It has been 2 months, and I got to start running again this last week! It is tough, but boy does it feel good! You don’t know how much you can miss something until you don’t have it anymore. I have only been going 2 miles at a stretch, and I am tired after this, but each day keeps getting better. So far, it has either been with Sarah or with our run group. One of these days, I will have to venture out on my own again…as long as Sarah lets me! The walking has been good too, but it is not the same as running. Both allow me to relax, and think, and just let my mind wander, but to me, it is just easier to be distracted from that thinking time with walking because it is so much slower. When I am running on my own, it is just my thoughts, and my breathing. Time to solve my days problems, and figure out what I could have done better that day, or if it was in the morning, what could I have done better yesterday, and what do I have to work on more today. We are never perfect, and we will always make mistakes. But, you keep trying, and you keep pushing. We all have room for improvement. Life is all about struggles, some bigger than others. But you keep coming back, and you try to get your life back on track for what is as close to normal for you as it can get.
Some of the walks in the evening along the lake when the sun is starting to set, and the trees are all coming to life…it can take your breath away some times. You literally feel like you are coming back to life. And for me, I am! The last week I had all my kids home, and it is nice to once again have home feel like it used to. Sarah and I have been adjusting to the empty nest now for awhile, but it is nice having the kids home. It is really tough when they leave, and is especially tough when Megan leaves because we don’t get to see her very often with her living in Virginia. We talk and or text every day, multiple times, but it is not the same. The one evening she was home we were out sitting in front of the fire pit, and just talking. Talking about life in general, and going over the goals each of us has, and what adventures, struggles, fun life may have in store for us going forward. That is what makes life interesting. It is always different, and rarely does it always goes as planned. You have to be ready to adapt, and make adjustments on the fly. I realize that more than ever now. When your own mortality comes into check, it tends to put a whole different perspective on things. We are not going to live forever. Don’t waste any of it! Make your days fulfilling and fun. Keep setting those goals, and trying to achieve more. Keep learning, and trying new things. That is where the running helps me…it literally helps me slow down time so that I can put my head around things, and figure life out, and plan on where or what I want to do next.
With my kids, there are always challenges that come up. Did we raise them right? Did we teach them to be responsible adults? Did we teach them the important things in life? We certainly instilled the benefits of keeping active, and being responsible for your own health. We all need to do that. That is the struggle many times in clinic. You try to help somebody, and encourage them to exercise, and eat better, but some days it is like banging your head on the wall! I can talk, talk, talk, but it only goes so far. That is still the main reason of working on another exercise streak, and why my last one was so important to me. I was trying to show that it could be done, and with no excuses. At least excuses for not doing it. There were always days where some complaining came into play. The weather, and all of the obligations to get done for the day always play a factor. But they were just minor “road blocks” that get in the way, at least if you let them.
Zeus sure loves having everybody home as well. More hugs, time spent with the kids, and more people for him to protect! But, he still gets to spend time with Sarah and I!
I will start going with him alone now too this week. Before, I did not go alone with him just because of his size, and trying to keep control with the leash. I was limited on how much lifting I could do, but it is now time to get back to normal here too!
Now is also the time for Sarah and I to spend more quality time together too. We did not always get that luxury before, but things have changed now. We have to make that time. We don’t know what time will bring going forward. We may not have as much time as we think we do. Never take it for granted. Keep yourself motivated to take care of yourself. The potential longer term benefits of this are truly priceless!
How true, how true! For me anyway. You all need to find out what the magic pill may be for you! Don’t give up trying. Life is too short to not keep trying. As I have written before, only you can find the answer to the question: “What is your why?” Discover your reasons why you want to be around, and then figure out what you can do to help with it. You can’t rely on new medical breakthroughs, science, or new pills for this or that. You have to meet it halfway and work on it too. Keep striving. Keep moving…everybody! Keep moving!!!!
It was a busy weekend! Memorial Day weekend; my daughter Molly had her wedding shower; my other daughter Megan flew home from Virginia for this; and Nick graduated from Augustana! Fun and excitement!
Proud parents! Nothing makes you happier than to see your kids succeed…other than seeing your kids happy, together, and supporting each other!
