by Dan | Oct 5, 2014 | Etc.
Sarah surprised me today…early…for my 50th Birthday. It is actually the 24th this month, but she had a surprise party today. Totally took me by surprise!!!!! My true training partner…in good times, and in bad. She has always been at my side. I appreciate it this more and more all of the time.
Lots of friends…lots of family, including my twin brother, so we were celebrating together. It was a great surprise. 2 of my 3 kids were there, and Megan was there on face time from school in Virginia. Great food. My nurse Chris did a great job with making the cake, and the cupcakes. Delicious as usual.
This is why I do all of the exercise…sometimes you need to splurge a little when it comes to your diet. These types of events make it all worthwhile. The other reason is that I am around to be able to enjoy these types of celebrations. I hope to enjoy many more, and especially events involving my kids. That is truly what it is all about! Make time for your friends and family. That is what is important. Enjoy life. Thank you very much Sarah! I love you more than words can say!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2564
by Dan | Sep 27, 2014 | Exercise, Goals, Heart Health, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Yesterday, September 26, was the official completion of my 7th year of consecutive exercise days, and went on to begin year 8 today. I still have as much enjoyment now as I ever did. I still have to plan everyday when I am going to exercise, and what type of exercise for that day, but it is a habit. A very enjoyable habit. I can’t see myself doing it any other way. Whether biking, running, walking, lifting weights…and even swimming…I thoroughly enjoy staying active.
My exercise has taken me on many adventures, and with many different people. I would not trade it for anything! Hopefully the adventures still keep coming, and with other people as well. How far can I go without missing a day? I don’t know, but we will all be finding out together. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2556
by Dan | Sep 22, 2014 | Exercise, Family, Motivation, Wellness/Health
My girls turn 20 today! Both in their own worlds now. One at SDSU in Brookings, and one at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. One swimming, and one trying to keep running, and both trying to figure out their future life. We all have challenges every day, and for us “older individuals”, we know how challenging and stressful this time in our life can be. You may be away at school learning, but they, like all of us, need to remember one thing: Spend your life learning how to live!
They are still trying to figure out their ultimate destination, but who isn’t? We all continue to learn, and to learn by our mistakes. Life is continuously changing. That is what makes it such a fun adventure. Happy Birthday you two! Stay focused, have fun, live and learn. Mom and I are always here for you!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2551
by Dan | Sep 14, 2014 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Nick participated in the Augustana sponsored high school cross country meet yesterday. First race since collapsing 300 meters before the finish line 2 weeks ago at the Canby meet at night. What a scare! He had been sick with an upper respiratory infection for over a week, and it was very humid out that day and night. He also has an exercise induced asthma component, but had used his inhaler prior to the race, as usual. With all of this together, he pushed himself to the maximum, and over did it. When he was not coming to the finish, I took off looking for him, but couldn’t find him. As I was running back to the finish line, the PA speaker announced “Dr. Reiffenberger to the ambulance now!” Nothing like a dead sprint to the ambulance! When I got inside, he was “out of it”. He vomited multiple times, and was pouring in sweat. He does not remember what even happened. He lost 10# that night, and took it easy for the next 2 weeks, trying to gain his strength back. Yesterday was his first day back to racing. He was very nervous. He came up to me off at the side 5 minutes prior to the start and told me he was not sure he could do this. I just reinforced to him to just do his best, that it did not matter his time, and he had to prove to himself he could do this.
Here he is coming down the home stretch to the finish line yesterday. Was he happy with how he finished? No. Was he happy with how he felt? No. But he finished, and safely. I applaud him for having the courage to come back and face his fears. He overcame them yesterday, and hopefully now he can keep moving on. This may have just been “a race” yesterday, but this is what life is all about. We all have challenges we have to face in our life, or have fears we have to overcome. We have to be willing to go out of our comfort zone, and face them head on, or risk being ruled by those fears forever. This part was far more important than any race. I could not have been more proud of him that I was yesterday! Way to go Nick, and take on your challenges and fears head on! That is a lesson for us all…things we want do not come easy. Staying fit and doing exercise is never easy, but you can do it, and gain the benefits from it in many ways. Thanks for teaching us a lesson Nick!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2543
by Dan | Sep 1, 2014 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Heart Health, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Running has been a part of my life for over 30 years. I have incorporated other forms of exercise in that time period, but running is still at the top of the list for favorites. Whether competition, or for fun, it does not matter. All those times of getting ready for marathons, the marathon may have been the final goal, but the achievement was really the work and the process of getting ready for it. Especially when I had training partners. Lots of conversations and thoughts on those runs, and lots of problem solving. The competition was just the icing on the cake. This was the latest race at the Kampeska triathlon.
That drive to continue to be better is still always there. I have had many training partners over the years, but the one who has been at my side always has been my wife Sarah.
Our son Nick is a senior in high school this year, and then everyone will be off to college. This will be the beginning for Sarah and I to start going to different states to participate in other runs, and start exploring the country. You can see much more going for a run! Figure what can spark that drive in you. If you are tired of starting over, then stop giving up! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2530
