Two of the greatest gifts that my parents passed on to me are an appreciation for Christian faith and running.

I will forever be grateful that while I was growing up they brought me (and my brother and sister) to church.

We didn’t have far to go, as our church—Como Park Lutheran in St. Paul, Minnesota—was just a block and a half down the road. It took some doing to get us there, though, as none of us kids were exactly early-risers.

One of my fond childhood memories is of my Mom and Dad more or less “dragging” the three of us kids down the street to church.

I sure am glad they did so, because the Christian faith that they introduced us to has been a huge life-saver and life-giver to me over the years. I can’t imagine trying to do life without it.

Another huge life-saving, life-giving gift to me over the years—also introduced to me by my Father—is running.

I took it up during my college days, after I was done with the organized sports (mainly hockey) that kept me in shape during my younger years. It was pointed out to me by my girlfriend at the time that I was putting on some weight around the middle.

What can I say? I definitely have some vanity when it comes to my physical appearance.

Fortunately my Father was way ahead of his time and was running for fitness back in the mid-1970s. For him it was not for vanity reasons but because the aerobic exercise of running made him feel better.

It took me a few years to catch on, but I sure am glad that I did. Running has done a ton over the years to improve my life by boosting my mood and energy level and lowering my anxiety level. Not to mention all of the friendships that it has brought into my life.

Looking back, it’s pretty awesome that it all started with my Father on the same street—Hoyt Avenue—that borders Falcon Heights and St. Paul, Minnesota. It’s the street where I was first led to the gifts of Christian faith and aerobic fitness.

Thanks Dad!