Motivation To Exercise Reminds Me Of Enzymes And Gibbs Free Energy – You Have To Catalyze Yourself Into Action

Hi folks, welcome! We are each motivated to exercise by a somewhat different combination of factors (exerzymes - I made that up, to mean something that reduces your resistance to exercise), including, fear of ill health wanting to keep your good looks desire for a feeling of well-being sensing pressure to keep up with your peers anxiety related to a physically demanding job a lust for the sheer ... Read more

FitOldDog Is Pleased To Achieve Ironman All World Athlete Status, But He Wishes He Was Running In The Boston Marathon Today With Jeff

Interesting vignettes told by Jeff, at Fleet Feet, Carrboro, NC, USA, and paraphrased here by FitOldDog: "I had a really bad case of plantar fasciitis one year, but I was entered in a 100-mile running race so I ran it anyway. It was hell for the first 60 miles, then the pain in my feet vanished, and it never came back." [FitOldDog: How about that for a cure for plantar fasciitis?]. "I bought some new socks, ... Read more

Epiphanies And Paradigm Shifts Are Rare, But Matt Fitzgerald Gave Me One Of Each: Train To Recover

"How you think about an issue will determine your relationship to it, so think wisely, which is a life-long process of learning." FitOldDog "Get more out of your training by doing it backwards. Your fitness increases not while you run but during the recovery process that unfolds between runs. The stress of running flips a number of hormonal and genetic switches in various parts of your body, allowing each ... Read more

When Should You Go To The Doctor, And When Should You Work It Out For Yourself?

Hi folks, welcome! The question presented in the title of this blog post is not always as easy to answer as you might think. Increasingly, I receive requests for advice on sports injuries and how to exercise safely with aortic disease. Sometimes I can help, simply because of (1) my veterinary medical and pathology training, combined with (2) a background in Ironman training, with (3) extensive study of body ... Read more

FitOldDog Recommends That You Fit A Brake Lever To Your Triathlon Bike Aero Bars For Safety’s Sake

Hi folks, welcome! Obstacles, such as deer, can turn up in front of your bike at any time, which is why I asked Victor to fit a brake lever on my aero bars. When you're resting your weight on your aeros, it takes a finite amount of time to unweight one arm and grab that brake lever. You might not have that time, so why take the chance? I wouldn't ride without it - have bike questions? - go to Victor I ... Read more

Every Setback Can Be An Opportunity For Reflection, Even The Flu!

"Stubbornness, on the other hand, may look like tenacious determination, but it can paint you into a corner and cut you off from the possibility of positive change." Tenacious or Stubborn, by Sallie Culbreth Hi folks, welcome! A change is as good as a rest, even when my training, blogging, and life in general, are interrupted by my lying flat on my back with a fever for four days. It feels so good to be ... Read more

The World Is Full Of Challenging Experiences, And So Is Plantar Fasciitis

Hi folks, welcome! As you age, you have to be constantly vigilant of training stresses, as a stitch in time most certainly saves nine! Furthermore, if something doesn't work, try something else! I got out of bed this morning and to my surprise my feet hurt. They hurt a lot - plantar fasciitis (veterinarian heal thyself?). It was a very diffuse form. Think of this: I'm slowly ramping up my training, back ... Read more

How To Stay In The Sport As An Aging Athlete, FitOldDog’s Seven Simple Rules

Hi folks! Welcome. One thing is for sure, exercise is good for you. Another thing is for sure, the older you get the easier it is to injure yourself Yet another thing is for sure, the older you are the longer it takes to recover. And even another thing is for sure, because you're older doesn't mean you're necessarily smarter. You have to work at it to stay in your sport as you age, so here are some ... 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.