Becoming a Grandpa 👴🏻 and getting the Runs 🏃‍♂️

[Jungle_Jim]

In 2019 two major events occurred in my life. The first was l turned 50 and the second, which was by far the best, l became a Grandpa 👴🏻 for the first time. Towards the end of 2018 was when my son and his partner sat my wife and l down to share the wonderful news that our family was going to get bigger. Initially I was overwhelmed with excitement but l also started to reflect on the times l had spent with my own Grandpa. He passed in his mid 60’s and perhaps if he had looked after himself better he could have lived on for many more years. I say that as a selfish grandson who idolised his grandpa and still miss him 20 years since he left us. Realising that l was also about to be promoted to the illustrious rank of grandpa caused me to examine my own health and possible demise to early if l didn’t take action. Becoming a grandpa, as l know, can lift you to the highest lofts of hero worship, although you may never be aware of it. I decided that I would become a Strong Grandpa and started walking. My first Park Run in Basingstoke was last January where l finished almost last. In a couple of weeks I will attend my 1 year anniversary of Park Run where my target is for a PB and to finish in the top 100 runners. I discovered running and love it! So setting and achieving running goals has become a theme in my life. I have made other positive changes as well like reducing alcohol and improving nutrition. I can safely say that l am fitter and stronger today than l was 20 years ago. I am getting younger. Ultimately this is the true goal, to be an active participant in my grandchildrens life, sharing there life events and drawing from my life experiences to mentor them. Running has changed every thing. As a side note, positive change can be contagious. Although l never intended to l am drawing other Grandpas out of their sheds, and we have now formed a Strong Grandpa group here in Basingstoke. We even have our own T shirts! So l would like to remind everyone its never to late for positive change and this can have unintended consequences like inspiring others and that my friends is the true reward. Keep running people, I may see you at Park Run or at my first Half Marathon in March in Fleet 👍🏼

[Sqkr Half Marathon]

I have been watching the World's Strongest Man over Christmas, and commented only yesterday how awesome it is that Mark Felix is a strong grandpa! I love your tshirts. Brilliant stuff 😄

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

What a great post! Thanks for sharing. It sounds like 2019 was quite a year for you. Here's to an ever better 2020!

[Gran4z]

Brilliant, what a role model you have become. Congratulations on the arrival of your first grandchild - it's certainly a momentous occasion, and a very young grandpa. Enjoy loads...what's best about being a grandparent - you can spoil the little ones rotten and then hand them back! Nice!!

Happy running and happy new year.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

What a fab post! Congratulations on so many achievements, not least your little addition 🙂 You are a true role model and certainly don’t look like a “grandpa” 😏

Happy New Year to you 🎈🎉

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Inspirational stuff. Congratulations on such great achievements in 2019, good luck with your 2020 goals, especially that half marathon 🙂

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Great post, great role models - lucky grandchildren! There are so many of us, I think, who have found ourselves fitter than we have been for years after stumbling back in to running! It is so addictive and the running community is so supportive. Good luck.🙂

[JonathanP 10 Miles]

Welcome to the forum ! As a granddad of 2 little ones myself and a runner of less than 2 years vintage, I completely agree with your aims - well done !👍

[Coddfish 10 Miles]

What a fabulous motivation and a great story.

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

What a great post! Well done you gang of strong grandpas!😆 here to many more years of running and spending time with your grandchildren💗