PREVENT Symptoms, Don’t Mask Them!

Dr. David Fonke, DC

 

We always say it’s better to prevent the symptom than to mask it. But why? Most people would maybe feel just fine with simply not feeling the pain. But why should you negotiate the symptom instead of masking it with painkillers?

A symptom is a departure from normal function or feeling which is noticed by a person indicating the presence of an unusual condition or disease.

During my consultation, I always ask about the onset of the symptom. I use a scale of 0-10 to establish the intensity of the symptom. 0 = absent and 10 = agonizing. Using the scale we establish the minimum and maximum levels of pain/discomfort. When did it begin? If the symptoms have been experienced for months to years they could be termed chronic. If it is a recent onset, it is either a new cause or an exacerbation of an existing condition. If the pain/discomfort is approximately the same from day-to-day, many people learn to deal with this level of discomfort. They get used to feeling bad/uncomfortable. As long as the discomfort stays within a narrow range, manageable by medication, etc., they learn to live with it. If the pain becomes acute, then they will seek help.

Furthermore, all symptoms have causes. Injuries, traumas, and infections cause symptoms. Symptoms will demonstrate as pain, changes in consciousness, nausea, and fever. These conditions are termed acute.

So then the question then becomes, Is it preferable to reduce the level of pain/symptom or even eliminate it? Pain can be a signal that something in your body is injured or malfunctioning. Taking something (a drug) to reduce the pain will result in making the injury worse or being able to ignore a disease cycle affecting an organ system. If reducing pain allows you to increase your activity level, this could result in increasing the damage to your body. The only time reducing pain would be an advantage would be to rest/sleep. Sleep is necessary for healing too. Loss of sleep or sleep interrupted by pain will inhibit healing and recovery.

As you can see, this absence of symptoms can be misleading. Typically most people view the absence of symptoms as an indicator of good health. But the truth is the absence of symptoms is a very poor indicator of good health. Consider a diagnosis of cancer, high blood pressure, or diabetes. In each of these health challenges, symptoms appear after the condition has become established in the body. No one has a symptom in the early stages of these conditions. Symptoms become evident after the condition has progressed. The absence of symptoms in each of these conditions misleads a person to think they are healthy. Vertebral subluxations rarely cause symptoms in the early stages. Chiropractic wellness checks along with medical wellness checks identify potential problem areas and allow correction before they become acute/symptomatic.

For more information on preventing symptoms and disease by focusing on WELLNESS, contact our office: (910) 436-3336 or drop by and see us. Also, we have more information on our website and Facebook page.

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Chiropractic Wellness Clinic is located at 1570 NC Highway 24/87, Cameron, NC 28326

Why People Keep Getting Adjusted

Why do people choose chiropractic care? And why do some people continue with chiropractic care when they have no pain symptoms? Motivations for care vary from patient to patient. And choices usually result from two motivators. The patient either seeks to reduce a symptom or the patient seeks to improve his or her health. In this month’s blog, Dr. Fonke discusses the answers to these questions and ideas.

Motivations to Begin Chiropractic Care

I have had patients seek chiropractic care for a wide variety of symptoms. Spinal pain, neck, mid-back, and lower-back are symptoms I see daily. In addition, I adjust for TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) feet, elbows, shoulders, wrists, sinuses, ears, headaches, dizziness, incontinence, bedwetting, constipation/diarrhea, menstrual problems, heartburn, etc. In some cases, the extremity is subluxated out of position or not moving properly. In other cases, the spinal vertebrae are subluxated resulting in dysfunction of the organ system.

The Wellness Concept

Many patients continue care because they discover they feel better and their body functions better with regular chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic care improves the function of the central nervous system. Subluxations interfere with the communication between the central nervous system and the body, and between the body and the central nervous system. Interference with this two-way communication system results in dysfunction. The brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) control every function of the body in both healing and regulation. Interference caused by subluxations in the central nervous system will affect healing and regulation. Chiropractic care optimizes healing and regulation by reducing the interference caused by subluxations. And regular chiropractic care minimizes reliance upon symptoms to seek care. This is the wellness concept. Choices are made that contribute to health. People choose to exercise, follow a nutritional protocol, receive regular chiropractic adjustments, and avoid toxins such as alcohol or tobacco, because these choices improve health.

