Ironman Motivation: Is It Really All About Lekking? Read ‘The Last Ape Standing’ If You Can’t Find A Date.

"So, why do I like dicing onions though they hurt my eyes, but I really dislike preparing green beans, whereas I enjoy eating both? What motivates this desire or lack of it when the outcome is equally advantageous, delicious food, and the action superficially similar? Is it really to do with mating behavior?" FitOldDog is wondering! See the bottom of my this post for the answer. This blogpost was triggered by a ... Read more

One’s Energy Levels Vary So Choose Wisely Between Rest Or Work On Force Versus Drag Reduction

"We join spokes together in a wheel, but it is the center hole that makes the wagon move. We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want. We hammer wood for a house, but it is the inner space that makes it livable. We work with being, but non-being is what we use." Tao te Ching by Lao-tzu translation by S. Mitchell Hi folks! Another lovely day, if you make ... Read more

Thoughts From FitOldDog On What You Should Do About The DNF (Did Not Finish) Workout?

Hi folks! Welcome to my World, or an important part of it anyway! If you fail to complete (DNF) an important workout, don't try to 'make it up the next day,' learn from it and modify your training plan accordingly. I'll be heading off for the Lake Placid Ironman for the 6th time in a few weeks, and there are some critical workouts to complete before I start to taper. One such workout is the 80/10, an ... Read more

Short Local Races Provide Great Training And Motivation For Older Endurance Athletes

Welcome to my world! I've never been a great runner, but progress is finally being made as I work on body movement optimization with Feldenkrais, Continuum, Gyrokinesis, hours on trails, local races, and the inspiration provided by other athletes. As I train for the Lake Placid Ironman 2013, which includes a 26.2-mile run, you might wonder why I would want to compete in a local 4-mile running race. The ... Read more

Further Thoughts On Sweat, Electrolyte Replacement And Body Awareness During Hot Weather

"It took me a long time to train my body to sweat, so now I don't suffer from overheating, instead I have to deal with electrolyte replacement." by FitOldDog Hi folks! Welcome! When it comes to sweat and electrolyte supplementation during hot weather, science will get you much of the way but sensing your need for electrolytes through body awareness will fine tune the process and reduce your chances of ... Read more

FitOldDog’s 70th Birthday Party: Wise Living For A Happy Life As You Age List

Hi folks! Glad you came by! Life is a battle, or you could say a game, and if you give up it's over, so take a flowing approach to this struggle for survival as you age, using wisdom instead of force to live your life to the full. I recently enjoyed my 70th birthday, which we felt deserved a big party, with a tent and everything, just like Bilbo Baggins. And a tent we had, in addition to some great birthday ... Read more

First Ease Then Speed: Throw Your Arms And Legs Behind You As You Run

"When I run well I imagine myself to be a small sailboat skimming across the sea, whole body curved like the sail, core a flexible and responsive mast that stores and returns energy like a spring, feet cutting through the waves, heels kicking up a strong wake, and it feels great. What freedom! Creative visualization is a critical skill for body movement, especially as you age." "First ease then speed." by ... Read more

Brief Thoughts On Salt And Those Hot Triathlon Race Days

Hi folks! Glad you came by! Understanding the flow of salt (sodium chloride) entering into, passing through, and being eliminated by your body is critical, especially when racing under hot humid conditions. There is a lot written about salt, it's impact on your body, including the dangers of an excess or insufficient salt in your blood. For a great review of the subject see the post by Mark Sisson at Mark's ... 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.