How Relaxed Is Too Relaxed And Should I Drop My Heels On The Bike?

  Hi folks, I am a great believer in 'following the Tao,' but this is a work of art. You have to make things happen, but not in a forceful way. How do you know when you need a little force or effort and when to just leave things alone to work themselves out? It's a fine line between these two polar opposites, so I guess you just have to feel your way along 'The Razor's Edge' (didn't like that book in ... Read more

FitOldDog Talks About Why We May Have To Dig Deep To Find The Underlying Nature Of Our Motivations

  Hi folks, Now, don't get me wrong, I have great supporters, and they usually urge me on, including my friend Tara, my partner Deb, and number two son, Duncan. Interestingly, it was a very hot day at the track yesterday. Deb, Tara and Duncan had all finished their runs, stair workouts, and so forth and they were ready to get out of the heat and onto Southern Rail for food and cold beer. The only ... Read more

A Trip Down Evolutionary Lane With FitOldDog’s Walk-Run Trail Workout For Fun Exercise

A Trip Down Evolutionary Lane With FitOldDog's Walk-Run Trail Workout For Fun Exercise

In order to make your mind and body happy, you need to exercise, and the only way to really make this work is to invent fun exercise for yourself; you know what you enjoy. When I talk to people about exercise motivation, especially if they are obviously out of shape and stressed, which usually occurs when we're raising kids whilst simultaneously trying to build a career, they react. This reaction is usually one that ... Read more

Read Well To Write Well And Here Is FitOldDog’s Eleven Favorite Book Titles List For Tara

  Hi folks, I was fortunate to receive two complements this week, one about my book recommendations and the other concerning the writing quality of this blog. Apparently, my friend Myles (14) finds my reading recommendations to be helpful (according to her mother, my Pilates and gyrotonic teacher, Tara). That felt great, as I respect Myles's opinion on many things. I was also complemented on my writing ... Read more

How You Label Things In The World Will Determine The Nature Of Your World

  Hi folks, As my triathlon race season approaches I find that an internal dialogue emerges increasingly frequently during my quiet moments of contemplation, between periods of not thinking, just sitting. Thoughts of my next upcoming race, this time the 2012 Eagleman Half Ironman. Part of my mind lives in doubt, and tells me, "You're old, slow, not a great runner, an average cyclist, and just an OK ... Read more

The Right Dance Teacher Can Help You Overcome The Effects Of Injuries On Body Movement To Improve Your Athletic Skill

  Hi folks, I have been struggling to optimize my leg position in the pool, but I find that they wander all over the place when I breathe on the left, especially my left leg. Slowly I have nailed this problem down to my left arm recovery stroke, which triggers a twist in my pelvis. I dislocated my left shoulder about eight years ago, and in spite of 'treatment by flying beer bottle,' which improved ... Read more

Building A New Engine Using High Volume Aerobic Ironman Training Allows You To Enjoy The Ride And Rescue A Turtle Or Two

  Hi folks, There seem to be two main approaches to the training of endurance athletes, intensity or volume, and I've experienced coaches of both persuasions. I consider my coach, Chris Hauth, to be a volume guy, with intensity carefully added to the mix. He got me to the Boston Marathon. Chris also gave me two chances to go to Ironman Kona, but I messed those up by (a) failing to go to the roll down ... Read more

Art, Horses, And How My Friend Cured His Tennis-Induced Wrist Strain

  Hi folks, The brain and body are all one machine, so if one is tired both are tired. I have had some pretty challenging swims, rides and runs lately, one on top of the other, day after day. I find that my energy level varies like the three chairs by Wayne Vaughn, of The Sculpture Farm, in the photo opposite (love this art). Sometimes high! Sometimes low! Sometimes in between! After seeing the chairs, ... Read more

Disclaimer: As a veterinarian, I do not provide medical advice for human animals. If you undertake or modify an exercise program, consult your medical advisors before doing so. Undertaking activities pursued by the author does not mean that he endorses your undertaking such activities, which is clearly your decision and responsibility. Be careful and sensible, please.