Page 54 - HCPVitalityChronicles

Darin Buschmann, MD, Thrives on the Positive Energy Gained

from Competitive Races

Darin Buschmann, MD, HCP Van Nuys, feels he is probably best at
enjoyed competitive swimming swimming, but he enjoys bik-
throughout high school and college. ing the most. “It’s more excit-
Then, as often happens as life gets ing; there’s an adrenaline rush
busier, he got away from competitive with cycling, and it gets you
sports for a while. Watching his wife out into nature.”
run in the 2007 Los Angeles Marathon
reignited his interest in and passion for To prepare for races, he cy-
such competition. A big part of the rea- cles with friends, runs with a
son for this reemerging interest was group and does a lot of train-
the positivity surrounding the event. ing on his own whenever pos-
sible. “I try to train any time I
“I saw runners pursuing something can,” he said, adding that he
that was positive for their fitness and Darin Buschmann, MD, loves the outdoor aspects and usually does five to six races
well-being,” Dr. Buschmann said. “I beautiful scenery of competing in XTerra races. per year. It may be a little bit
saw volunteers helping the runners by giving them water and less this year because he and his wife have a baby, but his
orange slices. I saw spectators cheering for those who were inner competitive fire remains.
racing. I really wanted to be a part of something so positive.”
“My competitive nature had been dormant for a long
Because of his swimming background, his races of choice time,” Dr. Buschmann said. Since starting triathlons, his
became triathlons. In particular, he enjoys XTerra times have steadily improved. He also qualified in his age
triathlons, which take place off-road: you swim in a lake, group for national competitions this year. As an Extraordi-
mountain bike and the run portion takes place on a trail. nary Achievement recipient, Dr. Buschmann will be
He competed in his first one in 2008, and it has been an awarded 700 Vitality points.
ongoing passion ever since.
When a patient is receptive, he may sometimes mention the im-
He also completed a Half Ironman Triathlon in Sonoma in portance of physical fitness, but is careful to do so only when
2010, and finished in the top third in his age group. Mostly someone is willing to make a change in their lives. “For patients
he does XTerra and Olympic Distance races. At the Malibu who are willing and interested, I may share with them what I
Olympic Distance race last fall, Dr. Buschmann placed fifth in do,” Dr. Buschmann said. “I tell them about starting slow and
his age group. His most recent XTerra event in San Dimas in building up. The hardest part is starting. Once you do, it becomes
April landed him in fourth place in his age group. Although addictive, part of your routine, and something you need.”
he loves both on-road and off-road triathlons, he really
thrives on the XTerra events. His own need to compete is purely personal, he noted. “I
do this purely for my own physical and mental well-being,
“They are smaller races, and they’re more adventurous as well but it’s great if I can inspire others to live an active
as more technical in testing your bike riding and running ability lifestyle. There is a sense of pursuing wellness and health.
as they are in difficult terrain and higher altitudes,” he said. It is a great outlet for physicians and for all people involved
“The settings are gorgeous.” Because of his past experience, he in health care.”
Do you know someone who has completed an extreme physical fitness activity or healthy living event within the last year?
If you would like to nominate their Extraordinary Achievement, please contact Catherine Crow, Janelle Howe or Janet Galli.