First ‘Melt’ With MELT Then Float With FitOldDog’s Blog And Body Awareness Video Series

Hi folks! Welcome to my world! I have found that self-applied myofascial massage, through the use of rollers and instruction from a skilled dance and Continuum instructor, Rebecca, has markedly improved my athletics and reduced the almost inevitable pain associated with endurance training as an older athlete (or a younger one for that matter). A form of this technique is finally being marketed effectively to ... Read more

Running Technique, Rollers, And Don’t Change Anything Before Your Big Race Unless You Have To; FitOldDog Had To!

Hi folks! Welcome to my chatter. I hope it's useful. That's my goal. It's generally not a good idea to change anything before your big race, such as nutrition, gear, sleep patterns or technique, but here I am with a brand new approach to running and the Lake Placid Ironman only six days away. What can I do? The best I can! What else? When it comes to Ironman races, my swim is generally pretty solid around ... Read more

The Solution To Old Age Is Denial, Mall Running, And Don’t Smoke

Hi folks! Welcome to another day! On my second day of travel towards the Lake Placid Ironman 2013, I stopped at a packed Motel 6 in Maryland. I'm pretty sure that I was the only one there who didn't smoke and certainly the sole soul who went for an early morning run. It had just rained when I set off at 6:00 am, so the heated humidity had yet to build towards stifling. I had a great run on a local ... Read more

FitOldDog Is On The Road Again To The Lake Placid Ironman 2013 (#7) With Two Nice Little Scalp Divots

Hi folks! Welcome! Traditions can be a good thing as long as they truly are good traditions and not unhealthy, unquestioned habits. Well! I'm off on my summer Lake Placid Ironman trip, which provides an annual 2-week training vacation. I take 5 days to drive there from my little blue office in Carrboro, NC, USA, using the old Chevy truck (odometer now at 325,000 miles) and cooking tasty food along the way. ... Read more

FitOldDog Had To Make Or Find Paleo Nostalgia Food Because He Really Missed His Eggs On Toast In The Morning

Hi folks! Welcome! The thing about the Paleo diet, which works wonders for weight, health, and endurance training, is the absence of certain nostalgia foods, including bread. Fortunately, I am in cahoots with a great local chef, Whitney Dane, and now I have a range of options for Paleo toast to add to my Paleo shepherd's pie. Way to go, Whitney! -k @FitOldDog   ... Read more

Creative Visualization And The Power Of The Mind In Endurance Sports, Exercise And Life In General

"When we gave the remedial group psychological training in positive visualization and self-esteem, their [firearms test] scores went up. We discovered that the focus of the trainers should be on the inner self." Article on Police Firearm Training, From the Daily Guides by Rev. Dr. Jim Lockard, SOM July 2013. Hi folks! Welcome! Creative visualization has played a positive role in my life, so I apply it to ... Read more

Stick Out Your Butt To Free Up Your Shoulders And Question Your Ass-umptions To Free Up Your Life

"So like the Black Eyed Susans, the wilting and withering are real and not going away. Neither is the chronic pain those with connective tissue disorders have. But whereas pretending only went so far before and the answers to my gloom did not lie in distractions, expectations, faith or hope, I now know where to look. I think the answers to my questions about beating my depression lie in the indescribably ... Read more

When Will It Be Safe For Jerry To Return To His Regular Marathon Training Schedule After Ascending Aortic Surgery?

Hi folks! Welcome! As a result of experience with an abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft surgery in 2010, combined with a decision to return to Ironman training, I find myself approached increasingly for advice by those undergoing a similar experience. Each time I wonder how to help people find the information they need in order that they can make the best decisions for themselves with respect to getting ... 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.