Saving the World One Story at a Time

Saving the World One Story at a Time

You can only change the world by example, how you live, and through stories. We are a story-telling species. If you are interested in my monthly newsletter, "Saving the World One Story at a Time," you will receive a free cookie for signing up. The cookie is a downloadable ebook, one that will tell you if my material might be of interest. I have no desire to waste people's time. You can readily unsubscribe, if ... Read more

Why I Write

Why I Write

Galaxy is a lovely creature. Eleven years ago, I was sitting alone in a high-rise hotel room, in Barcelona, Spain. I was on the way to visit my mother, who lived south of there, one train stop, and two bus rides away, in Torre Vieja. It was no ordinary visit. I was now living with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) stent graft, and had been for about six weeks. My life had changed. What's to do? After ... Read more

Download Seven Critical Stages of Aging

Seven Stages of Training for Aging for downloadDownload ... Read more

Winter Ironman Training for FitOldDog

Winter Ironman Training for FitOldDog

I used to use heavy weights, but now I employ those at the very far end of the photo. Ironman is about endurance, though strength is important. I recommend light weights with lots of reps. The race is over, the report published, and now it's time to prepare for my next Ironman. Which will it be? Lots of choices, but I need a fairly flat course, due to my peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Then there's the ... Read more

FitOldDog’s Florida Ironman Race Report

FitOldDog's Florida Ironman Race Report

"It's easier to want what you get, than to get what you want." Title of Zen Meditation book I lost ages ago. Florida Ironman Race Report (a brief one, as my race was brief). It was a tough swim that threw hundreds of athletes out of the race. The one-hour wait in a cold wind in our wetsuits probably took it's toll. The water, at 67F, felt like a warm bath after that. My slowest Ironman time, yet. Apparently ... Read more

Straight Arm Recovery Swim Stroke: Old Dog, New Trick

Straight Arm Recovery Swim Stroke: Old Dog, New Trick

With an Ironman three weeks away, it was time to try out the old wetsuit. After half a mile in the pool, my arms and shoulders were aching. I mentioned this to my 8x Kona son, Nigel, and he said, "Use a straight arm recovery stroke, Dad. In fact, I've been using straight arm recovery for years." Still in OK shape for 78. Can this old dog learn a new trick in the pool by changing his swim stroke? Photo by Maya. PS ... Read more

Ironman Training Psoriasis Funk? Change up and Suck It Up!

Ironman Training Psoriasis Funk? Change up and Suck It Up!

Ironman training has saved my life several times, in addition to keeping my peripheral arterial disease (PAD) at bay, essentially saving my feet from eventual imputation. In 2010, I was diagnosed with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) as a result of weird symptoms in my fourth Lake Placid Ironman race. This wasn't good news, but having medical training, as a veterinary pathologist, I made had some changes made ... Read more

The Art of Running With Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Best running and body movement book I ever read, all based on Feldenkrais, and the experience of a lover of running, Jack Heggie. So you have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in your legs (for me it's mainly lower legs), and you want to return to running, but, (a) your doctor told you not to, (b) it hurts too much, (c) you can't run like you used to, so why bother? (d) other? I've been struggling with PAD for ... 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.