by Dan | Nov 15, 2015 | Etc.
Last month Sarah and I traveled to Baltimore to do a race. Sarah did the Half Marathon, and I did the Marathon. It was the 15th Anniversary of the Baltimore Running Festival race. We had never been to Baltimore before, or Maryland for that matter, but it made for a quick stop off as we went out to go see our daughter in school, who is a 50 minute drive in Fairfax, Virginia. The weather was perfect for running, started off in upper 30’s, and finished in the mid 50’s, but boy, were there hills! We both were not quite expecting this, and were not as ready for this as we would have liked to. But it was great going to a different state, and experiencing the life of a big city. We found out though that we appreciate where we live even more!
The start line was at the Baltimore Orioles stadium, and the finish line was at the Baltimore Ravens stadium, which is right behind me on this picture. This was the day before when we were at the running expo, and got to look at lots of new running gadgets, clothes, and just overall, new ideas. The medals were very impressive as well!
Every marathon, and even every race we have done, has brought with it unique experiences that make each one special. The medals also provide memories to last forever. Every race has its good points, and bad points, but it is pretty safe to say, the good outweighs the bad. Here we are at the end of each of our races, getting our medals.
Those wraps are wonderful when you are chilled. They definitely help keep you warm afterwards.
It was a fun event for the 15th Anniversary of the race. There were over 3,000 people in the Marathon, and over 21,000 in the Half Marathon!
Here we are getting fired up the day before at the Expo. Behind us is a wall where everybody got to sign their name. We can now chalk Maryland off of out list of states that we have run in. This is on our bucket list…to run in every state. It does not have to be a race, but just to run. So far I have hit around 30 states. I need to see what time will bring, and what events we can try and hit to make it more interesting. It is another goal in my life…and we all need goals. We need to be working toward something that is a challenge to us. When we do this, the accomplishments mean so much more. Just remember to have fun doing this. It should not be another means of stress, or pressure to feel like it is something we have to do. It should be something we “want” to do. Life is full of experiences, just waiting for us to participate in!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2970
by Dan | Nov 8, 2015 | Etc.
Running has allowed me to meet a lot of new people over the years, and a lot of people have become good friends. We all like to stay active, and in particular, we like to run. This story is in regards to the Watertown Area Run Club–WARC! We have been going now over 3 years, and we gradually keep growing each year. This one is our original group, and we are all celebrating after a race at Fargo, where we either did the Half Marathon, or the Full Marathon. Tom Beaudry, Jill Makepeace, Steve Arbogast, Jackie Burghardt, Steve Hauck, Sarah and myself.
We encourage each other, run with each other…we care about each other! Over the years now, we have gradually kept increasing people who have started to come.
Here Owen McElroy is joining. We also will tend to run in almost any weather. I had one exception this year–it was pouring rain out. But there still are plenty of times when we deal with the rain as well.
Here Paula Nurnberg is joining us. The one thing to keep in mind, is that we have fun! It is a social gathering, a time to talk. We learn a lot about each other, and the run goes almost “effortless” with conversation. But, we are runners! We are different. Sometimes people think we may be crazy for what we do. But I think that could be the furthest thing from the truth. Look how excited we are getting ready to run!
But above all else, we show support of each other, and truly are interested in how each other does. It is like an extended family. Here we are showing are spirit at the 4th of July run this year, with Jen McElroy, and future recruit, Kate McElroy.
We have a lot of fun over the Summer, and we have even been going yet, as long the snow holds off. Our thoughts, as long as we are going to run anyway, then we can keep meeting. Spread the word…it is a social gathering, not a competition.
Here was also new member Jennifer Jensen, who has since moved away at the end of Summer. But we are smiling, just happy to be out running! Whether it is running, walking, biking, or other activity…as long as you are moving, the benefits far outweigh the risks involved. Give it a try! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2963
by Dan | Oct 25, 2015 | Etc.
Which came first…running, or friends? In this particular case, friends. It just happen to be that running reinforced that friendship even more. Steve and Carletta Hauck have been our neighbors since we have lived in Watertown. Carletta was our daytime nanny for our kids, and now is our Executive Director for the South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians. Steve, or course, is one of my training partners. Where do you start to thank someone for everything they have done for you? Words cannot express how much we have appreciated them over the years. We and the majority of our families have gone to Disney twice to do the Marathon weekend, and the entire trip was more fun than I could have ever imagined. This last time, all but Jeff and Molly were able to attend. This is not like 2 different families, but more like one “big family”. We care and worry about each other just as much as our own direct family. We look after each other, but we know how to have fun together too!
We can be “goofy” together, but we have our serious moments too.
And of course, those unbreakable running bonds for those of us competing!
The running event is just what got us all to the same place at the same time. It was an excuse to go on vacation together…and it worked well!
Those bonds go back for years. Here is Tom Beaudry with his family at one of our Grandma’s marathon days. Having our families there cheering us on is more valuable than words can describe. No money value can be placed on it. It truly is priceless!
