Hunting Preseason Fitness: What a Family 5K Taught Me About Being Ready—Body, Heart, and Spirit
The air was thick with humidity and dad-sized ambition.
There we were: me, my bride, and our crew of sweaty, slightly confused, and mildly excited kids—walking (not running) our way through a local 5K hosted by our church. I figured, how hard could it be? I hunt. I hike. I sometimes carry two kids at once.
Turns out… it was plenty hard.
We weren’t halfway through when I was already rethinking every breakfast burrito, skipped workout, and nap I chose over leg day. My lungs were wheezing a gentle rebuke. My legs were negotiating surrender. Meanwhile, the kids were thriving—running ahead, bouncing around like it was a field trip to the zoo. My wife even started dreaming aloud about buying a cute bike with a front basket for her “market rides.” All I could dream about was oxygen.
But that’s when it hit me.
This wasn’t just a random event. It was a wake-up call. Not just physically—but spiritually, emotionally, and relationally too.
Why Hunting Season Doesn’t Start in the Woods
Now, if you’re a dad who loves to hunt, you know there’s something sacred about that first crisp morning in the stand. The gear’s packed. The wind’s right. The world’s still. You feel… ready.
But let’s be honest—most of us aren’t actually ready.
Not in the “can-hike-three-miles-in-and-drag-out-a-doe” kind of way. And not in the “heart-set-on-the-right-things” kind of way either. That 5K reminded me that if I want to be the kind of dad, husband, and man who thrives during hunting season—or any season—I have to start preparing long before the alarm clock rings at 4:30 a.m.
Fitness, like fatherhood, is a long game. And much like a good hunt, it requires preparation, patience, and presence.
As Proverbs 24:27 (ESV) reminds us: “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.”
That verse isn’t just about good farming. It’s about order. Discipline. Intentionality.
Which brings me to three big things I learned walking (wheezing?) through that 5K with my family.
1. You Can’t Lead Your Family Where You Won’t Go First
There I was, five minutes in, already gassed. My daughter looks up, all bright-eyed and bouncy, and says, “Dad, you tired already?”
I managed a smile and a wheeze. “Nope. Just… uh… pacing myself.”
Yeah, right.
Here’s the truth: I realized right then I wasn’t modeling the kind of stamina, consistency, or physical grit I want my kids to build. I’m quick to tell my sons to push harder during football drills or remind my girls to “stick it out” when they’re tired. But when the rubber meets the road—or the trail—I was trailing behind.
If we want our kids to be strong, we have to show them what strength looks like—not just talk about it.
And not just physical strength either.
I’m talking about resilience. Endurance. A quiet determination to keep going even when you’d rather plop down under the shade of a tree and Google “golf carts for tired dads.”
Galatians 6:9 (KJV) says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
You can’t reap what you don’t sow. And you can’t expect your kids to build endurance—in life, in faith, or in the woods—if they never see you practice it.
2. Fun Comes in Funny Packages (Like Sweat and Parking Tickets)
If you’d asked me that morning what I expected from a church 5K, “parking ticket” wouldn’t have made the list. Yet there it was, tucked under my windshield wiper like a passive-aggressive thank-you note from the city.
Turns out, my “close” parking solution— easy for diaper changes and strollers unloads—wasn’t as clever as I thought. There was, in fact, a very clear sign that said “No Parking.” In my defense, it was small. And I was tired. And possibly heat-stroked.
But you know what? That goofy little ticket gave us something to laugh about all day. It was the cherry on top of a sweaty, chaotic, memory-packed morning.
Here’s the thing: memories don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be yours.
Whether it’s carrying a tired toddler on your shoulders for the last mile, stopping for an impromptu grocery run mid-5K, or listening to your wife talk about European bike markets while you try not to pass out—it’s all part of the adventure.
God’s not looking for polished performances from us dads. He’s looking for presence. For effort. For hearts turned toward our families, even when our feet are blistered.
Psalm 127:3 (NKJV) says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”
Let’s steward that reward well—even when it means sore calves and surprise fines.
3. Preparation Is Worship—Not Just for Sunday
The moment that really got me? When we crossed the finish line and the kids were beaming. Red-faced, sweaty, a little gross—but grinning ear to ear.
They felt proud. And so did I.
Not because we set any records (unless there’s a world record for Most Breaks Taken During a 5K). But because we did it together.
