episode 60: Being Alice's Dad, by Guest Blogger Rod Lowe

One thing I love about running and writing a blog is the opportunity to meet like minded people. I came across Rod's posts on a discussion forum and immediately identified with his writing voice, passion for running and life journey. It's a pleasure to have Rod as a guest blogger this week...

Rod Lowe is an ultramarathon runner from Toronto, Canada. He came into running quite by accident when asked to compete in the 2010 Goodlife Fitness Half Marathon. With 17 days to train he finished with a time of 1:51:47 and was immediately hooked. You can follow his (mis-)adventures at: http://runrodrun.wordpress.com/

Without further ado: Being Alice's Dad, by Rod Lowe

My friend Alice has decided to take up running. After watching me train and race and obsess over my sport for 3 years she's decided that warts and all, she wants in. And like a proud papa watching his child take her first baby steps I couldn't be prouder. Seeing her lace up. Hearing about her progress with run-walk intervals. And helping her to program her very first Garmin.

I want the best for her. In the world of running, I'm Alice's father.

I feel responsible for her. Her happiness is my happiness. Her setbacks are my calls to encourage her and to help her overcome. I won't push. I swear I won't push. And if she quits running then that's her choice. I'll always be proud of her. No matter what. I want this above all to be something that she enjoys. But I confess. I love that I can share this part of my life with her -- runner to runner.

I've told her not to be like me. She's to always obey the rules of the road. She's to always stay on well lit paths. And she's to never take any unnecessary risks. If it sounds chauvinistic it's not meant to be. I'd tell any of my male friends the exact same things. Do as I say not as I do.  I can worry about me but I can't worry about you too. If it sounds unfair of me it probably is. Sorry. But no one gave me a book on how to be a running dad. I'm learning as I go and hoping that all my love and support will more than compensate for my inadequacies and shortcomings.

I ask her about her stretching. And I've offered her free massage treatments (I'm a registered massage therapist) every week to help her make the adjustment to becoming a runner.

I give advice but I pray to God I'm not preaching. I try to support and I hope I don't hover. I try not to obsess but I can't help but worry. I try not to dote but I'm so proud.

I've become a running dad.

You can also follow my running adventures on https://www.facebook.com/pages/3-dudes-on-ultra-mission/271137916280936 or https://twitter.com/williewenli