I am a runner.Running is a form of therapy for me.During runs, I disengage from the world, allow my mind to freely wander, and enjoy the mental health benefits that come from physical exertion.I have thought through many difficult problems while running, and I have written many of my newsletter columns during runs. It is an opportunity to spend quality time with some of my children who are also runners. When choosing my runs, I try to start out running against the wind so I can return home with the wind and weather at my back. Sometimes the wind has a mind of its own and changes direction.During these times, I find myself returning home unexpectedly running against the wind.
When running on a windy day, I am conscious to properly adjust for the conditions. First, I slow down a little. The wind is unpredictable, and I am never sure of when the direction will change and how long it will last. Slowing down a little helps me conserve strength for the rest of my journey. I am a distance runner, not a sprinter.Next, I shorten my stride.I am never certain when a gust will come and carry my momentum backward between footfalls.Shortening my stride helps me to remain more grounded and less exposed to the forces of an uncertain wind. I also remain more vigilant.Wind is unpredictable and can bring many hazards into my path.These hazards come from unexpected places, and it is important to be prepared.It is most fortunate when I can run with a group.Sharing the load with others allows me to perform better than I would be able to alone. Running in a group also allows me to help carry the load for the others when they are in need.
Dr. Michael Capel and daughter Adeline
I think that being a runner has helped me in cattle practice. Like running, cattle practice can be difficult. Being a runner conditions me to making steady forward progress, even when I am tired or the obstacles in my path appear too great. Bovine practitioners constantly face changing conditions, uncertainty and unforeseen challenges.Many AABP members are facing straight into the wind now. Some face challenges that are known to all and openly talked about like the Texas wildfires that occurred earlier in the year and the emergence of Influenza A H5N1 in dairy cattle.Others face local or more personal challenges that are less well known, but no less significant.
I am in constant awe of the strength, resilience and collaborative spirit of our members. This is especially evident with the many veterinarians in areas affected by the dairy disease outbreak associated with Influenza Type A H5N1.Our members freely give of their time and expertise in work groups and task forces. They develop educational materials for AABP and the cattle industry in general. They work closely with diagnostic labs, government agencies (USDA APHIS, FDA, CDC, National Animal Health Laboratory Network members, State Animal Health Officials, the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response) and allied organizations (AVMA, NMPF, NCBA, AASV, AAAP) to learn, challenge each other, plan and respond. They provide exceptional service to their clients and provide support to others in our organization.They help move our industry forward.
When running against the wind, or facing challenges in our professional lives, it can be hard to stay on course. During these times, it is important to slow down, remain grounded, be vigilant, and lean on others for support. In our professional lives, windy conditions remind us of what is important and remind us of our core beliefs and responsibilities. We are committed to taking care of animals. We are committed to the well-being of our clients. We are committed to taking care of each other.We are committed to caring for the public and consumers of milk and meat. I would like to express my gratitude and support for everyone who is working hard on a daily basis to improve our profession and our industry not only in good times, but also when running against the wind.
