I never thought that wanting to run throughout my pregnancy would make me “crazy.” Okay, while I do not consider myself crazy, there are a lot of people in this world that think running up until you are 37 weeks pregnant (or running AT ALL while pregnant) is completely insane. But do you know who has stuck by my side the whole way, supporting me, always reminding me that what I was doing has healthy for me and our child? My husband, who, in every sense of the words, is my other half.



Loving a runner is not always easy. Sometimes (okay, A LOT of times) we are crazy people. To some who are “outside the circle,” some of the things we do are downright off the wall and absurd. Loving a runner requires patience and the ability to laugh it off when your partner says, “Look, I know it is 11PM. But I have miles to get in! I’m on a training program!” Loving a runner means understanding that sometimes a “meal” is completely made up of scoops of peanut butter, a handful of Swedish Fish, and a Gu Energy gel.

Loving a runner means putting up with stupid amounts of money spent on running shoes and race entry fees. Even after all these years, I am still not sure if my husband really relates to this one. Loving a runner means being patient when we curse, scream, and fight when our muscles ache, when we have a bad run, or when we feel our bodies have disappointed us. Loving a runner sometimes means being the gear bag toter, cowbell ringer, support sign holder, amateur sports photographer, pom-pom waver, and personal cheerleader…all at the same time. Loving a runner often means leaving a Friday night party at an hour that even your mother would be ashamed of…all because of an early Saturday morning race.

Loving a runner means learning to embrace (okay, at least tolerate) sweaty hugs. It means finding words of encouragement to keep your significant other going, even when you are questioning their sanity. I mean, really…should any sane person be waking up at 5AM…on a Saturday…when its 25 degrees outside…for a long run? Loving a runner means being understanding and accommodating when your spouse wants to fit in a marathon, half marathon, or other race on a family vacation. Loving a runner means taking all of his or her quirks in stride, every pun intended.

But the good thing is, loving a runner is not all give and no take.

Loving a runner means loving someone who knows what it means to be fiercely dedicated to something they love. Runners have vision; loving one means loving someone who knows what it is to sacrifice something important for the bigger plan. Runners are strong and resilient; we do not bend and break easily and we know what it is to work hard for something we want badly enough. Runners have an insane amount of trust and loyalty. Everyday we train, we have to trust our bodies, our coaches, and our running buddies. Loving a runner means loving a person who knows the importance of supporting and encouraging others. We promise that if you do this for us, we will return the favor.

Loving a runner is not always the easiest job on the planet, but I assure you, its rewarding.

Why do you love YOUR runner? If YOU are the runner, what kind of crazy things does your spouse have to put up with from YOU?