The Run with Dad 5K that my husband and I completed together last Sunday had lots of emotional significance for both of us. But first some back story.
When we first met 30+ years ago, he was a runner. He ran on treadmill in our apartment 3-4 days a week for years. At the time, I was a step aerobics gym girl who never even thought about running. My how things change! Neither of us can remember when or why he stopped running. I started running 10 or so years later but that’s a story for another day.
Fast forward, I became the runner/fitness fanatic you. My husband started working more, traveling more and letting his fitness wane. A few months ago, he decided it was time to get healthy again and asked me to help him train for a Father’s Day 5K. Of course, this was music to my ears (and my running shoes). Let the Husband Project begin!
I outfitted him in Brooks running gear and we began running together on the weekends while he ran on the tread at work during the week. Around this same time, I found out that I had some cardiac issues that I was not aware of. Run/walking with him became a way for me to do what I love in a slower, less aggressive and safer way.
After 30+ years together, running gave us a new activity to do together and an end goal race to train for. He developed a newfound respect for some of my long distance running achievements. I remembered how hard it was to be a beginner runner.
5K Run with dad race Day
We chose a low key, Father’s Day Run With Dad 5K as our goal. Race days was finally here! We lucked out with a 60 degree not too humid morning. My husband learned about the pre-race nerves, what to eat before running and those early race day wake ups.
We arrived about 30 min before the start to grab our bibs and warm up. Then we were off and running. The smallish crowd of less than 500 took off. There were many families and kids participating. The course was a shaded trail with some rolling hills.
Our only goal was to finish with smiles on our faces. We stayed together taking a few walk breaks when he needed to. Before we knew it, the Race with Dad finish line was in sight. Mission accomplished.
For those of us who often run races of longer distances, it can be easy to forget the importance that completing a 5K can have for a new (or returning) runner. I really enjoyed being part of my husband’s journey literally from couch to 5K and I am very proud of him for sticking with it. I look forward to many more miles together.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I love this!! And I love the smile on both of your faces at the end!
You did well in making this a happy memory for your husband – that way he is more likely to stick to it.
All the best and I wish you both many more happy 5Ks together!
Thanks Cat-It was really nice to do together
Best recap ever.
It is so exciting that your hubby started to run and wants to race… More races on his schedule??
This will never happen in my house… but he is active and plays tennis.
I am excited for him and I hope we can run together and do more races together
Congratulations to both of you! I love that first race photo — it’s a keeper!
It is!
Great photos! Perfect for his first 5k. I’ve loved following along as your hubby returned to his running. I hope he continues to enjoy it and stick with it.
I hope so too
Oh, this is so cute and makes me so happy! I love that you can meet each other where you are and make something great!
after being married for so long, it was really nice to have a new activity to do together
Congrats to you both! Its great that he started running again and that you can run together. Do you think he will want to start doing longer distances now?
I think he is happy where he is and improving on his pace
Well done and what a lovely finish photo and medal photo!
Thanks so much Liz
Awesome job, both of you! It’s interesting how you both have reversed roles and are now totally in sync 🙂 Do you have another race on tap for the fall?
I am not sure we’ll see
Congrats to both you and your husband! What a gift to be running together.
It was a great gift and fun to do together
Congratulation to both of you. I would like to run with my wife, I hope we will do this very soon because she retires on aug. 31.
Great finish photo and … please… say to your husband: “Don’t give up and keep on running”!
Thank you and I hope you and your wife can start running together too
This is SO AWESOME!!! Huge congratulations to your husband! I loved the photos of you guys running the race. It’s almost making me wish I could be a beginning runner and run my first 5K. This is motivating me to enjoy my races and not beat myself up for running slower than before. What in the world is wrong with having a goal to finish with a smile on your face? NOTHING! I hope your husband continues to run and you guys can run more miles together.
Finishing with a smile on your face is always a win!
I love this so much. The photo right before you cross the finish line is perfect! Congrats to your husband!! And you’re right: a 5k is a huge accomplishment in itself – esp. for new runners. I just signed my husband and me up for a 5k… he’s not quite ready to run it, but will power-walk it and I am so glad he said ‘yes’! 🙂
That is a great start!