Holiday Gift Guide Part 2: The Sequel

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Following the format of our last guide, this one will not only have sections for the dad in your life, but it will also have some sections for the family. In this guide, we will share some fun games that we play as a family along with fun activities that the entire family can take part in. Ready? Let's begin!

Just Keep Running, Just Keep Running! (Sporty Dad 110)

On October 8th I joined about 45,000 other runners to run the city for the 40th Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The marathon has gone through a few different name changes, but the goal of all the runners is the same: to finish. Whereas last year I trained like a machine to run the marathon, this year my training was not up to par and I was nervous about how things were going to turn out. 

Eating to benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Disclaimer: The Fandads are St. Jude Ambassadors and we want to share with our Chicagoland readers an upcoming event that may be of interest to them. Photos provided by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

Being a "sporty dad" I try to watch what I eat, especially since I'm starting to train again for some upcoming runs. So while I limit certain intakes of food, I make sure to have a cheat day every now and then. Well my friends, if I'm going to have a cheat day, May 2 seems like the best day to do it.

It's time to start running again!

Last year's Shamrock Shuffle

Next Sunday, April 2, I will be running in my fourth Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. I will be running with thousands of other runners throughout Chicago's downtown area and celebrating the beginning of the running season. Last year I ran the race in a pair of Lee Khakis just because they were so flexible and comfortable. This year, I don't know how I'll dress, but if you follow us on Instagram, you will probably see a picture or two of the run.

So why do I run? Why would I wake up early on a Sunday morning and run 5 miles? Well, one reason is: "Why not?" Why not take advantage of the time you have on this planet and go out and do something new and different that you have never done before. I like the notion of running on these busy downtown streets without the worries of cars hitting me when I am crossing the streets. It is also exciting to see all the people cheering you on as you run through the city and getting that rush when you cross the finish line. Yeah, I can't wait for that moment.

Watching the Golden Globes with St. Jude

Photo courtesy of St Jude

With the announcement of the Gloden Globes yesterday, you might start thinking about where you are going to see it. Have you ever thought of dressing up and watching the show at a big event? Did I mention that this event is simultaneously taking place in four other cities and everyone that is gathered there is supporting a great cause? If your answer is yes, you should check out the St. Jude Red Carpet for Hope.

I ran the Chicago Marathon and I feel fine!

As I was approaching the Charity Block Party at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, I could feel the energy from the tents of all the participating charities. My legs were starting to get tired but the energy and support from these tents gave me an extra boost to continue for a few more blocks.

I say a few more blocks because my thighs were starting to hurt, they were not cramping up, but it sure felt like it. I tried to block it out and keep running, but the pain was too much that I signaled to my running partner to keep going, hoping that I would catch up with him eventually. I started walking to soothe my legs and started thinking to myself "Why are you doing this?" "Do you think you can really finish?" I knew as soon as those thoughts started coming into my head I was in for some trouble.