I've given up trying to inspire some people to run, because I have learned that for them the answer is always going to be "the only time I'm going to run is if there's a bear chasing me". Or, my favorite, "you ran for 4 miles? That's crazy" and I'm thinking, um, 4 miles is the absolute shortest distance I would ever run these days.
So, the main culprit of these remarks is my H. H is a good guy for the most part, he's just a little old fashioned about some things and fitness is one of them. Remember back in the day (like, last Thursday?) people used to believe that in order to be "fit" all you had to do was do aerobic exercise for 30 minutes/3 days a week? Well, that is H. My favorite quotes from him in the last few months are, "but... why are you going to the pool, you just ran yesterday?" and "you're going to run? Again?"
Yesterday, that shuddering of the earth that you felt as it stopped on it's axis was caused by H's off hand comment that SOUNDED at LOT LIKE "So, tomorrow when you go running, can I go with you?"
(followed by the breathless gasping sound of me sitting with my jaw slack while blinking in confusion)
I figured it was an off the cuff thing, but this morning when I got dressed to run, H got dressed to run too.
And off I went for a 10 mile run, and off he went for "as much run as he could handle". He's NOT a runner, so I let him pick the pace and he immediately set out fast (for him, he's a newbie). "H? Do you know you're running a XX:30 pace? Are you comfortable?" His gasp of pain was an indication that we should slow, so we did. He ran 1.5 miles exactly in about 17:35, which is HUGE. I'm proud of him for trying something new.
After I got back from my 11.2 miler - more on THAT tomorrow I'm sure, he said to me, "You know, I hate to say this, but... this running thing, you are right... it was much more fun than I thought it would be."
But when I suggested that he train for the BIG 10K here in April, he declined. Too many people. So for the moment, I will just encourage him to run as much as I can, without nagging him, in the hopes that this Running Thing catches him the way it caught me... or... I caught it.
For those who know him, please be encouraging without making him self conscious. I know you know who you are, and I know you'll do your best?
8 comments:
I am so jealous... and will totally pray for him. My husband who is 20 yrs older has no desire... says his knees can't handle it. He chops down trees for exercise.
@ Jen- I can relate to you, H & I have a significant age difference as well.
Isn't that funny? We ARE married to the same H. Tonight, on the way to dinner, my H asked if he could join me for the stadium run tomorrow morning. I nicely explained it will be 27 degrees and early, to which he replied..."I will go to bed early so I can get up and I will dress appropriately." Hmmm.
Wow! You always have such funny comments in your blog!
When my husband and I first started dating he used to run with me. Later I found out that he just did it to spend time with me and he absolutely hated running.
Now, the closest we get to running together is walking the dogs.
ps-my word verification is dearsally. haha
Wow! I will hold out hope for my husband. He supports my running, but always with a "You're a little crazy" comment.
There's hope for him yet! :)
Great first run! I'll hope he keeps trying to get out there with you. My hubbs is a short distance only, my knee is still recovering so that's why I am slower now, I lift weights for fitness kind of guy.
See, you do inspire people! I hope it keeps at it.
I keep asking my husband to start...it is not working. we have a TM in the bedroom and it doesn't even inspire him. Good for your H:)
Post a Comment