If our house was about to go up in flames and my husband had mere seconds to grab one item, there’s no doubt he would dash out with his running shoes in hand. Forget the priceless family photo albums, his cherished vintage baseball card collection, or even his beloved gadgets like the iPad or Xbox. Nope, it’s the sneakers that would make the cut.
This isn’t just a wild guess, either. Last year, during a series of wildfires in San Diego’s North County, our home was nearly caught in the chaos. While I frantically stuffed our most sentimental belongings into the car, my husband was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Interstate 5, clueless about the impending disaster. And just to clarify, he wasn’t grabbing those shoes to escape the flames; he was just a man on a mission to keep his fitness regime alive.
Since he embraced running a few months back, it’s been like living with a teenage girl. Here’s how his new fitness obsession mirrors the teenage experience:
- Resistance to Nagging: Despite years of gentle persuasion, I couldn’t get my husband to embrace fitness. It took alarming blood test results and a stern warning from his doctor about medication before he finally decided to make a change. Suddenly, he was off like a shot, as if a switch had flipped.
- Transformation Overnight: My husband started by walking briskly a few times a week, grumbling about how torturously long those 20 minutes felt. Before long, he was jogging up hills and rediscovering his high school passion for distance running. Who was this energetic new person sharing my space?
- Fashion-Forward Fitness: Gone are the days of casual joggers in old T-shirts. My husband now insists on stylish running gear. After declaring his old athletic shorts “too long,” he invested in specialized running shorts, moisture-wicking shirts, and even special underwear to prevent chafing. His clothing expenses began to rival those dreaded teenage back-to-school shopping sprees.
- Shoe Obsession: With his new wardrobe sorted, my husband then focused on footwear. Forget the budget options—he invested hours researching the perfect $240 pair of ASICS designed for off-road running.
- Tech Savvy: While I may not keep track of my car maintenance, you can bet my husband is meticulously monitoring the mileage on his running shoes. His iPhone is loaded with apps that record everything from distance and elevation changes to heart rate and calories burned. And yes, there’s even a runner’s fanny pack that holds water bottles without jiggling—how convenient!
- All About Him: I have a particular text from my husband that I dread: “Hey Honey! Just a heads-up, I’m stopping to run on my way home!” This passive announcement means dinner, bath, and bedtime will all be missed. He’s in his “zone,” and training for two half-marathons a year means he’s often preoccupied with his workout schedule.
- Love Through the Phase: I may not fully understand his passion, but there’s no denying my husband has turned into quite the athlete. At 50, he boasts legs that could rival any college student’s. His office showcases race medals and photos from finish lines, while his closet overflows with running gear.
If these external motivators help him stay active, I’m all for it. After all, if running is his midlife crisis, it could be far worse. If his newfound energy brings him joy, I’ll embrace it wholeheartedly. Because in the end, my husband is investing in a longer, healthier life—something that benefits our entire family.
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In summary, my husband’s exercise routine is a fascinating mix of teenage enthusiasm and dedication, bringing a new dynamic to our household.