Mental And Physical Awareness Training For The Older Athlete

  Hi folks, I recently introduced my 'FitOldDog Training Wheel.' It is not pretty, but I suspect that it presents an effective means of reducing exercise-induced injuries and optimizing enjoyment of the process. You will note at the top of the wheel lies awareness. But what exactly do I mean by this apparently vague term? I mean many things, which can be divided into three lists of things of which you ... Read more

Safe Exercise For Better Health Is The Way To Prepare For An Active Old Age

Safe Exercise For Better Health Is The Way To Prepare For An Active Old Age

This post presents an overview of the FitOldDog Training Philosophy or Training Wheel, which guides you through the process of developing improved mind and body awareness before you embark on an exercise program. The goal is to learn to train safely, and thus reduce risk of exercise-induced injuries. One of my favorite books is 'Lord of the Rings,' By Tolkien. This mighty tome treats the females in a strange way, ... Read more

Motivation: Keeping Your Shoulders Loose

Hi folks, I have many reasons to work on relaxing my shoulders, so I'm motivated to explore the issue. I received enthusiastic input on approaches to shoulder relaxation from several sources quite recently. Enthusiastic input certainly helps one's motivation. The reason I would like to loosen my shoulder blades is in order to (a) stay higher in the water when I swim, through the application of Archimedes Principle ... Read more

Feldenkrais Session: Getting To Know My Spine A Little Better

Hi folks, I experienced an interesting and educational Feldenkrais session today, which was initiated by my mentioning that I had a tight muscle in my back. The exercise was simple in principle but mentally challenging (for me at least, not for Karen, my instructor). Our spine consists of a bunch of bones stacked one on top of the other, with a tube down the middle in which lies our spinal cord. These bones ... Read more

Hey! Fit Old Dogs! Do You Want To Do An Ironman?

Hi folks, I just received my photos for the Lake Placid Ironman 2011 from Action Sports International, and they did a great job (Thanks!). It was my slowest time ever at Lake Placid, but it was the fastest anyone has ever finished that race with an abdominal aortic aneurysm-stent graft in their belly. If you want to do one, this is how it goes. It started with the usual gentle swim when the gun went off at 7:00 am ... Read more

Thoughts On Training At 50+: ‘Not Going Slower’ Versus ‘Going Faster’

Hi folks, The power is back on, hurricane Irene is leaving and in spite of blustery winds Rory and I went for an easy spin on our bikes. During the ride we were comparing our ride times (speed) over the years for certain routes and we agreed that we were definitely slowing down. It then occurred to me that a training program designed to make you faster might not be optimal for older endurance athletes. Your ... Read more

Invited Blog Post To ‘Live Lean Tips:’ Review of Gary Taubes’s Recent Book ‘Why We Get Fat And What To Do About It’

  Hi folks, Just a quick note to mention that I have posted a review of Gary Taubes's recent book, 'Why We Get Fat And What To Do About It,' on the Live Lean Tips blogsite. -k Your Medical Mind   ... Read more

Power’s Out And Off For A Run

Hi folks, Hurricane Irene getting in the way of blogging. Power lines down. I'll go for a run, while I can. Then a nice cup of tea using my 43-year old Chez Ollie stove.   All well, otherwise. Glad I've got my iPad and that we aren't any closer to the coast. Exercise advice: just train anyway, if you can, and make sure you have your Colman stove handy. -k Your Medical Mind   ... 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.