Hi! Folks, Today I got my weekly call from my youngest son, Nigel, who is a real athlete. Nigel was number 96 overall in Hawaii in 1999. Now, after years of training I have come to really appreciate Nigel's achievement that year. Today we were chatting about Ironman training as usual, and he mentioned a comment by Joe Friel in the second edition of his great book, 'Going Long.' Joe Friel said, ... Read more
The Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Quiz
Hi! Folks, Please pass this AAA quiz along to people you know, as it might just be important for you or someone that you know. It was only through self-awareness and some luck that I found my AAA, and now I have my stent and I am back in training as opposed to dead (I hate it when that happens!). If you run this little quiz you get a report of your estimated risk: My risk was fairly low, considering, but my ... Read more
Pain, The Endurance Athlete’s Friend. Good pain. Bad Pain. Psychological Pain.
Hi! Folks, Understanding your pain is a critical component of safe training for endurance athletes. You have to learn to tell the difference between 'good pain' and 'bad pain.' Good pain means that you are pushing your limits and becoming a stronger athlete, both physically and mentally. Bad pain means injury, and when you feel that bad pain it is probably too late. You can at least have the good sense to stop and ... Read more
Technology and Epistemology: Television is the Enemy of Fitness!
Hi! Folks, It is a fact that television is an anathema to me! I developed this severe antipathy about 25 years ago, and it has been growing ever since. I now see televisions everywhere I go, and where do we need them least? In restaurants and gyms. In restaurants they interfere with normal conversation, impairing communication, and for me the enjoyment of dining out. In the gym it is worse. The whole ... Read more
Jeet Kune Do, The Three Minute Meditator, And Balancing Your Body
Hi! Folks, I was fortunate enough to study Jeet Kune Do for about two years in my 40s, and I learned a lot about biomechanics. This style of martial arts, developed by Bruce Lee, was based on the admiral idea of using all the things that work for you (and your body and mind type) whilst throwing the rest away. This is equally effective for endurance training. The fact that some technique is easy for your coach ... Read more
Filling the Void Thanks to Tim Ferriss and the 4HWW
Hi! Again, More references to the Four Hour Work Week (4HWW) - filling the void. I have watched my eldest son, Nick, build a wonderful family, an excellent career, and now a great new e-tee-shirt-business. Nick also introduced me to the 4HWW by Tim Ferriss. How did I manage before I had a virtual assistant, which I never would have without Tim? Thanks Tim. You are on my list of people to contact, per your ... Read more
“A Man Has To Know His Limitations”
Remember Dirty Harry Not my favorite character, but it's true, "A man has to know his limitations." If you exceed your limitations as an athlete, injury is on the way. Especially if you are preparing for aging, because each injury leaves weak mark on your body - it's never quite the same! In order to maximize your performance, you have to approach your physical and mental limits, but not exceed them. But ... Read more
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