A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words But The Real Thing Is Even Better

  Hi folks, Be it looking at a photograph of the planets versus seeing them with your own eyes, listening to music versus playing an instrument yourself, or or watching sports versus undertaking a sport, the 'real thing' is always better, in my opinion. The first time I observed the rings of Saturn directly through a telescope that I had purchased, it was an exciting if not a 'spiritual' moment. The ... Read more

No Post Today Because It’s Deb’s Birthday

  Hi folks, The day got away from me, and as I was halfway through my post on nutrition, a challenging and interesting subject, I realized that it needed a little time, so I went back to thinking about Deb's birthday, so Jess and I are working on it. So I couldn't finish my blog post but you'll be pleased to know that I did do my workout. Life is all about priorities. -k @FitOldDog Today's ... Read more

A Balanced Life Includes Appreciation Of Art, Science And Rest

  Hi folks, Years ago I read an excellent self-help book, entitled 'Self Help For The Bleak,' by Richard Hall, which promoted a balanced approach to life. I concurred with the opinions of this entertaining author, and when it comes to balance for the endurance athlete, I think that your life can benefit from a healthy mix of Art, Science and other things. I have been fortunate, as a scientist, to ... Read more

106 Reasons People Don’t Exercise

  Hi folks, I am just coming to grips with Google+, but recently an interesting link streamed into my G+ site, which even I could not ignore. This link took me to an informative and entertaining video about media marketing. Let's face it, marketing is part of life. You just have to do it to succeed, whether you're a baboon, a peacock, a scientist writing a grant application or a businessman ... Read more

Use Cool Down Time In The Pool As Playtime And You May Learn Something Useful

  Hi folks, Ironman training involves some pretty long swims sometimes, and often they are preceded by heavy weight room, bike or run workouts the previous day. You may hit the water sluggish and stiff, but after a few laps you'll loosen up, attacking each set with increasing enthusiasm. I find that around the two-mile mark (72 laps in a 25-yard pool) I start to tire significantly, and by the end of the ... Read more

Is It Acceptable For You To Add Extra Workouts To Your Coach’s Training Plan? Rarely!

  Hi folks, I pay a coach to set my workouts based on his experience and my athletic background, combined with laboratory data such as lactate threshold and VO2 max. So why would I suggest that one might arbitrarily add a workout to his plan? The answer is that I consider it acceptable as long as it is not a physical workout, but a mental one. For instance, today I added a short early morning swim, but ... Read more

Consistency Is Key When It Comes To Safe Exercise For Better Health

  Hi folks, Last weekend I had a 4-hour bike ride scheduled by my coach, but I just didn't want to do it. Then I did it anyway, in spite of myself. For the first hour my legs complained, my brain complained, and in general I complained. The complaints didn't do any good because I was out there on my own. If I had said any of this stuff to a riding buddy (which I never would, as I learned that lesson ... Read more

Keep Track Of Laps In The Pool Whilst Boosting Your Mental Discipline

  Hi folks, If you have a long swim, you'll have no trouble keeping track of laps completed with a complex group of short sets, such as that in the adjacent figure. You just have to count each set and mentally tick off your workout on the plan stuck on the wall at the end of the pool. However, if you have a small number of long sets, say 4 x 1200 yards, it is not so easy. I discovered the perfect way ... 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.