The Schedule of Care

For new patients I usually recommend 2-3 adjustments/week for 4 weeks. Each adjustment builds on the one before. The patient’s body begins to retain the benefit of the adjustment for longer periods of time. The first adjustment will hold between 8 and 12 hours. I monitor objective criteria in determining when to reduce the frequency from 2-3 adjustments/week to 1-2 adjustments/week. One criterion is vertebra or extremities that do not require an adjustment during a subsequent visit. This indicates that the area is holding the adjustment for longer periods of time. The second criterion concerns the difference in leg length. When the patient is lying facedown on the table there will be a measurable difference in the length of the legs. During the first adjustment, I have seen a difference of as much as 2 inches. During the initial care plan, I look for that difference in length to decrease. Over time that difference will reduce to 1/2 inch or less. This shows a decrease in the tension of the body and an improvement in balance and functions of the body. The tension occurs in the central nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. This tension is the result of misalignments in the spinal column and pelvis. When the patient’s body begins to hold an adjustment I can decrease the frequency of the visits. I will reduce to 1 adjustment/week and monitor their response.

My personal care plan is one adjustment each week. That is what is usually recommend for someone with an active lifestyle involving regular exercise, recreational activities, and well-managed stress levels. Some people do well with one adjustment/month. It truly depends on the individual.

Stress: A Multi-faceted State

Stress is a huge factor in a care plan and causes subluxations. Stress occurs in three primary categories; physical, chemical, and emotional. Physical stress is simply how we adapt to gravity and the effect gravity has upon our body as we move. Emotional/psychological stress is created throughout our relationships at work, home, and within society. As we encounter stress, muscles contract asymmetrically unequally and cause vertebrae to move out of position. Stress chemicals such as cortisol are released. Chemical stress is caused by ingesting, breathing in or absorbing toxins. This includes drugs (prescription, over the counter, or illegal). Pollutants in our atmosphere result in toxic effects as well. These chemical irritants cause inflammation and nervous system irritation, which would improve with a chiropractic adjustment, because as we stated earlier the central nervous system is comprised of your brain and spinal cord. See how it’s all connected?

Everyone improves with regular chiropractic care. The level of improvement depends upon when the individual begins care. Isn’t it time for you to get used to feeling good instead of being used to feeling bad?

For more information about chiropractic adjustments check out our website. Or call us at (910) 436-3336. Like our Facebook page Chiropractic Wellness Clinic as well for daily updates and educational pieces. We CAN help you! Located at 1570 NC Highway 24/87
Cameron, North Carolina.

2016: A Year to Remember

As the year draws to a close, I thought I’d reminisce about 2016. It is a year full of memories and new experiences. Looking back from the vantage point of December, my first thought is the physical challenges I experienced through the year.

I Grew!

I don’t want this to be a “woe is me” memory walk. I’m still surprised by the length of recovery time and the intensity level of the hip and leg pain I experienced in 2016. I detailed this in a previous blog. This is the first time in my memory that I experienced the physical limitation resulting from a chronic injury. It has only been since the last week of November that I have been pain-free. And now my newest surprise is a detached retina in my right eye. Yep! Something new! My vision began to change about 2 weeks previous. What I initially thought was blurred vision was actually a loss of vision in the lower quadrant of my eye. I received expert care through the VA and am on the way to recovery. Thankfully, there has been no pain. The only pain to speak of was the laser treatment of the retina, which was slightly painful and short term. My depth perception and balance have certainly been affected. The biggest adjustment for me currently is sleeping upright. Now, I sleep in a recliner with my head higher than my feet. When the doctors are convinced the retina has attached to the wall again, I can then return to my bed. The physical challenges have forced me to take time to heal, which I probably needed to do anyway. After the Spartan Super, Dr. Kelly, my Acupuncturist, told me I should be kinder to my body. At the time I had the Sprint and Beast scheduled, so my training changed but I still had to push maintain my fitness levels. After the Beast, I took some much-needed rest. I stayed out of the gym for 2 weeks, if you can believe that! I felt guilty about not working out at first, but the guilt reduced with time, and finally I made it to the gym twice this week. Right now that is an accomplishment. My goal is 2-3 strength training workouts and 2-3 cardio workouts each week.

