Day 111- My First Ever Trainer- My Father

I have been looking forward to Father's day for awhile now so that I could write a blog dedicated to my Father...

My Father is the epitome of fitness and I can honestly say that he is the one that taught me the importance and love for working out and being in shape. He has been my running partner since I first learned the joy of running; back then he use to run circles around me because I was so much slower. He taught me that running is a way of de-stressing and getting away when life calls for it. He taught me how to run for pure enjoyment and not just something people do to get in shape.

He begin providing me with a gym membership as soon as I showed any interest, and dedicated time to teaching me proper techniques and exercises to do.

Our family vacations consisted of many beautiful hikes and bike rides, instead of spending our days inside watching movies, although there was plenty of reading on these vacations (my dad is the biggest book worm you will ever meet).

Now in his 50's he is still as active as he was when I was growing up. He has won my dog over because of our many runs when he comes to visit. He is a member of a mountaineer group in Kitsap County, where he participates in intense hikes. Some of these hikes include snowshoeing, scrambling, sleeping in caves dug out in the snow, or just long all day hikes, with gnarly elevation gains. These are hikes that a lot of people my age couldn't or wouldn't even be able to handle, yet my dad looks forward to these hikes on a regular basis.

He recently has found the joy of rock climbing and has become a regular member at Vertical World in Bremerton, WA. Back in Indiana he grew up as a swimmer, and still finds time to get some laps in every once in awhile. He is always open for new and exciting adventures, kayaking, canoeing, you name it I'm sure he will be up for giving it a try.

My Father has inspired me, pushed me, taught me, and helped me to be who I am today. Thank you for being such a healthy role-model and always pushing me to the next level. I hope that I can follow in your foot-steps and continue being as healthy as you have always been.

Happy Father's day to an amazing man!

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP