DAD

DAD
By Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS

When I was a young boy, my parents divorced when I was just 5 years old.

And when I was 7, my Dad moved to Colorado for work. I was devastated. And as a young child, I was scared I would never see him again.

Fortunately, when I was 10 years old, he decided to move back to New Jersey.

And he soon thereafter, convinced me to give football, basketball, and baseball a shot. I was only playing soccer at the time and he wanted me to “diversify” a bit.

And I’m glad I gave it a shot. It was the start of about 8 years of being a “multi-sport” athlete.

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It’s funny I’m here in Colorado this Father’s Day Week.

I remember being here as a kid one time to see my Dad. The year was probably about 1979 & I was 8-years old. And I remember some of the things we did together vividly. We went to:

• Pikes Peak
• 7 Falls in Colorado Springs
• Air Force Academy
• Lyle Alzado’s Restaurant (#77 was a star defensive player for the Broncos in the 70’s).
• We went to a Denver “Bears” game. They were the AAA affiliate baseball team to the Montreal Expos. There was a young guy on that AAA team at the time that everyone was making a big fuss over. His name was Tim Raines and he was just 19-years old at the time. Raines went on to have a Hall-Of-Fame baseball career. Do you remember him?

We had so much fun. I remember how great it felt to be with my Dad despite me not having spent much time with him in the previous couple years.

Fast-forward about 36 years, and it feels great to be back in Colorado again with my kids.

I was in Telluride the past 3-days with Brady and McKenna. I was teaching at what is called the WOW Fitness Festival. We had an amazing time in this incredible “old-west” mountain town.

Then we went to Denver to meet up with Melanie and Luke as Luke had a big lacrosse tournament there. They did great and won the whole tournament.

And now we are up in Vail for one more lacrosse tournament that starts tomorrow. Man, this is a beautiful mountain town as well.

We are all together. And we are creating lasting memories. And there is nothing else a Mom or Dad wants to do with their kids than create great memories with their kids.

I will end with this. On the breath-taking 75-minute drive from Montrose (CO) airport to Telluride the other day, it was some of the most beautiful sights you will ever see.
Snow-capped mountains.
White-water rapids.
Pristine blue skies.

And I turned on my “TD Empower” playlist in the car as we drove through the mountains. This playlist is the music that most deeply moves my spirit. It’s a collection of some of my favorite contemporary Christian music, along with some classic songs that make you feel great.

While listening to the music, I said to the kids, “I wish ‘Grandfather-Sir’ could have met you. He would have really loved you guys. And you would have loved him. He would be 81 today if he was still living.”

And they started to ask some great questions:
What was Grandfather-Sir like?
Would he like us?
What were some of your favorite memories with your Dad?
If you could describe him in one word, what would it be?

Just some deep questions coming out of the 10-year old and 7-year old’s mouth. And I loved it. It made me smile.

That may have been the best part of the trip thus far. Taking some TIME to reflect on some old memories of someone very special in my life. And to create some new ones with some “other” special people in my life.

ACTION STEP:

Father’s Day is this coming Sunday.
DOn’t waIT to spend time with your Dad. DO IT now.

And if your Dad is no longer here, take 5 minutes or 75 minutes…and remember HIM.

The WOW this week is DAD.

What is the one-word that best describes or epitomizes your father? For me, it’s the word LOVE.

While he was only on this earth for 58 years (he died of a heart attack when I was just 20), he taught me a ton about life, leadership, and LOVE. And I’m grateful for him. And this week, my focus will be on the word “LOVE.”

How about you? What’s the one word that best describes your Dad? And then BE what the word best describes.

My friends, create an amazing week. Whether you’re working your tail off or getting in some mellow-yellow time this week, do take the time to remember your DAD and celebrate him like he deserves. #IWILL

Much LOVE,

Todd

Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, is an internationally-recognized performance trainer, bodyworker, speaker, author, and owner of award-winning gym Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA (one of the Top 10 Gyms in the U.S.). His outstanding team of 38 professionals deliver extraordinary service in personal training, sports performance training, massage/bodywork, Pilates, yoga, physical therapy and chiropractic. Todd is the Lead Training Advisor for Under Armour, regular contributor to Men’s Health, and author of The IMPACT! Body Plan.

Todd Durkin created a “DOSE of DURKIN” to motivate and inspire people through weekly text messages every Monday morning that infuse video, audio, or just plain text messages. They are guaranteed to get your mind right and fire-you up. Check out DoseOfDurkin.com to OPT-IN and start receiving your FREE messages.

Todd is also the President/CEO of Todd Durkin Enterprises where he conducts motivational keynotes/presentations, educational & leadership workshops, he operates a Mastermind Group for dedicated fitness entrepreneurs, and he presents internationally on health, fitness, peak performance, and success in life.

You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @ToddDurkin, his FB Fan page at ToddDurkinFQ10, or sign up for his monthly motivational newsletter at www.ToddDurkin.com. You can get more information on his facility at www.FitnessQuest10.com or www.ToddDurkin.com.

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