The Grief

 

Mom on her 90th Birthday.

My mom’s passing on April 22nd continues to resonate through me day to day. I moved in with Mom the day my dad passed: November 16, 2011. I was Mom’s live-in care provider from then until Apr 22, 2016. Donna moved in with us after our marriage October 30, 2014.

I cooked breakfast every morning and tucked Mom in bed every night. It was just how we did life. And Mom was always appreciative of anything we did for her. Cooking breakfast, fixing a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine in the evening, always brought a “thank you.” Mom maintained her positive outlook and approach to life even as age, COPD, and medications took a toll on her. Mom made The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale the way she lived her life. And on January 5, 2016 we celebrated Mom’s 90th birthday. It was held in her backyard, and it was full of family, friends, and neighbors. The temperature was a little cool, but we kept Mom bundled up, and she had a great time. Donna and I are still living in Mom and Dad’s home and are surrounded by memories and memorabilia. We laugh and recall conversations frequently, but their absence is felt every time I walk through the door. So now, Donna and I are looking at a house close by. We will probably be moving early in 2017, and though bittersweet, I think it is for the best. It will be a huge change, but a good change.

2016 was the Year of the Wedding!

My daughter Allison and my new son-in-law Scott were married on June 11, 2016. They had an outdoor wedding and it was beautiful! They had a huge tent with a dance floor and fans to move the air. The DJ was outstanding, and we danced the night away. I decided before the wedding that I was dancing. Sitting in a chair watching others dance is boring. My daughter Emily told me that she gets invited to a lot of weddings because she dances. I decided then that I was dancing. It was one of my better decisions, and I had a great time! It was the best wedding ever! The bride was beautiful, the groom handsome, and all the guests were smiling!

While I’m thinking of Emily, I have to say that I’m thankful that we’ve gotten closer this year and that I have the opportunity to move forward into getting to know who she is as an adult. She is a blessing and wise beyond her years. I am close with all four of my children, and getting to know them all as adults and being an encouragement to them all and their families is one of the greatest of honors and gifts to me.

 
So Much to Be Thankful For

As November rolled in it was very weighty to me that this was our first Thanksgiving without Mom. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday, because Thanksgiving centered around family, friends, and food. It was always the ultimate get-together and always hosted by her. This year Steve and Jolena invited everyone to their home. Forty people arrived with food and drinks to add. And it ended as a day full of good memories and stories that celebrated Mom and Dad, which they would have loved. Christmas is right around the corner, and I expect that it will be similar: smiles and

Christmas is right around the corner, and I expect that it will be similar: smiles and laughter, and good memories.2016 was full of challenges and triumphs. God’s grace and guidance kept me moving forward. God has certainly been faithful to me, and I am thankful I recognize His presence and voice. One of God’s best gifts is my wife, Donna. Her prayers have encouraged me and kept me focused. Her faith in me and her faith in God is sufficient to meet every challenge.

From my family and practice to yours–Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May 2017 bring peace, joy and growth continually for us ALL! Please continue to follow us and give us feedback. Also follow our Facebook for daily updates.

 

 

 

Trifecta Earned and Lessons Learned Along the Way

 

Dr. Fonke and his daughter, Allison, at the completion of their grueling Spartan Beast experience.

 

Dr. Fonke took some time to write his thoughts and lessons learned the day after he completed the final leg of his Spartan Trifecta journey–the Carolina Beast, a grueling 14+mile obstacle course race. Read on below.

