The Importance of Cross Training For Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

The graph shows the nice steady build of my heart rate during the 4-hour ride. I don’t consider a pulse rate of 129 to be in the “red zone,” btw, but my watch does. Here are the 5-mile lap times, fyi, showing some minor disruptions due to traffic: 23:05 22:33 20:50 20:30 20:09 20:02 19:42 19:55 19:46 20:10 19:45 19:38 I find cycling and swimming are unaffected by my severe PAD, while running is really difficult. ... Read more

Use Your Feet to Keep Your Feet

Use Your Feet to Keep Your Feet

While struggling to run with peripheral artery disease (PAD), I discovered the value of strengthening my feet, especially for effective toe and foot flexion. Imagine gripping the ground with your toes - toe flexion. Imagine gripping the ground with your whole foot - foot flexion. Flexing my "little" toes: second toe, or "long toe,” third toe, or "middle toe,” fourth toe, or "ring toe,” and the fifth toe, or ... Read more

Wake Up Your Feet In The Pool For Peripheral Arterial Disease Therapy

Wake Up Your Feet In The Pool For Peripheral Arterial Disease Therapy

To watch this on Instagram, click this link. I use this exercise to improve my swim, and encourage better blood flow in my feet for my pain in the ass peripheral arterial disease. This strengthens and relaxes your feet, done right. It's basically a simple swim kick, toes pointed. I use bare feet, along with a more interesting workout than just standing in the water, with my mouth just clearing the surface. If ... Read more

Notes on Peripheral Arterial Disease Running Progress: No Socks No Corns

Notes on Peripheral Arterial Disease Running Progress: No Socks No Corns

Foot corns (local hyperkeratosis due to friction and/or pressure) don't look like much, but they are hell to run on. I struggled to fix those corns through running technique, which helped a little, then, for unrelated reasons (wet gear) I tried no socks, and those corns melted away in a week. Damn those corns hurt like crap, making the run hell, and now I had another problem to deal with. Corns. A brand new ... Read more

Peripheral Arterial Disease Running Puzzle Continues: Muscles of the Feet!

Peripheral Arterial Disease Running Puzzle Continues: Muscles of the Feet!

Image purchased with copyright from ShutterStock, Inc. Hi folks, I continue my research into the challenge of running with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), as my right popliteal artery is almost completely blocked, and the other one is starting to induce claudication when I run or walk uphill. My right foot is essentially running on collaterals built over a lifetime of training, including the last 20 odd ... Read more

Masks, Bikes, Nose Clips, and Running With Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Masks, Bikes, Nose Clips, and Running With Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

FitOldDog wearing a "Surgical Loop 3-Ply Face Mask," in the middle of the night due to pollen allergy waking him up. This blog post is a bit of a miscellany. Just what popped into my head. What do face masks, bikes and nose clips have in common? THE IMPORTANCE OF FIT! MASKS: If your mask doesn't fit, it really doesn't matter what type of mask you wear, and how great its filtration, because fluids flowing ... Read more

Training for Aging is a Journey, Not a Destination

You can use your fingers to help your toes, as you train for aging and fight peripheral arterial disease. Aging is truly the toughest endurance sport. For me it has become a way of life, even though we train for aging our whole lives. Most importantly, it's never too late to start. I qualified for the 2023 World Half Ironman Championships this year by the skin of my teeth. On race day in August I will have just ... Read more

Don’t Trust Your Doctor, Hone And Trust Your Instincts!

Don't Trust Your Doctor, Hone And Trust Your Instincts!

Don't Trust Your Doctor? Unless Your Instincts Tell You Too! If you want to see the data, go to this link. Even some doctors say don't trust your doctor! Trust Has To Be Built Advice to doctors, based on preliminary survey data: Listen to your patients and let them know you are listening. When I sign up for a race, I have friends who say, "Did your doctor give you permission?" I think, "Permission. Who are ... 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.