Since June, I've been attempting to recover my former muscle on the same whole food plant based diet advocated by Drs. Joel Fuhrman, Michael Greger, Caldwell Esselstyn, and many others. I've begun incorporating steamed mushrooms and raw onions on a daily basis at the encouragement of Dr. Fuhrman through his YouTube channel, and I've been following Michael Greger's Daily Dozen Checklist to maintain a complete nutritional profile. I've considered that my symptoms may be at least partially caused by an iron deficiency, and have begun drinking prune juice and eating prunes on a daily basis. This has eased my symptoms of shortness of breath following exercise during rest, so I have been able to increase my exercise capacity per week.
As a result, I am gearing up my training in preparation for a 12 hour black belt test that culminates in full contact sparring after 11 hours of calisthenics and technique practice. This hazing ritual is one of the most extreme in the world of martial arts. Considering my age, this may also be my last opportunity to complete such a punishing rite of passage. I have already reserved a week off from work to recover as well as a cup for groin protection and a mouthguard.
For exercise, I will complete Martial WOD #4 on Mondays, WOD #6 on Tuesdays, Eating the Army for Breakfast (100 squats, 50 pushups, 50 situps all in single sets) on Wednesday mornings, WOD #3 on Thursday morning followed by 5 all-out hill sprints and WOD #5 Thursday evening, followed by a 3 day rest. I only have 2 more weeks to maintain this routine and then I will take an entire week of rest with walking, studying a list of martial techniques, and reading The Art of War. I know that this routine will be sufficient for the task at hand and I am ready to assume all consequences of my participation in this hazardous test.
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