RUNNR Father's Day Tribute

I've been a runner for as long as I can remember (experience-wise) but I 'officially' became one when I joined my first marathon, June of last year.

Ever since that day, I became a member and got myself involved on Takbo.ph forums (http://www.takbo.ph/), was hooked on Pinoy fitness (http://www.pinoyfitness.com/), and other selected sites that involves running and the like. To add with this craze, I became a fan of RUNNR, a store in which vast array of running paraphernalia are sold.

(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150201726856732&set=o.280489274132&type=1&theater)

Whenever I check my FB account, it's been a routine to check out the latest in RUNNR FB page too and this week, as a celebration of Father's day, RUNNR launched its latest picture contest:

I was charmed by the entries that I saw, they are all beautiful.:) Seeing photos of fathers and their children caught in the action of running hard while genuinely enjoying themselves is just touching. It make me want to post my own too...unfortunately, my papa is not involved in running (yet). haha.

I've scanned all of the entries, and though all were amazing, there are just some that for me, stood out above the rest. To share, the pictures are posted below together with their submitted captions:

This entry won the contest.

                                       

Jay F. Bautista a.k.a. running pastor
sometime in mid 2010, i met this guy, i didn't know he has a passion for running. he is a good father, a good husband and GOD's servant. he is aiming for his full marathon early next year.


**This one's cute. I would be glad to run with my baby in the future too.;p

Dennis Cruz aka The Best Dad


He always finds time to run and bond with us despite of his busy schedules at work.


** Simply charming. ^.^

Name: Tito Miñoza Vildosola

Title: Athletic Idol Dad

Why: He is very athletic and introduces his kids to sports activities like football and running, enjoying the sport with the whole family.

Photo by: Reyes Zyd

**It's just astonishing--how a family can literally, run together. :)

 Mr. Jonathan Lagumen 

"Health-Buff Running Dad"

A regular 5K runner in Guam, this very health conscious dad never miss to encourage his children to join fun runs during his vacation in Manila... and the latest last May, after finishing his 5K run, he went back along 3K route to join our youngest reach the finish line of her first 3K run.

**Health conscious dad begets health conscious kids. Nice!

He's 62 years old. He ran his first race event in April 2010. In 13 months he challenged himself and achieved this..

**Inspirational. Really, something to be proud of.

To sum up my personal picks from RUNNR's "Best Dads On The Run" Contest, I also would like to share a superb story. A story of a marvelous love of a dad to his handicapped son that made ALL THINGS POSSIBLE. The story of TEAM HOYT, which is now a legend.

In the spring of 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."


This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed, including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (6 of them being Ironman competitions). Also adding to their list of achievements, Dick and Rick biked and ran across the U.S. in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days. 


In a triathlon, Dick will pull Rick in a boat with a bungee cord attached to a vest around his waist and to the front of the boat for the swimming stage. For the biking stage, Rick will ride a special two-seater bicycle, and then Dick will push Rick in his custom made running chair (for the running stage).


Rick was once asked, if he could give his father one thing, what would it be? Rick responded, "The thing I'd most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would push him for once."

Parting will always be the hardest.

It's been a week since you were gone.
And that past week is the hardest one, ever.
The word is PAIN, and I haven't gotten over it till now...
MY HEART ACHES.
I really, really miss you.

If I can forever deny that you are gone I will-
Thinking that I won't have another chance to see you and your wagging tail,
feel you, caress you and play with you..it's just too much to bear.
Why does it have to be so soon?
It's just too soon to let go. =,(

I've bargained all that I have and did all that I can
but my all was still insufficient, I lost you.
Your loss is a loss that I cannot ever (and will never) forget,
nor can I ever accept, but have to.
I beg God to help me to.
For I cannot do so on my own..I refuse to do so.
I loved you so much.
I LOVE you so much.

I now believe in a "dog heaven", 

I pray that wherever you are right now you are in peace.

"Patience" and "Love" are the two words you taught me well,

Thank you for being a part of me.

You were a blessing.

No one can ever fill your space in my heart..

though years pass you'll never be apart,

for you will forever be here, with me, I PROMISE.

Bruce misses you too,
so much like I do.
He's been less playful,
he's maybe wondrin' where you at;
He sometimes wait by the door, (where you and him used to lay)
I, at times, take your place by his side so that he'll be less lonely.

Tears, are beyond control whenever I think of you,
but I'll try my best.
They say that at the end of this all
people will see their love ones who departed;
And so, I'll be waiting for that day..
that day when we meet again..
I'll hold you baby. Tight.

While waiting, I'll just think of our happy moments together.
I can't wait to kiss you
and put my nose on yours (nose to nose),
just like the old times.

'Til, my Pretty, my baby.