Confessions of a Running Dad

Bob Marley once said that “The greatness of a man is not how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him.”

This much is true today when the internet is bringing so much change. We would read and see stories of how one person, one video, one blog, one picture or even one tweet can bring about change and move others into action.

The internet broke several misconceptions about greatness.

We used to think that we should be physically present in order to help others. Last year, #BangonPilipinas empowered many people that they can do something even if they are not physically in the affected areas of the typhoon.

We used to think that you need to be on stage to be noticed. Today, Youtube has propelled ordinary people like Mikey Bustos and Bryson Andres to celebrity status. It was not an overnight success. Sometimes it took several uploads for several years until a stranger gets you noticed. The rest is history.

There are other stories men and women who defied the norms. You can learn about their stories at the video below.

As I blog about running in Takbo.ph and Daddy and the City, I also realized I have broken some misconceptions of my own. Specifically my misconceptions about being a Running Dad.

Misconception #1. Dads don’t blog.

I have blogs about fitness and parenting. These blog topics seem to be dominated by women and moms. More women and moms are vocal and love to write. But I found my voice in the internet too thru blogging. From running to parenting topics, I get online frequently to share my thoughts to my readers. I can’t imagine my life without blogging.

Misconception #2. Dads know it all.

My readers think I know everything. In my social media accounts, I get a lot of questions. In Twitter, I am asked about the best running shoe. In Facebook, I am asked how to cure a running injury. In Instagram, I am asked on where to buy a certain running product I posted. I don’t know all the answers. But thanks to the internet, I get to research and recommend the best answer.

Misconception #3. Dads prefer to stay in the office.

I realized I’d rather be enjoying outdoors. This is true for other dads who are into running and multisport. We prefer going out on the road and seek adventure. I would check the internet on the new places to bring my wife and kid. I would visit travel blogs for recommendations on family destinations. I would also use Facebook to ask for suggestions from friends. We cannot bring our families to the office but we can certainly bring them with us in our adventures.

Visiting Pearl Farm after a 21K Race in Davao

Misconception #4. Dads cannot multitask

It’s amazing how my wife can attend to my son while she is doing other chores. Mothers are great in multitasking but Dads have such talent as well. During the race, I can check my speed on my watch, gulp down some water, peel a banana and switch to a power song all at the same time. While running, I get to draft a blog in my mind which I would write when I arrive home. How’s that for multitasking?

Misconception #5. You can’t trust Dads with you kids.

I may allow Gab to explore more risks than Quennie but that doesn’t mean you can’t leave Gab with me alone. In fact, Gab trusts me to read a good book to him and watch him ride his bike. If Moms can trust their Dads finish a marathon or a 24-hour endurance race, you can trust Dads on family matters as well.

Rough Play with Gab

It’s wonderful to witness how the internet is changing people’s lives and how it brings positive change. As I realized how blogging has changed me, I believe I can do more for myself, for my family and for others.