Thursday, 12 July 2007 19:00
Written by Allan Besselink
I am a blues lover ... sing the blues, play the blues, either way I enjoy it. Austin's a great place for live blues music - and admittedly one of my original reasons for moving here. But there is another type of blues that I don't enjoy quite so much - let's call that the summertime blues. When I think of summer in Austin, I think of the heat.
In order to survive a summer of training in the heat, you've got to have some strategies. We all know that training in the heat can become a real challenge. It seems harder to maintain your training pace – if anything, you may feel like you’re running slower. You’re lethargic. Perhaps it just seems like a lot of work. You can't go out early enough in the morning to avoid it. You feel like you can't drink enough to make up for it. So training in the heat is tough - that's a given. But what can be done to make the situation as good as possible?
Friday, 08 February 2008 19:00
Written by Allan Besselink
It's that time again - time to choose a Democrat and Republican to go head-to-head for the Presidency of the United States. As Super Tuesday just passed, some things have become a little more focused - and others haven't.
Growing up in Canada, we learned a lot about US history. In Canada, we actually realize that there is a neighbor to the south and that it's only neighborly to learn about them, hence our studying of the US political system. Living within a mile of the US, I got my fair share of US television and US politics.
Fascinating stuff, when you're observing from afar!
Now, I am within it all ... and have been for years. It's still so very fascinating, but for so many different reasons.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007 19:00
Written by Allan Besselink
I am a strong believer in the power of language. Language isn't just about "words" - it's also about the personal meanings that we derive from those words. As we all realize, saying what you mean may not be the same as meaning what you say. Add to this the idea that "the meaning of words" and "what it translates to in pop culture" are oftentimes two totally different entities.
I bring this up today because of a great example of this phenomenon - the word "wellness". If we look at the literal meaning of "wellness", here is what we'd find (italic emphasis is mine):
Wednesday, 22 November 2006 19:00
Written by Allan Besselink
They call it Turkey Day ... the day before the college football rivalries play out on stages around the country ... and they also call it Thanksgiving Day. This is a time to share with loved ones and to essentially "give thanks".
I've discovered that Thanksgiving should be a daily occurrence - and not just the time to gorge on turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and the Dallas Cowboys.
This day serves as but a reminder that every day should be one to give thanks - for health, for family, for friends, for the capacity to pursue intellectual and physical pursuits. Perhaps it shouldn't be even a daily thing - perhaps it's truly being thankful for the moment, the space between experiences and memories, the breath of fresh air that is found in the purity of flow from moment to moment.
Turkey is good, but it just isn't enough - and eating it daily would just be too much for the taste buds!
Friday, 15 June 2007 19:00
Written by Allan Besselink
Surprise ... it's quiz time ...
Consider this scenario: you've been running for a few weeks now, and you've noted a little discomfort in your thigh whenever you run. It's starting to limit your running, and you really don't want to stop training if at all possible. Off the top of your head, who's the first healthcare provider you'd go to see (if insurance and other issues weren't limiters) to resolve this problem?
Wait ... don't tell me the answer just yet. This will all make more sense in a moment. Read on, please.
Up to 60% of runners will sustain an injury within any given year. Poor running mechanics, in conjunction with poor, ineffective and outdated training methods, can pose a significant injury risk. "RunSmart" was written to address these issues in the running community.
Featured Chapter
"Running Injuries: Etiology And Recovery- Based Treatment" (co-author Bridget Clark, PT) appears in the third edition and fourth editions of "Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: A Team Approach" by Charles Giangarra, MD and Robert C. Manske, PT.