hours of lecture today dealing with more than I felt I could handle, I feel as though I've been pushed in the deep end of pool.

Studying will thus commence today. Additionally, I have heard a once or twice that a few students are going to use/try James' method of studying. I just want to reiterate that although I have tailored and altered points here and there, I don't take credit for it's principles. That goes to some guy at UT Houston (yes I know, it's hard to believe they did something right - jk).

Today was a bit of a scary day also because Shelby took Casey in to see the vet about a bump that has come up on the side of her face. It's really weird because it seems that it literally appeared overnight and is about the size of a date (round, but somewhat oblong). It doesn't hurt her when we palpate it so it has been somewhat a bit of confusion around here. Luckily Shelby was able to get her into a new vet down here in Houston, who happen to all be Aggies - whoop! They weren't exactly sure what she had but were 'concerned' due to her age and location of the mass. Shelby was informed the next best thing to do was sedate her to get a biopsy, which first requires a thorough workup of blood. Those results should be back in a few days and then we'll move from there. We're both hoping everything turns out okay because Casey is such a great member of our family.

Below are a few shots of the dogs and clips from some old folders.



WOD: 3 rounds of Kelly (due to time constraint) 400m sprint/ 30x 24" box jumps/ 30x 20# wallballs
time: 17:41

Saturday.

Saturdays are A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  College Football, no school, college football, relaxing, did I mention college football?  Anywho, this morning was great because I took Grayson on his first run around the neighborhood.  Crazy enough, I took the two dogs too (2 grown labs if you didn't know).  I was really surprised to see how well Grayson slept throughout all the bumps and crevices of the trails, and how the dogs behaved, despite when they had to make unexpected pit stops to drop a "T-Rex" dump (as Shelby so kindly puts it).

I also was fortunate enough to see a good friend of mine all the way back from Palestine, (Texas that is).  When I had to stop for one of the doggies, I heard a bicycle approaching from behind and I heard a, "James Berg, I can't believe it's you!"  Low and behold it was Mark Gold, former Texas A&M student body president and medical student at UT Houston.  Great guy, and after a brief chit-chat he was off to study for their approaching block exams.  Overall the run was great, and I was glad to get some early morning exercise.   Later I'll try to go to the gym at BCM to lift heavy.

When I got back I was warmly welcomed by an "All American Breakfast" put on by the CARES team at our complex.  There is absolutely nothing better on a Saturday morning than waking up, getting some fresh air, then getting home cooked breakfast (for free!).  Later today Shelby's Meemaw and Aunt Carrie are coming down to visit Grayson and we're going out for lunch.  I'm excited to get to hang out with them and relax some more.

Also, I put together a video for your enjoyment of the last few days, primarily at Hermann Park.  Enjoy!



WOD: "Diane" 21-15-9 225# Deadlift/handstand pushups timed; followed by Annie for completion
time: 13:25

Staycation

These past few days have been awesome!  With no school to worry about and a plethora of activities in Houston, Shelby and I have been trying to take advantage of everything to do nearby.  So with that, Wednesday and Thursday we headed out to Hermann Park to check out what it had to offer!  

Wednesday when we pulled up to the park near the Museum District (which is another place we have to hit up) there were a TON of people everywhere, and to be racially insensitive - they were all Mexican!  We had no idea what the heck was going on but we soon heard the sounds of guitars and drums playing the unforgivable mariachi.  HaHa, Grayson sure loved it because it put him right to sleep without a peep.   Upon nearing the park with the stroller it dawned on us that the big fiesta was probably just something for Mexico's Independence.  

Grayson on the drive there

Shelby beside the reflecting pool

It was our first time for us to go to the park so there was so much to take in.  Near the entrance there is a huge reflecting pool (kind of like the one in D.C.).  There's a ton of trails, both paved and rock to run, jog, or just stroll along on.   Closer to the entrance of the Houston Zoo there's a beautiful lake that offers rental paddle boats and a miniature train that encircles it and the park.  We weren't able to try either one of these, but we will one day - I promise. 

One part of the trip I enjoyed was the skyline of the Medical Center in the Background.  I still can't believe how large the whole center is, and how many different institutions there are throughout all of it.  It's hard to believe that in just a year and a half I'll be able to start rotating throughout some of them. 

Shelby interpreting Japanese for us

Thursday might have been even better because although I had most of Wednesday off from school, this time I had the whole day off.  The day started off a little hard though because I had volunteered to wake up and feed Grayson with formula during the whole night so that Shelby could get a complete nights rest for once.  It was tough and I admire all the women out there that have done that for months and months.  I insist that they have specific genes that modify their sleep cycles so that they don't go too crazy.  Again we went back to the park but checked out the Japanese Garden and Tea House.  Near the entrance we learned that the park was originally established in 1990 when Japanese Prime Minister Kaifu visited Houston for the World Economic Summit.  He helped set aside a fund from his government to build this amazing garden.  The actual teahouse was built in Japan, disassembled, then reassembled in Houston.  All throughout the garden symbolism abounds in it's architecture, design, and beauty.  I could definitely afford to revisit here, especially when it's a little cooler.  

