by Dan | Jul 1, 2018 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Life brings all kinds of challenges, some good, some bad. The same can go for the results. Life is like a roller coaster, with a lot of ups and downs, but there are always new experiences to be had. When the kids were little, we always had them with us when we would go to races. They were either spectators, or participants, but they were always with us. These pictures of them with their special made T-shirts were always a hit for me. I would come running by, and they would be cheering and yelling, and their shirts cheering me on: “Go Dad Go”. These are memories I will always cherish.
Now that they are older, I thought things would get easier to deal with. Wrong! As they get bigger, the problems get bigger. Sarah and I always worry about them. No matter what, they are still our “little kids”. Now that they are all 21 or older, we worry as to whether on not we did a good enough job raising them. We hope they appreciate what we did for them, and provided for them. But, we also want them to know how hard you have to work for the things you have. Nobody is going to just hand it to you. You have to earn it. We always were active, and wanted them to be active with us. You have to learn to take care of yourselves, and not rely on somebody else to do it for you. One of my daughters just texted me this week saying: “Ugh! This adulting is so stressful!” Yes it is!
We took them to our marathons that I was in, and tried to make it a vacation for all of us! I needed my personal cheerleaders with me!
We taught them young how important it is to keep active, and they continued with this as they grew up, whether running or swimming!
Our vacations included trips where we would go hiking, and exploring, and get to see things we would not have seen otherwise. We had fun doing it to! We did this as a family!
Last year we had them all back at the same time, and with boyfriends and finacees too! If you are going to be a part of this family, you will have to be active with us. We all were getting ready to do the Hump Day 5k run!
One thing will always be. I may be a doctor, and Sarah may be a doctor, but the biggest thing we want to be remembered for when we are gone is that we were a good Mom and Dad! That is what I would be most proud of. We may not have always done things right. After all, it did not come with an instruction manual. We had to learn this on the fly. We did the best we could, and hopefully it will pay off for them. That does not mean you quit worrying about them. When school struggles get tough, or work issues get tough, or just life in general gets tough, I hope they all know we are there for them. We love you guys! We want you to be successful. We want you to be healthy! We want you to be happy! Just like the back of your shirts told me at those races you were cheering me on with:
We love you too!
Keep moving everybody! Enjoy all that life brings you, the ups and downs, and learn from them!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3917
by Dan | Jun 24, 2018 | Exercise, Family, Holidays, Motivation, Wellness/Health
It has been a busy 2 weeks! Sarah and I took off for Virginia and spent days with my daughter Megan. I got to spend Father’s Day with her, and the shirt I am wearing is what she gave me. A perfect present! A running Dad is the coolest! She is mainly a swimmer, but has been getting into running more and more. She had done a 5k the week before, and her and I went running a couple of times together while we were out seeing her. Virginia is loaded with things to do from a history standpoint. We stayed several days out with her boyfriend, and his parents, who live close to Williamsburg. We spent an entire day there, touring colonial Williamsburg, and the day before in Jamestown. I love seeing historical areas, and learning about the past. We had just began to scratch the surface of what was there to see. Over the weekend, then adventures got even better!
We spent one day touring the home of Thomas Jefferson, our third US President, at Monticello! Wow! I have always wanted to see this. The next day we toured James Madison’s home at Montpelier, our 4th President. Learning about things at that time, and what these 2 presidents did in founding our nation, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. It was well worth the trip, and I learned a lot of things. After 5 days in Virginia, we then left to head back to Minneapolis, where I would spend the next 4 full days at a Sports Medicine conference.
Again, I learned a lot, but it was very intense. 30 hours of lectures. I definitely learned a lot! But, while we were there, we did exercise everyday. Sarah and I went running each morning before I would go to the conference for the day.
They had a bike trail, and side by side running trail, 3/4 mile from the hotel. It went along the Mississippi River. Great scenery! Lots of people out utilizing their trail systems every morning…walking, running, riding. It was a very popular place. The thing that was also nice about the conference is they had a separate room with 2 treadmills, and an elliptical, with the conference streamed in on TV in an adjacent room where conference attendees could go exercise in half hour increments, and not miss the conference. It was a popular place. I got on it once because it would fill up for the entire day quickly. I had never seen this done before with a conference. When you sit all day listening to lectures, it was a nice break to go do some activity, yet still not miss out on any of the talks.
