Spreading my toes, to spread my metatarsals, in order to improve blood and tissue fluid flow through my feet has been one of the best ways to improve my run, as I fight peripheral arterial disease, while attempting to continue Ironman training. "Loss of blood supply due to atherosclerosis can lead to life-threatening gangrene. Thank goodness for claudication. I see pain as my teacher and while running as my coach. ... Read more
PAD Oxidative Phosphorylation Training For Peripheral Arterial Disease
The other day, I was riding my bike for 60 miles, at an easy 110 Watts, on a gentle roller course, to encourage mitochondrial growth (biogenesis), and oxidative phosphorylation, for efficient energy (ATP) production. This, and the magic of chemiosmosis, is worth understanding, as PAD oxidative phosphorylation could well be critical for handling peripheral arterial disease. Image and copyright purchased from ... Read more
Peripheral Arterial Disease Collateral Arterial Growth Assessment Using Toe Pulse Oximetry
During my routine AAA stent assessment, the EVAR resident was unable to find a pulse in my right foot. But the foot looks fine, as I struggle to run with peripheral arterial disease, fighting claudication and numb feet. Image source. My running, and Ironman training, continue, as I adapt to my sport with peripheral arterial disease. This is all described on this blog, along with the six or seven modifications I've ... Read more
Claudication Cadence: Another Critical Variable For Fighting Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) With Exercise
This might not look like much of a pace, for a runner, but with PAD it feels like a miracle. Took me a few of years to pull this off, as I've added one variable after another, to improve blood flow to my feet and calves. In November, 2019, I published a book, "How to Train for Aging: The Ultimate Endurance Sport," in which I described my struggle to run with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). At the track, I ... Read more
No Detectable Foot Pulse, But Pink Toes, With Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Ironman Collaterals
My toes (still have 10) are nice and pink, and there is excellent nail refill if I push on them. If I stop my training, especially running, my toe nails start to go blue, refill is slower. It's not easy, but I'm still doing Ironman training with no detectable foot pulse in the right leg, using ultrasound. About six years ago, four years after running the Boston Marathon, I noticed problems with running in longer ... Read more
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
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!
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
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