6 Reasons Every Dad Should Run a Half Marathon

I’m running a half marathon this weekend. I’m not racing it, just running it for fun. Most of my training has not been up to par for a half marathon race, so a fun run it is. But, if I’m not totally ready, why do it? Half marathons are in the goldilocks zone of distances, I think at least. So here are 6 reasons why you should run a half marathon.

1. Building Endurance…that Mirrors Parenting

Running a half marathon isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s a mental game too. This combination of physical and mental mirrors the resilience needed in parenting. Just as I discovered during the relentless rain at the Long Island Half Marathon years back (and rain is scheduled for this weekend’s race as well), sometimes you need to put on your hat, block out the distractions, and keep moving forward.

A half marathon is not a sprint race. It is a long race that requires planning and endurance. The endurance you build while training for and running a half marathon teaches you determination and perseverance. Both of these traits are invaluable in fatherhood.

2. A Test of Patience and Planning

As fathers, our lives revolve around meticulous planning (maybe Momjogger does a lot of this for me too)—from juggling work responsibilities to ensuring quality time with our children. Training for a half marathon requires a similar level of strategic planning. You have to find time for long runs amidst busy schedules, which might mean early mornings or late evening jogs. Balancing these commitments teaches you about managing your time effectively, ensuring that you don’t miss those precious moments at home.

Incorporating your family into your training can be a game-changer. Consider investing in a jogging stroller to bring your little ones along for the ride. Not only does this allow for bonding, but it also introduces your children to a healthy lifestyle early on. Sharing the joys of running can lead to shared experiences too. Try playing music during a run or finishing at a playground. This doubles up your time for training and time with the kiddos, creating lasting memories.

Training for the half marathon is not overly time consuming either. Unlike a marathon and ultra marathon which will require 20+ mile long runs during the plan, your half marathon training requires substantially less time and miles, depending on your goals. Your long run may only require a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday. Otherwise, half marathon training doesn’t interfere to heavily in your regular schedule.

3. Health Benefits from a Half Marathon

The health benefits of running a half marathon extend far beyond the physical. Yes, you’ll improve your cardiovascular health and likely shed a few pounds! Also, the mental health benefits are just as impactful. Regular training can help manage stress, enhance your mood, and increase overall energy levels. I’ve spoken about the mental side of running in other posts, but many of those have been about pushing through the hardest parts of a race, or a run. However, running offers a lot of positive mental impacts too. The endorphins are always a great positive too!

4. Half Marathons Leave Room for Improvement

A half marathon is a long enough race that you can find big improvements in your times with appropriate changes in training. Unlike a mile, where your improvements are measured in single seconds, or the 5k where you may also be improving by just seconds per race, the marathon offers a long enough distance to see minutes of improvement. You may run your first race in 2 hours. But remember, that regular running and appropriate training can easily bring your next race down 5, 10, even 15 minutes! This leads you to a strong sense of accomplishment and pride that will keep you coming back to the distance for more!

5. Achieving Personal Goals Boosts Morale

When you cross that finish line, you’re not just completing a race; you’re setting an example for your children about the importance of setting and achieving goals. This experience can boost the whole family’s morale, showing your kids that hard work and dedication pay off. Plus, sharing this accomplishment with them can be incredibly rewarding.

I feel that the sharing of this type of victory actually helps instill that same want into your child. They will want the same feeling as you. They want to get a special treat (hopefully no beers yet) and a big medal! Watching their dad tackle something hard, and prepare for it through training, instills that sense of hard work equaling big accomplishment.

6. You get a big medal!

Who doesn’t love a big medal? I know I do. Adding that medal to my collection, even just wearing it for the walk from the finish to the car, is enough to get me thinking about my next race. Just like that, you’re hooked!

Conclusion

Running a half marathon as a dad isn’t just about the distance—it’s about the journey and the lessons learned along the way. It’s about showing up, rain or shine, and demonstrating to your family that life’s challenges are just another opportunity for growth. So, tie those laces, hit the pavement, and embrace each mile as a step towards a healthier, happier you. Oh, and earn that big shiny medal!