Running Relationships
 |
| exxercisemenu.com |
Some couples are made of two competitive runners, others are made of one recreational runner and a competitive runner. Or in some cases you have a runner, and a non-runner. All of these couples can have a happy ending, but each case presents it's own challenges. So what's the perfect recipe for a happy medium between running and a healthy relationship?
I decided to ask my friends Rob and Tan for some insight into their "running relationship". They've been together 13 years and are both competitive runners. How do they make it work? Here's a little Q&A from the happy runners! (full disclaimer, they are a same sex couple, but any challenges they face, are the same any couple would)
The following answers come from Rob, on the right. His partner Tan, is on the left.
Q: Do you and your partner run at the
same level? Who is more competitive?
A: We run at
completely different levels. Most of my
races have been half marathons (about 15) and one full. He (Tan) has a bunch more full marathons including
Chicago, London, and New York. He will
run Boston in a couple of weeks. We are
both competitive, but not with each other relative to racing. He is much faster than me (and more
obsessed).
Q: Do you ever run together? How often?
A: Yes. We run together often. Probably twice a week assuming no one is
injured. Generally we will run together
for a couple of miles and then he will peel off and do his thing. Sometimes we will do the whole distance
together but that is rare.
Q: Which is easier, running with your
significant other or you both doing your own thing?
A: Running on
my own is obviously “easier”, because I can run slow, or walk for a bit if I feel
like I need to. Running with him is
“better” because I’m forced to beat back my internal demons and keep up a
better pace without stopping or screwing around…
Q: When traveling to races, do you both compete?
A: If it’s a
full I generally am in support mode running around and cheering him on at
multiple locations, but for a half we both generally compete.
Q: Have “race weekend” trips that
surround only YOUR race ever became an issue?
Or maybe the other way around?
A: Never an
issue either way… we both have fun either way.
For example, I really enjoyed being on my own in London and Chicago
wondering through the city and getting to the next way point to cheer him on,
and he enjoyed the race
Q: How do you juggle training and
maintaining the relationship?
A: No issues
here… since we work, run, and train with similar schedules so it’s generally
not an issue.
Q: What’s the best advice you have for
a couple who aren’t both on the same running level?
A: Encourage
and support your other half without being a nag. It’s supposed to be fun! The more advanced runner should not pressure
the less advanced one to put in extra miles, faster intervals, hills, or alter
a training schedule to match the one he is on.
After years of running you get to know your body, understand its limits
and progression related to training that will keep you healthy.
If you pressure your partner into altering
their plan and he or she gets injured then someone gets fat and the other one
stays skinny… that’s when the relationship starts to have problemsJ!!
(JK..not really…ok kind of…)
Thanks so much for sharing your story guys! Now, about YOU? Do you have a partner in life and in running? Share your advice below!
Thanks so much for sharing your story guys! Now, about YOU? Do you have a partner in life and in running? Share your advice below!
Love this post! People assume that my husband and I both have been running forever but he was much more into running when I could barely run a mile. We both happened to start racing at the same time and now are pretty active. While we both "run" the idea of "running together" is still pretty foreign but we get to obsess about our running issues because we both understand the challenges. The key is just being great support systems!
ReplyDeleteI love ya'lls dynamic Jessica! Different things work for different people, and you two have a great support system going... which of course, is the most important! Keep up the great running and inspirational relationship! :D
DeleteAwesome, loved this Q&A sesh. I've never dated anyone that runs (a girl can dream lol) but even if I did I know I'd be way slower and not competitive with them at all. Mostly b/c I'd always lose haha.
ReplyDeleteYou'd be surprised how a couple can inspire each other! Take a look at Jessica's comment above... they were on different levels but now they're racing all over together like the two I featured, Rob and Tan! But even if you end up with someone who's NOT a runner, having that support makes all the difference, even if they're always on the sidelines! :D
DeleteLove this post! I never even considered this topic and the Hubbo and I are both runners. We are pretty lucky that we can train together for most runs. He's faster but our weekday miles we can typically do together and our long run days he runs with a faster group.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's great to be seperate sometimes. Allows a little independence but you get to share your experiences together afterwards! My partner runs the short fast distances, while I focus on the longer ones. We may be on different levels but as long as we support each other and continue to enjoy the experiences, we can maintain balance! Thanks for reading!
DeleteI love this post! I've never dated a runner, but I love the idea of getting to share something I'm passionate about with someone I love. Good luck to Rob and Tan in their races and relationship! They sound like a wonderful pair.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Don't they say that couples that exercise together, stay together?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteThanks for this post. I've recently recruited my husband to run his first 5K with me! Should be interesting. :)
ReplyDelete-Rachel @ runningonhappy.com
You'll be surprised what awesome adventures and amazing feats you can accomplish together! good luck!!
DeleteMy boyfriend and I run together but we're in very different places/paces...he'll basically do some of his easier runs with me and often does longer distances on his own.
ReplyDeleteI typically do the same as well. And Tan and Rob do the same. It's all about getting out there and being active together! Miles are miles!
DeleteGreat Post! Rob & Tan seem lovely!!! My hubby took up running after i'd been running for around 12 months or so & we attempted a few shorter runs together but he hogs the footpath & I get frustrated with that!!! Plus I like to run to my schedule & he doesn't really do other peoples "schedules" so I'd get frustrated having to wait around for him to decide he was ready to go LOL!!
ReplyDeleteHe now runs once a week/fortnight/month on his own while I run my schedule (usually 4 runs). He is very support (except when I run in the rain) & is great at looking after my stuff while I'm running an event (although refuses to fix a meeting point & invariably there is a lot of wandering around looking for each other in the crowds!!!!)
Tan and Rob are one awesome couple. And i'm sure you and your hubby are pretty dang great too! You both don't have to be running on the same level to still enjoy running together! My bf and I like to plan vacations around my races and enjoy the city together!
DeleteNobody can reject the info you have given in the blogs, this is actually a great work.how to fix a relationship after a break up
ReplyDeleteI CONTACTED DR MACK AND I WAS TOLD TO PAY SOME MONEY , I THOUGHT IT WAS A SCAM AND I CALLED MY FRIEND, HE ASKED ME TO DO IT THAT’S HE IS LEGIT AND NO SCAM WHICH I DID AFTER SOME DAYS MY BOYFRIEND CAME BACK TO ME… I CANT JUST BELIEVE PEOPLE WITH SUCH GREAT POWERS STILL EXIST… IF YOU ARE OUT THERE AND YOU NEED YOUR LOVER BACK, CONTACT DR MACK NOW…( DR_MACK@YAHOO.COM )
ReplyDelete