Megan surprised Nick by flying home for his graduation! Megan has always been like a “mother hen” to Nick. Nick may not show it, but deep down (really deep down!) he likes it, but just won’t admit it! It was great having everybody home…together!
With everybody home, it was a good time for everybody to get together for a wedding shower for Molly. The wedding date is coming up…August 17! The excitement is building!
We all went out to eat that night to celebrate Nick’s graduation. Just spending time together was wonderful!
Of course, Zeus could not be left out. I don’t know between the 2 who missed the other one more, Zeus, or Megan! It was a short weekend for having hugs, and Zeus was not going to miss out on any of them! If you could read Zeus’s mind, it would be: “What do you mean she has to stop hugging me? And what do you mean she is leaving already?”
Even though it was a busy, crammed weekend, there was still always time to go out and be active, and exercise! Megan got to have some walks with Zeus as well, so everybody loved it!
Sarah and I got some runs in! I am now up to 2 miles, and the last one was non stop…no walking breaks! Yay! It felt good, but boy, do I have a ways to go! I am glad I am back out trying to run too! Most of all, I am glad I am here to experience weekends like the one we just had. Spending time with family…nothing is better! This is why we strive to survive. This is what life is all about! I hope you had a great weekend too, and continue to keep creating memories for you and your family. It truly is priceless! Keep moving everybody!
This weekend was the 15th Annual Fargo Half Marathon/Marathon. Many of us from Watertown, and our Watertown Area Run Club were there to participate. The weather was not very cooperative…cold, in the 40’s, and raining the entire time, with very strong winds. This is exactly as a runner what you don’t want for a race, especially a long race! Here I am wishing Sarah good luck, as this is the first time I was there as a spectator, and not a participant. Boy, was that different. Believe me, I will be running it again! By it was my turn to cheer Sarah on, and all of the other people of our run club. I was one of the official cheerleader/photographers for the weekend. Sarah has been to running events as a spectator cheering me on…now it was my time to do the same for her!
Still smiles on face as we were just getting inside the dome at Fargo to get ready to run. It was raining very heavy outside. Everyone was also a little nervous…”how will we do this?” “Am I wearing the right clothes?”
It was time to have fun, and relax. I took this picture in front of the poster they had set out. Fargo is known for being a flat course as it is pretty flat there. Here they are trying to fire up and make the best of the weather! We were still missing quite a few of our club members. They will show up at different times in pictures here.
The excitement is building. They are getting ready to line up at the start! These guys are all running the Half Marathon. The marathon runners already took off. 3 from our group were running the marathon, and 2 of them were running the marathon for the first time. Nerves were all over the place that morning. Thoughts of “did I put enough miles in training? Am I gonna make it? Will I survive the weather? Will anybody be back at the finish line to cheer me in, or wait for me?”
Greg is the tall one in the middle. This was his first. Owen is to his right, (left in the picture) and he helped pace Greg in. They just finished, and both of them look like they have had enough! Why do we do this? What makes us want to run a marathon? Believe me, we ask ourselves that sometimes as well. The final answer is always the same: “If I can do this, I can accomplish anything!” The marathon, or just running in general, makes you move, and work on your own health. Watching all those people come across the finish line…all ages, all shapes, all abilities…all working to accomplish a goal they set for themselves. When it comes to the marathon, you feel like you can “weather any storm” that gets thrown your way in life, especially with the actual weather we had on Saturday!
We were all there waiting for them at the finish line! They are going on down the line getting fist bumps from us all! Great job guys, and welcome to the marathon Greg!
Greg had his parents fly in from Washington to watch him finish! I don’t know who is happier, Greg, or his parents! Proud moment indeed!
Runners have a special bond with each other, and especially our run group! We are there to “help each other out”, not only during the race, but all the time spent before hand. We are friends, and are there to help each other! But we were not done yet. We were still waiting for Mark to come in. We had one more person to come in, and we were going to be there to cheer him on as well! It is no different with our regular run club runs. Our motto is “leave no one behind”. We may all have different paces, different abilities, different backgrounds…but we support each other, and encourage each other!
Here is Mark after coming across the finish line! Fist in the air…”I did it!” He lined up for his fist bumps and cheers as well. His wife Sally, who ran the Half Marathon, her first one, was there waiting to give him a big hug!!! They both did it! They all did it!
