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
by Dan | Sep 24, 2015 | Etc.
I have said for years my main goal when it came to running, and my consecutive exercise streak, was because of 4 goals I had: Those 4 goals were Molly, Megan, Nick, and Sarah. I want to be around to spend time with them, and to be there for them. I want to watch them grow up, and have families of their own. I am going to do whatever I can to make that happen for as long as I can.
For years, they have been a part of our running. There were there for me when I ran Grandma’s marathon, and it is a memory I have forever. When I saw them as I was coming down to mile 24, I about lost it right there. There they were…my cheerleader family, and my kids all jumping up and down screaming for me! They were all facing me, with a message to see.
When as I was getting up to them, they all 3 turned around for another message! I was so proud, and they left a permanent memory in my mind. I was so fired up to finish the race, nothing else mattered. My kids were out there cheering me on, but more important, they had a message for me!
We have been an active family from the beginning. Our motto—the family that exercises together, stays together…and for a much longer time period! My goals are being accomplished. Time goes by fast. They are now all in college, and all of them still stay active and will work out. We are proud parents, and we could not be happier. We tried to lead by example, and hopefully that revealed more than anything to them about how to help take care of themselves. It lead to some great family vacations—running, swimming, hiking. We all had great times.
They were a great support team…and we all worked together. That is what families do. There was a great line from a movie—“Cheaper by the dozen”—when one of the kids in the family backs up her sister, when she stated they had their moments of fights, and would not talk, but in the end, they are the only person they would fight for! That is what love is about. You would help out and do anything for your family. So, as this time clock keeps ticking faster, remember to spend time and appreciate those that are close to you. That is what matters in life. If you don’t have family, what do you really have? I am proud of mine!
Keep moving everybody!
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2918
Dr. Dan
by Dan | Sep 20, 2015 | Etc.
Coming up on Oct 6 will be our 25th wedding Anniversary. What brought us together? Running! We started dating our 2nd year of medical school. I made a habit of running past Sarah’s house, and saw her many times out running during our first year of medical school. I finally mustered up enough courage by asking her to go running with me…and we have not looked back since. That bond brought us together, and has helped us stay together. She is my ultimate training partner…good times and bad, sickness (or injury)and health…forever and for always! We have run many races together, and have teamed up with our kids, but the regular daily runs have been great. We keep each other going, keep each other motivated, and it is always easier to go out when you are not alone. Here are some pictures of us together, and of course, the bulk of them are from different races we have participated in.
Sarah has done many half marathons, but never a full marathon. She says that the marathon is for me, as she is “only half stupid”! Gotta love her!
But she has always been there for me when it comes to the marathon, and supports my efforts, and keeps cheering me on as well.
Even yesterday, as we are getting ready for a trip to Baltimore and Washington DC next month for a race…she is doing the half marathon, and me the marathon…she helped me get through my last long run yesterday. She ran the first 6 miles with me, then rode the bike the next 14 miles with me to get through 20. Then Tom even met us for the last 6 miles of the 20, and he ran with me as well. Talk about a bunch of help to get through! Nowhere is it written that you have to do all of this yourself. All of us need help now and again, and you know what…take it! Appreciate it…and as I have said with my other training partners, it is a great time to talk, discuss, learn about each other, and more importantly, support each other, and be there for each other…forever and for always! Here she is on the bike yesterday beside me.
Thank you Sarah! I love you more than words can describe! I hope you are at my side for many years to come! We can conquer anything together. Happy 25th coming up in the next couple weeks!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 2914
by kelsey | Sep 17, 2015 | Cooking Tips, Diet, Food, Weight Management, Wellness/Health
Summer picnics get all the glory, but as autumn-loving Midwesterners, we prefer this colorful season for eating outside. There are cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and not to mention some superb scenery and beautiful colors. Traditional picnic foods like fried chicken and potato salad can create chaos in your diet, so here are some healthy picnic ideas everyone can enjoy!
- Use nature’s bounty, the more colorful produce you add to your menu, the healthier the meal! Fill your picnic basket with produce like peaches, cherries, berries, watermelon, tomatoes, zucchini, peas, and fresh herbs.
- If you’re grilling take along vegetables such as Portobello mushrooms, red peppers, and onions. Roasted or grilled vegetables tossed with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper as a great idea for a side dish or a topping on a grilled chicken sandwich.
- For some light and crunchy appetizers pack your cooler with a different variety of raw veggies like cucumbers (cucumber salsa is a great choice as pictured above!), carrots, celery, asparagus tips, and radishes. Take along a dip such as hummus or low-fat yogurt with herbs and spices.
- Try a different main dish, instead of grilling burgers or hotdogs, or grabbing a basket of fried chicken, pick up a roasted chicken or try making wrap sandwiches. Wraps are easy and can be nutritious if you make them with lean meat and stuff them with vegetables and salsa or light dressing. Some other ideas could be lean beef burgers, ground turkey breast, skinless chicken breast, and pork tenderloin.
- Resist the temptation to load your picnic basket with high calorie salads held together with mayonnaise, instead use dressings made with less oil and more vinegar or add other liquids such as fruit juice. In starchy salads substitute whole grain pasta for white pasta and sweet potatoes for white potatoes.
- An example of a healthier option for coleslaw could be to try using broccoli slaw and toss in some shredded carrots with a light, low-fat poppy seed or yogurt dressing for a great salad that will still be crunchy.
- Pack healthy beverages such as ice water, sparkling water, or unsweetened ice tea.
- Practice proper food safety by making sure your food arrives safely and that the cold items are packed tightly into a cooler. Enjoy the outdoors and the fresh air as it is a great chance to get some exercise and burn some calories. Go for a walk, toss a frisbee or football, go for a swim, or play a fun game with the whole gang!
-Written by Megan Tschakert, SDSU Dietetics Student
by kelsey | Sep 16, 2015 | Cooking Tips, Diet, Food, Heart Health, Weight Management, Wellness/Health
There is more to fall than the Halloween costumes and hayrides. From September to November the autumn harvest brings in a variety of healthful and delicious produce. In order to get the best of what fall has to offer, keep track of what’s in season near you. Here are some popular fruits and vegetables that are enjoyed most often during the fall season.
Apples are sweet, crunchy and packed with antioxidants and there are more than 7,500 different types of apples! The picture is of one of my favorites–honeycrisp apples! Beets are available year round but are at their best in the fall. When choosing the best beets look for firm, smooth bulbs attached to bright, crisp greens. Brussels sprouts and cabbage are packed with vitamin A and C. Cranberries are between the size of a blueberry and grape. They are at their best October-November but only a small percent make it to the produce section the rest are canned, dried, or turned into juice. Research shows that cranberry concentrate can prevent urinary tract infections and fresh cranberries can slow the growth of breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancers. Pears are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower bad cholesterol. Pumpkins offer a lot of alpha- and beta-carotene, which can be converted to promote healthy vision and cell growth. Rutabagas and turnips research suggests that they may help reduce the risk of prostate and lung cancers. Squash is a great source of potassium and helps prevent muscles from feeling fatigued and weak. Last but not least are sweet potatoes and they have the best flavor during the fall, their peak season. They are rich in beta-carotene, which can prevent vitamin A deficiency and promote healthy eyesight. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin C and when baked in their skin provide about 5 grams of fiber. Be sure to take advantage of the produce this fall and try something new!
-Written by Megan Tschakert, SDSU Dietetics Student
