I was recently asked for advice on training for a 10k run. This request came via Twitter, and it was from a woman over 60 years of age (Ummhh!), had never been a runner (Oh! Boy!), said she is very fit (what kind of fit?), at some undefined time in the future (Oh dear!). Now, can I give meaningful advice in response to such a question with so many unknowns? My answer is "Yes! And she could have a great time, ... Read more
Video Demonstration Of A Simple Pain Reduction Technique For Arthritis In Your Fingers
Hi folks, In a previous blog post I described minor arthritis in the fingers of my left hand, which is probably just one of the maladies that comes with aging. Such minor health issues can be an annoyance, whether you are training for better health or undertaking a challenging training program for competition. My cycling buddy, Rory, has almost exactly the same issue, with swollen joints in several fingers. This ... Read more
My Trip To The Dermatologist As A Pathologist Ironman Athlete
Hi folks, I've seen cancer in many guises during my scientific career of over 40 years, including material from domestic animals and research studies, and clinically as it took loved ones from my life. I know this beast pretty well, so when I go for a health screen I wonder - is it my turn? My recent visit to my dermatologist, Dr. Robin Thompson of Chapel Hill Dermatology, was no exception. I was aware from ... Read more
How An Aging Scientist Athlete Deals With Arthritis Pain
Hi folks, Our bodies are like an old car. We accumulate physical damage as we age, but we don't let that stop us. It is just part of the game of life. One thing that happens is arthritis in joints that have undergone surgery, in my case my knees, and body parts that are frequently exposed to minor traumas. My major area of arthritis pain is limited to three joints of my left hand. They will ache or even ... Read more
Feldenkrais Fixed My Knee Where Everyone Else Failed
The Magic Of The Feldenkrais Method It Opened My Mind To Body-Awareness Training To fix a body problem, you need a correct diagnosis. [ASIDE: Feldenkrais training allowed me to solve the plantar fasciitis puzzle.] I started training for triathlons about 20 years ago. I was in my early 50s. So I had to learn how to run. But I was a swimmer, not a runner. I went out there and ran. Not well! My youngest son, who ... Read more
There Is More To Your Ears Than Meets The Eye
Hi folks, welcome! I had never heard of the Epley maneuver until my partner, Deb, fell off of her bike about a year ago. She sure slammed her head on the ground, and after being checked out at the emergency room and given the all clear, she seemed fine for a few days. Then the dizziness and vertigo began. This was no ordinary vertigo. She said the room jumped around, making it impossible for her to stand. Then ... Read more
Book “Your Medical Mind” By Groopman And Hartzband Is Highly Recommended By FitOldDog
Hi folks, I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) the other day, when I heard some comments by Jerome Groopman and Pamela Hartzband that jibed with my point of view when it comes to doctors and the things that they say. The speakers were discussing a book that they had recently published, called 'Your Your Medical Mind: How To Decide What Is Right For You.' It sounded interesting so I downloaded it to my ... Read more
Safer Exercise Approaches: Using Rollers Before And After Running Really Helps
Hi folks, I'm slowly getting back into shape, after floundering around without a coach for several months. Floundering? Like the fish? Anyway, flounder or octopus, I was getting nowhere, which is surprising considering how long I have been training. Even coaches have to have coaches if they are still competing, so I certainly need one. Today I was finishing an important workout pair from my ... Read more
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