Hi folks, About 20 years ago I was an enthusiastic SCUBA diver, but I had lots of trouble clearing my ears. A bolus of air would just remain lodged in my middle ear, while my Eustachian tubes would refuse to release the pressure. Several dives were ruined that way, but if I could get below about 30 feet, no more problems. I repeatedly tried to clear the air by yawning or using the Valsalva maneuver ... Read more
Sports Training Art Or Science?
Hi folks, It is unusual for a scientist, as far as I know, to employ an artist to work directly in their research program, but that is what happened in my laboratory in the early 1980s. Andy Fleishman collaborated with us to produce models of the nose of the rat because of his eye for detail and accuracy. It worked out well for our research program, leading to software that would reduce the need for ... Read more
Lamas, Llamas, Pan, And This Changing World Seen From My Bike With Sue
"Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner." Tao te Ching, Lao Tsu, translation by Steven Mitchell Hi folks, I was riding on a lovely spring morning with my cycling buddy, Sue, when she said, "Did you see ... Read more
Advice For Triathlete Dionne On Persistent ITBS?
See my more recent thoughts, on ITBS, at this link! Hi folks, A friend of mine, Dionne, is continuing to suffer real problems with symptoms of ileo-tibial band syndrome (ITBS). I know that endurance sports come with these kinds of problems and that we have to learn to work through them somehow. Having undergone two knee surgeries, and a bunch of physiotherapy, for generally self-induced training injuries I ... Read more
If You Don’t Move To The Music Try Continuum To Improve Your Sport
Hi folks, I hate to say it, but we are all highly conditioned by our childhoods until we escape and let it go, and finally take responsibility for our lives. A slap or a compliment makes all the difference between poor self-esteem and happy dancing. I spent most of my life unable to enjoy the dance, but thanks to Deb sending me to Continuum lessons with Rebecca I now move to the music. It's ... Read more
You Can Make Anything Boring If You Try Hard Enough But With Water Running You Don’t Have To Try
Water Running Enhances Running Stamina Without Risk Of Running-Induced Injuries Boredom can destroy your training. Stresses and strains can destroy your body. Learn safe exercise approaches, to stay fit and active into old age! Water running is so boring (and effective) that it reminds me of learning all about fruits and seeds in Biology class, at age 14. Bad choice of subject matter, by the teacher. ... Read more
Hypoglycemic Versus Dehydration Bonking During Endurance Sports
The hypoglycemia bonk: I have experienced this kind of bonk during a couple of full Ironman races, about 100 miles into the bike leg, and in the later stages some long training rides when I did not take due care to eat and eat right as I went along. The key symptom was nausea, in association with a feeling of muscle weakness. During the two races mentioned above, I noticed that my wattage dropped for the same ... Read more
For Relaxed Muscles Sleep With A Tennis Ball
Hi folks, If you are an endurance athlete there will always be one tight muscle or another, those are just the breaks. But there are still only 24 hours in a day, and lots of other things to do than release, stretch, lengthen or whatever you do to relax tight (and thus weak or strained) muscles or muscle groups. Some muscles release easily, such as the psoas, whilst others, including forearm, rotator ... Read more
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