The Toughest Aspect Of Ironman Is Balancing Training With Other Commitments

  Hi folks, I'm off to watch my youngest son, Nigel, compete in the St. George Ironman, 2012, and on the way I had a chance to spend time with his family, including three of my grandchildren. It is interesting to watch a young family struggle with the issue of time, the ceaseless energy of children, work responsibilities, and keeping relationships happy and healthy. When it comes to Ironman training, ... Read more

What Should I Advise Larry To Do? To Train For An Ironman Or Not?

  Hi folks, You never know what is around the next corner, and here I am wrestling with the problem of giving advice to Larry, whom I have never met and who contacted me recently via the abdominal aortic aneurysm awareness Facebook page, with the following message (Larry said it was OK to talk about this on my blog!): "Kevin! Hi my name is Larry. I joined the AAA facebook page not too long ago. I too ... Read more

Invited Blog Post On Preparing For An Ironman Swim

  Hi folks, I was pleased to be invited to write a blog post at the triathlon website, Chez Ollie, and Chez Ollie. Denis was great to work with, helping set up SEO and so forth. Thanks again, Denis! -k @FitOldDog   ... Read more

Advice For Triathlete Dionne On Persistent ITBS?

See my more recent thoughts, on ITBS, at this link! Hi folks, A friend of mine, Dionne, is continuing to suffer real problems with symptoms of ileo-tibial band syndrome (ITBS). I know that endurance sports come with these kinds of problems and that we have to learn to work through them somehow. Having undergone two knee surgeries, and a bunch of physiotherapy, for generally self-induced training injuries I ... Read more

If You Don’t Move To The Music Try Continuum To Improve Your Sport

  Hi folks, I hate to say it, but we are all highly conditioned by our childhoods until we escape and let it go, and finally take responsibility for our lives. A slap or a compliment makes all the difference between poor self-esteem and happy dancing. I spent most of my life unable to enjoy the dance, but thanks to Deb sending me to Continuum lessons with Rebecca I now move to the music. It's ... Read more

Find Your Subtle Weaknesses To Improve Your Life And Your Sport

  Hi folks, It's pretty easy to discover what you REALLY cannot do well, both mentally and physically, as long as you give it a serious attempt. However, it can be the more subtle weaknesses that take the edge off of your fun and athletic skill. For instance, a physical therapist told me many years ago that I have weak adductor muscles in my legs. I work on them, carefully, all the time using the weight ... Read more

Nations and Sports Have Both Written And Unwritten Rules Of Behavior

  Hi folks, There's an old quote that came to my mind today, whilst I was sitting, well attempting to sit, in the Bus Station in Alicante, Spain, which goes as follows: "Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it" Henry David Thoreau Rules are interesting and important facts of life, some of which make life work and others can make it a hell. This is certainly true of any sport, for ... Read more

Pleasures And Risks Of Picking Up Your Pace For Ironman Swim T1 Bike T2 And Run

  Hi folks, As a triathlete I spend a lot of time working to increase my endurance and pace, whilst both come with some risks and lots of enjoyment. This will be brief as I'm sitting in Heathrow Airport awaiting my flight. Swim: The key to improving pace in the swim is some technique, lots of conditioning, some more technique, lots more conditioning, and a good coach. The only real risks 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.