And I realized something: this is what family discipleship looks like in real life. Not just Bible time at bedtime or grace before meals—but showing up, struggling, sweating, laughing, failing, and finishing… together.
Colossians 3:23 (ESV) reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Even walking a 5K with a bunch of Sunday school families in 90-degree heat can be an act of worship—if your heart’s in the right place.
And maybe that’s the best preseason training we can do.
Not just push-ups and protein bars. But choosing to see every sweaty mile, every tired kiddo, every laugh and hiccup and water break… as preparation.
Not just for hunting.
But for life.
Recap: What a 5K Teaches Christian Dads About Hunting Season (and Everything Else)
- You can’t lead if you won’t go first—physically or spiritually.
- Laughter often hides inside the chaos (and the parking tickets).
- Memory-making doesn’t have to be pretty to be powerful.
- Your kids are watching. Show them what perseverance looks like.
- Real preparation happens together—and it’s a form of worship.
Next Steps: Ready to Hunt and Hustle?
Here’s what I’m doing different this year:
- Adding some real cardio and core work to my preseason prep.
- Planning one family fitness or outdoor challenge each month.
- Keeping the focus on fun, not just function.
- Teaching my kids that hard things are worth doing—especially together.
- Starting my day with prayer and a proverb before I reach for my camo.
“Train yourself for godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7, ESV)
Whether it’s a 5K, a tree stand, or bedtime devotions—let’s train well, dads.
Our kids are learning how to live, worship, and work by watching us.
Let’s give them something worth following.
How Hunting Season and Fatherhood Are More Alike Than We Realize
Walking that 5K reminded me that hunting season and fatherhood aren’t so different. In both, there’s a lot of preparation, a little chaos, some waiting, and—if you stick with it—some unforgettable moments that make it all worthwhile.
Both Require Gear—and Grit
We spend weeks before opening day tuning bows, sighting rifles, washing base layers in scent-free detergent, and checking every zipper on every backpack. But how often do we prep ourselves like that for fatherhood?
What’s our “dad gear”?
I’d argue it includes things like:
- A humble, teachable spirit
- A willingness to apologize (especially when you’re wrong… or loud and wrong)
- A decent sense of humor
- A working knowledge of snacks
- A Bible that’s actually read, not just carried to church
And yeah, maybe a strong back from carrying tired 6-year-olds the last half mile of a “family fun” run.
But grit? That’s the key. Any gear’s only as good as the guy using it. And when it comes to being a dad—especially a Christian one—you better believe grit matters.
Because some days feel like smooth trails, and others feel like uphill bushwhacks in 95° heat with a kid melting down over spilled Goldfish crackers. You can’t tap out when things get hard. You’ve got to press on.
As James 1:12 (ESV) puts it: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial…”
Whether that trial is dragging a deer through knee-deep brush or dragging a wagon through the church 5K parking lot, the principle holds.
You’ll Miss the Shot if You’re Distracted
One of the other dads running with us had his earbuds in the whole time. Nice guy, but halfway through, he had no clue his daughter needed help with her shoes or that his son had veered into someone’s yard to chase a squirrel.
He wasn’t really there.
It reminded me of something that hits close to home: we can show up physically but be totally absent mentally. We’re checking our fantasy team, replying to emails, scrolling through camo clearance sales—meanwhile, our kids are trying to hand us their hearts.
And we’re missing it.
It’s like glassing a field but forgetting to chamber a round. You see the deer—but you’re not ready when it counts.
Jesus said in Luke 12:35 (KJV), “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning.”
Be alert. Be ready. Stay lit. That’s a good word for hunting—and for fatherhood.
So here’s a challenge: once a day, put the phone down. Look your kid in the eye. Ask a question that isn’t about chores or grades. Be ready for a long answer. Be ready to listen.
You might be surprised what you “harvest.”
Training Your Body Trains Your Spirit
Now, I’m not saying God’s keeping track of your mile time. But I do think He’s interested in how we steward what He’s given us—including our bodies.
That 5K reminded me how easily we ignore the connection between physical discipline and spiritual discipline. When I don’t move my body, I’m slower to move in obedience. When I feel sluggish, I tend to act sluggish—in parenting, in prayer, even in play.
Paul said it straight in 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV): “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
He wasn’t trying to win a CrossFit title. He was saying, “If I’m gonna tell others how to live for Christ, I better start with myself.”
Amen, Paul. Preach to my sore calves.
