Week Two Chicago! Top TEN!!!

Hey Kids!

Happy Fathers Day to all! I made sure to do my long run yesterday so I could enjoy my Saturday afternoon and watch Golf all day Sunday. So happy Fathers Day to all of the Great Dads in my and you life!

Jamie and I are squinty 🙂

Ellie-Bean also had her big dance recital yesterday. I was blown away! She was sooooo good so it looks like Dance-Dad-4-Life!

My Favorite Picture of me and My Dad

POP-POP! ( he is the one in the middle, The monarch I believe… 😉

Uncle Chris and Liam!

So in keeping with the dad conversation, when I was doing my 7 mile long run yesterday around mile 5 I asked myself a familiar question, “Why am I doing this again?” and I started making an impromptu list so I though I would share my top 10 reasons for running:

10. Fights the Dad bod- In previous posts I mentioned that I decided to pound the pavement when my daughter was a baby and while brushing my teeth I felt a jiggle of my belly right below my skinny ribs.(=SkinnyFat) something had to be done…

http://roguehealthandfitness.com/unhealthy-skinny-fat-phenotype/

9.It’s Free!- Gyms, trainers and programs are expensive. Running is relatively cheap . Really good sneakers are a little over $100 but last a long time. Outside is free!

8. I’m alone-I like running alone, for reasons I explain more in the next few but I like being able to control when, where and how I do this exercise. Also, there is no bailing out on a work out. If I’m going to run 10 miles, even if you try to stop early you still have to make it back! Does not leave you much of a chance to cheat, I like that.

7. Physical health- Now it is no secret that running a marathon is not good for you in the sense that once you run over 20 miles you are dong more damage than good. That being said with my training program the only time you run over 20 is the actual race. Plus in the process I am very conscious of my weight, diet, flexibility etc. I get in great shape and generally feel good most of the time!https://www.halhigdon.com/training/marathon-training/

6. Helps me sleep- I have never been a “Good Sleeper” I sleep lightly, have a hard time falling asleep, and when I’m up I’m up… I definitely sleep better when I’m running consistently.

https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20786856/how-exercise-helps-and-hurts-sleep/

5. People think I’m amazing- I have been lucky enough to have the kind of life where I get to accomplish things that I never thought possible. Running in general is definitely one of them let alone running these big races! I like goals, I like the ceremony, applause, photos, medals and I like the attention you get from running marathons. I don’t need it but its awesome to work hard at something and be told your awesome sometimes 🙂

4. Soaking it up with my soul mate- My wife is a fitness instructor and a PE teacher so exercising is something we can do together even if we don’t actually run together most of the time. Its great to have a common interest to share. (SONO half marathon 2017, SUB TWO!)

3. It’s Philanthropic- I did start running before I ran with the AFSP but after the tragic loss of Eddie and Fred running the races for the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention gave it the purpose I needed. (We raised over $10,000!!!) It helped me feel useful in an extremely helpless situation. I heard someone say that Running “helps me deal with life’s BIG problems.” I can absolutely relate to that, and I agree 100%. Hey lets donate to the AFSP! link below.

https://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/Jonathan-Kinne_chicagomarathon

2. Mental health- Everyone alive needs to invest in their own mental health. Just like physical health it needs attention, effort and investment to be healthy. No one is just naturally mentally healthy despite what you see on Social Media.

Im currently taking a grad class on mindfulness and I have studied related practices pretty intently for years now. Running and/or walking is an outstanding way to basically meditate while moving. It is my personal belief, and there is plenty of science to back this up, that the mental benefits of running are just as good as the physical.

http://running.competitor.com/2017/07/health/10-mental-health-benefits-running_165899

1. My kids- I run for all of the above reasons but when it really comes down to it I do it all for my kids. I want to be around as long as possible to provide for them and watch them grow upI want to be a good role model of fitness and to learn that being active and healthy is a good and normal thing. Im not saying Im the epitome of healthy habits ( I have plenty of bad ones too) but at least my kids will know me as a dedicated runner. I also want my kids to see that nothing is impossible. By running these big races I am showing them that everyday people can do extraordinary things if you work hard enough. When it gets really hard for me training, that’s my go to thought. I love you Ellie and Jamie!

So Happy Fathers Day to all and week three starts tomorrow!

Random thought while running… “Where do snakes go in the winter? Because I’m going to need some rocks from across the street again so it may be safer if I move them when its cold.”

Happy Czech!