Hey! Fit Old Dogs! Do You Want To Do An Ironman?

Hi folks, I just received my photos for the Lake Placid Ironman 2011 from Action Sports International, and they did a great job (Thanks!). It was my slowest time ever at Lake Placid, but it was the fastest anyone has ever finished that race with an abdominal aortic aneurysm-stent graft in their belly. If you want to do one, this is how it goes. It started with the usual gentle swim when the gun went off at 7:00 am ... Read more

Thoughts On Training At 50+: ‘Not Going Slower’ Versus ‘Going Faster’

Hi folks, The power is back on, hurricane Irene is leaving and in spite of blustery winds Rory and I went for an easy spin on our bikes. During the ride we were comparing our ride times (speed) over the years for certain routes and we agreed that we were definitely slowing down. It then occurred to me that a training program designed to make you faster might not be optimal for older endurance athletes. Your ... Read more

FitOldDog Learning To Dance By Studying Continuum: Feels Good, Great Training, And Women Like It!

Hi folks, [A quick question to my readers before I start: how can I improve my blog to make it more interesting, informative, and potentially of value? All input would be very much appreciated.] We live in and consist of a system of flow fields. Externally, we have the air, the sea, the earth, and all the busy activity that goes on at the interfaces of these media, not to mention stars, galaxies, and the ... Read more

Good Food For All? I Know There Is An Answer!

Hi folks, I really enjoy food, including cooking, so Ironman training is just the job for me - lots of food. When I can I buy my victuals (or as John Cleese would say, comestibles) at local farm stores. In this case, the company is called 'Small Potatoes' and they stop by Johnny's, just over the road, a couple of times a week. They sell vegetables, fruit, cheese, eggs, meat and whatever is in season. ... Read more

Safe Running Surface Selection And A Brief Conversation With Gina Kolata Of The New York Times

Hi folks, Running on trails can be wonderful, especially in cool weather or on a rainy day, but it does come with some risks. The other day, a hot day, I was sitting IMPATIENTLY in a sports store waiting for Nick (13-year old) to 'please' select the shoes he wanted so I could get back to work on my blog/e-business. I had a bit of writer's block. I was wondering where the next post idea was coming from. This ... Read more

Healthy Aging Recovery: Do Older People Need More Recovery Time

Healthy Aging Recovery: Do Older People Need More Recovery Time

Older People Do Need More Recovery Time! Yes! We Do! So What! Sometimes I Need Two (2) Recovery Days, So I Take Them! Build this body-awareness training into your exercise plan! To go as fast or far as you can. Exercise safely! Body awareness becomes increasingly important for healthy aging recovery. I should know, still doing Ironman races in my 70s Crazy Ol' Coot? No! Happy Older Athlete! If you ... Read more

Soreness After A Workout Provides Valuable Information

Hi folks, Yesterday I started on Victor's squat diet. Having an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a stent graft, I took a cautious approach, only carrying my squat down to the point where my knees made a 90-degree angle. I was also careful to use good form, pushing out my butt with a straight spine and a firm (but not rigid) core, whilst keeping my shins fairly close to vertical to the floor. During three sets, I ... Read more

Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything? Well, Imagine Doing Something, Then Just Do It!

Hi folks, Human imagination is a remarkably powerful tool, which can play a valuable role in training, racing and recovery from disease. I was raised on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) radio shows. We would listen to them at specific times, awaiting the next episode with considerable excitement. This was before I saw my first television set. Radio shows leave the mind to fill in visual effects, and in ... 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.