OOFOS: What is one quality in your dad that you aspire to imitate?
Nadia: He is a lifelong self-educated learner. He reads endlessly. If he doesn't know the answer, he will try to do what he can to learn. I saw this from as far as I can remember and he still does it in his senior years. I learned to love, learn, and teach by watching my father as I grew up.
OOFOS: Does your dad have any particular recovery techniques? (not only for running but any physical, emotional, mental recovery...)
Nadia: My father is a very mentally strong man so I never saw him take his recovery or rest seriously. As he grew older, I saw it take a toll; therefore, I knew he was a person who didn't take self-care seriously. I made it a point to ensure that recovery and rest was important. I bought his first pair of OOFOS and he loved how it protected his joints as it minimized impact. I recently gifted him the exclusive Boston 2018 OOFOS and he wears those proudly to the pool when he goes for a short swim.
. . . . .
From Nadia's father:
I run because it is within my Ecuadorian blood and heart. I walked long distances as a child as part of growing up. Around the age of 10, I was walking and saw a kid's track competition taking place on a track. I was asked to join. I joined with my worn-out, non-running shoes -- and won. I walked away with a new pair of running shoes as a prize and it has been a reminder to this day to keep running. Each time I get to share a run with my daughter, it reminds me of my childhood and that joy I felt. Running has given me the opportunity to share moments with my daughter even as I have grown into my senior years.
For more from the lovely Nadia Ruiz, check out @irongirlnadia on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!