BaddRunners: Bryan (#387, youngest son), Mel (#1, Father), Brett (#389, middle son.)
Growing up our parents were extremely supportive of any sports that my brothers and I wanted to pursue. They drove us all over the country for travel soccer games, ice hockey tournaments, baseball games, wrestling meets, cross country races and track meets. There was never any game too far or practice too early for them to drive us. During all of these athletic events, however, their fitness deteriorated.
Growing up our parents were extremely supportive of any sports that my brothers and I wanted to pursue. They drove us all over the country for travel soccer games, ice hockey tournaments, baseball games, wrestling meets, cross country races and track meets. There was never any game too far or practice too early for them to drive us. During all of these athletic events, however, their fitness deteriorated.
It wasn't until about a year and half ago that my mom and dad made a conscious effort to get healthy. Since that time my parents have opened up their own workout business, eaten better and lost a lot of weight (over 70lbs in my fater's case.) They have also gotten into running. My father has been running pretty consistently for about a year and has been improving 15 seconds or so every race. His 5k personal best is about 22:15 or so. Not too shaby for someone in his late 50s that hadn't run since he was in the service in 1974!
In the case of our family the "running tradition" has gone in reverse, starting with the youngsters and spreading to the parents. We are extremely proud of the way our parents have revolutionized their lives. They have shown me that you can always challenge yourself in new ways. It is never too late to change your life for the better.