Friday night we did manage to go have some fun. The hotel was 1/4 mile from Target Field, and the Twins had a home game that night, so we got to go!
We had seats in the second level, behind home plate! The Twins lost, but it was a great night to get out and relax.
Sarah and I just blended in with everybody else. The Twins may have lost, but the fireworks show they had after the game was well worth staying for. It was consecutive fireworks for a full 20 minutes!
All in all, we had a great time. We got to be away for a break, spend some vacation time with daughter, and then come back and learn about Sports Medicine. We always have to keep learning. No matter what any of us do in our lives, don’t ever quit learning. There are so many new things, and places to see, and explore. The days touring in Virginia we would walk anywhere from 5-7 miles a day. The better the shape you are in, the more you get to see. Take advantage of that. Never quit learning, and never quit moving. Life is too short already, and you don’t want to miss out on anything. If someone says they know everything, stay away from them! We all have things to learn. This was a perfect example of how to be on vacation, and still get an education! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3910
by Dan | Jun 10, 2018 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
The 22nd Annual Hospital Hill Run/Walk was completed yesterday. Another good turnout. We had 159 people, including walkers and runners. 2 years prior to the start of this race, I created a 5k run in Clear Lake, and did this for 2 years. Sarah and I did outreach in Clear Lake when we first came to Watertown. It was a good way to get the community there together. They then got their own full time physician, and we no longer went there, so I brought the race idea to Watertown. Originally, I was told it would never be successful. The hospital used to have a walk they did, and all T-shirts were just given away, and no charge was done. After a few short years, this was no longer feasible, and it had stopped for years. When I decided to create one, I was told that nobody would come because we were charging a fee. My thing was, if you created the incentive, kept the cost as low as possible, and people had fun, they would keep coming back. I was given the opportunity to try it one year and see how it went. Well, apparently it went well, because it has not stopped since. I wanted some “catch appeal” to attract people to come. Finishing at the top of the hill was my idea of creating that. I got a lot of grief to start off with this. I was told it would get people hurt, that the hill was too tough that nobody would want to do it. There is no question it is tough, but to me, that is also the appeal of the event. It makes us stand out from all other races. People have suggested we run down the hill, not finish at the top. I could just see people rolling down the hill at the beginning, and for sure getting hurt. When we finish at the top, I have never had to have a photo finish for results! Many other races in town have taken off following this as well. I also wanted it as a means to attract the kids to come. I wanted to promote exercise, and have them encouraged to get out and be responsible for their health, and stay active. Kids 10 and under are free, and get medals for participating. We have multiple bracketed age group categories from 10 up to 29 to encourage as many younger people as we can. Our categories also go to 60 and over because I want everyone to feel like they can participate, whether running, or walking. Many changes have evolved over the years, both from compliments, and critique of the event. There is no perfect race, but we listen and try to make adjustments. I have found also that is it impossible to please everyone, but the one specific area I refuse to bend on is I want everyone to feel like they can participate, and really encourage the kids to get involved. My kids had been my helpers all the years they were growing up. They looked forward to the race as much as everybody else. Now they are old enough to run, and keep coming back as much as possible. That makes me feel good!
There are always instructions prior to the race. SAFETY comes first. We try as much as possible to have police, ham radio operators, spotters out on the course, and in the race (Tom, Sarah, and I) to make sure everyone is safe. We want everybody to achieve a goal they are working for, but to be safe, and have fun with it! That too will never change!
I love seeing parents out there with there kids, whether running, walking, or pushing in strollers. They are setting the tone for their kids future activities. I strongly believe in that, and Sarah and I always did it with out kids as well. Jenn and Owen McElroy are great examples today running with their girls all of the time.
The look on Gracie’s face every time she is out running, and coming to the finish line, motivates everybody. She is working incredibly hard, and is always smiling! Way to go Gracie! You show us how it is done, and that you can have fun with this as well.
LeeAnn was out with Liam, and they ran the mile course. Here they are smiling at the end. Run a mile, and show that smile! The best way to teach is to lead by example! Way to go!
Here is one of my twin daughters Molly coming in at finish line. She is on the right. She will be 24 this September. But the ones finishing next to her was how it was 20 + years ago for us. We would be pushing them in our Burley, out running, walking, or biking with them. I love seeing this. Keep it up as you are setting the tone for a lifetime.
