Dr. Smith's Birthday Challenge part 2...The Completion

While riding with Reva last Saturday I saw a flyer about the Reston Century Ride that was to take place on August 23, 2009. I knew that if Reva was capable of making a huge lifestyle change I was ready to complete my Birthday Challenge. Each day seemed to be a blurr with growing anticipation and nervousness to Sunday's ride. I consulted my brother who is an avid Tri-Athlete, and Marathon runner on top of his already grueling job in the Marine Corps. His words were simple and easy to follow, "What's the difference between Sunday and any other day you have ridden? Nothing treat it exactly like any other ride and pedal one foot at a time. The goal is to finish, not finish first."

Sunday morning came with his words ringing in my ears. I drove to Reston Town Center, registered, received my map and headed out for a new adventure. The first 20 miles literally flew by as I found myself with faster riders and ended up completing the first 20 miles in 59 minutes. The 24 mile mark came and so did the hills, for the next 63 miles consisted of grueling hills, and joy in finding other riders on the path. With each mile under my tires, I found myself more and more alone, and when I was ready to stop I would look up to see a rider in front of me.

The last 23 miles were the hardest 23 miles of my life. I continued to repeat my brother's words, and as each mile past I found myself closer and closer to my goal. I found comfort in knowing that every mile past 80 was a new goal and distance that I had not previously seen. I pulled into the last rest stop 10 miles outside of Reston and as I went to dismount my bike I toppled over. The crew working the stop asked if I was alright, then offered me a ride to the finish line. If there was an opportune time to quit, it was now. I could easily fake an injury, accept defeat or I could finish what I started. The option was really never there to quit. I know each time a patient steps into my office I push them to take the challenge of living a healthier life, and if I ever wanted another person to follow through, then I had to follow through and finish.

9 hours and 15 minutes from the start I pulled back into Reston Town Center, exhausted, sun-burned and full of accomplishment. Total ride time was 7 hours and 45 minutes, one stop to repair my chain, three mandatory rest stops and one am I going to make it rest-stop.

The birthday present I set out to give myself consist of so much more than good health, it consist of accomplishment and the knowledge that I can finish even when I want to quit. This should be more and more evident to you the reader as you have read about how Reva has improved her life and self-worth with accomplishment of her goals. The gift of believing in you is priceless, and I as always BELIEVE IN YOU, and know you can do it. To quote one of my all time favorite books "I think I can, I think I can."...well I know you can. I look forward to hearing how you are improving, accepting the challenge and more importantly to seeing you out on the trail, in the streets accomplishing your goal of good health.

Your Friend in Health and Fitness,

Dr. Jonathan Smith

Reva's Story

Several months ago Reva walked into my office with low back pain and knee pain. When I walked into the exam room and started to sit down, Reva said "Dr.Smith I have three things I want to say before we start. My low back hurts and my knee hurts, they are injured. It is not because of my weight, YES, I need to lose weight, but I am hurt. Do not tell me I am not hurt and that my weight is the cause of all my problems." After listening to Reva for several minutes we began the exam. We figured out what was wrong with her, discussed the treatment plan and agreed that we would add the recumbent bike into her rehab. I distinctly remember Reva's response to riding the bike. Dr.Smith I don't think I will ever enjoy riding the bike or exercise, but if I have to then I will if it helps me feel better.

Fast forward 4 weeks into her treatment Reva had gone from barely being able to ride 1/2 mile to riding 12 plus miles everyday. Her spirit and attitude had changed. We watched Reva go from doubting herself to walking in each visit with a huge smile on her face and eagerness to jump on the bike. The pain subsided, her function increased and Reva asked when we were going to go for a real bike ride on the WO&D trail. I told Reva that when she was able to ride 20 miles on the recumbent bike we would do 5 miles on the WO&D trail. We agree upon a day and a distance, then waited for the day to come.

The day is upon us. I arrive at our schedule meeting point to find Reva patiently waiting. As I get closer to Reva I notice the tears and fear in her face. She stands, wipes her eyes and says she isn't sure that she can do this today. The nervousness and fear is almost over-whelming for Reva. We chat for a minute, discuss what she should expect on the trail then head to our destination. Two minutes into the ride I look over to my right and see Reva with this huge SMILE. As we approach our turn around point, Reva looks past it and wants to continue forward. We continue on our path and at the 3.66 mile point we stop, chat, then turn around to head back to our starting point. All along the way Reva is peppering me with questions about the best way for her to continue this new found excitement.

Half-a-mile to go and we hear "POP", I look over and see Reva's rear-tire has blown. We stop, assess the situation and Reva starts to push her bike back to her car. Today I had the pleasure of watching Reva go from no desire and little expectation to exercise, to ride 7.0 miles on her first outing, blow a tire and just jump down off her bike and begin to push. Not once did I hear her complain or get frustrated about the tire, she continued the ride pushing her bike, smiling and talking about getting to the bike shop to get the tire fixed. The achievement isn't just in the distance that Reva covered, but in rising to the challenge, and rising with an amazing "Can-Do-Attitude". I encourage those that are finding it hard to get started on their journey of health, to look to Reva. Use her as your inspiration, then once you have put the first foot forward...enjoy the journey.

Congratulations Reva!

Your friend in Health and Fitness,

Dr. Jonathan Smith

The Health Triangle

One day while in a community nutrition class at MTSU, one of my instructors asked the class for the definition of Health. After listening to the class give answers for a minute or two, she turned to the board and drew a triangle. Under the bottom of the triangle she wrote physical, on the right side she wrote mental and on the left she wrote social.

Over the past 12 years I always turn back to the Triangle of health, when I evaluate my health. The triangle should be an Equilateral Triangle, meaning all sides are equal in sides. Our experience tells us that the sides will shift with life experience and life situations yet we must always try to come back to that equilateral triangle of health. Each side is a complex structure that would require numerous pages, hours and multiple professionals to discuss in full depth. The next couple of blogs I will briefly discuss each side of the triangle, and offer ways to enhance your overall health.

Your friend in Health & Fitness,

Dr. Jonathan Smith