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Date Posted: 20 August 2023
Welcome to our Father's Day Blog series! We'll be chatting with dads to share a little of their story in combining exercise and children. Today you'll hear from Doug and Anaru and their experience in running ultras.
Doug Drummond @ddrummond
How many children do you have and how old are they?
One eight year old boy called Edward
What is your sport/exercise of choice and how long have you been doing it?
Trail running. I started running originally to lose weight fifteen years ago and fell in love with almost all aspects of it. I run mostly solo with others, usually at lunchtime with people I work with or the odd club.
Do you have a favourite location or national park to exercise?
Favourite location so far has been the Avon Valley National Park and Margaret River
What is your favourite piece of equipment that you always use before/during/after your exercise?
My Garmin watch and Salomon Advanced Skin hydration vest
What is something you have learned since combining exercise and kids in your life?
A few years ago I’d get frustrated when I would watch my son not apply himself to surf swimming. It went on for a few weeks ‘till there was a shortage of helpers, the moment I was involved helping he changed and wanted to show me how well he could swim. Your children seeing you involved in their sport is leading by example, they love seeing you being a part of it and getting your positive attention.
What are some challenges you have faced? How did you overcome them?
I had a stack of them in one race, unmanaged tendinitis for 50km of an 80km race, getting lost going kms off track and then to finish things off a calf muscle tear near the finish line. When I encountered each issue I had to reset my expectations of the race; because of the tendinitis I couldn’t run as fast but the pain was bearable so long as I had enough grit. Getting lost, it might take a bit longer but I need to pay a bit more attention to the markers and the calf tear. I still had the other leg and only a few hundred metres to hop over the finish line. I walked away having completed my longest run which was my main goal and walking away with many ways I can improve and be stronger next year (as with most runners, I wasn’t happy with my time so I have to go back)
What has been your greatest achievement in your sport?
My greatest achievement and favourite memory was my biggest lesson learned into unlocking my true potential. It was my first ultra marathon… being told 50kms into a 50km race that I still had 3kms to go (yes it was actually an additional 3km the race director added on the end)… I was so angry I managed to harness the anger in such a way it was the fastest splits I had in the race.
Do you have any future goals for your sport?
I want to complete a 100 mile (160 km) race and I’m sure that won’t be the end of it
Do your children have any involvement in your sport?
My son will often come along to support during the later aid station or the end of the long races so I get a nice hug to keep me going. He will come along the occasional run with the dog too.
How do you encourage your children to be active?
Plenty of bush walks with our dog Monte. Edward is also enrolled in lots of water activities we get involved in such as surf lifesaving and swimming classes
How do you incorporate sport into your daily/weekly routine?
Usually runs with the dog or lunchtime exercise with work mates
What advice would you give to another dad wanting to get into exercise/sport but may be unsure as to where to start?
Don’t over commit, find small smart ways that incorporate multiple things and make the best use of your time (going running with the dog or pushing the pram). One of my blunders was taking soccer too seriously with my son instead of just having fun spending time together.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
If you want your children to be a part of your routine, make it easy, positive and fun for them. Making small sacrifices to make an enjoyable experience for them will cultivate a great relationship between yourself, them and love of your sport. Also get involved in their sport where you can!
Anaru @run_with_anaru
3 children aged 26,23,20
Ultra marathons for the last 4 years, however running has been a passions since I was a young child
Anywhere that has Trails to run and explore
Fisiocrem, always use prior to and after any run to help with the muscle strength and recovery
Spending time with the children no matter their age is very important, it shows love and kindness. Also being a positive and active role module for their future
The biggest challenge has always been work - Overworking and not spending quality time with the family can have a huge impact on the upbringing of any child.
Completing my first solo ultra marathon
To always include others in outdoor activities
Not so much now but when they were young yes they always had a big part to play.
Staying positive and keeping a good routine
Making fitness a priority and not making excuses for not exercising
Keep being the positive role model for your children. Stay active and healthy but keep a good balance between having fun and competitions.
Stay Safe and enjoy life
Thanks Doug and Anaru! Stay tuned this week for more inspiring stories from Australia's Dads.