This is Tanner, Molly’s fiancée. Smiling coming to the finish line. Welcome to the family Tanner. I told him if he wants to be part of this family, he has to run! Ha! I am both serious, and kidding. I want them to be healthy, and take care of themselves, and then later when grandkids come, they can lead by example too. Grandma and Grandpa will be right there with them too! I can’t wait!!!
This year was again a success. We conquered the hill! It is a challenge. It is a great way to describe life. We all face uphill challenges, and they can get tougher as well too, but they can be conquered. We become stronger because of it. We can look back at all of the memories over the years, and can have our own horror stories to tell, and all the good times as well. Thanks again to everybody coming out. A lot of work goes into this event, and I have a great team now, and we all have our own specific tasks. It is very efficient now. Thank you to all of the people on the Hospital Hill Committee. Thanks to all of the sponsors as well so we can keep costs down, and still make a donation to the Caring Club House. As long as people keep coming, we will keep having it. Spread the word. Show up for a good time, and a challenge. If you can do this, you can take on anything. Believe in your abilities. The weather may not always cooperate. Your schedule may not always cooperate. You have to make an effort, and something new can be achieved and appreciated with each year. Keep on moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3896
by Dan | Jun 3, 2018 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Sometimes the hardest part about exercise is planning when to do it, and what to do. Sometimes it can be such a challenge that you end up not doing it at all because you can’t decide, or you get too stressed over how you are going to fit it in with everything else in your life. We are all busy. We all have 24 hours in a day. We all have to make it a priority, and plan for it. How do I start? What kind of exercise do I like, or what exercise am I going to do? When am I going to do it? How can I possible fit anything more into my already busy life? These are all legitimate questions, and they all can be made easier by coming up with a plan. That plan can begin day by day, or week by week, but it becomes easier if you make it month by month, or even longer. If you have it written down, you have thought about it, and then it can become easier to do.
Once it is written down, it becomes your guide, not your set in stone rule. It is your guide to fitness. Things come up for all of us during the week, or even the day of, that may change your plans, or that you may have to alter altogether. It is ok to make adjustments to your plan on the fly. When you have a plan made out in advance, it is easier to make adjustments for it as well. I plan each Sunday evening what I all have going on, that I know of, for that week. Will it be easier on some days to work out before work, after work, what? If I have this planned out and know ahead of time, it is easier to make accommodations, and I will do it! I have been working out at 5:00 in the morning, and I have been working out at 11 PM at night. It just depends on what was going on that day. Other priorities may have to be done first, and thankfully, I have not had to have too many late night workouts to do just to get them in. I have a consecutive streak of exercise to keep going you know! The point is, it is very easy for something else to come up, and you have to make adjustments. Making adjustments will allow you to keep attempting to exercise, and not just blow it off altogether. The next thing you know, you have done nothing for weeks, or longer. Make it a priority. In the long run, you will be able to organize your time better, and things will fall into place easier. We all have to start somewhere. It does not mean we all have to do a marathon. You just have to get out and move!
There will be times when things get turbulent. There will be times when it would be much easier to do nothing. Of course there are always things that are easier! After all , I have said many times, anything worth having is worth working for. There is no question there will be struggles, and you will wonder why you are even making an attempt to exercise. And then you get in a groove, and everything falls into place, and you feel better, you have more energy, and believe or not, you actually have more time because you have become more efficient!
Jill, Paula, Sarah, and I have plans to do quite a few half marathons this Summer. We are going to take advantage of the nice weather while we can. At the same time, our bodies can’t sustain this kind of intense pace all of the time. We will have to pick and choose how we will do this. We have chosen the Sioux Falls Half Marathon as the one we really want to go for a time in. All of the others will be training runs, just like we do for our Sunday runs. The plan is going to incorporate strength training as well, and overall, we are stressing quality, not quantity. You do not have to spend hours, or run/walk tons of miles, to get into better condition. You do have to be smarter about it though. We will see how far our brains take us on this next adventure. We will be working together, encouraging each other, training with each other, and hopefully all of us will have fun along the way. The back of my race shirt has a quote on that I rely on a lot. “Success–A Journey, not a Destination!” Right on! Have fun on the adventures and trip along the way. The fun is not just the final race or event, or goal you were trying to achieve, but the time spent getting there! That goes for all of us, no matter what our goals our. Set a goal, make a plan, follow it, and enjoy the ride along the way. The adventure is what creates memories! Times in races come and go, but the journey along the way is what matters!