That doesn’t mean you need to become a marathon runner. But it does mean we should be able to handle what the Lord puts in front of us—whether that’s a family camping trip, a muddy deer drag, or chasing a giggling 8-year-old up a hill.
Here are a few simple “dad fitness” goals I’m working on:
- Carrying all the firewood to camp in one trip
- Being able to lift each kid for at least 30 seconds (even the big one)
- Jogging a mile without collapsing like a Civil War soldier
- Staying active enough to say “yes” when they ask, “Wanna play?”
These aren’t about vanity. They’re about availability.
Our kids don’t need us ripped. They need us ready.
Memory-Making Is Ministry
That 5K didn’t just give us sore legs and sweaty shirts—it gave us memories.
And memory-making is holy ground.
Deuteronomy 6:7 (NKJV) says, “You shall teach [God’s commandments] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Walking. Talking. Lying down. Rising up. That’s real life. That’s everyday discipleship.
When your daughter giggles about how you wheezed like a rusty accordion at mile two—she’s not just teasing you. She’s bonding with you. When your son asks, “Remember that time you got a parking ticket at the church race?”—he’s not just roasting you (okay, maybe a little). He’s remembering what matters: you were there.
You showed up.
You didn’t get everything right. (Especially the parking.) But you were present. You were real. You were modeling a life that says, Faith shows up in the fun, the failure, and the finish line.
And those are the kind of memories that matter.
So… What’s the Next Adventure?
After we peeled off our damp socks, chugged some ice water, and crushed a few slices of celebratory pizza, I asked the kids, “So what’d you think? Should we do another one?”
And to my surprise, they all said yes.
Even after the heat. Even after the blisters. Even after me almost needing CPR.
They didn’t say yes because the event was perfect. They said yes because we were together. Because it was ours.
So here’s what we’re planning next:
- A backyard mini-bootcamp with relay races and “dad challenges”
- A day hike with packs and a trail lunch (bonus: practice for hunting)
- A family scavenger hunt in the woods with Bible verse clues
- Signing up for another local 5K—this time with a little more training
And maybe—just maybe—we’ll park legally this time.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Finish Line
That first 5K taught me more than how out-of-shape I am. It reminded me that being a Christian dad is about showing up consistently, leading by example, and making memories that last longer than any trophy buck.
It’s about training our bodies, our hearts, and our kids to love what matters—God, family, and the great outdoors He made for us to enjoy.
Psalm 90:12 (ESV) says, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
That’s not just poetic—it’s practical. We only get so many 5Ks. So many fall hunts. So many backyard campouts and gas station snack stops after a long walk.
Let’s use them well.
Let’s train for what matters.
Let’s chase after our kids’ hearts even harder than we chase after whitetails.
What About You, Dad?
Have you ever had a wake-up moment like that—realizing your body (or your priorities) needed a reset?
What’s your favorite way to get outdoors with your family and make meaningful memories?
Let us know in the comments—or better yet, send us a pic of your latest family adventure.
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Until next time—lace up, show up, and never underestimate the power of a family 5K.
Dad-Fit Doesn’t Mean Gym-Rat
Let’s be real—not every dad has time (or desire) to spend hours at a gym. Between work, church, honey-do lists, and school projects that require twenty-five glue sticks and a prayer, it can feel like you’re already maxed out.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a fitness junkie to get dad-fit.
You just need to move with intention. Consistently. And ideally, with your kids alongside you.
Here’s how I’m sneaking in fitness this season—not as a separate thing, but as part of our family rhythms:
5 Easy Ways to Get “Hunting-Season Ready” Without Hating It
- Ruck Walks with the Kids
Throw 20 lbs in a backpack and take the kids on a walk. Let them “lead the trail.” Bonus: it builds leg endurance and keeps them engaged. - Campfire Squats (Yes, Really)
While the marshmallows are roasting, sneak in 3 sets of squats. Use your kid as a weight if you want to up the ante. They’ll love it. - Woodpile Workouts
Splitting logs? Let the kids stack. Set a timer. Compete for “most neat pile.” Boom—functional fitness and fun. - “First to the Tree” Races
Set up little sprints on hikes or in the backyard. Kids vs. Dad. Loser carries the snack bag next time. (Spoiler: it’s usually Dad.) - Yard Game Gauntlet
Rotate between tag, cornhole, and wrestling matches on the trampoline. By the end, everyone’s breathless and laughing.
