Fighting Fit at Fifty!

Archie

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Sun, 06 May 2012 08:28:00 +0000

Archie is a one year old Norfolk Terrier and has a special character all of his own. He is so playful and funny and always greets anyone he meets with such excitement and energy.

He belongs to my daughter Rachel and is her best friend and companion.

Archie is a now a very popular member of our family and loved by all!!

Oh yes.... he just loves to have his photo taken as well. (They say that pets always take after their owners.)

Happy New Year 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:29:00 +0000

Well once again it's the start of a New Year and I would like to wish any readers of this blog a very happy and prosperous one.

So have I made any New Years resolutions? - Well no I haven't. I've given up on making resolutions and just want to take life as it comes. I have a feeling that it's going to be an exciting year!!

.......I'll keep you informed.

Back Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:20:00 +0000

So it's been a while since writing my last post (Feb 2011), in fact it's been so long that I forgot my own password to be able to enter this blog site to write this post.

I'm pleased to report for anyone who may be at all interested, at the present time everything is going well in my life and I have maintained my fitness levels since turning fifty, 15 months ago.

To bring you up to date, I'm currently renewing my interest in cycling as a way of keeping fit and have recently purchased a hybrid / road bike (Giant Rapid 2), which is just fantastic to ride compared to my old mountain bike.

I shall continue to ride throughout the winter months despite my dislike of the cold weather, infact alongside the bike I've also purchased a turbo trainer, which means I can also ride my new mean machine in the garage without having to venture out into the cold and wet.

I know this sounds like I'm a bit of a fair-weather cyclist, I do however know what it feels like to ride in really extreme conditions, having been a postman for several years when I was in my early twenties.

I'll once again will be looking forward to those Spring / Summer months when I am able to venture out on to the open roads, with just my shorts and t-shirt on.

Health Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:16:00 +0000

What's going on; everyone I know is having some kind of health issue. My immediate family members are either suffering with the stomach bug or the flu. Personally I still have this niggling cough, which as been persistent now, on and off, since October.

My dear mother who is 85 has been suffering with DVT (blood clot) in her leg. So I've been looking after her, acting as her nurse by giving her regular injections, as well as several trips to the local hospital for blood tests etc. I'm grateful that she's now on the mend.

I know that it's February and it's the usual time to pick up any virus that's floating around, however I'm beginning to notice that everyone I talk to seems to be suffering from some kind of ailment.

Thankfully the Snowdrops are starting to emerge from the ground, which usually means that Spring is just around the corner.

This particular winter, for me, has seemed really long, really cold and really miserable, or maybe it's just the way I've been viewing it. Never mind I just can't wait for those warm sunny days to be upon us again.

Roll-on the Spring!

KICKSTART - Session Three

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Have just completed session three of the KICKSTART Health & Fitness Programme. Performed it with my son Jason who described as a 'near death experience'. Have to admit that it was another gruelling session.

KICKSTART - SESSION TWO

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:05:00 +0000

I've jus personally completed the second session of the KICKSTART programme and have improved my overall score quite considerably from last week. My only concern is that next week it will be even harder for me to beat this weeks total.

After completing the various different exercise routines I laid on the floor completely exhausted, again feeling shaky and lightheaded. I know that when exercising correctly it doesn't have to be this way.

My biggest problem has always been, not being over competitive against other people, but being over competitive against myself. I have always liked pushing myself physically and mentally to the limit and today was no exception, hence the after-effects.

Oh well "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" has always been my mantra.

KICKSTART 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:03:00 +0000

I've recently put together a New Year's Health & Fitness programme called KICKSTART.
It's basically a set of exercises taken from the martial arts, including some cardio and stretching. I've also included some healthy eating tips and specific ways to adopt a positive mindset too.

Yesterday I tried out the fitness regime for myself and although I felt slightly shaky afterwards, I have to admit for someone who is now in there fifties, I did quite well.

Winter Again

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 22:49:00 +0000

I don't know about you but this year seems to have passed by so quickly that I feel that it was only yesterday that I was looking forward to celebrating my 50th birthday in the heat of the summer. Today, we are again experiencing some extreme wintery conditions with snow on the ground and the temperature outside at -4 degrees.

As my wife and family know, I dislike the cold weather considerably and I tend to become miserable with these wintry conditions. This year I have taken extra measures to keep warm, I have invested in some thermal underwear and have also purchased a SAD glo-light lamp to help beat the winter blues. I believe that these items have made a considerable difference and although I don't like the cold, I do seem to be tolerating the winter just that little bit better than before.

Thank God For The Modern Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:15:00 +0000

As a kid I was always forced to go to the school dentist.

