by Dan | Jun 28, 2026 | Etc.
Some weeks just don’t go as planned. I will explain Monday later, because that was the day that saved the week. I have not been able to run now for over 2 months. I have a knee injury, and I have been going to therapy for this. I have been making progress, and so my therapy has also been advancing, and then after Tuesday’s session, I went backwards. I had the same knee pain as when I started and then developed another bruise on the inner aspect of my knee. I was hoping I would be running soon, but my knee had other ideas and showed me that I am not ready. I had to get creative again with the therapy, and I could not walk for 2 days, so I did my arm exercises. Afterall, my word for the year is “adapt”, so I had to adapt. My knee is now already better, and I am back walking, but will see what therapy says next week. Like the first picture, sometimes you have to “pull yourself back up” even if you really don’t want to!
I have also had a “cold” for the last several weeks, and it really hit this week. The last 4 nights I have not slept because I am constantly coughing. Rest. Fluids. I even tried some chicken soup (my mom’s solution!). This is improving now too, but man is it frustrating. Dealing with the knee, and then the coughing, and sleeping more during the day because I can’t at night…I was thinking first that this week was a total waste…and then I remembered I had the grandkids on Monday. How could it be a waste when I got to spend time with them! Life did not become bad because the grandkids were there. It became hard because life happened afterward. Those are different things. Maybe the positive isn’t finding a silver lining. Maybe it’s recognizing that even in a difficult week…I still had Monday! That doesn’t erase the cough. It doesn’t fix my knee. But it reminds you that one difficult chapter does not define the whole story. We got to play outside all day Monday playing. I was looking back at the pictures I took of them, and one last Sunday when Tom and I did a long walk with our dogs instead of running:
No question, the day I spent with the grandkids outweighed everything that did not go right the rest of the week. But the biggest thing is that this week is coming to an end, and next week is ready to begin. So yes, did I not have such a great week overall? Yes. Was it all bad? Absolutely not! My knee hurts…I am coughing…I am not sleeping… and I am frustrated. But I’m still here. Some weeks, that’s enough. What didn’t change this week? Sarah…the grandkids…my commitment to exercise…my values…my gratitude. Sometimes we just need to be resilient. Take the good with the bad. Really appreciate the good when it does show up. Does this mean we all need to learn to “adapt”? I guess there is no doubt why this is my word for the year! Different doesn’t mean defeated…just figure out a way to adapt! I am still moving forward…we all need to keep moving forward…and as I always say, “Keep moving everybody!”
Who knows, someday Connor may someday become an NFL quarterback! Look at that form and determination!!!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of newest streak: # 851
by Dan | Jun 21, 2026 | Etc.
Today is Father’s Day. The older I get, the more I realize that what we leave behind isn’t found in awards, careers, or accomplishments. It’s found in the people who want to come home. This Friday was my father-in-law Bill’s Birthday. 83 years old. His kids came home to celebrate both his birthday and Father’s Day. I spent quite a bit of time talking to him that afternoon. He talked about what he all did to get his house built, and the history behind it. The farm he grew up on, and how he “kept it” in the family. He was doing a lot of talking of what was important to him. Watching him interact with his family. Realizing what matters after a lifetime. And now, the privilege of being a grandfather myself.
I have been dealing with a knee injury the last few months and have not been able to run. I can bike, and I can walk. Both of these activities give me time to “think!” I did some thinking while out walking yesterday about the conversation I had with him. Every walk reminds me how much I took for granted. Maybe Father’s Day is similar. The older we get the more we appreciate things we once assumed would always be there.
This is the last picture of me with my Dad. He has been gone for over 12 years now. I have totally lost count how many times I continue to think of him. How I would like to discuss things with him. Get his advice. I was getting that with my Father-in-law on Friday. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so live each day with meaning. It got me thinking about my kids, when they came along, all the adventures, and “life” we had together. These are some that will always mean “more” to me:
This was taken the morning we brought our twins home. These 2 made me a Dad. Little did I know what was coming! You think you will get things figured out, and eventually you do, but majority of it is by trial and error. Hopefully, I did not have a lot of “error”, but no question, I had my share!
This was Molly, Megan, and Nick out cheering me on at Grandma’s Marathon. Sarah had T-shirts made for them. On the front they lined up and together they had: Go Dad Go! Boy did I get a boost from this. But…then they turned around, and I about broke down right there…
This said it all! And it still says it all! One guy running next to me and looked at me and said: “Wow! That is the coolest thing I have ever seen! You are making me cry!” They wore these at a few other races after that as well. I have used these pictures so many times in presentations I have given in the past. It is a forever memory that I thank Sarah for doing this…and the kids for being proud wearing them!
Friday, I watched an 83-year-old father surrounded by his children. Today I am celebrating Father’s Day. Monday I’ll spend time with my grandchildren. And somewhere in between, I was reminded that the greatest legacy isn’t what we accomplish. It’s the relationships we build along the way. Keep working on those relationships. And…keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of Newest Streak: # 844
by Dan | Jun 14, 2026 | Etc.