Japanese Tea Garden

Hopefully more fun activities to blog about later this week.


WOD:  5 rounds of: 10 sumo deadlifts (95#), 50 double unders
time: 11:10

Block 1 Wrap Up

Just a few humorous exam Q&A's

The much anticipated and much awaited Block 1 of medical school here at Baylor College of Medicine has come to an end.  It has met all my expectations and exceeded many more.  The past few years have been spent working tirelessly, studying endlessly, and worrying excessively about how these past few weeks would play out, and I can say with an clear mind that it was "great."

I remember first learning about coming to Baylor College of Medicine.  I was worried that the student body would be unwelcoming, or maybe even a little "too nerdy" for my style of learning.  Around the same time I also learned that I would become a father just a week before the final exams of block 1.  Many nights I wondered how were our living conditions going to be, how much time would class take away from me and my 'new' family, or how would I ever concentrate enough to take exams with a 10 day old newborn at home. To wrap it up in a few words, "It wasn't easy, but it was worth it."

First I couldn't have done it without Shelby.  She's been extremely understanding and patient with me during my transition to medical school, sometimes maybe a little too much.  She has sacrificed herself over me numerous times so that I could focus or study more frequently and less interrupted.  And now, she has given up her career to primarily raise Grayson at home.

School has been both exciting and stressful.  While most classmates would probably agree, the material that we learned this past month and a half wasn't terribly difficult to learn or comprehend, but the sheer amount of it was overwhelming at times.  According to my transcript, we are currently enrolled in 40 semester credit hours -  40!!  That's like three times what I ever took at A&M during one semester.  All the professors at BCM have also been great.  While boring at times, and maybe a little irrelevant at others - it was incredible learning side by side to some of the greatest scientists and physicians Houston, and even world have to offer.  It's just incredible when diseases and pathways are named after the scientist who discovered it and is now subsequently standing in the auditorium teaching you about it first person.

Personally I feel that I did okay concerning my well being.  I made a goal to try and exercise consistently and maintain a healthy paleo-based diet.  Every week except when Grayson was born till the block exams I did extremely well with my workout regimen and diet.   However I don't feel like I stayed true to that course after Grayson came and block exams neared.  Stress (distress) played an important role in this, but I don't believe that's a valid excuse.  I except that I chose to stray from my good habits and am trying to redirect them back.  I've also tried to keep the dogs both actively engaged and healthy through a good diet, exercise, and positive stimulation.  From my short period of being an owner/dad to two labs these past few years it's incredible what a little time with them everyday can do for them over a long time.

Now finally, there's no better way to wrap up this block than to have a little time with my family.  Since exams ended yesterday afternoon, I have until Monday to rest, relax, and enjoy the time with Shelby, Grayson, Casey, and Parker.  During this time I hope to spend some quality time with them and maybe explore Houston a little more.  I'm also going get back in shape, read some recreationally, and most importantly - catch up on blogging!

Below is a video that has really motivated me to step up just a little more.

Visit sicfit.com for more Videos

Why am I here?

The best interview ever. 

Although it hasn't been that long ago since I started medical school, I'm already beginning to feel the drag of the constant studying, sleepless nights, and loss of why I even decided to go to medicine.  When we sit in a lecture hall (the same one) for 4 hours a day straight, every weekday, I imagine feelings like this are only normal for anybody pursuing this dream.

I recall a year ago when I was applying to medical school.  I was stressed out about the MCAT, my classes at A&M, getting married, and which school I would be going to - but what I did have at the moment was excitement and a desire to aim for the biggest goals in the world.  I imagined nothing could stop me from realizing my goal of being a doctor and helping people through a unique way that few have or ever would  experience.  I dreamed of seeing patients, diagnosing them, and following them through their treatment plan to a successful recovery.    -  -  Sadly I admit now, I have lost many of these desires.

I was fortunate enough at this same time to stumble upon a blog written by a first year student here at BCM named is Rishi Kumar.   I read about how he enjoyed going on Fridays and talking to the interviewees that were coming to look at the school and be evaluated.  He talked about how these moments revitalized his desire and kept him motivated.   Today I'm glad to say, that I have experienced those same feelings.   During the afternoon I was fortunate enough to have a few moments free, so I decided to drop by the lecture hall where they keep the interviewees.  I was able to talk to a few people from all over the nation and hear their stories and motivation to become a doctor.   All of them were very bright and by all means qualified by me to be great students and will likely get accepted to their choice of school.  All of them had the same characteristic though, that desire.  The one you only see in naive, ignorant, and unexperienced students.  The desire that will blindly lead you through anything and everything, whatever the cost to succeed.   It was this that I once had, recently lost, but now rekindled.

It's truly amazing the affect positive people around you can have.  The emotional attitude change that can be drawn from another is incredible so as that people change their lives just from seeing others transform theirs.  I expect many more drop-ins this year to keep my fire going, and to experience the unique affect associating with people that have the same goals as myself.

WOD: 10 min AMRAP - 4 135# hand clean/4 50# turkish getup.  After 10 minutes, 2 minute limit to establish 1RM clean jerk
completed:  5 rounds, 4 cleans, 2 TGUs/  1RM 215