Issue #122: Channel Your Inner Laird Hamilton
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, February 7th. On this day in 2005, Ellen MacArthur broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe (71 days). The record now stands with Francois Gabart at 42 days (2017).
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”
From the Lab: Get in the Water
Take Action: Enter Blue Spaces
Speed Read: Exoplanet: Wolf 1069 b
Tuesday QR: Veggie Power Bowl
Bucket List: The Alaska Railroad
The number of points LeBron James needs to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record. LeBron and the Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight on TNT.
From the Lab
What would be cooler than your bio simply stating you’re a “Waterman” (or woman).
Gearing up for the Triathlon means getting in the water - either hitting up the pool or even better the ocean (my swims are now in the calm, warm Gulf of Mexico compared to the 3-5 ft swell of the freezing Pacific).
Swimming is one of the most basic water exercises. Since the Egyptians in 2500 BC we’ve been in the water swimming - it was even part of training in ancient Rome and Greece.
It’s not only a great metabolic workout (swimming burns calories at a rate similar to running a 9 min mile), but it's easier on your joints and works literally the entire body. There isn’t a muscle not being used to keep you up and moving forward in the water.
Doesn't matter if you're my 5-yr old daughter or 69-yr old dad - my advice is to get in the pool and start swimming!
Studies show that getting in the water also decreases tension, fatigue, anger and depression. I would agree that there's a weird combination of endorphins and calm when swimming.
Looking to get started with the right form? Watch HERE.
Motivated to get a little more competitive? Join a local Masters Club: CLUB FINDER
All Things Surf - if you want a little bit more excitement, then grab a board.
Start out with Stand-Up Paddleboarding. It’s relatively easy, but still a great workout - it sure beats paddleboarding 32 miles between LA and Catalina Island (without a paddle).
Looking to be a little less extreme and just get started? Here’s a great Guide & Video from REI.
Personally I fell in love with surfing - there’s nothing like seeing the sunrise while sitting on a board in water with dolphins and sea lions swimming by. You might only get a few seconds for a ride, but it’s the most incredible combination of finding calm and “a rush” at the same time.
This is coming from someone who is far from doing his best impression of 50-yr old Kelly Slater.
Yes, that’s me
Beginner who wants to learn? I highly recommend taking a lesson or going out with friends willing to spend the time to teach you the tricks. Everyone should experience at least one ride in their lifetime.
Want to get even more extreme - there’s the increasingly popular kite surfing (check out our video in Issue #2).
No? How about using some technology for a hydro surf ride (Issue #16).
Rowing - I was fortunate to live by two row houses: Georgetown on the Potomac in DC and UCLA on the LA river in Marina Del Rey, CA. If you’ve ever sat in a scull, then you have an appreciation for those kids that woke up for 6am rowing practice in college - it’s freaking hard!
Your hands will blister, your back will hurt, you’ll feel awkward and you’ll probably tip into the water - yet you’ll come back for more. It’s just about the best workout you can get (burning 600+ calories per hour) and it’s absolutely exhilarating out on the water.
Find a local rowing club for lessons, equipment rental, and other people crazy enough to take up this sport.
Not into all that? Nothing wrong with taking a sea kayak out and paddling all on your own.
Take Action
Thrive25 Partner Spotlight
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Dweeb is NOT available in the typical app store, but is a free download at www.dweeb.app.
Speed Read
Health & Longevity in the News
Don’t Like What’s on TV?: Need to veg out for a few min, but can’t find anything good? Don’t worry, there are health benefits of re-watching movies/shows you like. Repeated viewings of familiar materials helps fulfill our emotional needs, provides comfort, gives us a sense of control over our lives, and connects us with our past. (Learn more)
QUIET!!!: Noise pollution doubles every 30 yrs. Ambulances are 6x louder than 100 yrs ago. Why? It’s loud out there. And the constant noise isn’t good for us - anyone else hate leaf blowers? Noise causes our bodies to excrete stress hormones and can increase the risk of hearing loss, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Go find a quiet place! (Forbes)
Could this be It?: Maybe Wolf 1069 b is that quiet place. Scientists recently discovered the exoplanet that is roughly Earth’s mass (rare) and within the habitable zone (liquid water could exist) of the red dwarf star, Wolf 1069. 31 light-years away, Wolf 1069 is a favorable candidate, like Proxima Centauri b and TRAPPIST-1 e, to search for biosignatures. Bets on what a real alien looks like? (Read more)
Tuesday QR (Quick Recipe)
Get all your veggies in a single lunch bowl - loads of nutrients that will fill you up without the $18 price tag at sweetgreen.
Bucket List
The Alaska Railroad
470 miles of mountains, glaciers and grizzlies from the comfort of a glass dome. 2023 marks the centennial of its operation - Warren G. Harding drove in the golden spike on July 15, 1923 in Nenana. Completed 36 years before Alaska became a state, the railroad has connected millions of passengers and enabled the trading of goods between Seward and Fairbanks.
The railroad is a great way to see wilderness, and even the aurora borealis (our favorite), without sacrificing comfort - there are glass-domed rail cars. When you want to explore, just wave a flag to embark or disembark - it’s the only remaining flag-stop major railroad in the US. So get on board to see Denali and Kenai Fjords National Park.
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The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your individual circumstances. Thrive25 Labs LLC does not provide medical, professional, or licensed advice. Please connect with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.