Yesterday I told my husband that I would like to run a marathon next fall. His response was less than supportive, which left me feeling very discouraged.
(and I have to tread lightly here because I know he gets my feed.
Sorry, honey. Thanks for reading though!) 
His defense was that I might be setting myself up for a tough challenge and he wants to spare me the disappointment in case I cannot meet my goal. While this may or may not be true, how about a little encouragement?!
As I sit here, HUGELY pregnant, I just want something for ME to look forward to next summer. How about saying “that is great honey, I know how much you love running and I’ll do what I can to help you out! Which one do you think you would like to run?”
After all, we’re talking about something that is 10-11 months from now! Isn’t that the point of having goals? To work toward them? I didn’t say I want to qualify for the Olympics (or even Boston for that matter), I simply said I want to run and complete a marathon next year. I just want to prove to myself that I CAN do it again after having knee & foot surgery and three children. I want that feeling again of crossing the finish line knowing that I DID THIS!
In reality, there really is no reason why I cannot accomplish my goal. If someone will watch my kids while I train, I will be fine. I took his response to mean that he is not willing to step up to THAT challenge. And that just doesn’t sit right with me.
In the interest of peace and harmony in our house, I’m just going to leave it at this. I will run a marathon next fall. I hope my family is at the finish line cheering me on.
Now gang, what is your goal for next year?
Don’t ever underestimate the power of a workout!
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{ 20 comments }
what one?
I WILL MEET YOU THERE!!!
MizFit´s last blog ..Tweetsgiving gratitude post.
I say go for it!!
Michelle´s last blog ..This weeks exercise plan: 23 Nov – 29 Nov 2009
Are you thinking of a full or a half? Maybe start with a half to see how it goes with 3 kids? You can do whatever you put your mind to though.
Good for you – i’m trying for a half marathon next year – my first. It’s a goal to strive for and I’ve never run past 7 miles. So, pregnancy and former successful runs – point toward success. You’re an inspiration to those of us who’ve never been close and who aren’t pregnant!!!
Look at the bright side. At least he reads your blog! I could say horrible things about my husband and he’d never know it. LOL.
Cindy´s last blog ..Plan Toys Giveaway
You can do it Lisa! I’ll watch the kiddos
Jamie
A Forest Frolic´s last blog ..House Hunting
That’s great! My hubby also gets concerned that I might be disappointed when I set high goals. I had a really bad marathon this year. Had some great training, but wound up having a bad day. I told my hubby that handling a bad race time was much more manageable than a NDF. You can absolutely complete a marathon again! I can’t wait to read all about it!
Katie´s last blog ..Training 11/16/2009 – 11/22/2009
You absolutely can do this!
And maybe you can explain it to your husband the way you explain it here.
If he hasn’t already read it, that is, lol!
YES indeed you can!! And do post it when you decide which one so we can all cheer on with your training:)
charlotte´s last blog ..The Cure for Exercise Headaches [Help a Reader Out]
Yes you can do it! I have no doubt that you can do whatever you set your mind to. However…. A plan like that requires the support of your significant other. I’ve ran 3 full marathons and know that a 4 hour training run on the weekend actually takes close to 6 hours of my time if you include changing, showering and napping afterwards. This would be like him saying he wants to play 18 holes of golf every Sunday morning – would you be supportive and excited about that? Would you suggest that maybe he should play 9 holes instead of 18? I know a lot of moms (and dads) run marathons – but what is the cost to the family and the spouse? I’m not shooting your plans down – I’m suggesting there is more to consider in this decision.
Janice @ Lazy Mama Fitness´s last blog ..Feeling Down? These 5 Foods Can Help
IN my family it’s all about expectations. In don’t talk about training, I just do it and leave the little ones with the hubby while I’m sweating. There’s no argument or discussion. I need it to be sane
Hiit Mama – Meredith´s last blog ..Neo-Parents vs. Primal Parents
Good for you – you CAN do it!
Trenches of Mommyhood´s last blog ..Me=Dinosaur
That’s a great plan, you should definitely go for it. Regarding your husband, I think that he simply does no understand what you are going through right now (most men never understand what pregnancy and motherhood really are and how much you need to maintain at least an itty-bitty piece of your “before” life).
) I am sure that as you get stronger your husband will be more supportive of you and you will realize what you are really able to do with your new responsibilities and your new body.
Start your training whenever you can and feel like it, just make sure to start it slow (I know, I should not be giving this type of advice to a workout mommy
Anastasiya´s last blog ..The Personal Development Challenge: Is your Body as Fit as Your Mind Is?
Good luck with your goal! My goal for 2010 is to complete a 1/2 Iromman triathlon. I’m glad my wife supports me and is encouraging me.. i know i couldn’t do it without her.
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whats shakin with the baaaaaby watch?
MizFit´s last blog ..A MizFit Thanksgiving.
You can do it. Set your mind to the positive that you can and will finish regardless of him and pay a babysitter so that you can complete your goal. Totally understand wanting to have that ONE thing just for yourself.
Fit Mom´s last blog ..Love/Hate Relationship: Deadlift and Med Ball Clean
I get the same response from my hubby when I present challenges for myself. I am a quiter–notoriously so. He doesn’t want me to be disappointed with my failure to complete something. I ran my first 5K without his complete support and encouragement. I would get up in the mornings and run on the treadmill while everyone slept. I make things work around our schedules because the burden of child care and home keeping falls on us mommies regardless of whether we are SAHMs or Work away moms.
When I first started training for my first 5K at 219 lbs (after having my 3rd baby several months before), I thought it was impossible to run a 5K and be obese. But I did it. I ran the race on a day when my hubby was on business, and I had to hire a babysitter for the morning. It felt a little lonely, but when I completed it, it was such a monumental moment that all that hard work and drive was inspiring to continue.
I can’t say that running a marathon is in my sights, but I love running, and I love challenges. One of the challenges that I have set up for 2010 is to run ONE race per month–a 5K, but will eventually move up to 10K. It is a nice way to keep me challenged and working towards a goal.
This challenge is about “YOU” not about him or the kids. “YOU” make it work within the families schedule. And as much as it sucks to wake up at 5 a.m., if that is the only time you have, then “just do it.”
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That’s was great post.
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Lisa, I know you and I know there is no reason why you could not meet that goal. I will be running MCM again and sister, we’re right there together — post partum only a few days apart. We can train together, as long as you don’t mind slowing your pace for me. You can and will do it!
I’m right there with you! I told my husband the same thing and he just kept movin’ right along as if I hadn’t said anything. I have 3 children, run 10Ks when I get a chance and have had the goal of a half marathon on my To-Do list for a while now. I’m going for the ING in March! I’m with you girl!
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