One of my early childhood memories that has stuck with me through the years, seizures, and brain surgery is of my dad coming home from what he used to call a jog. He'd come home dripping of sweat, but was always diligent with his stretching, converting km's into miles in his head, and figuring out his pace. Long before Garmin's, pedometers, and computers to track progress.
I don't know what got my dad into running, and why a marathon, but he's always been a very hard working individual, so really, maybe it's not a complete shock that he'd pick such a challenge to work towards. At the time, I had no idea what a marathon was, no appreciation of the distance he would cover without being behind a steering wheel, how on earth could someone 'enjoy' being so sweaty, and why would you go back for more?
Little did I know when observing him years ago, that 24 years later, I'd begin to understand. My reasons to run primarily for fitness, shed some weight I had gained when I quit smoking, and my commitment to myself to keep stress under control, since doctors believe that a very stressful period of my life contributed to my seizures which had been dormant for 20+ years.
Through my 2 years of running, I've felt like it's something that can perhaps connect me more to my dad, something we could share, talk about, and he even talked about maybe starting to "jog" with me again. But with the injuries I've had, he's sure to remind me to be careful, and that he'd never had any running related injuries. I know he means well, and is being a parent, but he's also told me to consider changing sports.
I don't think he realizes I also got his stubbornness. I told him that if I gave up on everything that I failed at, anything that posed a distraction or a challenge, what kind of example would I be setting for my child? And how many regrets will I have later on in life? I'm on my 2nd chance of life already... I refuse to let life pass me by.
My dad surprised me the day before my marathon by asking where my marathon would be, telling me he'd be there. I really didn't expect him to based on the response I got when I told him I had registered for one. Even though I didn't become a marathoner like him that day, didn't even see him the course, having called it quits due to injury a mere 200 meters from the 36k aid station, (where I learned during my phone call to him from the med tent), that he had waiting for me for more than 3 hours. He still told me he was very proud of me, something I'm not sure I've heard from him before. Dad, thank you. You gave me more that day than any finisher's medal could have.
20 comments:
Aw, I hope that you and your Dad do find a way to re-connect through running.
As for changing sports, well, that's not even an option!
These dad posts have been tear-jerking. I hope you and your dad keep going in teh right direction.
Dads can be gruff sometimes. Sometimes it's hard to tell what they're feeling. But when your dad showed up at your marathon, it just proves-- actions speak louder than words!
(but geez, why couldn't he give you those "no running related injuries" genes?)
i love how your dad came to watch you run and support you, especially after what he said not long before the race. i'm glad your relationship is getting better!
let's be real, running+mel are not breaking up!
Very cool post!
I've been out for a while and have got caught up on your blog. Holy crap girl, stop with the injuries. Kidding aside - you made the "ole eye" well up after reading about your marathon. Hope your healing is going well and keep up the postive attitude.
That's really cool!! You should be proud, you are so tough!!
Nice tribute, Sistre!
wow your dad is a runner!!!! and that's AWESOME he came to your race and that it means so much (i feel the same exact way). xoxo!
That is such a great post. What a tribute
Mel, great post. I remember being so happy for you when he went to your marathon. I hope your connection just grows stronger!!
(and thanks for the link!)
Having your dad support you at the marathon had to be better than any medal you could have recieved. Thanks for sharing about him!
that's cool your dad is a runner too. my dad did tae kwon do instead.
For sure, my mom (my dad is gone now) thinks I'm nuts to be doing "extreme" things like marathons and triathlons. But you gotta do what you gotta do. Wonderful that your dad was there at you race and let you know he was proud of you regardless of the outcome.
Great post Mel!
Mel what a lovely post. How awesome that your dad told you he was proud of you, and well he should be as you're a fantastic woman!
You know how I work in talk radio? Apparently for every person who calls in for talkback, there's 100,000 out there listening wanting to call in. Perhaps your Dad telling you he was proud is like that. He finally spoke up after 100,000 thoughts of being proud :)
it's so great you can share the running experience with your dad, this was a really great post!
This totally made me teary eyed. Very nice tribute to your dad.
Great post. I love my dad too! I don't think parents always realize how the small things make such a difference.
Really great post. Really cool your dad was there.
I really love all these dad posts. I'm glad that he was there, even if you never saw hime!
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