Can Cellular Aging Be Reversed?

Researchers in Bangkok, Thailand are testing the world's first rejuvenating genes.  They call these genes "Rejuvenating DNA by Genomic Stability Molecules" or RED-GEMs.  Based on the success with old mice, pigs, and macaques, they are now going to begin human clinical trials late next year.  This is great news for those suffering from chronic diseases such as hypertension, osteoporosis and dementia as researchers believe these diseases may be related to the destruction of our DNA over time.  Imagine what your life would be like if you were able to somehow reverse this destruction of your own cells.  If other species are having positive outcomes with RED-GEMs, why can't this success be duplicated in humans?

Researchers are now testing mice with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases to see what happens when the rejuvenating genes are introduced.  I plan to follow these folks at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok as they initiate human trials.  The encouraging part about the findings is that there have not been any side effects other than reversing the aging process.  

Before I close today, I would like to offer my two cents related to aging.  Please keep in mind that I am not doctor although I am attracted to research in this field and I don't mind experimenting with molecules that are being used by researchers who are attempting to slow down or reverse the aging process.  Some may even call me a human lab rat because of my own personal trials.  Make sure you consult your physician before trying some of these ideas on yourself.  The bottom line is I'm experiencing results that seem to defy my own age.  Like the lab rat who turned into an energizer bunny and broke the measuring scale because it outran all others of its species when introduced to certain molecules, I had similar results when I climbed on my bike and rode 80 miles in two days over the hilly terrain in Northern Iowa just four days ago.  I could have gone further but that was the limit I agreed to in order to appease my wife.  She is not as fond of experiments as I am but she is becoming a believer in my protocols based on what she's seeing with her own eyes.  By the way, my legs are still feeling great after the bike ride.  If you're interested in this subject, please refer to my previous stories about this in my blog archives.  Have a great day.

Ragbrai Recap

 

Mission accomplished.  We made it.  Our experience was a combination of good planning and a series of audibles along the way.  The biggest surprise for me is how well I feel after a couple of long days on my bike.  The great weather helped.  So did being with highly experienced teammates.  Today's story is for those who may want to do something like this in the future.  I can't say enough great things about the people behind Ragbrai.  This is something that every able bodied person should do at least once in their lifetime.  There is something for everyone.  450 miles is super challenging for the trained athlete.  Those, like me, at the other end of the spectrum can dip their toes in the water at any point and ride for a few hours, a few days, or whatever feels right.

Now that I made it through a couple of days on the course, I would like to share some ideas to help you if you would like to give this a try.  First, don't try this alone.  You need support.  I'm fortunate that our team had everything we needed to make this a positive experience.  Second, make sure you train.  I admit that I didn't even own a bike until four months ago.  Even after getting my new ride, the storms on my days off kept me from doing the proper training.  What I did do right was train on the hills.  This was painful but I got the hang of it and built up some muscle memory.

Cell phone communication is a must.  I discovered that keeping my cell phone off helped a great deal because the battery drains when you're on the road all day.  A rechargeable battery pack is highly recommended so you can keep in touch with your teammates.

Go at your own pace.  There was no way I was going to keep up with my teammates so I cut them loose and told them we would regroup at the end of the day.  This also gave me an opportunity to meet people from all over the United States.  There were some participants from other parts of the world enjoying the beautiful Iowa weather.  I can't share what to do on bad weather days because the weather was almost perfect during my ride.

I logged about 80 miles during my two days in Northern Iowa.  Now that I got to experience Ragbrai I want to come back.  My team captain told me he imagined me on the side of the road teaching others what he taught me.  I think he's on to something because nothing excites me more than helping others live their dreams.  There's something else really special about Ragbrai.  It's Iowa nice.  Yes, there is a certain politeness that makes me feel giddy on a ride like Ragbrai.  Families line the streets offering encouragement.  Many told me they were praying for us.  You almost feel like a celebrity.  

One last thing before I move on to our family weekend.  Please don't ever tell me you're too old to do something like this.  I met a couple of men in their 80's who shared their stories with me.  Neither one was ready to hang it up.  One of them said cycling is the secret to staying young.  He lit up when he shared his rides throughout the country.  This is living.  It's a lifestyle.  I would like to thank my teammates, Steve, Joan, and Kevin, for all the encouragement.    Special thanks to Steve from my day job who sold me my bike.  I named her Giovanna to celebrate Tuscany where a DNA test pinpointed an unknown part of my heritage.  My dream is to bike ride in Italy with my wife someday.  Ragbrai was the first chapter.  With God's grace, hopefully there will be more stories to share in the future.  Have a great day.

Our Last Day on the Ragbrai Course

You will need to come back tomorrow to see if my teammates and I survived our Ragbrai adventure.  Our plan is to bike ride from Charles City to West Union today and then return to our homes.  I wrote this story in advance not knowing how the Wifi would be in northern Iowa where we're surrounded by cornfields.  We have 63 miles to go before our volunteers drive us back to our vehicles we parked at the beginning of our ride.  If you see a story when you come back tomorrow, that means we survived.  It also means the compromise I made with my wife turned out okay.  I hope to post some pictures and share a bit more about our adventure.  Have a great day.

