Are you a couple that rarely fights? Try working out together…someone gets frustrated, someone gets tired, someone huffs and puffs till they blow your little house down. All right not all workouts go this way, but I have seen it happen to many otherwise happy couples and if this were a poker blog, I'd even be taking bets on the % of you that have gone through this at some point.
Since runners know that on any given day you could feel amazing or just plain tuckered out, it’s no surprising that this can lead to frustrations.
Here are a few tips to enjoy a run with your spouse/significant other:
Decide on a leader: Who feels the best that day or who has been doing more running? Let them lead the course you are going to take. Additionally when you are on the sidewalk and can’t continually be next to each other it will keep you from constantly wondering if they have drifted off.
Hand signals: If you are going to turn at the corner, gesture to it and a direction before you get there. This prevents needless bump and grid or issues because they can't hear you over their iPod.
Discuss a goal: Set a goal for the run before you start…is it a nice easy 30 minute run? Or are you hoping to push the pace? If it’s a nice easy 3 miler, but you are feeling awesome then after 3 miles say “hey I’m going to tack on a few more at a faster pace because I feel great. Do you want to come?” Thus they have the option to stop without feeling like they are being dumped. Communication is key to any good relationship, right?
Music: Some folks can chat away the miles..others don’t care to speak once they start running. David and I have found a great comprise where we chat for the 1/2 mile warm up walk and 1/2 mile cool down walk, but plug in our iPods during the run. Just know before you go how the other wants to workout and be prepared to be ok with it.
Encouragement Style: If you haven’t read MizFit’s article about encouragement style, definitely check this out before you hit the roads!
Finally here is a little on how I've dealt with David's natural running ability, while I have to work for it (yes a runner's ego)...and embracing his fearless running style.
What other tips do you have for running with your significant other?----------------------------------------------------
Gratitude Journal
June 29
I am grateful for a husband who is getting back in to running and thus pushing me.
Since runners know that on any given day you could feel amazing or just plain tuckered out, it’s no surprising that this can lead to frustrations.
Here are a few tips to enjoy a run with your spouse/significant other:Decide on a leader: Who feels the best that day or who has been doing more running? Let them lead the course you are going to take. Additionally when you are on the sidewalk and can’t continually be next to each other it will keep you from constantly wondering if they have drifted off.
Hand signals: If you are going to turn at the corner, gesture to it and a direction before you get there. This prevents needless bump and grid or issues because they can't hear you over their iPod.
Discuss a goal: Set a goal for the run before you start…is it a nice easy 30 minute run? Or are you hoping to push the pace? If it’s a nice easy 3 miler, but you are feeling awesome then after 3 miles say “hey I’m going to tack on a few more at a faster pace because I feel great. Do you want to come?” Thus they have the option to stop without feeling like they are being dumped. Communication is key to any good relationship, right?
Music: Some folks can chat away the miles..others don’t care to speak once they start running. David and I have found a great comprise where we chat for the 1/2 mile warm up walk and 1/2 mile cool down walk, but plug in our iPods during the run. Just know before you go how the other wants to workout and be prepared to be ok with it.
Encouragement Style: If you haven’t read MizFit’s article about encouragement style, definitely check this out before you hit the roads!
Finally here is a little on how I've dealt with David's natural running ability, while I have to work for it (yes a runner's ego)...and embracing his fearless running style.
What other tips do you have for running with your significant other?----------------------------------------------------
Gratitude Journal
June 29
I am grateful for a husband who is getting back in to running and thus pushing me.