October 30, 2016, the day after The Beast. Once again Spartan changed the course from 2015. This also happened in Asheville. According to those who had completed The Beast in 2015 the course was much more difficult. So, there you go. As Forrest Gump says, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” My daughter Allison and I teamed up for this race as she wanted to complete one leg of the  Spartan Trifecta with me. I remain in awe of her strength, endurance, determination, and resilience. She demonstrated these qualities in every step she took leading me through The Beast. As we progressed through the course, Allison would ask, “Dad, are you ok?” My answer was usually, “Steady as we go.” The question might come after a particularly long climb or a long trek downhill. I would tell Allison when I needed a short rest. She was always ready to move forward. Allison made sure I stayed hydrated during the event, and her pre-race advice about hydration, food intake, and electrolytes made a huge difference in energy level and endurance during the race and in my recovery after. We maintained an approximate 2.5 mph pace, and the course had much more elevation changes compared to last year. I frequently remarked that I was reminded of Asheville which was 90% elevation changes.

 
Trifecta Take Aways (Life Lessons)

I watched some of my family (Allison, Betsy, Emily, Megan) and the rest of their team achieve their Trifectas in 2015. Their achievement challenged me personally, and I registered for The Super, Sprint and Beast as soon as the races were scheduled. I asked my brother Steve, his wife Jolena and my brother Jerry to join me in completing the Trifecta series. Looking forward from January 2016 with the Super (8-10 miles) scheduled for August 6th, I felt comfortable and confident. Eight months to prepare… plenty of time.

First Life Lesson

Time accelerates as the date approaches! I dropped a 45 lb plate on my left foot, 4th and 5th toes in December of 2015. That healed quickly. So, I settled into my routine of running and strength training 5 days/week. In what seemed like a small time warp, it was March and I injured my left hip. I expected to recover quickly from the injury. However, instead of improving the injury seemed to worsen. I had to modify my workouts. I was getting chiropractic adjustments from my brother Jerry 3 times/week, and sadly it was not getting better. I added physical therapy and began to experience some gradual improvement. Now it’s May and June. I’m definitely wondering if I’ll be physically able to complete the Super in August. By July I’m seeing improvement in my hip. I blinked my eyes a couple of times, and it was August 6th, the Super!

 
2015 participants spoke of the beautiful scenery of the course in Asheville with some elevation changes. I heard it was a moderate difficulty level, and some said they would repeat that race. So, that is what we expected. Surprise! In addition to mud, we encountered a completely different course, which was much more difficult. They incorporated multiple elevation changes. One part was a 2 mile climb of 30+ degrees that took over 2 hours. They eliminated that part of the course later in the day, because Spartan was concerned people would not finish the course before dark(!). It was taking too long for people to complete. The downgrade took about 1 1/2 hours. I went into more detail in a previous blog about the Asheville Super if you’d like to check that out, click here.

Second Life Lesson

Success/Victory requires a team. (Life requires a team). This was an event far beyond what I envisioned. It has longer and more difficult than I imagined. Steve and Jolena stayed with me through 80% of the course. Their presence and conversation kept me focused and encouraged. My best effort was required to finish the race. I was able to reach deeper into my reserves. I was able to put forth a greater effort because I was with people who cared. That includes the OEW team. We all looked out for each other. Each team member contributed their best effort and the result was a victory greater than we could have achieved individually.

 

Dr. Fonke, his sister-in-law, Jolena, and his youngest brother, Steve, at the Spartan Super in Asheville, NC.

 

 
Third Life Lesson

When the test/challenge is huge, break it down into components: smaller/shorter components. My example is the 2-mile climb. When I began that climb I would walk as far as I could and then rest. I was looking ahead expecting that reach level ground after the next turn. That did not happen. Each turn revealed more elevation. I was becoming discouraged. That is when I decided to count how many steps I could take before needing a rest break. I could count 75 to 100 steps depending upon the degree of elevation. From that point on my goal was at least 75 steps and 100 if possible. I no longer looked for the summit. Each time I reached 75 to 100 steps achieved a goal. The summit was not the goal. The goal was the next 75-100 steps.

 

Before the Beast: HOPEFUL

After the Beast–WE DID IT!

