Today’s Friday Five with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia is theme free, so I decided that in honor of Father’s Day, I’d write about five things I learned from my dad. (And I’m guest posting over on Courtney’s blog about five steps to avoid post-race/post wedding blues because Courtney is off getting married this weekend!)
1. You can always dig deeper. I’ve seen him do it in races. No matter how tired or how ready to give up you are, if you really want something, you’ve got something left. You just have to learn how to use your mental strength to tap into it. (This would be the main reason he beats me in every.single.race.)
2. A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet. I live in an urban area where people don’t really talk to strangers on the metro or really even at races. A lot of times, runners don’t even smile at each other, much less wave. Everyone is too busy and too involved in their own lives to interact with random strangers. My dad? He’s not like that. He’ll talk to just about anyone. And 99% of the time, people respond in a positive manner and are happy to engage.
3. You are never too old to reinvent yourself. My dad served in the Air Force for 22 years. Then he was a science teacher, then a special ed teacher, and then a truancy officer. In additions to getting his original bachelors degree, he got a masters while in the service and then another bachelors degree so he could teach when he retired. I remind myself of this every time I worry that my time out of my career field may keep me from going back into that field.
4. You are never too old to try new things. Since retirement, my parents have done a mission visit in the Ukraine, gone hiking in Alaska, visited Puerto Rico, gone white water rafting… I’m sure they’ve done other stuff as well. My dad even ran his first half marathon at the age of 65 and has now run 3 of them!
5. There’s nothing better than a yellow beer after a run. Wait! What? OK, he tried to teach me that one, but I’m happy to say that after years of trying to convince him, he now appreciates a good craft beer!
Happy early Father’s Day to the best dad a girl could ask for!
What a great post! Your dad sounds like such a great man. I love the reinventing–you’re never too old to try something new 🙂
He is pretty awesome. I’m very lucky!
Wow your dad is amazing! I love that he’s a runner! I may have to share this post with my own father…I’ve been trying to convince him to sign up for something with me. 🙂
My dad’s been running my whole life. I love that I’ve convinced him to do a few half marathons with me.
Awww cute post!
Thanks!
Aww, love this 🙂 Gives me warm fuzzies!
THanks!
That’s so awesome that you and your dad run together! My dad is also one of those people that can and does talk to anyone.
I love running with him. He always helps me figure out my life when we are running.
love this! so cool that your dad had so many occupations
I love #3 and #4. Your dad sounds like a very wise man!
Great ideas. I’ve recently discovered that I can usually dig a little deeper than I thought I could. It feels so good too! Your dad sounds pretty cool!
He is. I’m quite lucky.
aww, love love love!!!
Thanks!
Aw, what a nice tribute to your dad! Sounds like he’s an amazing guy!
Thanks. He is a great guy. I’m so lucky I have awesome parents.
Your Dad sounds pretty awesome. You’re a lucky girl.
I know. I’m very very lucky.
I love the second and third one! Your father is a wise man!
Shh! Let’s not let it go to his head. ;o)
So love this list. Such wisdom passed down.
Thanks! And I still call him for advice all the time.
Sweet post! I love that your dad ran his first half at 65!
And so far, he’s beaten me at each one…
Your Dad sounds awesome!!!
I think women who have great relationships with their dads are the luckiest girls!
I’m super lucky as I have a great relationship with both of my parents.
Aw, your dad seems like a great guy! What a lovely tribute to him. That’s great that he’s out there being adventurous and trying new things. Also, I’m really glad that you are getting him into craft beer! It’s so much better 😉
Yes, beer is the one thing I’ve taught him LOL.