If it feels silly, you’re doing it right. Fitness doesn’t have to be serious—it just has to happen.
And remember: our goal isn’t six-packs. It’s stamina. It’s presence. It’s being able to say “yes” to adventure without wincing at your knees.
Dad, You’re the Wilderness Guide
Here’s a thought I can’t shake: our kids are learning how to explore the world by watching how we walk through it.
That’s a weighty truth—but also a freeing one. Because it means the way we live matters more than any single lesson we teach.
If we walk slow, notice the birds, and thank God for the wind in the trees—they’ll learn that wonder isn’t just for toddlers.
If we push through the hard miles, even when we’re tired—they’ll learn perseverance doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful.
If we pause to pray before the race, or thank the Lord after the finish—they’ll learn faith isn’t a Sunday thing. It’s an everything thing.
That 5K wasn’t a life-changing event for the world. But it was a seed planted in our home.
It was a chance to say, “This is what the Filmore family does. We show up. We stick together. We finish.”
And more than that—it reminded me that I’m not just raising outdoorsy kids. I’m raising kingdom warriors.
I want my sons to know how to gut a deer and how to guard their hearts.
I want my daughters to know how to build a fire and how to shine their light in a dark world.
I want them all to know that their dad loves the Lord, loves them, and isn’t afraid to sweat a little to prove it.
Your Family Needs a Stronger You (And It’s Not Too Late)
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m too far behind. My kids are teens. I’ve got health issues. I don’t have time for 5Ks.”
Let me say this with all the grace I’ve got in me:
It’s not too late.
You don’t need to run a race to start walking toward your family. You don’t need to be marathon-ready to show up strong.
You can start today—with five minutes.
Five minutes of backyard catch.
Five minutes of praying over your kids before school.
Five minutes of “I’m sorry I haven’t been as present as I want to be.”
And then tomorrow, take five more.
Psalm 73:26 (NKJV) says, “My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Let Him be your strength.
Because this calling—fatherhood, faithfulness, family adventure—is bigger than us. And praise God, it’s not all up to us.
Family Adventure Ideas (That Double as Fitness)
Want to build memories and muscle? Here are a few dad-tested, kid-approved ideas to try this month:
- “Prayer Hikes”
Pick a trail. Every half mile, stop and pray for someone you know. Let the kids pick the prayer topics. - “Camp in the Yard” Weekend
Pitch the tent. Build the fire. Tell stories from your own childhood. Make it a tradition. - “Dad Challenge Days”
Design a backyard obstacle course. Time each other. Declare a winner. Eat way too many hot dogs afterward. - “Wildlife Watch” Walks
Pick a bird, bug, or critter to look for. Bring notebooks. Give awards for weirdest find or most squirrel sightings. - “Hunter’s Conditioning Circuit”
Do a circuit of lunges, crawling, dragging a sled (or wagon), and mock tree-stand climbs. Let the kids film it—they’ll love laughing at you.
Last Words from a Winded Dad
As I sit here finishing this article, my legs are no longer sore—but the memories still make me smile. That church 5K didn’t change the world, but it changed me.
It reminded me that:
- My body is a tool, not just a shell. I need to use it well—for my family and my calling.
- My presence is powerful. My kids don’t need a perfect dad—they need me.
- Preparation is worship. When I train, plan, show up, and laugh through the struggle—I’m glorifying God.
- Family time is sacred. Even if it ends in sweat, tears, or snack meltdowns.
Let’s be the kind of men who train with purpose, live with joy, and love without reserve.
Let’s lace up our boots, throw a kid on our shoulders, and walk—together—toward the next adventure.
Because one day, they’ll tell the stories of these moments.
Let’s give them good ones.
Action Steps for the Christian Dad
✅ Pick one physical challenge this week. Walk a mile. Do push-ups. Split wood. Whatever it is—move.
✅ Schedule a family activity. Doesn’t have to be big. Just be present. Let them see you lead.
✅ Pray before you act. Invite God into your parenting and fitness goals.
✅ Talk to your kids about effort. Not results—effort. Celebrate showing up.
✅ Share this with another dad. You never know who needs a nudge toward more intentional fatherhood.
Ready for the next adventure?
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Catch you at the next campfire. Until then—God bless, stay sweaty, and keep leading strong.
Time goes by so fast! Do not waste the time you have with your children. Teach them the outdoors, teach them fitness, teach them to hunt and teach them to make memories of doing it.
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