 
The 2016 Spartan Trifecta has been an interesting journey/adventure. It was a physical challenge greater than I had ever attempted. The Super and The Beast were much more difficult than I expected. I had to reach down into my physical, emotional, and spiritual reserves to reach the finish line. I had to adapt to the terrain and the requirements of the course and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I was a member of a great team and I had a responsibility to the team to do my best. We gained the victory. We achieved the goal we set. My Dad would often talk about “self-discipline”. This was his personal philosophy of moderation and setting long-term goals. Dad was born in 1921, and he lived through an amazing Amerian century. I find myself in greater agreement with him as I have added birthdays. I believe Dad (my hero) would be proud of our achievement.

As I reflect, I know that these lessons will go forward with me through the rest of my life, along with the memories. I am proud of the accomplishment and being able to challenge myself in all the ways (expected and unexpected) that these races required, as well as the sense of community and teamwork that I found along the way. I would encourage anyone who is considering this challenge to do it! I can’t think of a better way to take on a year, than with goals like this to work towards. Let me know how it goes! I’ll be cheering for you all.

 

The last obstacle: fire jump. I was so happy to finish this one with my daughter, Allison. 

 

The BEAST

Saturday, October 29th is the last leg of Dr. Fonke’s Spartan Trifecta which includes completing three Spartan Obstacle Course Races in one calendar year: A Spartan Sprint (3-5 miles), a Spartan Super (8-10 miles), and a Spartan Beast (10-13 miles) all with many obstacles between those miles. Read on below as he shares his thoughts leading up to this last and monumental challenge!

“The Spartan Super and the Spartan Sprint are now history.  The medals are on display in my reception area at the office. The Beast awaits us October 29th, Winnsboro, SC with approximately 13 miles and 30+ obstacles.  So, what have I changed in my training regimen?  What worked for the Super and the Sprint?  Leading up to the Super (which I ran in August) I was strength training five days/week and running five days/week.  In retrospect, I did not allow enough recovery for my body.  I forced my body to train and move while I was tired.  My thought was to train before I was fully recovered resulting in more endurance for a long Spartan course.  I achieved that goal.  During the Super, I was pushing myself within the first mile.  The elevations and hill climbs were exhausting. I had not trained over hills.  However, by training while fatigued I was able to push through the fatigue during the Super.  With the knowledge gained by experience, I would allow more recovery between training sessions.  I would train longer during sessions and include hill climbs or the stair climber as an alternative.  I would take in more calories in the week prior to the event.  I would eat breakfast the day of the event.  I did not eat breakfast the day of, which resulted in stomach cramps late in the day.  The energy foods we carried with us did not offset the stomach cramps.

I also am hydrating more before and during the race for the Beast!

Recovery from the Super took me three weeks!  It took a week just to get over feeling tired all day.  I was back in the gym after the first week, but my strength and endurance were reduced.  I cut back on the frequency of the workouts by combining two body parts per workout and cardio on alternate days.  I would exercise legs and back, shoulders and chest, then arms.  Each day I would do some abdominal work and towel pull-ups.  That was a 5-6 day routine.  This training was perfect for the Sprint (which I ran in September).  I felt stronger and had more endurance for that race.  The Super was slightly over 9 miles and took me 8 hours, 51 minutes to complete.  I rested at intervals during the event (2-3 minutes) and occasionally 10+ minutes.  The rest intervals were necessary for recovery to continue.  The Sprint was approximately 4 miles.  I reached the rope climb in about 2.5 hours and then waited 1.5 hours for the OEW team to arrive.  I wanted to finish with the team.  The Sprint did not require rest intervals during the event.  However,  my body still required 10 days of recovery before returning to the gym.  The one concession to age that I am willing to make is my need for more recovery time.  I require more time to heal and more time for muscle recovery.

When I started combining two body parts three times per week I anticipated losing strength.  I found the opposite to be true.  I am making strength gains and feeling more energetic.  I am less fatigued during the day.