Find a Way to Win

 For approximately 18,000 Ragbrai cyclists, this is day 5.  For my friends and me, it's our day 1.  Yes, we are irregular in our approach.  Consider us Late In and Early Out for Ragbrai.  I call it the "compromise bike ride" since I'm taking into consideration my wife's concerns about my lack of proper training.  The inclement weather during training season didn't help.  That's okay, this team of new friends I'm with found a way to come together and help each other do something special, bike partway across Iowa.

I feel blessed with amazing weather we're having this week.  Highs were in the 90s on day one.  Temps this week are topping out at 80º setting us up for success today and tomorrow.  We plan to exit the course tomorrow, one day before the other riders cross the finish line at the Mississippi River in Lansing.  

Come back on the weekend to see some pictures from the Ragbrai adventure.  Special thanks to my friend, Steve, his girlfriend, Joan, Kevin, and the volunteers who offered lodging, ride support, and encouragement for this cycling newbie.  I would also like to thank my friend, Steve, from my day job who parted with his beloved bike.  He gave me the friends and family price.  I promised Steve I would take great care of my new ride and hope this is only the beginning of a lifelong adventure.  Have a great day.

Outdoor Camping Tonight

 I can't believe how excited I am.  The plan is in place for a couple of days of riding along the Ragbrai route.  I'm camping at a high school in Mason City tonight.  At 7am tomorrow morning I meet up with my team for our ride.  If all goes well, we will be cycling from Mason City to Charles City.  Our team captain arranged for us to camp at a private residence about seven miles away from where the other 18,000 cyclists are staying.  We pack up in the morning and head to West Union.  A retired couple volunteered to drive us back to Mason City so we can pick up our vehicles and go home.

I'm beyond thrilled to team up with a new friend and his girl friend.  We met when the couple was cycling and I was hiking with my wife in the Amana Colonies.  He offered us beers and we talked about cycling.  I was hooked.  My hope is that this experience continues with expanded chapters in future years.  I will post pictures when this ride comes to a conclusion.  Have a great day.

Joy, Joy, Joy

Before I begin today, I would like to give a shout out to my younger brother.  He's one year younger than me and today is his birthday.  My brother is living proof you can overcome any obstacle.  Happy birthday, bro.  Thanks for all you do to help those most in need of a hand up. 

I would like to share some joy with you today.  This is my vacation week.  I was originally planning to ride my bike across Iowa with approximately 18,000 riders from all over America.  After listening to my wife, I  decided to cut my ride time by about 80 to 90% and proceed cautiously.  You see, the last time I ignored her, I ended up nearly dead when I skidded off the road, back on the road, and collided with a fast-moving van who didn't see me until it was too late.  My wife had a premonition the morning of the accident and warned me.  Let's just say my listening skills are improving.

Now the joy, joy, joy part.  The scorching heat riders encountered on day one of Ragbrai is now behind us.  The skies are clearing after a bit of rain and temps are becoming ideal.  My original team found a way to get back on track and we are meeting Thursday morning to ride together.  The logistics are being worked out for ride support.  A few moments ago, the captain of my team texted that we now have more options for moving forward.  I will be sharing my Ragbrai experiences with you in future stories.  It's going to be a great adventure.  Have a great day.

 

Who Do You Belong To?

Today's question may be a bit of a challenge for some.  As a people, we tend to put ourselves in categories.  Once we define ourselves, we quarrel with others about why our category is better than theirs.  Sound familiar?  Take football, for example.  All things are divided.  We love our teams and we love cheering for them.  Which conference is superior?  Which division has the best team?  Who will win the Super Bowl?  Every year new players are drafted.  Loyal fans stick with their team until death.  

The heart of today's question goes deeper than sports categories.  I'm looking at this question from God's point of view.  He didn't draft us to play for him, he created us to worship him.  All of us.  Even the people who choose not to be on his team.  No special abilities or talents are required to be in his category.  

I've heard every objection about why people don't believe they belong to God's team.  Perhaps they were tainted by religious people who had their own agenda.  Maybe they were abused or bullied and never heard a response when they cried out for help.  Some are simply fed up with the ways of the world and can't fathom how a loving God can allow these conditions to continue so they choose not to believe.

Consider another idea.  Maybe the Creator of the universe allows free will because that's how much he loves you.  You belong to him but you don't have to be on the team if you would rather do things your way and not worship.  Maybe it's possible that every single bad thing going on in this world is related to bad choices.  What if the reality is we are all prisoners?  We want to be on God's team but we don't know how to join.  Dark forces are in the way.  Voices get in our heads trying to tell us we aren't worthy to be on God's team.  

Consider today's story as an invitation to be on God's team.  Not in a wishy washy kind of way.  You are being drafted for a position that only you can fill.  Together, we can fight off dark forces that only want the worst for us.  Together, we can change the world.  Together, we can share our stories about how we discovered which team we belong with.  Choose wisely.  Your choice matters.  God's team is eternal.  Death is only a penalty flag.  Jesus erased every penalty you ever committed when he died for you.  That's how much God wants you.  Have a great day.