There is no stronger bond in life than your family. They are there through all of the good times, and the bad times. In fact, they make the bad times tolerable. If you can’t trust your family for support, who can you trust? With running, and the bonds that have been extended with this, now have effectively just increased the size of what we would refer to as family. It has been a pleasure getting to know these people over time. Time, and distance, may change some of the direct impact, but there will always be that “bond” that was created from those events in the past that cannot be changed. Looking back on them, they can only be appreciated even that much more. Thanks for all of the memories guys! It has been an honor and a privilege!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2949
by kelsey | Oct 14, 2015 | Etc.
I apologize the nutrition side of the blog has been a bit quiet the last two weeks and it will continue to be quiet for a few months as I am now on maternity leave! Corbin Clark Raml joined us on September 29th. He was about two weeks early, but is healthy and doing great! In my absence, Shelby Johnson, Registered Dietitian, will be covering my nutrition services at the clinic. She will be seeing patients at Northridge on Tuesdays. She is from Revillo and I am sure will do a great job providing medical nutrition therapy to our patients. I look forward to getting back to work after the new year! -Kelsey Raml, MS, RD, LN
Shelby Johnson, Registered Dietitian
by Dan | Oct 11, 2015 | Etc.
Anyone who has a dog knows how they become part of the family. What makes them even more unique and special is how faithful of a training partner they can be… and do become. It does not matter the weather or time of day, they are ready to go anytime. It does take training, patience, and persistence, but over time, they are always there for you, and are a great motivator to get out the door and get moving. This is not only for yourself, but the rest of the family as well.
We started out with Shelby while we were still in residency. Here she is leading our kids for our bike ride and activity at home.
As a Sheltie, Shelby’s talent was leading and keeping everybody in line. But like I said, they become part of the family, and this develops right from the time they are a puppy.
They become part of the family!
Shelby was our first 4 legged training partner. Next came Buddy, our Golden Retriever.
It was hard to imagine Buddy being this little again, as his weight later was 98 pounds. But he loved to run, always ready to go, and would let you know when he did not get to go with you. He would pout, and just not be himself that day. He was great in helping to get out the door because you always had to have him in mind as well.
But even though he was the biggest dog we had ever had to that point, he still wanted to be a “lap dog”. Here he is cuddling with my daughter Megan. Buddy was a major part of my kids lives growing up, and it was a tough day last year in March when we had to put him down. He was almost 12 years old. We all still think of Buddy often, and talk of the good times we had with him.
I did not think I could get another dog after Buddy. But, 3 months later, my kids talked me into another one, and that is when Zeus came along!
After losing Buddy, I guess I could get attached to another dog. There will never be another Buddy, but there shouldn’t be. Zeus has his own personality, and unique characteristics, but there is overall no change with him either as far as how eager he is to go out for a walk or a run. He, too, is ready anytime, anywhere.
Here Sarah is going with him. He is learning, but still does better with one of us at a time. Too much puppy yet, and gets distracted easier with both of us running, but does great with both of us walking. It is coming, it just takes time.
But, Zeus has now taken over our hearts as well, and he is part of the family. There is never a dull moment. A forever friend, and faithful training partner that is once again ready to go anytime. They are all special friends, and have unique characteristics that make each of them stand out. The hardest part is when we have to say goodbye. We keep thinking of all of the good times we spend together, and how each one of them has made our family…family! They all leave permanent marks in our hearts, and give us all special moments that will never leave us. Pictures are great to look back on! So what are you waiting for? Is it time for your own 4 legged training partner? Or time to utilize the one you already have? Take advantage of their help, and keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2935
by Dan | Oct 4, 2015 | Etc.
Being a twin has brought many adventures over the years. There is no more special bond that anybody can have than to have a twin. Don also runs, and I even got him to do a few marathons with me, but other than a few isolated long runs, we never really got to train together for the marathons we were together on. He lived in SF, and now in Parker, so distance made it tough to do. But there is that unwritten bond that we have, and always will. It is not that we are just brothers–but twins. Anybody who is a twin knows what I am talking about. He was an elementary/special education teacher for many years, and then went to his true calling…he is now a Lutheran minister…and very good at it! We both work with people, try to help get them through tough times, listen, offer advice…so similar, yet very different. Twins, but still unique. Just like my twin daughters. But for us, just like my girls, there is a bond that will never be broken. Even though distance may separate all of us, there is not anything any of us would not do for the other. Here are some shots of us growing up.
When we were small people had a hard time telling us apart. Inseparable then! It is not unusual that running had a special bond between us. I was the one who was competitive, and competed, but Don ran for fun. He still is active and runs as well, and I did get him talked into doing a Marathon. He has done several now, but not sure I can get him to do another one! Here are some shots of us after completing the Twin Cities Marathon, and then the Phoenix Rock n Roll marathon.
Along with Tom Beaudry!
With my youngest brother Rich, and Don’s wife Michele, and Sarah. Tom is taking the picture!
There are many special memories growing up, and as an adult, where we did things together. We will be twins forever! Again, the bond is unbreakable, just like it is for my twin daughters!
You have a forever friend, sibling…unique bond stronger than anything. Words are hard to describe this bond, but it is unbreakable.
Thanks for all of the memories Don! It has been great being your twin brother! And to my twin daughters, lean on each other as you continue to grow up. You are more than just sisters, just as we are more than just brothers. We are twins! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2928