So–the Beast is in days as of now.  This was my evolving training protocol from September through the second to the last week of October:  Strength train 3 days/week, 2 body parts/day, 3-4 exercises per body part, 2-4 sets each per exercise, 8-12 reps per set.  Cardio 3 days/week, recumbent bike and stair climber.  I have increased my daily caloric intake.  I was eating one full meal/day usually in the evening.  Snacks would include coconut oil in coffee or tea and graham crackers with coconut oil.  I have now added an egg white protein drink, fruit during the day, food bars, and I am continuing with coconut oil. The additional calories have increased my energy level.  I haven’t been able to run since the Super.  The hip and leg pain I’ve dealt with are always worse in the early morning, and that’s when I have time to run.  I have been receiving acupuncture for the hip and leg pain.  Progress has been slow but steady.   The acupuncture combined with chiropractic and physical therapy has been the turning point in the recovery.  I noticed that I have lost some size in the left calf and quadriceps because of favoring the leg while walking.  The pain causes a limp and I have been unable to push off with my toes during a stride.  I have stopped barbell squats and have added leg machines.  The leg press has been particularly effective in isolating the upper hip and gluteal area.  Adding leg extensions, leg curls, and calf exercises have brought balance back to my legs.

All of my family who took on the Spartan Sprint. Memories and bonding that we will never forget!

All in all, I’m excited and ready to take this challenge on. I’ve enjoyed sharing this journey with all of you and eagerly anticipate sharing after our team completes this BEAST and I have a Trifecta to my name!”

All the best,

Dr. David Fonke, D.C.

 

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Choosing Obstacles

I’ve been asked quite a few times lately about why in the world at age 67 I would want to try, of all things, obstacle course racing. I thought I’d use this month’s blog and my participation with a great veteran nonprofit at the recent Fort Bragg Spartan Sprint to try to explain why….

My second OCR ever was on September 19, 2015 at the Fort Bragg Spartan Sprint.

I was introduced to obstacle course racing (OCR) and the team at Operation Enduring Warrior through my daughter, Allison. She is on the team and manages all of their marketing and communication in addition to support at that the events they attend. In March of 2014, we traveled to Charlotte, NC for Allison’s first Spartan Sprint. I attended as a spectator knowing very little about the dynamics of an OCR. This was also my first opportunity to meet the members of OEW. We stayed in the same hotel and had a couple of hours to socialize the evening before the race. Start time for the race was 9 a.m. The race site was about 30 minutes from the hotel. We left for the race site about an hour before start time. Was I in for a surprise?!? As we neared the site I encountered bumper to bumper traffic all going to the race. We parked well after the start time for OEW and I found that over 3,000 participants were in the Spartan Sprint. We located the OEW booth and were oriented to the race route. We found OEW as they were completing the initial obstacles and Allison was already muddy and smiling. We found the finish line and waited for OEW to complete the Spartan.

My daughter Allison, who brought us all to OEW working on the traverse wall at the Fort Bragg Spartan Sprint.

This was a 5K race, approximately 3.3 miles. OEW has participants in races in three categories. The Masked Athlete Team (MAT), active and former military, suit up with gas masks to tackle challenges/obstacles alongside wounded veterans, (Adaptive Athletes). The mask reduces their air intake by 25% to identify with the Adaptive Athletes physical challenges. The mask allows the MAT to remain anonymous, and focus on the mission, assisting the Adaptive Athletes in overcoming the obstacles that seemed impossible. The OEW Community Ambassador (OCAs) support the mission of OEW by raising awareness and donations in their communities. The OCAs also participate in events such as OCRs to support the MAT and the Adaptive Athletes.

As participants began to reach the finish line it became obvious that all levels of physical fitness, age and preparation were represented. I learned that 98% of all participants finish the race. Everyone helps the person next to them to complete the obstacle or challenge. The OEW team personified this. Whatever an Adaptive Athlete needed to complete the obstacle i.e. a human ladder, a leg up, hand up, or carried over was accomplished with precision and total selflessness. The goal was to overcome adversity, the OCR with innovation, teamwork and perseverance.

The MAT and some of the Adaptive Athletes at the start of the race at Fort Bragg.

