Families Who Run Together, Stay Together

My running “career” started because of my Dad. (read about my first half marathon experience here)

Me (yes, my hair used to be blonde) and Dad after Seattle half marathon

I blame him for all of my (limited thus far) success. My first handful of half marathons, he ran by my side, and crossed the finish line with me, although he could have barreled ahead of me.

Then I became a “real” runner, and I started to actually get good (in my eyes). My dad and I still run the Seattle half marathon together…well, not “together” anymore, but we both start together and meet at the finish. My dad’s running is slowing down (not really), and mine is speeding up; I have become selfish. I am finally good at this running thing,and I want to use my full potential, to see if I can achieve running greatness like my dad has.  I hope I am as half as successful in my running career as he has been (Boston a couple times, Portland, too many half marathons to count, ran a marathon, for fun…not a race, in Hawaii, and is winning his age group in every race he enters now…he’s 72…tomorrow). Did I miss anything, Dad?

I hope my dad thinks it’s as cool to run with me as I have always thought it is to run with him.

My running career is taking off, and I love it when my loved ones can partake in any part of running with me: training, an easy run, cheering me on. They have been amazingly supportive, and I can’t thank them enough. But my absolute favorite is when a family member actually enters, and runs, the same race as me! This brings me great joy!

This weekend, not one, but THREE family members (okay, only one is actual blood, but they’re still all family) are running the Lake Union 10k with me! I can hardly contain my excitement.

My dad, my brother-in-law, and my life hostage have all decided get up bright and early and run 6.2 miles around Lake Union. And then…we’ll celebrate our accomplishment with a post-race breakfast, which my sister will come partake in, too! Mom? Are you reading this? Are you joining, too?

They (I don’t know exactly who “they” is) say that families/couples/friends who do things together (exercise, travel, go on excursions, take up hobbies, brush their teeth, eat meals, learn something new), stay together, and I am all about keeping the people I love close by. Now go do something with your family!

Happy Birthday to my Dad, Jack!

Does anyone in your family run with you?

• Tweet
• Pin It