In high school, Dr. Riva Rahl Graeme joined the only team that didn’t cut anyone. The cross-country decision turned out to be a good one; less than a decade later, she won the White Rock (now called Dallas) Marathon.
Now 40, she’s medical director of the Cooper Wellness Program.
How and why did you get into fitness? I enjoy the physiological, social and mental benefits of staying fit. I’m also competitive, and there are many opportunities to compete with others or even my own times and distances.
Typical week of workouts: On weekdays, I’m up early to do the StairMaster at home for 50 minutes or a 6- to 7-mile run, depending on if my husband is home with the kids or working out himself. Saturday and Sunday, I do a loop of White Rock Lake, followed by core of upper-body P90X workout when I get home. I’ve recently been trying to fit in a yoga class at work. I also do a lot of lifestyle physical activity — family walks with the dogs, activities with my two sons — and literally “running errands.”
If I had just 20 minutes to exercise, I would: Do a quick, vigorous, 3-mile run.
Favorite healthy food: Broccoli with hummus.
Favorite indulgence: Truluck’s carrot cake or Dreyer’s Slow Churned Vanilla ice cream.
Proudest fitness moment: Winning the White Rock Marathon in 2000 after really focusing on it for several months. Also, winning the Cowtown Marathon in 2008 when my youngest son was just 6 months old.
Toughest obstacle to working out: Time and priorities. I try to balance family, personal and work life, but often the workout only happens if it is combined with something else. For instance, I might run to meet the family somewhere, or have a walking meeting at work, or do calisthenics on the sideline during my sons’ soccer games.
Fitness goals: I want to be able to stay fit and enjoy physical activity my entire life. It would also be a treat to run another marathon.
What I’d say to someone who wants to follow my routine: You have to prioritize the exercise. Consider putting it on the calendar so it gets done; otherwise, it can easily fall by the wayside at the end of the day.
What my workout says about me: I am disciplined and committed to maintaining my health and want to set a good example for my family and my patients.
You don’t have to be a runner to be a Fitness Profile. Just enjoy your workouts and drop a note to lgarcia@ dallasnews.com
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