You can learn from animals, to improve your sport, and save animals in the process. I was working out at the track the other day, when I overheard my number two son, Duncan, who was 'running the stairs,' say to his friend, whilst pointing towards the track, "That is why I have to stay in shape, to stay ahead of them." He indicated his mother, Sheelagh, and myself. Sheelagh runs with a shuffle-step, but she comes ... Read more
Short Or Tall, Cute Or Ugly, You Are What You Think You Are, So Think Great
Hi folks, During a recent 'comment conversation' with my interesting brother, Trevor, the issue of height was discussed and he called me 'Lofty.' I smiled about that, which in itself is revealing. As a 5' 6"-tall teenager, I was called 'Shorty' and labeled as having 'ducks disease,' and was otherwise teased unmercifully about my vertical challenge, with severe damage to my self-esteem, but as John ... Read more
Fond Memories Of An Expat AAA-Ironman Triathlete As A Young Veterinarian In Wellington Somerset
Hi folks, Many years ago I lived in Wellington, Somerset, England, where I worked as a young veterinarian. In fact, one of my latest Veterinary Tales, 'Pride Cometh Before A Fall,' was based upon an experience on a farm whilst I was working in the Wellington practice. It seems such a long time ago, so I looked on the Internet for a photograph of the Wellington of Today, and it looks to be just the ... Read more
Work Out And Race With Your Kids For As Long As You Can
Hi folks, Life is a great journey, with all of its vicissitudes. When my first child was born I felt as though I had been thrown into prison with a squalling guard who would never let me escape. All of my old habits of going to the movies, reading a book, or eating out whenever I liked, were thrown into disarray. Then two more sons and twenty years later, this screaming but delightful child, Nick, ... Read more
Trust Is Funny Stuff And It Takes Time To Build
"She trusts people who are trustworthy. She also trusts people who aren't trustworthy. This is true trust." Tao te Ching, Lao-tzu, Translation by Steven Mitchell Hi folks, Our mother raised us largely on quotes, and many of them were from the Bible. One of her favorites was "By their deeds shalt though know them." This may come from a different version of the Bible than the one I found ... Read more
The Natural Cycles Of Birth, Death And Endurance Training
Hi folks, I was sitting in our screened-in porch the other day, quietly reflecting on something or other, when I heard a cracking sound, and looking up I espied a large, dead tree crashing to the ground. After many years of walking in the woods, this was the first time that I had witnessed such an event. Trees are being born and are dying all the time, at effectively the same rate, though most never ... Read more
An Older Athlete Can Travel The World At Any Time With A Small Backpack And A Little Planning
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity." Bruce Lee Hi folks, As you get older you realize that you need less and less stuff to get by. My important belongings, apart from my bikes, can be collapsed into a small backpack. This enables me to travel the world with little preparation, as long as I keep ... Read more
The Sensory Experiences Of Coffee And Endurance Training
Hi folks, We are finally able to open our grocery store and local hangout, Johnny's Gone Fishing LLC. The inspections are complete, the Certificate of Occupancy has been approved, we are purchasing inventory, and yours truly, FitOldDog, was elected to consider where we might buy our coffee beans and other paraphernalia (cups and stuff). Coffee is a sensory experience, and like all sensory experiences ... Read more
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