by Dan | Apr 8, 2012 | Exercise, Family, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
A participant in a previous Strive 2 Survive class taught me, as a motivating tool, he carried around with him a rock with the words painted “WIN” on it. Whenever he had trouble deciding on when he needed to work on things, he would rub on this, and WIN represents: When is Now. It kept reminding him that it was up to him to really accomplish what it is he wanted, and he needed to do it now, before it was too late. Of course, never forget that we all can rely on others to help keep us going: friends, neighbors, relatives, training partners in general, that all can help us WIN.

Remember those that are close to us, important to us, to help us achieve our goals, and be healthier to be around longer.

Don”t lose sight of the big picture, of what it is we really want to achieve. Getting there is the challenge and difficult part. But remember, success should be a journey, not a final destination. Have fun along the way. You will be amazed as what you can all learn as you go. This knowledge you need to continue to fall back on, utilize, adapt, and continue to learn from it. We never quit learning. When is Now–WIN-to help you keep going forward. Good luck. Keep moving!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1655
by Dan | Apr 7, 2012 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Weather, Wellness/Health

The winds were definitely picking up today. The wind is not so bad when it is warm out, but when it is cold, it is another thing. When I started off running this AM with Sarah and some other friends from the running club, it was 51 degrees. We went on a long run, and by the time we were done, it was 41 degrees. I am not sure what the wind chill was, but had to be in the low 30’s. The forecast is calling for some more cold days, with lows down in the 20’s. Still overall not bad, but it is when we start getting used to the warm weather we have been having.

The Lake had lots of white caps on it, and made it very tough to run in. So the group we had running worked as a team, and took turns blocking the wind. We would then just keep trading off. We all got our workout in, and we worked together. It is always more enjoyable exercising with someone else. The conversations, the comraderie. It is no different then how we work through things every day. It is always easier when you have help, and at the same time, you contribute to it. We all have different Winds of Change in our lives every day, regardless of the weather. Keep your chin up, and move forward. As far as the weather, here is hoping that the cold days, and the wind, will be short lived. Have a great Easter coming! Keep moving!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1654
by Dan | Mar 4, 2012 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health, Winter

OK, so we have had some snow. The temperature went down, and the winds picked up, and then we got some more snow. But, it started melting already later today, and is supposed to be up in the 40’s the next couple of days. That is the good thing about this being March already, it won’t be long, and the white stuff will be gone, and we can be outside more again. Start getting fired up…nice weather is coming. When it does come, get outside and enjoy it.

We are not going to be having these piles of snow for much longer. So start getting ready, and get rid of our “piles of excuses”, and start thinking about how we are going to be more active this Spring. Make your plan now, and stick to it. You will feel much better. Keep moving!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1620
by Dan | Feb 6, 2012 | Family, Goals, Motivation

Well, I had a surprise this past weekend. Sarah and I were out in the Hills at Deadwood for our annual South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians conference/meeting. Sarah and I were both presenters at the conference. Friday night we have a reception following the evening conference, and I came walking into the banquet hall to see my parents, my daughters, who had not come there with us, and several of my brothers and their families. I was being awarded the South Dakota Family Doctor of the Year award, and had no idea this was coming. My family knew it for a month, and had kept it a secret. I have never been more surprised in my life.

I have never been so honored before! Here I am with my mom, who all of you out there who have kids know what I mean when I say that as a parent, you never get tired of seeing your kids do well. I was very happy they were able to make it. It was a night to remember forever. Strive 2 Survive was mentioned as well as the some of the contributions I have done/developed. What a night! I still have not relaxed. It has been even easier to work out with more energy these last few days. I had no time to prepare for a speech, but had several people comment to me they really liked what I said about Sarah…”My whole career has been a team work effort. I got where I am with Sarah’s help, and even though my name may be the one on the plaque, this award belongs to both of us.” How true! Thank you very much Sarah…we are a team…forever and for always! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1593
by Dan | Jan 31, 2012 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health

Ever have those days when everything seems like it is busting out at the seams, and there never seems to be enough time to get everything done? Sure, we all have. Lately, it seems like it has been more often. Maybe it is the time of the year, and we can’t get out and enjoy the outdoors as much. For me, that is where exercise has helped me tremendously. It is my escape. It is time for me to do something I enjoy, and that reaps more benefits than may be first realized. But, the bottom line… it is time for me. Afterall, are we not all worth being able to have a little time for ourselves? If we don’t make sure that we take care of ourselves, who is going to do it for us? This is a picture of a rocking chair facing the lake, a very special place to me, near the Twin Cities. It is a great place to be quiet, think about things, and get away from the pressures of everyday life. We all need some of that once in awhile. We need to make the time for it, and in the long run, it will pay big dividends. Looking back at this picture brings back those memories. Keep this in mind for the future…when you need to have that time away…for you! Stay Active, and Enjoy!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1587
by Dan | Jan 1, 2012 | Exercise, Goals, Motivation, Wellness/Health
Once again, we have finished out another year, and ready to begin another. Hope 2012 will be good for you. New Year’s is also a time for people to set new resolutions. They are determined to do better with exercise and their diet. What it really boils down to more is a re-organization of our time. We need to reset our priorities. The time is there, but it may not always be the most convenient.

We often times just need to make adjustments to our daily schedule, making time for it. Adjustments on how we are going to make the time to accomplish our goals, without making them such a burden or chore that we can’t stay committed to them, often leading to more frustration, and even less attempt at trying to make a change or difference, are not always easy. Focus on things that have worked well for you before, and then continue to “fine tune” these even more. Make the time. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Good luck!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1557