Need I say more except from there on I had a big phobia about regularly visiting any Dentist. Up until a few years ago (just after having all my wisdom teeth extracted) the fear of making that regular trip has totally disappeared.

This morning I have just had an old 'cracked' tooth capped. Not only will this protect the tooth for many years to come, it will also cosmetically enhance the look within my mouth, getting rid of another one of those grey old fillings.

Therefore I say congratulations to all modern dentistry practices with those pain free gadgets that they now have. I also endorse the new breed of Dentist who totally understand how to treat neurotics like myself.

My own Dentist not only has Radio two on while she works on me (to distract me), but she also explains every single procedure along the way, which is good. My only problem is that I can never reply to her questions, usually because of got something she got stuffed into my mouth at the time.

Never-the-less I now see the trip to the Dentist as pleasure, because I need to inform her how much I've flossed since the previous visit and how many times that I clean my teeth in one day.

If only I'd done that forty years ago....

This post is sponsored by laptop radiation protection - Phone Shield.

Renegade Millionaire Course

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Sorry that it's been a while since my last post, the only excuse that I can make is that I've been feeling slightly under-par, recovering from a cold virus I contracted about four weeks ago.

Since then not much has happened in my life, although I did recently attend a course in London called the 'Renegade Millionaire'. This three day event was organised by Chris Cardell one of the Uk's leading authorities on business marketing and also leading marketing expert from the USA the legendary Dan Kennedy. The event attracted approx. one hundred and forty business owners from all over the UK and Europe.

As a small business owner myself much of the information I obtained was highly beneficial and I felt that I had gained my monies worth after only the first couple of hours. The big question however - Will it help me to become financially independent? - I suppose only time will tell, however one thing is for sure, it's certainly increased my chances and at least put me on the road to autonomy. All I have to do now is follow through with the information provided and see what happens.

Post sponsored by Phoenix Training - Management Training.

Great Photo!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 08:34:00 +0000

I recently took this photo on a trip down to Wiltshire.

It's situated in Avebury where the large stones are placed. I just love looking at trees generally, their shapes, sizes and leaf patterns, however this one, I have to say is exceptional, exposing it's routes for all to see.

Truly a tree amongst trees.

My Yearly Cold!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:59:00 +0000

Almost the same time every year I pick up a cold virus. I've come to realise that it's natures way of slowing me down a little.

Previous to this I have been running myself, both mentally and physically at a hundred miles-per-hour, and now I'm currently having to go at a ten mph pace, in the slow lane.

As an ex practitioner of complimentary medicine, I have often given other people such great advice about, taking time-out, relaxing more, taking life easy, that sort of stuff. Unfortunately like many other well-meaning therapists I don't somehow listen to my own advice, until you guessed it...something goes wrong.

Never mind I'm sitting here with the tissues nearby, feeling sorry for myself!

Apologies!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 06:33:00 +0000

First of all sincere apologies that it's been so long since my last post.

It's not that I've been spending all of my spare time posting on Facebook or anything like that, in fact to be honest, I'm totally fed up with the Facebook craze and have decided to keep any further personal communication to an absolute minimum.

So what have I been up to? Well I've been working quite intensely on several things, including my business, diet and fitness.

Over the summer months, since my birthday I have been carefully monitoring my diet and I weighed myself today at 13stone 4lbs (186lbs), which is about 4lbs more than I was this time last year. Not to worry though as I'm feeling really good about myself and very positive about my future.

Please keep viewing my blog to find out whats happening in the future.

Some interesting things to tell you about that's coming up?

Three Years Today!!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:07:00 +0000

It's three years today since my Father passed away.

I know that my Dad was a good man. He hardly got angry and greeted everyone that he met with a smile, even when he was in discomfort himself toward the end of his life.

I cannot think of a bad word to say about him, he was a very simple uncomplicated Gentleman and if I only posses just a few of his traits, then I should feel blessed.

I dedicate this post to him - Victor Richard Ducker 1918 - 2007

Closing Down?

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:47:00 +0000

Now that I've managed to reach the good old age of fifty and Facebook becoming more popular I was debating whether or not to close this particular blog down..................But my daughter Rachel (kindly without telling me) has up-graded and given my 'fightingfitatfifty blog' a brand new look.

So for at least the time-being, it has inspired me to carry-on. So thanks Rach you've done a wonderful job as always.

The above photo is Rachel in a corn-field making crop circles ? She's very creative you know!!!

50th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Well it came to pass -

My 50th Birthday.....

I suppose the pictures say it all!

Great Kids!!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:58:00 +0000

I've just had both my kids at home for the Weekend. I just love it when they're together and enjoying each others company - reminds me when they were younger!!

I'm so grateful for having two fantastically talented and wonderful kids!!

