The human race is a true test of endurance. We are all endurance
animals, and must use the natural endurance we all possess by unlock-
ing our aerobic and fat-burning systems through proper nutrition and
conditioning. Most patients I’ve seen — athletes and non-athletes alike
— initially had gross deficiencies in their endurance. They could not
keep up in life’s journey.
Endurance is fueled by the aerobic system, encompassing, in part,
the heart, lungs, blood vessels and especially the aerobic muscle
fibers. Here, the energy is provided by nutrients obtained from the
right kinds of foods, including fats, and generated by aerobic activity.
If you “turn on” this aerobic system with easy exercise and the right
foods, you will burn more fat and perform well in the human race.
There’s another system at work in the body, which burns mostly
sugar: This is the anaerobic system used for short-term speed. This is
what you use when sprinting for the train, or chasing after a toddler.
It’s also the system that revs up when you’re under stress. Too much
anaerobic activity will cause the body to burn more sugar, and reduce
the burning of fat and even store it. This fat may accumulate in the
blood vessels, abdomen or hips. Overuse of the anaerobic system will
produce symptoms that may include mental and physical fatigue,
moodiness, low blood sugar and recurrent or chronic injury, to name
a few. And, it reduces your endurance. If you try to get through life’s
journey using this system, you’re apt to have a very hard time.
Imbalances in the aerobic and anaerobic systems result from poor
lifestyle habits, including under- and over-training, and are often
instigated by popular but dangerous social trends and misinforma-
tion. Examples include “get fit quick” programs and fast weight-loss
scams. We must all run our own race. Beyond the basic rules, every-
one has individual requirements. Each of you can discover your own
needs for a personal best in life’s journey.
If you try to run life’s race in a random way, things won’t go well.
But if you’re properly prepared for life’s long journey, you can
achieve a world-class performance. This is a book about preparing for
life’s journey.
In the following chapters I’ll discuss specifics of food and nutri-
tion, physical activity and self-health management that can help you
succeed in the human race. I hope to see you at the finish line.
WELCOME TO THE HUMAN RACE • 25