If our house was ablaze and my husband had to save just one thing, you can bet it would be his running shoes. Not the cherished baseball cards from his late father, the priceless family albums capturing our kids’ first laughs, or even his fancy gadgets—nope. He’d dash out with those sneakers in hand.
This isn’t a wild guess. Last May, during a series of wildfires threatening our San Diego home, my husband was stuck in traffic trying to get back from work while I frantically packed up our most treasured belongings. When I asked what he wanted me to save, I was stunned when he said, “Just my shoes.” And just to clarify, he wasn’t planning on using them to outrun the flames.
Now that my husband has embraced running, it’s like living with a teenage girl sometimes. Here’s how his fitness routine mirrors that of a teenager:
- Resistance to Nagging: My husband had a long-standing aversion to exercise, often opting for the closest parking spot at the grocery store. We even argued about where to keep our daughter’s toothbrush just to avoid climbing stairs. Over the years, I chipped away at his unhealthy habits, but nothing got him to exercise—until a wake-up call from his doctor. Suddenly, he was ready to get moving.
- Personality Transformation: He started with brisk walks, complaining about the duration. Then, before I knew it, he was sprinting up hills and rekindling a passion for distance running from high school. Who was this new person in my life?
- Fashion Forward: Unlike the typical jogger in a plain T-shirt and old sneakers, my husband became a fitness fashionista. He declared his old shorts “too long,” bought new running shorts, moisture-wicking shirts, and even special chafing-resistant underwear. The shopping spree for athletic gear felt like a teenage back-to-school haul!
- Shoe Obsession: Once he was kitted out, his attention shifted to footwear. The generic sneakers? Absolutely unacceptable! He spent hours researching before splurging on $240 ASICS designed for trail running.
- Tech Savvy: While I can’t recall the last time my tires were rotated, my husband is meticulous about tracking his running stats. He has apps that log miles, analyze heart rates, and even detail every bead of sweat. And yes, there’s a fanny pack for his water bottles that doesn’t jiggle during his runs.
- It’s All About Him: One text I dread getting is when he informs me he’s stopping for a run on his way home. This passive communication means I’m left juggling dinner, kids, and everything else while he’s out enjoying a jog. When he finally strolls in, it’s just in time for bedtime, and he needs to whip up his recovery shake first.
- Loving Through the Phase: I’ll be honest; I don’t quite get his running obsession. However, he’s in fantastic shape at 50, with legs that could rival athletes half his age. His office is decorated with race medals, and his closet is filled with running gear that’s surprisingly stylish.
If this is his midlife crisis, I’m all for it. After all, if running adds years to his life, that’s a win for our family.
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Summary
My husband’s new exercise routine bears a striking resemblance to the habits of a teenager, from his resistance to nagging and sudden personality shift to his obsession with running gear and technology. While I may not fully understand his passion, I appreciate the positive changes in his health and vitality.