50th Birthday Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:55:00 +0000

Well I can reveal to you, for those that might be remotely interested that the location of my special birthday holiday (re)treat is..... Tenerife.

Well I know it's not quite the exotic location that I've talked about in previous posts, such as China, Hawaii or the Canadian Rockies. But my wife Ali has booked us into a Sensatori Spa, (five Star) Resort, which to be honest is exactly what I need at this moment in time as I'm completely Knackered.

Ali and I are really looking forward to spending some quality time together and I know she's going to pamper me completely on my birthday and I'm also hoping she'll take me up to Mt. Tiede to see the sunset above the clouds, which is said to be an unforgettable experience.

I can't wait!!!

England v's Germany -Update!!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:08:00 +0000

So much for my predication concerning the football match between England & Germany ! Hey I'm a Martial Arts Instructor - what the heck do I know about football anyway!

'Mum In A Million'

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:02:00 +0000

Last year I bought my Mum a rose for Mother's Day - It was called 'Mum In A Million'. Well here it is in full-bloom.

Also a lovely photo of my Mum who's actually 85 this year - also in full bloom.

Come On England!!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 07:05:00 +0000

As far back as I can remember I've always enjoyed kicking a Football. I have never been a prolific soccer player myself, but I've followed the 'beautiful game' all my life.

The 2010 World Cup has been very interesting to watch and well done to South Africa for hosting an excellent tournament. But now we're getting down to the crunch games and there's no bigger rivalry than England v's Germany.

Watching England play Slovenia on Wednesday was a nerve-wracking experience and I suppose over the years I've seen many England games that have left myself as well as the rest of the nation thinking about 'what could have been.'

So come on England, the whole nation is behind you! Lets see you at least crush the Germans. I predict a 2-0 victory to England. (No penalties)

Then hopefully it's the Argentinians next!

PS The photograph shows the Kuk Sool kids in Halesworth - We're supporting England and South Korea as well!!

Birthday destination

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:30:00 +0000

Soon I will be able to inform you about the destination where I'm likely to spend my 50th Birthday; is it going to be Thailand, China, Canadian Rocky Mountains or just good old Britain?

All will be revealed very shortly.

Come back soon to find out!!

Men's Health Week 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 06:27:00 +0000

It's the start of National Men's Health Week, which is all about bringing increased awareness to all issues concerning male health and fitness.

From my own perspective I realise that it is so important for men of my own particular age (and younger) to look after themselves in the way of regular exercise and following a balanced diet.

It is a known fact that so many illnesses and diseases could be avoided by just paying a little more attention to these particular aspects, as well as a reduction in smoking and alcohol intake.

In my youth I have to admit, mainly due to ignorance and lifestyle I did eat a lot of junk food, as well as smoking and drinking alcohol excessively. I always felt pretty crap to say the least until I took up the martial arts. So I do know what it's like to experience what I like to call the "dark-side."

Today, personally I don't take my own health for granted, it's something that I believe you have to keep in check constantly, as it's easy to slide down the scale again. Good health does require self-discipline, but it's well worth it in the long term.

The benefits of exercise etc. certainly 'out-weigh' the misery and suffering caused by ill-health and it's not to late to start - for further information take a look at the following website; www.malehealth.co.uk

I just thought I'd mention, it's exactly one month to go until my 50th birthday! In case you're still wondering - I am very much still 'Fighting Fit' and today I'm planning to do some cycling and a little jogging myself, just to practice what I preach.

Have a good Health Week!!

So Much Going On!!

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:01:00 +0000

Well it's been a really busy two weeks in my life, hence the lack of postings on this blog. I've had wedding's, birthdays, gradings, exhibitions, seminars, all mostly in the name of Kuk Sool, but I have to say that it's all been really good.

I've also been distracted an awful lot by using Facebook. Everyone is on there communicating away to each other and I've been chatting to people that I haven't seen for years.

I'm still trying to figure out whether it's is a good thing or not, I suppose in many ways it opens the doors of communication to people you wouldn't regularly see, however I'm still a little old-fashioned and tend to enjoy the face-to-face close-encounter type of chatting.

Oh well that's modern progress I suppose.

Scottish Kuk Sool Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Martin Ducker) — Thu, 27 May 2010 07:49:00 +0000

Today we are heading off to the Granite City, Aberdeen, Scotland for the Kuk Sool Scottish Championships, only this time there's no hint of any volcanic ash.

The flight time from Norwich to Aberdeen should take just over an hour, which is fantastic when you imagine it takes ten hours to drive.

KJN Ali and I are looking forward in helping out with Black Belt gradings, seminars, and also the Scottish tournament.

All-in-all should be another great weekend. - Back on Monday!