text: I’d never considered myself someone who would, or even could, run. I remember collapsing in a heap, having had an asthma attack, towards the end of the dreaded cross country run element in a school PE class. Running in football was ok. Sprinting in the 100m was ok too, it wasn’t prolonged and I was pretty good at it.
  Fast forward many years and in 2011 my brother asked my best friend and I if we fancied having a go at the Great South Run. We foolishly said ok!
  A year later we completed it (2h 2s for those interested) and ever since I started my training for that race, when I could barely make it to the end of the street (seriously!), I’ve been running. I’m totally not saying I’m any good at it, I’m very much more Sebastien Slow than Seb Coe. More Slow Farah than Mo Farah, but hey, I run therefore I am!
  So why have I kept up with it. And more importantly, now that I’m a dad, and lets face it, the main reason for this blog is writing about that side of my life, what does it mean to be a dad that runs. A running dad.
  Here are 5 reasons that I’m still a running dad.
  1: To get fit
  I don’t want to be overweight and unhealthy as I get older, it’s important to look after our bodies. See point 2 below. That’s not to say that I’m there yet. Currently I’m overweight and could very much fitter and healthier, but it’s a work in progress. I’m going to open up that side of me through this blog a little.
  2: To be able to run around with the kids when I’m older
  Now we’re getting to it. I want to be able to chase my boys around the park, play football, run together, all that good, physical stuff. If I’m not fit enough then it just won’t last long enough for me. I consider myself an older dad as it is and it’s all about being to extend and prolong this awesome experience of being a dad.
  3: To get some “me” time
  In the busy world that we’re living in, it’s difficult to get time where it’s just you. Time to think, plan, create and imagine. My wife likes to have a bath with a good book. I like to run. Getting my share of “me” time means that the “us” time we share as a family is going to be total quality time.
  4: To cleanse my mind
  Again, our world is filled with busy things. Technology infringes on our minds all day and night, both at work and at home, There are bills to pay. Work to be done. Children to raise correctly. Are you doing things the right way? Will you be able to provide for them? Even the news on the television or radio can be draining at times. Running is a great way to get outside, put down the gadgets and gizmos and breathe in some fresh air. Throw off the stresses of the day and come back feeling fresher, lighter in the mind and more powered up to be the best dad I can be.
  5: I actually really enjoy it
  It’s as simple as that. Ok, perhaps not the thought of it. It’s often difficult to face up to going out for a run, but I’ve never been out for a run that I’ve regretted. I’d like to teach my boys that. Doing things that you enjoy is an important part of our lives, and paramount to our ultimate happiness.
  So that’s why I’m a running dad. How about you – do you run? If so why? Are you a running dad, or mum?