"Facts and ideas are dead in themselves and it is the imagination that gives life to them." W.I.B. Beverage, cited by Maria Popova. "The miracle isn't that I finished [or didn't, in FitOldDog's case!]. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." John Bingham. Don't underestimate the power of imagination, and the value of inspiration from others. In fact, I read inspiring stories everyday, on Facebook, where ... Read more
"Time has obscured the observations of many veterinary clinicians and researchers throughout the world who sensed the presence of a new disease when CPV-2 first made its appearance in 1978 [1976 in Europe] and then, within 1-2 years, spread worldwide." Carmichael, 2005. As a veterinarian with a clear memory of the spread of this new disease in dogs, canine parvovirus-2, and it's lethal impact, before a vaccination ... Read more
Hi folks, welcome! Sometimes I feel like a young man trapped in an old man's body, as I deal with the challenges of training, especially when it comes to running. So, can I turn setbacks into opportunities? As I struggle to get my training back on track, and deal with the challenges of WordPress locking up all the time, I decided that I needed to read a good book. I chose a an uplifting and cheerful play, ... Read more
“The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”: FDR’s First Inaugural Address" History Matters. Hi folks, welcome! I'm scared of heights and poverty, I don't seem to be anxious about aging or dying, particularly, but I am frightened of not living my life to the full, which can be a living death and a terrible waste. From time to time I reflect on the role that fear plays in my life, and Brian Germain's ... Read more
Hi folks, welcome! No fool, like an old fool. Chris said, "Kevin, why do you do Lake Placid every year, when you are not designed for hill climbs?" I didn't listen. Then two days ago my son, Nigel, said, "Dad, you can transfer to the new Maryland Ironman, it's flat, and perfect for you." So I did, and I felt a great feeling of relief. Thanks Chris and Nigel. Cheers, Kevin aka FitOldDog ... Read more
Hi folks, welcome! Empathy, or putting yourself in the shoes of another, leads to greater understanding and tolerance, though I still find some people to be impossible. Guess I have spiritual work to do. Whilst watching my son today, at the 2014 Texas Ironman Race, in Houston, I found once again that watching an Ironman race is almost as hard as doing one. I'm sure that having a few bored kids with you ... Read more
Hi folks, welcome! Life is for living, but you have to keep your mind and body active for optimal endurance as you age, which requires intelligent and consistent conditioning. If you live in one place for a number of years, you'll notice older couples out walking together. Then one of them disappears, often leaving a somewhat desolate individual walking alone. Sometimes you hear that the partner died, but ... Read more
NOTE: the Training Diary was cluttering up my blog, so it will be moved to a separate page - will provide link soon. Hi folks, welcome! The art of persuasion is truly an art, but there seem to be some underlying rules (that largely escape me). One day I was Paris, negotiating a contract in French (one of my dream things to do) for my company in Geneva, Switzerland, when the person I was negotiating with, ... Read more
