Words of wisdom from a new running dad

I believe the best wisdom comes from older runners who have marathon battle scars, quick times and the experience and knowledge to pass along guidance.

I am a middle-aged runner who has fumbled at trying to get fast over the years, and I just became a dad.

Whether I deserve to call my rambling blog thoughts wisdom or not, here are my thoughts and advice after a blurry, sleepless week as a new father.

Running dad wisdom

You wouldn’t think a baby, pampers, poop and sleepless nights would inspire a blog about running, but it has. I became a new dad at the end of last week and began a new chapter in my life.

The joy and wonder of holding someone that you have helped bring into the world defies any real words. During my first week as a dad, I however can describe the steep learning curve, the inundation of advice, information, stress and anxiety as Hell.

As a new parent, you’re told many things you and your baby should be doing. (“She needs to be eating 15 times a day every half-hour on the half-hour, be burped, changed, played with and be successfully breast fed 20-minutes after birth.”)

Eventually it will dawn on all parents that every little diaper-clad, screaming bundle of love is different. What the books and experts say should be read and listened to, and then you can make your own adjustments.

Just like running.

Remember, we are all individuals with different bodies, needs, challenges and goals. What works for one may not work for another. What you read in a marathon training program or plan may not work for everyone. Be flexible, realize you may not be the average runner and be ready to adjust, evaluate and change direction to meet your goals.

Life is a puzzle, as is running, an adventure that we embark upon and learn more about ourselves as we go along.

Do you have a running story to tell?

runningwriter@hotmail.com
You can also catch me on Twitter @NoelPaine or on my personal blog.