Father's Day Reflection

First, report from yesterday. Twelve miles again, very hot, very humid, very glad when it was over. I had dead bugs all over me by the time I finished. It was a pure, nasty, Kentucky summer morning...oh wait, technically yesterday was still spring. Meaning, the next three months could be extremely brutal when it comes to the long runs. However, we did see a deer run out in front of us around mile five. It ran across the street, stopped, looked at us - as if to say - "You people are crazy to be running this morning!" and ran off. Yes, yes we are!

On to Father's Day. Happy Father's Day to all who are reading! What a great day! I got to relax and mow my yard today! For those who don't know - I have an acre to mow. Yes I have a riding mower, but it's still an acre and it's still over 90° outside!

But I digress...

While I was mowing it occurred to me how significant Father's Day is to my running. It's because I'm a father that I run. Without meeting a certain beautiful little girl almost four and a half years ago, I would never have imagined myself being a runner. I used to sleep a lot, eat a lot, and do nothing - a lot!

Oh sure I wanted to exercise, but it always seemed like something better would get in the way - again, like sleep, food, tv, etc...There was never any motivation - even at the time Sarah and I talked each other out of doing exercise on a daily basis. I remember I used to watch the start of the Derby Mini Marathon and think, I could do that - but I don't really want to.

Then, I met Emma. My how she changed everything. Although, it did still take me another year before I really found the motivation. I also found Sarah could be very influential when it came to taking care of myself. She pointed out that at the rate I was going (with my lazy lifestyle) I would be lucky if I ever saw Emma graduate high school, college, get married, have kids, etc. - you get the point. So did I.

I've always had this fascination with running. Mostly up until that point I was fascinated with how much I hated it. But there was something about it that drew me to it. Something that said, "Hey, I can do this." So, I decided to start running - for Emma. I started by doing a lot of walking and a little running. That led to a few 5Ks. Which led to a few more, and a few more. Then, the idea of being on blood pressure medication at 32 and having sleep apnea led to more changes in my health.

Three and half years, 14 races (including two half marathons), and 60 pounds lost has led me to this path to run and complete a full marathon. Because I am a father to a precious four and half year old (had to get that last part in) I run. I run because I want to see her grow up. I run because I want to see her graduate high school and college. I run because I want to see her get married (at age 37 of course). I run because I want Emma to see that being healthy is important and no matter what is going on in your life, there is always time to exercise!

Thank you Emma for a great Father's Day!