Sarah and I have had so many journeys in our life that involved training that it is just now routine. We are always planning together. Many of the days we are exercising together, but there are days we do not. Our schedules are different. We have to learn to be accommodating to this as well. Make the best of it, and enjoy the ride. Experiences are meant to be had, and to enjoy. Don’t wait for them to happen, but make them happen! When all is said and done, you will be able to look back and tell yourself how much fun you had along the way. I will already say that many of the actual races and times in races I have had I don’t remember specifics on. But, I remember the times I had running with my training partners along the way, the discussions we have had, the fun times we have had. Those are not going away, and that is why I keep coming back for more! That is what it is about. Make a plan…learn to adjust to this as a “guide”…have fun along the way…and see what life has to offer for you! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3889
by Dan | May 27, 2018 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Our lives are all busy, but it is important to take the time to remember what is important. Family, friends, and time spent with them is what really matters. All those memories we create in our lifetime need to be cherished for what they are, and they mean just as much to the other people in our lives who share those memories with us. Running has always been a great way for me to spend time with my family, and my friends…as well as attempting to take care of myself. Countless runs, countless workouts, countless conversations, and countless laughs, have been had. I would not trade any of those times. I want “something just like this” to keep happening. You should too. It is never too late to start. Make it a priority! Now! Several friends and I are celebrating getting ready for the Fargo Half Marathon last weekend.
The runs, and times, I just had with my family at Disney this January will always be remembered. Our neighbors came with, and their kids are like our kids. My son Nick had to be back to college though, so he could not come. There will be more times we will have, and he has been at other runs with us, and will continue to do so. I was looking back at some of those pictures too. That is what is nice about digital pictures. You can keep taking pictures all you want, and you have them. It allows me to take many more pictures now than when we had film cameras! I have more memories to continue to look back on, plus the ability to keep making more! I want “something just like this”!
Carissa and I helped each other get through the marathon. It was her first. Conversation was strong in the beginning, then faded as we got in the 20’s for miles. Fatigue starts setting in, and you just want to be done. We helped push each other. That is what friends do. That is what family always does! We push each other to become better than we ever thought we could. These people all keep reminding each of us to keep going, and never give up. Become better. Become stronger. Become more confident. I want “something just like this”!
Even last year when we went out to Virginia for Megan’s graduation from college, we entered a 5k run that morning first. Like Meg had posted on Facebook at the time: “Who does that!” We do! The Reiffenberger’s! We take our health seriously. I want “something just like this”!
This picture has my son Nick, Sarah, my daughter Molly, her fiancée Tanner, my brother Tim, and my mom in it. We had a surprise 60th birthday party a few weeks ago for my sister-in-law. We ran the breast cancer run that morning in SF, in honor of her. She has been a breast cancer survivor for 17 years! That is what family does. We care, we show up, we are in each others lives. I want “something just like this”!
I have made many friends in our run club. There are an extension of family. You learn about them. You run with them. You sweat with them. You care about them! You are never alone. I want “something just like this”!
Sarah and Zeus are now home with me all the time. We live together, spend time together, and take care of each other. I could not ask for anything better. I would like to have my kids home more, but with school, and their busy lives, it makes it tougher to do. It needs to become a higher priority again once school is done. I want to be a part of their lives. I want to learn from them. Someday, we will have grandkids to spoil! I can’t wait for that! I want “something just like this”!
And, I want to spend more time with Sarah! I want to run more with her, both regular daily runs, and races, and travel, and just be with her! We are working on year 28 for being married. I see all of the time in the clinic with patients who have been married a long time, and one of them passes away, or they get a divorce. Both are terrible. You can’t take anything for granted. It is always work. I had one couple as patients who had been married 80 years. All he could say is it what “complete happiness”. Then his wife chimes in, and all she could say was “it was a lot of work! A lot of work!” Yes, a lot of work. Just like trying to exercise regularly. A lot of work. Everything in life involves work, but the rewards are huge! Don’t ever let go of your dreams, or those people close to you. They are more important than anything else you have. Keep working on your health, and be around longer to enjoy all of those things. Then all of us will be saying that we want “something just like this”!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3882
