Dr. Tim Says....

The Big Five-Oh

Today's column is a bit of a departure from previous Dr. Gourmet newsletters.

Warning... This is personal.

I turned 50 yesterday. A very cool thing to do actually. For my birthday I rode a hundred miles. Beyond cooking, cycling is one of my great passions. Riding the bike is a lovely thing to do beyond the fitness aspect. Spending time outside, fiddling with the bike, being in the company of those who like bicycling, following the professionals - it's all great.

Usually I do long rides for fundraising. Mind you, I love to ride but I believe that organizations like LiveSTRONG, the American Diabetes Association, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, etc. are important causes and it's a great way to raise money and awareness. Many of you have contributed to these causes through the Dr. Gourmet website.

But this ride was for me. Just a ride, just a day on the bike, just a way to celebrate.

The real key is the challenge. Mind you, I am not an athlete even though 100 miles seems like maybe I am. I went to a bike camp once and was dead last up a very long mountain. After 3 years of “training” I am not a whole lot faster than I was when I started, much to the disappointment of my coach.

But I finish. And that's the key. Getting to the goal is everything. That's not to criticize those who compete because their goal is to win. For me, however, the important thing is to just have that idea that you believe in so much that it becomes part of your life.

Pick that goal in your life that you are passionate about and go after it. Riding a hundred miles is all well and good, but for you it might be as simple as walking 3 times a week or going to the grocery to have good food in the fridge or spending more time with your kids. Whatever it is, make a target, pick the date and achieve the goal. It's such a great feeling.

Eat well, eat healthy, enjoy life!

Dr. Gourmet

Eat well, eat healthy, enjoy life!

Timothy S. Harlan, M.D.
Dr. Gourmet
September 29, 2008

Last updated: 09/29/08