Being a Runner's Husband...

I read the following blog post by Kristin Armstrong and it got me thinking:
http://m.runnersworld.com/womens-running/girl-talk?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Blog-_-GirlTalk

Some people might interpret this blog as she will only be happy with someone who is a runner. But, if you dig a little deeper and look beyond the words on the page, you might see things a little differently just as I did.

Let me explain:

While my husband does not run with me in the literal sense, he seems to get me and all my runnerness. He not only gets these things listed in the blog but he has come to expect some of them and does so with open arms and a smile on his face.

~He has met me along my training runs (both by car and bike) to give me gatorade and words of encouragment.
~He has woken up at crazy early times on Saturday or Sunday mornings to watch me cross a starting line only to sit around for 35 minutes, 45 minutes, an hour or even 3 hours to see me cross the finish (most of the times with 2 kids in tow). He sometimes even maps and plans out places to meet up with me on the course so offer me love and support.
~He has come to expect the extra pair of shoes and clothes in our suitcase when we travel.
~He has learned to overlook the stinky running clothes pile during the week
~He is always ready for a stinky/sweaty congratulatory hug
~He has learned to not mess with my stash of energy bars, Shot Bloks, and gatorade (although I have been known to share :-P)
~He encourages our children to cheer me on. My son who is 2 now says "Mommy Run" when he sees anybody running. My daughter who is 6 has been begging to run her own race and will be doing so on March 22!
~He takes pictures, holds my gear, and helps me stretch while at races.
~He offers a supportive hand as I hobble around after a tough race.

While this is just a few examples, it really goes to show that sometimes being married to a runner takes just as much hard work and dedication (sometimes maybe more!) as being the runner. I am so happy that my husband gets all these crazy things that come with being a runner.

I really am a very lucky girl to have someone that I know will "run" beside me in this race called life!Thank you my other half for everything you do.

I challenge all my running friends (and even my non-running friends) to take a step back and examine all the things that your spouse does to make you happy and support your dreams and goals. Let me know what you come up with!