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
Why I Write
Galaxy is a lovely creature. Eleven years ago, I was sitting alone in a high-rise hotel room, in Barcelona, Spain. I was on the way to visit my mother, who lived south of there, one train stop, and two bus rides away, in Torre Vieja. It was no ordinary visit. I was now living with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) stent graft, and had been for about six weeks. My life had changed. What's to do? After ... Read more
Download Seven Critical Stages of Aging
Seven Stages of Training for Aging for downloadDownload ... Read more
Winter Ironman Training for FitOldDog
I used to use heavy weights, but now I employ those at the very far end of the photo. Ironman is about endurance, though strength is important. I recommend light weights with lots of reps. The race is over, the report published, and now it's time to prepare for my next Ironman. Which will it be? Lots of choices, but I need a fairly flat course, due to my peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Then there's the ... Read more
FitOldDog’s Florida Ironman Race Report
"It's easier to want what you get, than to get what you want." Title of Zen Meditation book I lost ages ago. Florida Ironman Race Report (a brief one, as my race was brief). It was a tough swim that threw hundreds of athletes out of the race. The one-hour wait in a cold wind in our wetsuits probably took it's toll. The water, at 67F, felt like a warm bath after that. My slowest Ironman time, yet. Apparently ... Read more
Straight Arm Recovery Swim Stroke: Old Dog, New Trick
With an Ironman three weeks away, it was time to try out the old wetsuit. After half a mile in the pool, my arms and shoulders were aching. I mentioned this to my 8x Kona son, Nigel, and he said, "Use a straight arm recovery stroke, Dad. In fact, I've been using straight arm recovery for years." Still in OK shape for 78. Can this old dog learn a new trick in the pool by changing his swim stroke? Photo by Maya. PS ... Read more
Ironman Training Psoriasis Funk? Change up and Suck It Up!
Ironman training has saved my life several times, in addition to keeping my peripheral arterial disease (PAD) at bay, essentially saving my feet from eventual imputation. In 2010, I was diagnosed with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) as a result of weird symptoms in my fourth Lake Placid Ironman race. This wasn't good news, but having medical training, as a veterinary pathologist, I made had some changes made ... Read more
Recent Comments