Safe Exercise For Better Health Is The Way To Prepare For An Active Old Age

Safe Exercise For Better Health Is The Way To Prepare For An Active Old Age

This post presents an overview of the FitOldDog Training Philosophy or Training Wheel, which guides you through the process of developing improved mind and body awareness before you embark on an exercise program. The goal is to learn to train safely, and thus reduce risk of exercise-induced injuries. One of my favorite books is 'Lord of the Rings,' By Tolkien. This mighty tome treats the females in a strange way, ... 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

Power’s Out And Off For A Run

Hi folks, Hurricane Irene getting in the way of blogging. Power lines down. I'll go for a run, while I can. Then a nice cup of tea using my 43-year old Chez Ollie stove.   All well, otherwise. Glad I've got my iPad and that we aren't any closer to the coast. Exercise advice: just train anyway, if you can, and make sure you have your Colman stove handy. -k Your Medical Mind   ... 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

To Perform Well Hang Out With People Who Perform Well

  Hi folks, Birds of a feather tend to flock together, so choose 'your flock' wisely. This is why I like to attend triathlon training camps, as they provide me with the opportunity to mingle with talented athletes and learn from them. I also meet some older people, like myself, who are endeavoring to become better athletes in spite of the inevitable aging process. The energy of the group just pulls you ... Read more

Do You Want To Fix Your Health Problem, Or Do You Just Want It To Go Away?

  Hi folks, I often encounter people with health problems or training injuries who complain about them, describe them in great detail or the symptoms at least, provide a litany of health specialists consulted and so forth, but when I suggest that they might actually work on the issue themselves they look extremely confused or nod their head and continue in the same old way to repeat the story to me a month ... Read more

Beware ‘Crazy Time’ That Comes In Many Guises, Including Barefoot Running

  Hi folks, During life we have to overcome many challenges, including major life-changing relationship issues. The author is no exception in this regard. The good news is that you learn what to expect, how to protect yourself whilst attempting to be fair to others, and you know the pain will end and a new, exciting life will appear once you accept the loss and move on. The real danger comes during ... Read more

Simple Pleasures And The Fluid Nature Of Memory

  Hi folks, A life well lived is a balanced life. As I think back over my life so far, I remember some simple pleasures that cost little but left an indelible memory. The earliest is playing the ancient game of five stones as a kid in the street outside of our house in Bristol, England in the late 1940s. You find five nice small stones, just right to both throw in the air and pick up, and away you go. It ... 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.