Don't ask me to run!!!!

“Start training with your partner.”  It seems like every article, forum, and busybody obsessed athlete suggests that what a workout widow needs to do is just join their partner in running.  I find it amusing.  The same Type A nitwits who would go into withdrawals if someone merely mentioned taking a couple weeks off to spend time with their family think nothing of telling someone that doing the same marathon or triathlon causing some of the issues will fix the issues.  It’s the control freak version of compromise: do it my way and I’m happy.

I’ll be the first to admit I hate exercise.  I’m not opposed to activity, it’s just the whole cult of working out I have trouble with.  Going for a walk with my kids or doing a few minutes on a treadmill is something I do to de-stress, not the next step in an ever changing goal with no end in sight.  I push myself to be a better Dad, a better Husband, a better Christian, and to make more functional and creative products in my shop.  The “importance” of improving transition time, splits, or lap times is a foreign concept to me.

I tried training with my wife- it lasted a week at the gym.  While I’m doing the 100 meter mosey on the indoor track she’s about ready to take a cattle prod to my ass as she zooms by me.  The exercise equipment was even worse.  She showed me her “favorite” one- Freud would have a field day.   We agreed it was not a good mix.  And I definitely don’t want a trainer.  If I’m around someone yelling “Faster! Harder!” it damn well better be my wife and we’d better be naked.

Telling your partner to take up your hobby misses the whole point: relationships are stronger when both partners feel encouraged to pursue there own interests.  Do I give a crap about triathlons and marathons? Nope, but I know how much they help my wife physically and mentally.  By the same token my wife couldn’t care less about bladesmithing (my hobby) but knows how important it is to me.  What matters is knowing you’re equal to the person you love and not seen as a training aid.  If an athlete doesn’t want their partner to resent their hobby, don’t shove it on them and truly encourage them to succeed in their own interests. 

Thanks

Dave