What is up with my husband?
I’ve worked all year, to get back into shape, for this half on Oct 5th. Along the way, I’ve tried to impress my husband with past race times, while complaining a bit, about how slow I am now. His answer was always, “Well that was 7 years ago. You were younger then. Blah blah blah…”
My mind says, all I have to do is put in some miles, some hard work, and I’d be back to running those times, age has nothing to do with it. (Don’t any of you tell me differently) O.K I’ll probably never be that fast again, but I can run far, compete in my age group, and hold my head high.
My husbands comments, have been part of the driving force, to keep me going for this run. I’ll show him. He has been supportive, come to my runs, and been proud of me for the distances I’ve covered. He proudly tells his friends, how crazy his wife is, out there running around in the desert, and up the mountain trails.
But, last night as I was sniveling about my stupid cold, I got 3 weeks before my run, he began to suggest that I’d bitten off a pretty big goal, 13 miles. He said I should be proud that I’ve made it up to 11 miles, and not worry about the race.
IS HE CRAZY?!?!?!!!! Is he living in the dark ages? Does he really think I can’t make two more miles. How can I make him understand? A half is cake, compared to what a lot of you doing out there. ie 30, 50, 100 miles. What’s he going to do when I let him know I’ve found a full marathon to train for?
I told him I don’t care if I have to crawl 13 miles with an oxygen tank strapped to my back, I will finish this race!!!!
I always get so mad, at him, and have to prove him wrong. He’s way smarter than me. My running is the only way I can ever prove him wrong. I guess I should thank him for giving me fuel for my fire. LOL
I love my husband. 
September 16th, 2008 at 7:42 am
From my other half it is advice about riding or running from when HE was a strapping 18 yo boy and training 3 hours a day.
A) equiptment and the sport have changed in 25 years
b) I am an overweight 40 yo WOMAN and
c) he is out of shape and doing nothing so should keep his advice to himself.
But I don’t tell him that since I know this is his way of supporting me in the only way he knows how.
keep up the great work! you are blowing me away!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I was reading this post and really laughing… laughing at how silly us men can be…
I know he’s trying to support you… but it’s funny isn’t it? Guys rarely know what to say to their partners or to each other… but guys don’t get mad at each other because they all realize they’re in the dark about how to communicate compassion and support to other people.
We are simply clueless!
So… as a fumbling clumsy guy I will suggest the following.
1) You are not as young as you used to be, so it will be harder to get back to your speed from years ago. It will take hard work, and it will take time, and it will take some good luck too.
2) You are doing great… you are making progress, and you should celebrate your success so far. 11 miles is a great distance. And you will make it 2 more miles, I know!
3) But, if you want to go further and faster, then don’t stop now… keep up all your hard work!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:54 am
I know my poor husband can’t win no matter what he says. I have an inferiority complex living with a husband who was a state champion wrestler, and two little boys, who are born athletes, and champion wrestlers. My two brother-in-laws live on either side of me, my brother is my only surviving member, of my immediate family, and I have a nephew who pops in, occasionally, to remind me that he knows it all. LOL (he’s 18)
My neighbor is in the same boat, she laughs, and says we live with Neanderthals. (No offense to you men out there)
The only consolation, I have, is that every man on the property knows when to run, for fear I come after them with my broom handle.
My nephew wants to get a WWII air raide siren to send out the warnings.
I know they love me. LOL
September 16th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Maybe this is a crazy idea, but just maybe your husband says those things knowing that it will help you fuel your training?
good luck with the race and keep on training for that full marathon!