Operation Enduring Warrior is a metaphor for life. We all need help to accomplish this journey, (some call the battle) of life. Selfishness has no place in life or in a life battle. Making it all about yourself will keep you stuck where you are. Someone needs your help and you need someone’s help. Together we get through this. There is a mythic sense to OEW. Think of the stories that speak of a team. In The Lord of the Rings, each member of that fellowship was essential to the success of the mission. Each member offered the best that they had in the best way they could.There were stumbles, setbacks and injuries but the mission remained paramount. They encouraged and at times demanded more than thought possible. Only to find it was possible. They found they were capable of more than they thought individually and also more than they thought together. They had a primary mission to transport the ring to its destruction. Secondary missions appeared. Each member of the team had to overcome physical, mental or emotional challenges. Empower each individual to grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. The fellowship was engaged in a task larger than they understood. They learned selflessness. They learned interdependence. Each team has individuals that stand out. True team members lift their teammates and the mission.

Halfway through a race. This is a grouping of MAT, OCAs and Adaptive Athletes.

OEW maintains their priority as a team and as individuals . They all honor, empower and motivate our nation’s wounded veterans in overcoming what they once thought impossible. In this teamwork I see a focus that is striking in its intensity.There is an honesty and truth in this that grabs my heart, brings tears to my eyes and demands my participation. It is impossible to watch OEW in action and remain unaffected. I am drawn to join them. The individual achievement of the Adaptive Athlete becomes an achievement of the team. We are all part of something much bigger than ourselves. The vulnerability of the Adaptive Athlete becomes their strength. “Here I am. How do we get through this?”

Nick Koulchar and his wife Dani joined the team for the first time at the Fort Bragg Spartan Sprint. They were both examples to the rest of us of what perseverance looks like.

Fast forward to September of 2015! The OEW team participating in the Fort Bragg Spartan Sprint was the largest ever gathered for an OCR in the organization, with 170 members. We assembled that morning at 11:00 to march 2 by 2 to the starting line. We were led by bagpipes, the American flag and the OEW flag.

I was blessed to be able to run this race with my daughter, Emily as well! I am still in awe of what an impressive athlete she is.

It took almost 45 minutes to get over the first wall. 5.5 miles and 25 obstacles were in front of us. This year a large group of my family joined the OEW team, 13 of us!

The whole Fonke crew that ran with OEW at the Fort Bragg Sprint. 13 of us total!

I found myself moving through the obstacles with my brothers Jerry and Steve, Steve’s wife Jolena, and my son-in-law Garry. Jerry and I had completed the Special Operator’s Challenge 10K, May 30, 2015. This Spartan made that OCR pale by comparison. We jogged for about 10 minutes and came to our first real obstacle, 3 moats, waist high water, 30 feet across and a muddy bank to climb in and out 3 times. Next 3 vertical walls, 6 feet, 8 feet and 10 feet. Here I needed help. I couldn’t reach the top of the 10 foot wall. Steve and Garry were sitting on the top of the wall and reached down to grasp my hands and wrists to bring my hands to grip the top of the wall. Here I could hoist up and over the wall. Teamwork! This continued obstacle after obstacle. At the inclined wall, a wall with the top tilted at 30 degrees toward our approach, I injured my ankle on the dismount. Now I’m limping and Jerry (who is also a chiropractor) drops back to stay with me. At one point we stop so he can adjust my ankle.

My brother Jerry and I with OEW Team Member and Dancing with the Stars finalist, Noah Galloway. Such an outstanding individual.

That helped but I’m still limping and there is about 3.5 miles remaining. We see some OEW team members as we go. The team has gotten stretched out and small groups have formed like ours. Now we became singular in our purpose, complete this OCR together. Each member of our small team was going to complete this OCR. Our conversation was limited to what we needed to do to complete the next obstacle. A selflessness was shown as we completed each obstacle and distance together as a team. The unity we experienced was worth the physical effort required. The surprising thing is that we want to do it again. So this is why at 67 I am doing this. In fact, I’ve already signed up for the 2016 Fort Bragg Spartan Sprint and now I have a new goal.  In my 68th year my goal is to achieve my Spartan Trifecta with this team!

For more on OEW or to support their mission to empower wounded veterans, go to www.enduringwarrior.org.

Please comment and share! As always, OperatioI’d love to hear your thoughts!

At the end, we all jumped in Smith Lake to clean up. Closer and more of a team because of the challenge of the day.