Every grandparent knows there are certain phases that come and go. One year it’s dinosaurs. One year it’s tractors. One year it’s a card game called “Old Maid”…except in our house, it’s known as the “Old Lady”…prior to that it was the “Old Witch”. It just keeps getting better.
It is especially funny when Connor tells Grandma, “Grandpa and I are playing the “old lady” game!” If looks could kill!
We also got to go to the Zoo with them, and the next day went to the splash pad, and it was hot that day so it was perfect timing! But the biggest thing is we just got to spend time with them! Here are some of the shots of these events:
Of course, the one night they wanted to watch “Captain Hook”, so we put on the original Peter Pan animated movie. They loved it, and they were definitely glued to watching it.
We got to make them breakfast, and giggle during it as well…
And we got plenty of snuggle time with Caleb, who is now 10 months old.
We definitely had some “storm weather” this week, but once again, the views of the sunset after were incredible to see!
After a week like this, it is hard to put into words what all these memories will bring back going forward. I don’t know how long the “Old Lady” game will be his favorite, because “Slap Jack” was cruising to the front by the time we took them back home. Kids move on quickly. But for now, every visit seems to include a deck of cards and a request to play “just one more game!” Life moves quickly. Don’t get lost in the “shuffle”. Slow down and enjoy it. Savor it. Smile and laugh about it. Memories are forever. Keep moving everybody…I am always telling Sarah this, because you know she is an “old lady” now! Hee Hee!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of Newest Streak: # 837
by Dan | Jun 7, 2026 | Etc.
This week reminded me that some of life’s best moments come in very small packages. Sometimes it’s a grandchild’s laugh. Sometimes it’s a sunset after a storm. And sometimes it’s a box of donuts! Friday was National Donut Day. Early that morning, Sarah mentioned that she was really craving a donut. Then she laughed and said she’d probably have to wait until Sunday, and then went out the door to go to clinic. A few hours later, I showed up at the clinic carrying a dozen donuts. I made her day!
I had the grandkids on Monday. We had a great day. Smiling. Playing outside. And then we went out for ice cream! Does it get any better than this?
We had a few storms during the week, but what was impressive was the sunsets and rainbows after. I was having a ball taking pictures after the storm. Still got sprinkled on, but the views were amazing.
Appreciating simple moments!
The older I get, the less I believe happiness comes from big events. More often it comes from small things: a laugh from a grandchild. A sunset after the rain, or surprising someone you love with a dozen donuts! Enjoy the simple things in life. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of Newest streak: # 830
by Dan | May 31, 2026 | Etc.
Learning what matters isn’t something you do once. It’s something life keeps teaching you. Sarah and I went to a dance with her parents on Memorial Day. It was in Rosen, MN. This is where my mom and dad are from as well. There were about 100 people there, but the only other person I knew was Sarah’s uncle, who is 89, and dancing up a storm! Music. Conversation. But what stood out? Two people in their 80’s. Dancing. Still holding hands. After all these years. When I was younger, I would have noticed how they danced. Today, I noticed they were still holding hands. Even for Sarah and I, it has been a long time since we went to a dance. We were literally “winging it”. Another couple came up to us and asked where we were from, and said we really look like we “know what we are doing!”. What a shock! Whether two step, waltz, polka, we have the same steps, just different speed! We can improvise on the fly!
There were some awesome sunrise and sunsets this week! While I am out taking pictures, it gives me time to reflect…reflect on the “reflection” I am seeing. It allows me to slow down. Wait for the right light…righ moment…appreciate the moment! The sunrise only last a few minutes. Maybe that is why it matters.
Sarah and I have been getting out into the garage gym…the “Reiflex Center”. Sarah a few times a week until she retires, but I have been getting out everyday. It used to be about getting faster with running times. How much weight could we lift? Now it is about consistency, health, and especially, sharing it with Sarah. I see stories that show up when I am reading about news online, and there are reports of what people at certain ages should be able to do for exercise, especially when it comes to lifting weights, or body weight exercises. A report just came out from Mayo that for people 55+ a female would be considered elite if they can do 10 pushups, and a male 12 pushups. I am currently doing 45 a day, consecutive. I am working on getting better. Last year at the Senior games I did 60. Look out, here I come! Now, this type of competition is fun. We still work out together, and other than what we are doing for the Senior games, it is not about chasing records anymore. It is because we are investing in our years ahead. Use it or lose it! The previous version of me would have said: “how much can I achieve.” Some portion of that is still there. It is a means of challenging myself. But, the current version of me is asking: “What matters most?” And maybe the answer isn’t a promotion; a title; or a race time. Maybe it’s holding hands after 60 years; watching a sunrise; staying healthy enough to enjoy another summer; or, having someone to share it with!
Family. It is no different whether we are human and another animal. The geese have been out with their little ones, and are incredibly protective. I am guessing the female is leading, then the little ones, followed by Dad. Give them space. Just like we want. This week reminded me that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. it doesn’t stop when careers end. It doesn’t stop when we retire. Life keeps teaching. Sometimes through a sunrise. Sometimes through a workout. Sometimes two people in their 80’s quietly holding hands. Maybe that’s what this season of life is really about. Learning what matters! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of Newest Streak: # 823
