Running Brain.com

Hello. My name is Anthony Ellis, M.D. and I'm a geriatric psychiatrist and reformed couch-potato. My wife and I started down a new path towards health and longevity in 2001 by getting off the couch in to road racing. We joined a local group running program and have been avid runners since. This year we will complete our tenth "Crim" road race in Flint, Michigan.

In 2005, I wrote a book about the race and training program that turned us in to athletes. The book is called "Running the Crim, Stories From the Coolest Race in Michigan."

Since 2007 I have also been a Michigan Master's swimmer. I compete in monthly swim meets in the winter, organized by Michigan Masters, and swim in the State Championships each year. You can view the Michigan Master's program and the schedule by clicking HERE. Swimming is an activity that you can participate in across the lifespan to optimize your functional longevity.  

In 2009, I added biking to the mix and my transformation from runner to triathlete was complete. Now I train beginner triathletes and I compete in sprint triathlons each Summer.

Most states have master's programs for swimmer's over age 18, and there are numerous yearly championship meets available across the country for competitive swimmers. You don't have to compete to benefit, but competition can help keep you motivated. Look up master's swimming in your state. Almost anyone can swim. If you can't swim well...take some lessons at your local YMCA or YWCA.