Train to Race or Race to Train, Lazy Bum, And Dropped By An 81-Year Old

  Hi folks, Well! My son and I finished the Eagleman race this weekend. It was one of those races where you wonder why you are doing this to yourself, as it was very hot, lots of people had cramps, and both of our runs were a mess due to cramping. This is when I have to remind myself that I race to train, not the other way around. I enjoy the races, but I don't enjoy quad cramps during a run. This has only ... Read more

Do You Mind If I Call You A Senior? Hell No!

Hi folks, Today I was chatting to Tara, a young friend and great massage therapist, Gyrotonic instructor and athlete, when she mentioned a television program called 'Are You Fitter Than A Senior?' As I never watch TV it was news to me. Then Tara said, "I wouldn't like to compete with you guys," and she rapidly followed up with "Ooops! Sorry! Do you mind if I call you a Senior?" Off my mind raced as it processed ... Read more

Take Time To Stop And Stroke The Kittens!

  Hi folks, I was out riding the bike the other day with my friend Rory, who loves to always ride 'balls to the wall,' as they say. He just can't help it! Honest! He can't! As we approached a set of farm buildings where a delightful cat lives, Rory said, "are you going to stop and see the cat?" Notice, he didn't say "are we going to stop?" I said "of course," but I could tell that Rory wanted to keep on ... Read more

Lumpers, Splitters, Phenotypic Variance, And Life As A State Of Dynamic Tension

Hi folks! It would appear that we are all slightly different creatures, humans, but we do fall into certain types, or phenotypes. Tall, short, phlegmatic, choleric, hirsute, less hairy, analytical, emotive, and so-forth! When I worked as a pathologist it was clear that there are two types of pathologists, lumpers and splitters. If you are a lumper and you try to work with a splitter, they'll drive you crazy, and ... Read more

Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll, Shaking Hands With Death, And Embracing Your Climacteric!

  Hi folks! I attended St. George's Grammar school in England in the late 1950s to the early 1960s. Here is picture of the school building as it was when I was there as a shy teenager who was definitely not part of the 'in set.' I did, however, love to study and learn new things. This scholastic edifice, which was very kind to me in many ways, exposed me to a range of interesting subjects including ... Read more

Staying In Shape Has Great Benefits – Dolphins In Hawaii!

  Hi folks, I often stop to appreciate the joys of being in good physical shape, and long may it last. This came home to me about 10 years ago while I was visiting Hawaii to watch my son, Nigel, do the Hawaii Ironman again. About three days before the race the organizers put out the swim buoys for the 2.4 mile course that runs along the coast about a quarter mile from the shore. During the race it ... Read more

Talking To Your Inner Child, Creative Visualization, And Learning To Dance Through Life!

  Hi folks! I reread this, as a result of the apparent interest it elicited, which I observed using Webmaster Tools, and decided to redistribute. It occurred to me that to be an athlete, or exercise for better health [spot the keyword and 'Hi! Bots'], you have to face yourself. Get ready for some ‘psychobabble,’ though I take it seriously myself. About 30 years ago I went through a major personal ... Read more

It Is Easier To Want What You Get Than To Get What You Want, Apollo 13, and Rube Goldberg Machines

Hi folks, I remember reading a Zen Meditation book, written by a small group in California (I couldn't find this book on line), in which it was stated that 'it is easier to want what you get than to get what you want.' It really means that you can enjoy life with what you have, rather than always wanting what you don't have, to which there is no end. This sounds like the Chez Ollie all wrapped up in a different ... 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.