A Successful Paleo Shepherd’s Pie, Trademark Approvals, An Interesting Man, And Some Cycling Tips For Beginner’s

Hi folks! Thanks for stopping by!

Shepherd’s Pie prepared by FitOldDog using the Whitney Dane mashed potato recipe.

It’s been an interesting week, including my first Paleo Shepherd’s pie. Being English in origin, I like to eat some old English favorite foods from time to time, but many are not so Paleo! I mentioned this to a local chef, Whitney Dane, who immediately wrote out a recipe for one key ingredient, mashed potatoes. I went home, made the potato-substitute (you’ll have to ask Whitney for the recipe) and then cooked a great Shepherd’s pie, which Deb and I really enjoyed. I preferred mine with Branston Pickle (have to check it’s Paleoness). Yum! Just like regular ol’ English Shepherd’s pie, but low in carbs. Just what FitOldDog, now a registered trademark with the USPTO, needed after some hard training, whilst enabling his journey to becoming a Fat Burning Beast! Thanks Whitney!

Then my trademarked logo, prepared by my number two son, Duncan, of High Street Design, was finally approved, and I met an interesting man at the mall, who made me think. I like it when people make me think, as it is only too easy to sit and believe your own BS. I was sitting on my usual bench seat, outside of Nordstrom’s where you can access their Internet connection for free, when this man just sits down next to me. I gave my usual greeting, “Welcome to the seat,” which evokes a range of responses from people.

What an interesting man, who made me think about the challenges of creating and building a business.

This guy, Sam, just said, “You’re on the Internet and I’m eating a candy bar.” This led me to conclude that Sam was intimating that I’m addicted to the Internet, whilst his craving was for a candy bar. The Internet can certainly be addictive, but I find that my mind tires of the thing within a few hours. So, I closed my laptop and we proceeded to discuss the nature of life, our trials, tribulations and joys with the opposite (or should I say other) sex, our careers, children, and the challenges of creating and then building a business. Sam clearly knew more about business than I, and he informed me that “There is no easy way,” which is also true of riding a bike. So I thought that I would finish this post with some of my key tips on road biking, wondering for each one how it might also apply to business:

1. 

   A stopped clock in Asheville, NC, USA, at the Early Girl Eatery, made me think about time and how not to waste it. Talking to Sam was more fun than Internetting!

   Respect rule number one, which is to keep the rubber side down.

2. Always equip your bike with a mirror and bright lights, in order to see and be seen.
3. Never ride alone.
4. Carry pepper spray, as dangerous dogs, though rare, can appear at the most unexpected moments.
5. If a dog does appear attempt to avoid swerving violently, as motorized vehicles are more dangerous than most dogs.
6. When riding with more experienced cyclists, and if you are being dropped, remember to change (gears) up, suck it (pain) up, and get back on that wheel, because drafting reduces your effort by about 30%.
7. When riding with less experienced cyclists, take care that they don’t take you down.
8. Work with your cadence to maximize efficiency, whilst resting fast and slow twitch muscle fibers alternately.
9. Don’t ease off on your effort too soon as you come over the top of a hill, keep pushing until you are going down the other side.
10. Work with your gears to maintain your momentum for as long as possible when attacking hills that can’t be ‘big ringed.’
11. Carry wet and cold weather gear, as conditions can change rapidly.
12. Practice your bike skills before going out on the road.
13. Work with the resistance of wind or hills, don’t fight them (they always win).
14. Try to ride with more skilled cyclists, you can learn a lot.
15. Carry repair gear, an ID, plenty of water, and food if you are not yet a Mark Sisson Fat Burning Beast.

Have fun and stay as safe as you want to! It’s your life!

-k @FitOldDog