Running and Relationships

Many of you probably know about Couple On The Run. They live by the philosophy that by harnessing the principles of exercising with a partner and applying this to other areas of our everyday lives we can achieve more. (the pic to the right is just a Google image, but you get the idea)

My husband recently returned from Afghanistan. Prior to this deployment, we had run together on many occasions. First, while both serving on Active Duty in the Marine Corps, then after, I got out, by going for the random weekend run or completing a local 5k. Before now, these were not exactly fun for me. Jason (my husband) was quite the speed demon in his youth, running the 3-mile physical fitness test in sub-17 sometimes! Ten years in the infantry has caused him to lose his love of running a bit (mainly because it became something he HAD to do, versus something he WANTED to do) and has taken a toll on his joints, but he still keeps a good pace. On the opposite side, after having a baby and struggling to get back in shape, I have FOUND my love of running. In the 7 months he was deployed, I logged nearly 800 running miles. I've signed up for a 1/2 marathon in the spring and am continuing my training program, but now I've added him to some of those runs.

Having worked at a running specialty store in college, Jason is quite knowledgable on the mechanics of proper form. He used to spend the majority of the run analyzing my gait and arm swing while I huffed and puffed in a weak attempt to keep up. Now it's different. On Tuesday morning, we headed out in the chilly weather to knock out 4 miles. We split stroller duty and he took the first 2 miles. And over the New Year's weekend, we did a couple 3.5 mile runs. We challenged each other to sprint up the hills and happily chatted away the miles.

He understands my new found love and is very supportive. I cannot imagine going through this journey without him. Running will make our relationship stronger. Together we are setting a healthy example for our daughter. And while he still gives me advice throughout the run, now he's telling me to slow down...and that feels GREAT! And running together sure beats spending any extra time away from him after not being together for so long!

Do you have a supportive partner in your running endeavors?

Running On Empty

On December 24th, my husband returned from a 7-month deployment to Afghanistan! I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas gift. The day he was scheduled to come home, I got a text from a guy he works with that said the flight was delayed a couple hours. This worked in my favor as it gave me time to knock out 3.5 miles:)

But what also came with his homecoming, was a trip to the ER for our little girl. As we stood around waiting for the Marines to return, I noticed her eyes were getting increasingly redder and swollen. After asking several other mothers what they thought could be wrong, I gave Jason a quick hug and kiss and told him we were heading to the ER at the Naval Hospital for the official diagnosis. Yup, she had pink eye. For most of that day and the entire night, she cried if I was more than a foot away from her, and she wasn't too sure what to make of this "new guy." So on Christmas Day, I felt totally drained after no sleep and an emotional reunion. I took a much needed day off. I truly was running on empty.

What a mess!

But the following day, things started to get better. My husband played with Reagan while I set off for a stroller-free 4 miles and I savored every minute of it. And on the 27th, we headed out for a family run...just what I needed to recharge.

I think it's important to recognize when you need time off. I'm following a plan in preparation for a half marathon in March, and I'm trying to be flexible and take rest days when/if I need them despite the schedule. Luckily it's still early on in the training, so I'm not stressing about it yet:)

Do you have days when you feel like you're "Running on Empty?" How do you recharge?

Am I being selfish?

Do you ever ask yourself this question when you're in the midst of some serious training? If you do, you're not alone. Training sucks up a lot of "free" time - that's time away from family and friends, work, and other hobbies. Not to mention that you also have to stretch, do core work, and cross train. It adds up, and sometimes makes us feel selfish.

Family time or training? Which one wins out?

As a self-proclaimed work-a-holic, my sister, Jessica, spends on average 12 hours a day at work. About half of the time, she can squeeze in a run during working hours, but what about those other days? Is it fair to her husband that she gets home and immediately dons running attire to log a few miles?

And I have a 1-year old who doesn't really love being strapped into a stroller for 30 minutes to an hour and a half 6 days a week! Should we just give it up?

NO! If you're feeling selfish, just imagine how much worse you would feel if you didn't get those runs in. My mind would be racing with self-criticism about why I was such a slacker. For me, escaping for a 30 minute run is so much more beneficial to me AND to those around me. We are happier and healthier when we run.

Ever look at your clock and think there just aren't enough hours in the day?!

Are there times when it's important to recognize when running should take a backseat? Absolutely! No one knows better than you if your family and friends are feeling neglected and just need that extra attention from you. Perhaps they are upset because your training seems more important to you then they do. Do your best to realize these instances and make a judgment call. One extra rest day can do wonders, not only for sore muscles, but also for relationships!

And if possible, you can always try to combine the two! Ask your partner to join you for a run and explain why keeping a schedule is so important to your goals.

How do you keep life/training in balance?

Wowzer Wednesday: 12 in 12

Our dear friend Lynsey (basically our sister), is SO CLOSE to completing her 12 in 12 5k challenge for 2011!  She and her husband and their adorable son, Mason, have endured rain, heat, and now cold temps in their quest to complete one 5k per month.  This is an amazing goal for Lynsey considering she HATES running!  But she's doing great and so close to the "finish line."  We're so proud of you Lyns!  Here's a few pictures from the races they've done over the last year (in no particular order and stolen from FB):

They couldn't find a local 5k in February, so they made their own!!  How clever!

This is from the last day of one month...Lynsey and Mason knocked out a great 5k full of hills!

Great running buddy!