by Dan | Apr 27, 2015 | Etc.
My son Nick had his last Prom this weekend. He had a great time, and Sarah and I helped out at the after prom party. This is the beginning of some final events of his senior year. He will graduate on the 24th of May, and then his final state track meet the last weekend in May in Rapid City. Where has the time gone? There were enough times throughout his 18 years where you think things went slowly, and then you look back, and it’s over! Make the most of those memories and times with your family, kids, grandkids…each has there own rewards. Each will have lasting memories. That is the point of me exercising all of these years…trying to stay healthy enough to make sure I am around to be able to see all of these events…events that create lasting memories. I would not trade it for anything! This is what life is about. Take advantage of all of those moments…many of them only come once! Appreciate your family, spend time together, enjoy life! Below are a few pictures from the night. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2768



by Dan | Apr 19, 2015 | Etc.
We all have our degree of stress in our lives, and there are multiple ways of dealing with it. As long as we truly find a way to deal with it! It is easy to let things in life take over, with multiple things that have to get done, both for work, and at home. It don’t effectively figure out how to manage it effectively, it can have major ramifications to our overall health. The whole point of STRIVE to help maintain our health, so figuring out how to effectively deal with stress is a major factor. For me, exercise has been the most effective way of dealing with all of the pressures of everyday life. It is my time for me, to relax, sweat a little, and work out my frustrations from the day or week while I am out either running, biking, or walking. Which type of exercise it is really does not make much difference. My favorite is still running. My solitude…my time to reflect…my time to take in my own piece of the world, and figure out how I am going to deal with it. Running along the trails, and along Lake Kampeska can be some of the most relaxing time to think. Unfortunately, we have our fair share of wind here to contend with, but on those days when the wind is calm, the temperatures are in the 50-60’s, it is as close to perfection as I can get. Just take in all of the surroundings, enjoy what I am seeing, and let my mind go…as well as my legs! There was a day about 2 weeks ago that was as close to perfection as I have had in a while. The water at the lake was so calm it looked like glass. These are some images of the lake along the new boardwalk at City Park. Serene! This is truly why I run! Pictures really can say a 1000 words! Here were some of those images I got to take in on that run…Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2760




by Dan | Apr 12, 2015 | Etc.
Over the years, I have had numerous training partners. All of them have been a vital factor in staying motivated to exercise. But more important, all of them have been great friends that I have had life lasting relationships with. They all have been great, and someone that I could depend on, not only as a training partner, but as a friend. Each training partner brings with them their own unique qualities, and their own unique insight, not only with exercise, but with life. Just to name a few: Tom, Steve, Sarah, and Buddy, who is now gone, and is being substituted now for Zeus. My tried and true training partner has always been Sarah…through thick and thin, good times and bad times (and I thought this only qualified for marriage!) We have all been through lots of weather, obstacles, and tribulations, but we have remained forever bonded, with life long memories created. If you do not have a training partner, get somebody! Someone who can help motivate you, keep that drive in you going, who will always be there for you. Then, you just need to return the favor for them. We can all work together. Training partners can help you keep moving and staying healthy. After all is said and done, they become much more than training partners…they become lifelong friends! Keep moving everybody! Below are some pictures of my current training partners: Sarah and Zeus!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2753



by kelsey | Mar 31, 2015 | Etc.

Do you have your Easter baskets all ready for the little (or big) kids in your life? Easter baskets are usually filled with all kinds of goodies and I like to think of them being just as exciting as getting your Christmas stocking! My family has all kinds of funny stories about the big search for finding our Easter baskets and of course what we find inside is even more exciting! The candy aisles at the store are filled with all kinds of goodies, but let us not forget that there are plenty of other non-junk food options to fill your Easter baskets with. Here are some ideas for you:
- Sidewalk chalk
- Color Dotz by Crayola (color your bath water with them!)
- Books
- Coloring books
- Stuffed animals
- Sunglasses
- Shoes
- Socks
- Hair accessories for girls
- Mini cars or planes for boys
- Nail polish
- Gift certificate to the movies or iTunes
- Magazine subscription
- Jump rope
- Yo-yo
- Pencils, crayons, markers
It’s ok to enjoy a little candy, but be sure to include some of these other goodies to help make your Easter baskets a bit healthier! And more importantly, remember the real meaning of celebrating Easter!
-Kelsey
by kelsey | Mar 25, 2015 | Etc.

Last night’s treats at STRIVE 2 Survive were great! The above picture is of Peanut Butter Energy Bites, much like a protein ball that is good for pre or post workout. They were very tasty and healthy, be sure to give them a try!
Peanut Butter Energy Bite
1/2 c powdered peanut butter
1 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
1/3 c honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 c old fashioned oats
2/3 c shredded coconut, optional
1/2 c ground flaxseed meal or chia seeds
6 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
Optional–whey protein powder.
Directions: In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. Add oats, coconut, flaxseed, and chocolate chips. Transfer mixture to fridge or freezer and chill until set. Remove from fridge and shape into 1 inch balls. Store in fridge in air tight container.

Fresh Veggie Wraps
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 Tbsp light mayo
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp cayenne powder
8, 8 inch wheat flour tortillas
2 tomatoes, diced
1 cucumber, sliced
1 green pepper, cut into strips
Head of lettuce, chopped
1 8oz package fresh mozzarella chese, sliced
Directions: prepare spread, mash diced avocado, mayo, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl until well blended. Assemble wraps, spread tortillas with a layer of avocado spread. Place diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, lettuce, and mozzarella cheese slices onto each wrap, leaving about 2 inches of space at the bottom. Fold bottoms up. Roll tortillas over vegetables firmly to enclose fillings.
All ingredients can be found at County Fair Foods! Enjoy!
-Kelsey
by Dan | Mar 16, 2015 | Etc.
Sarah will turn 50 tomorrow! Another St Patrick’s birthday…another reason why she is special. I surprised her today with an early birthday party celebration at clinic…food, cake by my nurse, and decorations for the event.

I think she was surprised. My nurse Chris did a great job on the cake!

On special occasions like this, it is OK to splurge a little. After all, birthdays only happen once a year, and then when it is number 50, you have to celebrate more. When it is St Patrick’s day tomorrow, you have to have the place with even more decorations. Here are some of the ones we had out so far.


I think she enjoyed it! On my last post I talked about taking time to reflect back on what is important, and not to sweat the small stuff. You take life as it comes, and you celebrate those important days when they come, and with the people who are important to you. Sarah and I will be married 25 years come October, and things only get better. She is my wife, my partner, the mother of my kids, my training partner…my everything! I am going to enjoy her as long as I can.
Remember your friends along the way, the people who have helped make a difference in your life. Setbacks can occur at times, and we have to remember how health is fragile, and to keep working on things as best we can. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball, and you have to bounce right back to face it head on, and not dwell on those things we can’t change. Just keep going forward. Right Tom?????
Just remember…we need to work harder on those things that we can change! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2726