Hospital Hill Results 2012

This years Hospital Hill run/walk was once again a success!  Our 16th year, and we had over 200 people in the walk or run.  Here we are at the start line.

We had several members of our newly formed Watertown Area Running club, with several of us here, including Jackie, Steve, Steve, and Sarah.

Of course, Nick was all fired out and when out like a runner on a mission, wanting to win the race overall, which he did!  His time was 18:02!  Good job Nick.  Here he is leading other runners to the top of the hill, which is the finish line.

Of course, the Hill proves to be a major challenge.  We have more comments about how tough the Hill is.  But remember, it is called “Hospital Hill” for a reason.  Here, Sarah shows what she thought of the Hill, which is the same sentiments as a lot of us when we got to the top.

Keep moving everybody.  Have a good week!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1720

Hospital Hill Run 2012

This saturday, June 9, is the 16th annual Hospital Hill run/walk.  It will begin at 8AM.  Registration fee is now $20 if not pre-registered.  There is a 5k run, 5k walk, and a 1 mile walk.  All are welcome.  Attached is the following registration form which can also be found at the clinics in town, and at the Prairie Lakes Hospital website.  Hope to see you there!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1714

How ya doin’?

This was the common question going around in Fargo the day of the half marathon and marathon.  Everybody asking “How ya doin’?” following the race.  They want to make sure everybody is recovering, and nobody having any health issues following the race.  I had to keep asking myself this same thing during the race, and wondering whether I really was or not.  When the fatigue starts setting in, your mind starts playing tricks on you, and you have to try and convince yourself that you are OK.  At least I did not have to worry about my latest training partner, Steve.  I knew he was at the finish line waiting.  As I mentioned in the last several posts, he had been having some issues with his heart that were brought more to light several weeks before the marathon day. 

Here he is pointing at me, and congratulating me after finishing, and breaking the 4 hour mark.  I was happy to have him there, and I am holding my finisher medal over his chest/heart.  I wanted him running that day too, but it was much safer for him not to.  I would rather have a friend forever, than to have a running partner for 4 hours that day. Having him be safe was far more important than some race.  He was with me that day, and especially those last few miles.  I kept telling myself:  “What would Steve be telling me now?  Steve, Carletta, and Sarah  are waiting for me at the finish line…keep moving, one foot in front of the other.”   Things are improving, and hopefully soon we will be running together on some long runs again.  Initial plans and talks may be involving the Walt Disney World marathon in mid January.  Some people might think that doing this is just plain “Goofy”, but when you are a runner, or you exercise regularly, you understand.  If you don’t have goals in your life, then things just kind of stagnate.  You have to be willing to push yourself (as long as it is safe!), in order to really experience life to its fullest.  Life brings us challenges everyday, and we deal with it.  Knowing that some of these challenges you create for yourself are attainable, it makes some of the everyday challenges we deal with so much easier.

I am going to discuss more over the next several weeks issues in relationship to heart disease, and how it impacts all of us, either directly or indirectly.  Exercise is still very important, and very helpful in controlling heart disease, high blood pressure, and all the ramifications thereof, but you have to listen to your body.  You have to be aware of the risks involved, and you have to get those risks under control.  Once this is done, you can move on and enjoy life much more, and hopefully, it will be a long life.

Keep moving everybody, and be safe!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1703

Fargo Mania

This was a busy weekend.  Friday night in Fargo was the 5k run, with close to 10,000 people, then saturday morning started out with a 10k at 7AM, a half marathon at 7:30, and a full marathon at 8:15.  There was a good representation of Watertown up in Fargo this weekend.  They even had a 4 person relay team to cover the marathon distance as well.  There were around 5,000 people in the half marathon, and almost 2,000 in the marathon.  Sarah did the half, and I did the marathon. It was 95 degrees the day before, and we were worried what saturday would bring.  Saturday morning was 53 degrees!!!

Here Sarah and I are with our finishers medals.  Wiped out!  Sarah wanted to finish under 2 hours, and was just over 1:56 minutes.  I wanted to finish in under 4 hours, and came in at 3:58:57.  Talk about cutting it close.  Those last 6 miles were tough…but there were tons of people cheering us on!  Making plans again for next year, but hope to have my other marathon training partner back by then too.  It was a good day for personal achievements.  I will post some other pictures fromt his weekend as this week goes on.  Keep moving everybody.

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1697

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there.  I hope you have a great day.   It is a day you have earned, and deserve.  We all appreciate everything you do, even if you are not always told.  I spent the last few days in SF telling my mom this, now it is time to spend the day telling Sarah this as well.   I made her breakfast in bed, gave her some gifts, and then we went for a 4 mile walk.  Later this afternoon we are going to spend time outside getting some things done.  It just goes to show, you can spend time together, and be active. 

Here Sarah is with the kids taking a break for a picture while we were climbing Harney Peak a few years ago.  You have to stay in shape just to keep up with your kids.  What better way to get your point across than to lead by example.  Don’t just say “you have to exercise”.  Do it with them.  We all had a good time on this trip.  Of course, you can always make it a little more competitive, and create more fun at the same time.  Here Sarah shows them just how tough she can be.

Remember, lead by example.  Nothing says it better than that.  Happy Mothers day Sarah, and to all you moms out there.  I hope your day is wonderful.  You deserve it!  Stay active everybody!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1690

Breast Cancer Run this Weekend

 

The Annual Avera Race Against Breast Cancer is this coming saturday, in celebration of all those women who are survivors of breast cancer.  The Reiffenbergers will be out in full force running on a team for my sister-in-law Joni.  We are the Pink Panthers!  It is a great way to start off mothers day weekend.  We all know someone with breast cancer…either our mother, sister, spouse, friend, relative of some sort.  Go out and help raise money and awareness for this.  We are all affected by it in some way.  It is a great way to go out and exercise for the day as well.  Hope to see you there.  Keep moving!

Also, Happy Anniversary to my mom and dad!  57 years of marriage!  Love ya!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1687