I’ve always known running was in my blood. My journey started with my dad. I was a soccer player back then, but some of my earliest memories of running were those short runs with him around the streets of my hometown. It wasn’t about pace, distance, or setting records—it was just me and him, out there moving. One day,...
Starting this week off not feeling my best, but I’m setting a goal to hit 18 miles. With some planning and a little extra effort as my body heals, I’m ready to start pushing it on those longer runs. Even though I’ve had a few rough days, my weekly mileage is still low enough to make this totally doable.
I’m...
Ever found yourself muttering under your breath during a particularly grueling hill climb or during the last stretch of a long trail run? I swear, you’re not losing it. In fact, you're likely tapping into a powerful mental tool you didn’t know you had. Let's unpack how the seemingly silly habit of talking to myself and positive thinking not...
In every family, certain legacies and traditions weave through the generations like threads in a tapestry, binding members with invisible yet unbreakable bonds. In my family, one of those binding threads is running—a constant, pulsing line that connects us, challenges us, and teaches us. It's a legacy not marked by grand ceremonies but by the quiet passing of the...
Welcome to Dadjogger, where the paths of running, fitness, and fatherhood intersect. I'm Will, a lifelong runner and a devoted dad. This blog is my journey, a blend of the world of running and the rewards of parenting, and maybe a few other random things as well.
1. A Runner's Journey: From Childhood to Fatherhood
Early Beginnings in Elementary School: My...
Introducing kids to the joy of running is more than just a lesson in physical activity; it leads to a lifestyle filled with adventure, learning, and well-being. Running offers numerous benefits for children, from improving cardiovascular health to enhancing emotional resilience. As a runner myself, I have been encouraging my kids to run, and so far, at even a...
As a seasoned road runner, the leap to new terrains like dirt trails and, occasionally, sand, was not just a change of scenery. It was a revelation in strength, stability, and mental resilience. This is my journey of embracing the unpredictability of trail running and how it reshaped my running experience, body, and mind over the last 2 years.
One...
With the beat of footsteps on the pavement, every runner finds their reason for running and their personal cadence (speed of each step). Sometimes, you may also discover your different preferences for running. Running solo, running with a partner, or running in a group can help shape your training, for better or worse. Having a running partner or choosing...
Coming off a week of Disney adventures, I had hoped to jump right back into training mode, but the reality was a bit different. My body needed more time to recover than I’d expected, so this week became a mix of low-mileage runs and easing back into the routine. Sometimes, you have to listen to your body and take...
Tomorrow, I’ll be taking on a Backyard Ultra Marathon, a unique and grueling race format where runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains. It’s a true test of endurance, strategy, and, maybe most importantly, mental toughness.
I ran this race last year. I plan to do even better than that performance! I’m...