Multiple medical professionals, even using ultrasound, have failed to find a pulse in my right foot, and the left one is weak. This is due to blockage of my popliteal arteries as a result of arteriosclerosis consequent to a severe genetic hypertriglyceridemia.. So I explored ways to improve blood flow to, through, and back from, my feet, using the basic anatomy and physiology of the human foot. My background in ... Read more
As an "English American," I was surprised to be so pleased to have the American flag against my name in these race results, but America has been extremely generous to me. You have to work to enjoy this country, but with a little luck you have a chance to do well. In a way, I feel both American and English. I came in after the 8:30 cutoff, but the race officials insisted on giving me a medal. Maybe this is ... Read more
To watch this on Instagram, click this link. I use this exercise to improve my swim, and encourage better blood flow in my feet for my pain in the ass peripheral arterial disease. This strengthens and relaxes your feet, done right. It's basically a simple swim kick, toes pointed. I use bare feet, along with a more interesting workout than just standing in the water, with my mouth just clearing the surface. If ... Read more
I was struggling along on a run fighting off peripheral arterial disease claudication using the methods in my book, plus another couple of tricks, when I thought of penguin feet. I'm a life-long scientist, and my mind is always doing stuff like that. "Penguin feet?" you might be thinking. The connection is readily apparent, if you have an interest in countercurrent flow systems, and a desire to encourage blood ... Read more
You can use your fingers to help your toes, as you train for aging and fight peripheral arterial disease. Aging is truly the toughest endurance sport. For me it has become a way of life, even though we train for aging our whole lives. Most importantly, it's never too late to start. I qualified for the 2023 World Half Ironman Championships this year by the skin of my teeth. On race day in August I will have just ... Read more
Question from JW, Perth, Australia: "I have been doing the yoga toes stretch after reading your blog on how it helps in get rid of toes numb pain during claudication exercise. The pain normally comes after about 5km mostly on the big & 2nd toe. I normally do 3 sets x 30s of yoga toes exercises daily with little improvement. I am currently on 4E width ... Read more
Treadmills have their place, but they are no substitute for the road or the track, when growing collaterals using Peripheral Arterial Disease Training. I recently published a book on fighting peripheral arterial disease, but I wanted to emphasize several observations that are helping my battle, as I train for a couple of half Ironman races that are coming up. (1) When doing peripheral arterial disease training ... Read more
Spreading my toes, to spread my metatarsals, in order to improve blood and tissue fluid flow through my feet has been one of the best ways to improve my run, as I fight peripheral arterial disease, while attempting to continue Ironman training. "Loss of blood supply due to atherosclerosis can lead to life-threatening gangrene. Thank goodness for claudication. I see pain as my teacher and while running as my coach. ... Read more
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