I have been running for many years, starting back in Middle School. I started this mainly as a way to help me gain confidence, and to learn to stand up for myself. When you are one of the smallest kids in your class, and there are two of us (twins!), we were an easy target. I got tired of it, and running helped bring me out of my shell. It gave me confidence, strength, and belief in myself. As far as I was concerned, there is nothing more powerful than distance running for this. Everything in my life has been made better because of running, and I will continue it for as long as I can. Many people don’t think they can do it, or they are waiting for that perfect time to start.
Just like life, running has taught me how to handle things in my life better. And it truly has!
I learn something from every run. Every run is not a good run, don’t get me wrong. There are days when things are really tough. But, at least for my head, I have the ability to figure things out, and feel ready to take on the day much better. It is therapy, and medication rolled into one.
When things in life get tough, that is when I have to figure out how to be tougher. “Bring It On” is my mantra. I won’t be pushed around. I stand my ground. I believe in what I am doing, and have confidence to do it. That does not mean I am always right. I learn from my mistakes just like everybody else does. But it helps me get through the stress and pressure of medicine, and the fact that I not only have to take care of myself, but I have the lives of all of my patients to contend with as well. No easy task, let me tell you!
This is a perfect summary. It truly has taught me that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined. I have also made a lot of friends because of running, and they all feel the same way!
Every weekend we have a group of people…friends…who go for a long run. Many of us are training for a half marathon, or a marathon, coming up next weekend in Fargo. If you ever want a true challenge, sign up for a marathon. The marathon is a huge challenge, but the bigger challenge is training for it. The marathon run is one day, and the training can be anywhere from 4-6 months, and that is if you already have a good base of regular running to start with. I challenge anybody to do a marathon, and not be changed as a result of it. The only way you will truly know how is by doing one! I kid you not, there are times when you think you might die! What does not kill you, only makes you stronger! Have you heard this before?
This is why we keep coming back. This next weekend in Fargo will be marathon number 17 for me. I have learned something from every one. Sarah is running, and this will be her second, and for my daughter Megan, this will be her first. This is why I am running it. I want to run one with my kids. Sarah is running to keep an eye on me! We don’t care about the time we finish it in. The only thing we are achieving is completing it. “Bring It On”!
I told you, after some runs you feel like you might be dying! Her Paula is demonstrating this. But after a few minutes she popped right back up and wanted to know when the next run was going to be!!! Until you push yourself, you have no idea how far you can actually go!
My forever training partner. Sarah and I started dating our second year in medical school. I knew she ran too, and I always made it a point to run past her house in Vermillion. And when it was hot, of course, I did not wear a shirt! Before long, she was running with me, and the rest is history! Hee Hee! Things are getting stressful again at work with COVID, so the distance running is saving my mind anyway. So that reminds me, I need to go for a run!
Keep moving everybody, for both physical, and mental, well being!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of New Streak: # 903