A bunch of us were still around after to take this shot with their medals. Huge accomplishment, and congratulations to all of you. I will be there running again next year! Being a spectator was nice, but being a participant is better. I would have rather been out running with you, even with the crappy weather and all! You all truly can accomplish anything…set your mind, and heart to it, and with a little help from our friends, we can do it! Nothing can stop us! Keep moving everybody!
A special shout out to all you mom’s this weekend, and on this special day: Mother’s Day! Sarah, you have been a great mom to our kids, and I appreciate everything you have done for them, for us, and for me! We spent yesterday down in SF, and entered in the Avera Cancer Run, and Sarah ran the 10k run, and I did the 5k walk. It was perfect weather, for a great cause. It is the furthest I have gone walking since March 24. I was tired, but am clearly not ready to run yet. Sarah did great, and finished 2nd in her age group!
Molly came with Tanner, with Molly running the 5k, and Tanner walking with me. It was great for mother/daughter to spend some time together as well.
These are a few of the family members who participated. Joni, my sister-in-law, in the center, is why we have been going to this event for many years. She is a breast cancer survivor, and we have been running/walking for her, and all others with breast cancer, and now cancer in general, for many years. This was the 31st annual event!
My sister Mary came, as well as my twin brother, Don! It was great to have other family members there. We were there early, and quite a few others came later. They had over 6000 people there for the event.
And then, after the run/walk, I got to spend some time with my mom for this special weekend. Happy Mother’s Day mom! Love you, and thank you for all you have done for me. You have been a great example over the years, and have been a great role model! Thanks for everything does not begin to cover how much I appreciate everything! You were really worried about me as well a month ago when I was in the hospital. Once a mom, always a mom! Thanks for always being there. Love you!
I have been back at it in the clinic. I save my walk for the end of the day as I don’t have enough energy to get it done before clinic starts. To think of all the exercise I was doing before, and now I am wiped out by walking 2 miles…and prior to a week ago, the maximum was 1 mile a day. I am able to do more each week. At least with the weather getting nicer these last few days, the walks outside along the Lake have been a great way to do some thinking…and time to appreciate the scenery a little more too. It really does allow you to think!
Sarah and Zeus have gone with me a few times this week, but the other times has been on my own. It is much easier to enjoy things when the sun is finally shining.
It is very easy to drift off with thoughts while looking out at the Lake, especially with a few clouds and the silhouettes it makes. Wow! If I had a chair right there I think I would have just sat down for awhile!
I got to do a few things outside and enjoy the great day we had on Saturday. I got to do some little things around the yard, and even got to sit on a mower for awhile. I don’t think I would have had much to do with the push mower yet. After awhile Zeus came in the house, but kept looking out the window at me…keeping an eye on me! He was not going to let me out of his sight!
He makes for a great guard dog! Nothing is gonna get past him. That includes when we are out walking too. He will protect us at all costs. Many times I have to warn people to stay back as they want to come up and pet him. That is not gonna happen! If he does not know them, they are not coming near us! 24/7 body guard protection!
The walks this week have been great, and have given me a chance to look out and just think…think about life in general, and how things have changed this last month. Thinking about the future, and what life’s challenges hold in store for not only me, but my family. Somebody I grew up with as a kid, and have been neighbors to us, and continue to be neighbors with my mom in SF, for the last 49 years, passed away earlier this week. He was only one year younger than me. We don’t know what all happened yet, and may not know later either. All is know is I got another chance, but he didn’t. Each day really is a gift. It has also given me time to focus less on what has all happened this last month, and more on the privileges I have had, and do have. Take nothing for granted. Things can change quickly. The circumstances may be different, but changes will come.
Take some time to sit down, and to appreciate the good things in your life. Time to reflect on each day, and what unique things occurred that day to make you appreciate those little things even more.
We all have the same amount of time in a day. We just need to learn to maximize the time as much as we can. Appreciate each day as a gift. Not all of us get to experience those things, or the same things that makes each of our lives unique. Strive to Survive! Enjoy the ride, and hope it lasts for awhile! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Streak (new streak!) Day #: 35
