That's Fit

My husband of 13 years has been the bedrock of our family. His strength as a husband and especially father inspires me daily to become a better mother. Of all the men in the world, we are so lucky to have Shawn as the man of the house. He constantly redefines the meaning of being a great dad! He is always making himself available to his 3 beautiful children, (Justin, 7, Aaron, 4 and Alyssa 4). As a child Shawn did not grow up in a loving and nurturing environment. Instead he had to fend for himself and watch his parent not strive for any goals.

Now as a father of 7 years he has shown what a solid father figure is and how it can successfully help to nurture his own children. He plays with them every chance allowed, he laughs, jokes and consoles them when they are in need of some comfort.

While many fathers are deserving of recognition, Shawn shines through as an example of someone who was not dealt a great hand growing up (an alright one) and made a promise to his children and wife that things would be different for his kids, and they are (for the better)!

Dad nominated: Shawn Thelen

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When I was growing up, my Dad was a runner. I began to run with him and even participated in some shorter races. I still remember when he ran his first marathon how my brother and I ran the last 100 yards with him. It was pretty cool. I stopped running for about 25 years, but I started again about a year ago. I am about to run my first half marathon with the hopes of a full marathon in the future. My Dad will be there at the finish line. However, I doubt he will run the last 100 yards with me...

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My father was always exercising and encouraging me to. He involved me in his sporting life from a young age, teaching me soccer, raquet-ball, baseball and other sports. He trained, coached and encouraged me and gave me fitness habits for life. A goal I aspire to pass on to my kids.

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My Dad was running and it inspired me to do the same. Now I'm healthy and fit, many thousands of miles later!

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I remember the first Triathlon my father ever did. Since it was his first one, he didn't really know what he was doing, and the equipment he was using was terrible. His bodysuit weighed about 50 lbs wet, his bike was an old junker, and it was a hot day. Finally, out of the hundreds of people who participated, he finished dead last, hours after the other participants. However, he hadn't given up, unlike several others who had to drop out of the race. Now he runs marathons a couple of times a year and runs multiple times a week, every week. However, I will always remember the example he set for me in that first race.

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My first fitness experience started when my dad coached my t-ball team -- I was five years old. I went on to play basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis and now work for a college basketball team. Athletics have been woven throughout my life. Had it not been for my dad and his influence in my early years, I may not be where I am today.

Go Dad!

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My dad is an avid runner and marathoner. Because of him, I've taken up running myself, and will be running my first half marathon in the fall. In December, we'll be running a half marathon together.

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My husband who had once been a fitness guru, but lost it sometime between our son being born and getting his Phd, started running again last May and has lost nearly 50 lbs! I'm so proud of him. He actually hasn't bought any new clothes since his transformation with the exception of a couple nice shirts for the office. This would be a wonderful gift!

~Wendy

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