Hi folks, There is much more to effective core training than sit-ups or crunches. The best approach, in my opinion, is thorough training in Pilates. I have attached a video that shows two exercises I like for their simplicity. My Pilates instructor, Tara House, helped me to make this video at the Spira Pilates Studio, whilst Deb operated the iPad 2. You can find a lot more information about core training on ... Read more
Dancing Old Dog: Continuum Really Works And It Can Help Your Training
Hi folks, For your body to operate optimally, I imagine that you need to recruit all available systems, including both thoughts and feelings. Emotions can run high prior to and during a race, so there is an emotional component to sports right there. The left brain logical stuff is already built into your training plan, probably down to the last gel and the type of shoelaces you wear. We humans each tend ... Read more
Brain? Heart? Courage? Find Your Own Personal Motivator
Hi folks, Remember that great old movie, 'The Wizard Of Oz?' Each character was motivated by something different, a brain, a heart, courage, or going home. What is your motivator? What gets your juices flowing? You need to find it, and be sure that it is truly yours, not what you were told that it should be by your parents, teachers, or other authority figures. Make sure that it is what you want in your heart and ... Read more
We Need To Develop Do’s And Don’ts For AAA, Cardiac Stents, And Everything Else For That Matter
Boy, these old posts are badly written and constructed - that's how you learn! Hi folks, You hear of exercise being touted as a cure-all, whereas it can clearly be risky in certain situations. For instance, if you are diagnosed with Type II Diabetes are there amounts and types of exercise that are contra-indicated (not good in your situation)? I bet there are! This is true of age (too much bouncing on a ... Read more
My Coach’s Training Plan And Heart Rate Strategy Got Me To The Boston Marathon
Hi folks! Thanks for stopping by! When it comes to training you have to do the work, but a good coach can make all the difference to your race achievements. I remember preparing for my Boston Marathon qualifier in 2008, the Charlotte Thunder Road marathon. A marathon is a long way if you are running, and a slight difference in your average pace can make all the difference to your finishing time. My goal for ... Read more
Combine Your Roller Work With A Gentle Core Workout
Hi folks, I must admit that my rollers have helped my flexibility considerably. They are most effective when used both before and after runs. The trick is to workout which roller you use for which muscles, and for how long. You want tight muscles to 'let go,' whilst avoiding overdoing the rolling to the point of soreness. Areas of pain help to pinpoint where work needs to be done, which for me is always my ... Read more
Accidents Happen But You Do Need To Exercise Your Dog
Hi folks, My previous post contained a video clip made in my kitchen, which revealed a couple of bowls on the floor in the background. They belong to Scooter. He is a feisty little chap, but as I always spoil my animals he is also somewhat overweight. A few days ago he made the mistake of following me on a trail run, and after about a mile he was lagging seriously. Tongue lolling out of his mouth, ... Read more
FitOldDog Training Video #2: Sitting For Symmetry
Hi folks, I have found that some of the most effective exercises are those that you can apply in daily life. This is the philosophy used by David Harp (now David Harp and Nina Smiley) in that great book, 'The Three Minute Meditator.' I still use the meditating ideas that I read there about 15 years ago. I can meditate at traffic lights, in the grocery line, and if I have the forethought, when I get ... Read more
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