I first learned about this wonderful children’s book from another Mommy-Blogger. It caught my attention right away because my husband is into running.

He has been joining runs in the past years starting with the shorter distances until he was finally able to join a full marathon. He joined Sunlife’s The Bull Runner last year, which was held at Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

My husband’s preparation and training for this goal of joining a full marathon were long and arduous. He would run regularly in our village early in the morning. Sometimes, he would run in other nearby cities. There were also times when he would run before going to work and after office. It was a big commitment to stay on track in his training.

It was good that my husband took on this hobby/endeavor. It has encouraged our sons to also get into running. Our two older boys have already joined at least two runs so far since their Dad started running. Our eldest has already joined three. You can read about one of the fun runs my kids joined here.

Our boys now bond with their Dad by joining him in some of his trainings. They would run with him, especially on weekends. Sometimes, our eldest son would ride his bike while his Dad runs in our village. I think that by doing this, my husband is setting a good example to our sons to have an active lifestyle and to get into sports.

His trainings and the running events that he joins are now added to our bonding activities because we go with him most of the time.

So, when I read this fellow Mommy-Blogger’s book review of this book, I immediately asked her where she got her copy. And when I got her reply, I wasted no time searching for the book in the bookstore. I was so glad I found a copy right away! We bought a copy of the book as a belated Father’s Day gift for my husband. That same night, we asked him to read the book to us.

The book allowed us to reminisce what we did to support my husband during his first marathon.

We actually accompanied him to train in Nuvali also before the actual marathon. The boys and I had a picnic near the lake while their Dad ran with some of his batchmates who were training with him.

Then, after their training, he joined us for our picnic. We had a great time that day! The boys ran around as well. My eldest brought his books with him. We experienced a beautiful weather that day. We had a wonderful time bonding with each other.

After our picnic, we had brunch also in the area. We tried a restaurant that we haven’t tried before. Then, we accompanied my husband as he searched for the perfect pair of shoes for his run. We went to a Nike outlet in Nuvali also.

Then, we stayed in a hotel in Nuvali the day before the run to accompany my husband. We stayed at Paseo Premiere Hotel in Sta. Rosa because all the rooms in Seda Hotel, Nuvali were already booked. We even had to change our eating and sleeping schedule to synchronize it with his. It was difficult for me and the kids but we tried our best to stick to the schedule.

Early the next day, on the actual day of the marathon, we woke up early to wait near the finish line. Good thing that the hotel and organizers provided a shuttle service that brought the families and supporters of the runners to the area where the marathon was held.

It was challenging to wait for my husband to pass by where we were waiting. I was with three small kids, 8 years old and under. Their patience was short and I was also nervous for my husband. I kept praying for his safety. It didn’t help that my kids kept asking why their Dad has not yet reached the point where we were waiting for him.

Then, it also rained. I was thankful that a van was parked near us and they allowed me and the kids to stay inside while it rained. I was also grateful that the rain stopped after a few minutes. We got out of the van again and waited for their Dad. I also asked them to pray with me for their Dad’s safety and that their Dad would be able to finish the race.

Then, we saw my husband coming. The kids were so happy and excited to see him finally! I was so relieved to see him! I encouraged the kids to cheer for their Dad. He was now on the last leg of the marathon. He looked tired. I took photos of him and the kids.

Shortly after that, I reminded the kids that their dad is about to finish the race. I asked them to position near the finish line so we could have a good view when he passes by. I plan to take photos and a video of his milestone.

When my husband appeared again, he encouraged the 2 older kids to run with him to the finish line. I could not keep up with them because I was wearing our toddler. I just tried my best to take photos and a video. Then, I proceeded to the finish line as well to congratulate him, take photos of him and with him.

After that, we had brunch at a restaurant in Nuvali named Cafe Arabelle. It was also our first time there. The ambiance was good, but the food was so much better! We enjoyed the beef tapa and barbeque ribs. I also had guyabano with herbs. We would love to go back there again next time! We decided to extend our stay in our hotel because my husband was too exhausted to move and drive. I suggested to him that we stay one more night before going home.

We decided to extend our stay in our hotel because my husband was too exhausted to move and drive. I suggested to him that we stay one more night before going home.

We eventually found out that one of the reasons why my husband took so long in getting to the finish line was because he also helped another runner. He stayed with another female runner and accompanied her because the other runner was already experiencing pains (somehow injured) and was already demotivated to go on. It was good that my husband chose to run at her pace and accompanied her. This made me even more proud of him. This reminded me of the story of Cars 1 wherein the lesson was that there’s more to winning than just getting the medal or prize. Those who help out others even during the race are also considered winners because of their character.

The following morning, we bonded over buffet breakfast at the hotel. They served a good variety of food and drinks. The food was delicious! The servers were accommodating and helpful.

 

It was a good decision to extend our stay because we had more time to bond and enjoy the hotel food and amenities. We were not able to enjoy buffet breakfast on the day of the marathon since we had to wake up early.

 

We liked the hotel that we stayed in. The only thing we didn’t like was that there was no pool in the hotel building. If guests wanted to swim, we will have to go to another hotel/building. It’s a hassle, especially if you have small children with you.

All  in all, it was truly a memorable family experience! That’s why the kids and I can relate to the experience of the family in the book Run, Dad, Run. The whole family also woke up early, waited for their Dad and cheered him during his run.

I would recommend this book to other families where one or both parents are runners. I’m sure that they will enjoy bonding over this book and that it would help them reminisce and talk about their bonding moments during the previous running events that they participated in.

How about you? Are you or your spouse or kids into running, too? I think it’s a good and affordable sport for kids, especially boys who have lots of energy. 😉