Never Too Old To Train, So Keep Moving!

Never Too Old To Train, So Keep Moving!

I'm 79 years old today (forgetting gestation time), and signed up for Arizona Ironman, that I intend to finish if I possibly can. For Frits, who will come along (some of his ashes, anyway) in a little plastic bag in my back pocket, as he does for all my races. He always wanted to qualify for Kona, but never quite made it. Bummer! When I make the mistake of thinking I'm old, I remember this guy, and I just keep ... Read more

I Will Sorely Miss Kurt Kahl Ironman

I Will Sorely Miss Kurt Kahl Ironman

Kurt (right) with the author. He was always supportive, enthusiastic, and he loved the Ironman. It was always a delight to see him and his lovely wife, Elizabeth. Liz kindly informed me that Kurt died recently. It's a sad day, I will truly miss him. This guy was delightful. Full of joy and happiness, and like all of us "old timers," at the back of the pack, where you meet the nicest people. But Ironman was in ... Read more

Promising Peripheral Arterial Disease Collateral Hemodynamics or Sure Surprised Me!

Promising Peripheral Arterial Disease Collateral Hemodynamics or Sure Surprised Me!

White Lake 2022 Half Ironman race report, especially concerning an unexpected observation. I knew this was where my problems with peripheral arterial disease claudication would kick in, to kill my run. The 2022 White Lake Half Ironman was well organized, by kind, helpful staff and volunteers. The main objective of this report concerns my peripheral arterial disease collateral hemodynamics, which means the ... Read more

Don’t Neglect Your Stretching With Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Don't Neglect Your Stretching With Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

You might think this is a slow mile pace, but with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) it was quite an achievement. A critical milestone. Hey! I ran Boston in 2009, but I didn't have PAD then. I was really happy with this result, as I head for 13:40, my goal for 26.2. I awoke in the night, last night, with pain in my right calf. "That's odd," I thought. I reached down, to find my right soleus muscle was really ... Read more

Exploring Lower Back Pain – Gluteus mimimus

Exploring Lower Back Pain - Gluteus mimimus

Gluteus (glute) minimus, one of many muscles that stabilize your hips, amongst other things, I'm sure. Image and copyright purchased from ShutterStock, Inc. After yesterday's hill repeats, I felt fine. Didn't stretch enough, but sometimes life intervenes. Cooking, writing, cutting wood for the stove for chilly mornings, ministering unto Cat, watering the vegetables, whatever, so stretching can be ... Read more

Going Toe to Toe With Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Going Toe to Toe With Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

https://youtu.be/qolTBXG7NNU Rebecca taught me how to wake up my toes, and now it's paying big dividends for my calf pain. Some of my blood vessels are too big (abdominal aortic aneurysm, AAA) and some too small (peripheral arterial disease, PAD). Just wish they could get together, and work this thing out. These vascular events are due to the genetic cards I was dealt (no complaints), which included severe ... Read more

Surviving Bike Wrecks and the Power of Imagination

Surviving Bike Wrecks and the Power of Imagination

Not a pretty picture, but this is what happens in a bike wreck, if you try to save yourself with your hands. I've had a few bike wrecks, and some ended not so great. One: Car door opened in front of me, in heavy traffic, in Bristol, England, on my way to school, back in the 1950s. Just a minor head injury. Two: Ended in the eye hospital, as I disconnected my vitreous humor, prematurely. Classic bike wreck. I ... Read more

Best Shoes for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

Best Shoes for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

Both Gizzy and I prefer minimalist shoes for walking and running. We each have to choose what works for us, however. Having struggled to continue Ironman training with peripheral arterial disease for the last four or five years, selection of the best shoes has been an interesting journey. I tried Hoka One Ones, various other "orthotic" running shoes, you know, the ones with loads of support, plus a big thick heel. ... 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.