The hosts discuss their college years and teaching careers, favorite races, embracing pain and discomfort, and the challenges of balancing running and real life responsibilities. They also explore the mental aftermath of completing a race and offer advice on recovery.
Open and honest communication is crucial for sharing dreams and passions with your spouse.
Take the time to explain your sport and its meaning to your spouse to bridge the gap and create understanding.
Striking a balance between pursuing your passion and maintaining a healthy relationship requires compromises and adjustments.
Deep dives
Importance of Communication in Relationship
In order to share your dreams and passions with your spouse, it is crucial to have open and honest communication. Sit down with your partner and explain what running or any other goal means to you and why it is important. Discuss the time and effort it will require, acknowledging the potential challenges and sacrifices. Show them that you value their support and want them to be a part of your journey. By approaching the conversation with love and understanding, you can create a strong foundation for sharing your dreams.
Understanding Each Other's Perspectives
Recognize that your spouse may not fully comprehend or appreciate the significance of your goal, especially if they are not runners themselves. Take the time to explain the sport, its meaning to you, and the personal fulfillment you derive from it. Be patient and open to addressing any concerns or fears they may have. By helping them see your perspective, you can bridge the gap and create a better understanding.
Finding Balance and Compromise
Striking a balance between pursuing your passion and maintaining a healthy relationship is crucial. Be willing to make compromises and adjustments to accommodate the needs and expectations of both partners. This could involve adjusting training schedules, setting boundaries, or finding new ways to spend quality time together. Respect each other's needs and explore creative solutions that work for both of you. Together, you can find a balance that allows you to pursue your dreams while strengthening your relationship.
Choosing the Right Race
When selecting a race, it is important to choose one that has been around for a while and is well-established. It is advisable to veer away from races in their first year, as they may still be working out logistical kinks. Additionally, it is crucial to select a race that aligns with your strengths and preferences. If you love climbing and being in the mountains, choose a mountainous course that excites you. If you are new to trail running, it may be easier to start with a course that has smoother terrain, like fire roads or paths near a lake, to help you get comfortable and ease into the scene.
Embracing Pain and the Post-Race Blues
When it comes to enduring the physical and mental challenges of a long race, it is important to embrace the discomfort and pain rather than hiding from it. Rather than thinking of it as being in a 'pain cave,' it is better to view it as being on a 'pain mountain,' fully exposed and working through the pain. This approach allows for personal growth and can inspire and encourage others. After completing a race, it is common to experience the 'race blues' or a sense of emptiness for a few days. Taking a dedicated recovery period, both physically and mentally, can help navigate these post-race feelings and provide an opportunity to enjoy other aspects of life before diving into the next race.
A staple in the Choose Strong Podcast is listening to your questions and answering them here! We love to hear from you and often, many of you have the same questions! Join Eddie and Sally as they sift through a balance of both deep and light hearted questions. We know you'll enjoy this episode! Thank you for listening!
