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I have now been bitten. I have the bug and suffering from being infected. No, not the swine-flu or anything ridiculous like that. I am taking about running and running mini-marathons. This infection actually improves your health, helps you lose weight, lubricates your joints and makes you stronger.

My first ever experience with running a mini-marathon was a blast and I can safely say it will not be my last. The Kentucky Derby Marathon and Mini-marathon Festival was a blast…for the majority of the race. There was of course tremendous high anticipation at the starting area. Running the course with 20,000 people who were older, younger including Colonel Sanders, ca 8 Elvis characters and super athletes in wheel-chairs; was an adrenaline rush like no other. And then of course running onto Churchill Downs was spectacular!

It was tough around mile10-12. The mental games set-in. Regardless, I actually felt good. I had no new pains in my back, lumbar spine, knees or ankles. Just minor pressure pains in my feet. If you would have asked me even 6 months ago, that I would complete, run the entire 13.1 mile course and beat my time that I set for a goal, I’d think you were crazy and insane at the same time. Well, it is possible to change you mindset. With enough training, will and determination and great support (from the people you hang around) you can accomplish and achieve what you set out to do. Chiropractic care to my spine, knees and ankles obviously kept me in great shape. My spine felt strong and my knees only had minor inflammation post-race. Loveland massage and Kristine Hammer helped my muscle tissue heal and recover properly during training. Just about a year ago, I recovered from a pulled muscle in my right calf. Cold laser therapy helped tremendously. I also, changed my diet drastically, did a liver and body cleanse in October of 2008 and started working out on a regular basis. On top of all these things I must also mentioned the fantastic nutritional products from Orenda International. These products have kept my body detoxing on a daily basis, provided more stability and improved function to my pituitary gland and subsequent hormone balance. And of course, the superfood, Oki’of which I had pre-race and provided me with vital nutrition in the morning.

As Doctors of Chiropractic, we are also coaches to our patients. Our optimal goal with our patients is to achieve better health and reaching physical, mental and emotional wellness. That is a victory in itself to experience and help patients change, improve and take on new challenges. We are looking forward helping you reach your health and wellness goals!

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In less than one week I will be facing my biggest challenge since the National Chiropractic Boards a few years back. Albeit my preparation is quite different I feel that I am as prepared as I can be. On Saturday, I will be galloping on historical ground as I stress my physical abilities to the max in the Kentucky Derby Days Mini-marathon. As with anything we stress over in life – it never turns out as bad or horrendous as we imagined. Because of this fact, I am looking forward to “getting in the zone” and just let the event play it self out and enjoy the ride.

Over the next few blog entries I will be giving you the secrets to the why and how, but before I get into that I need to back up slightly and set the stage for how outrages this has become for me.

The wonderful game of soccer is a great passion of mine and although I have played soccer on various levels during all my years except the first six years of my life, I never enjoyed just running. Soccer involves a lot of running of course, but with a greater purpose -chasing a ball. Also, I was never a lean, mean runner type, which looking back determined “I could not possibly enjoy running because I can’t compete.” Well, as life goes on your own definition of competing changes and you realize your only competitor is yourself.

Besides my less than ideal body type for 13.1 miles, my knees and ankles have endured a fair share of trauma and stress. In recent years I must confess I let the physical strength and potential of my body go. I became severely de-conditioned. I developed heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Getting up in the morning was not enjoyable and I certainly didn’t feel my age. My lower back became acute more frequently (which is the reason I got into chiropractic in the first place, but that is a story for another time). More importantly, I began to not enjoy playing soccer anymore. I came to the realization that I had entered a dangerous land of excuses that we hear from patients from time to time. So often do we see patients live a life of reduced potential. ”Oh, I could never do this or that!” or “I have arthritis.” Or “My painful toe prevents me from doing that!” They have “accepted” or “learned to live with it” and more dangerously, they have convinced themselves there is absolutely nothing they can do to improve themselves. This is very far from the truth. For me it became 13.1 miles. How far away from the truth are you?

Several mental realizations came to mind, but I needed to change – change something major. Nobody was going to do it for me. The point I am making is that anybody can improve and change their health and life situation, but you must desire it strongly enough to be willing to change.

As your chiropractor, it is part of our duty to coach and guide along this path. Maintaining your health and wellness takes a great deal of effort - not just spinal health and regular adjustments, but proper diet and nutrition, effective exercise, positive mental attitude and enough rest and sleep are extremely critical. Without a portion of all these factors whatever your health challenges are most likely will continue, maybe with less or no symptoms, but your are not improving your life. On my own personal journey to re-condition my body I have discovered several effective and proven strategies that can for help anyone – not just me. This is what I will be sharing with you in future blogs.

If you are ready to get started on a new page in your life call us for a appointment today! (970) 203 0597

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Dr. Jon-Eirik