This past year has been a remarkable journey for my husband, and it certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by those around us. His dedication and countless hours spent training have truly paid off, and I couldn’t be prouder of his transformation. However, here’s the kicker: he now embodies the image of a runner, while I, well, do not. This has sparked a series of rather amusing (and let’s be real, awkward) conversations with family, friends, and even complete strangers. They often go like this:
Stranger (to my husband): You look incredible! You must be running!
Husband: Yep, I’ve been running quite a bit.
Stranger: That’s wonderful!
Me (awkwardly standing by, feeling invisible): Go ahead, ask him who motivated him to start running again. Yep, that was me, dammit.
Or another variation:
Stranger (to my husband): Have you participated in any races?
Husband: We’ve done a couple of half marathons…
Stranger: Wasn’t it pouring rain during the last one?
Husband: Yep, it rains every time we run a half—definitely the cure for drought. Sarah ran it with me.
Stranger (turning to me, surprised): Oh, you ran it too?
Me: Absolutely! (Silently thinking: Damn straight, I tackled every single step of those 13.1 miles, did we forget to mention the heavy downpour?)
We encounter similar reactions when I mention my entry into the New York City Marathon; a blend of surprise and skepticism that it’s actually me, and not my husband, gearing up for such a significant event.
Now, I understand that it may sound like I’m harboring resentment, but truly, I’m not. I grasp why people might be surprised—I’m not the stereotypical runner. Most folks wouldn’t look at me and think “runner,” and, more importantly, they definitely wouldn’t associate my name with “marathon” unless they were referencing a binge-watch session of House of Cards after the entire season dropped.
Oddly enough, I find strength in those doubts. I’m not entirely sure what that says about me or my career choice, but I see being underestimated as a strategic advantage. It drives me to work harder, push further, and dig deeper for that sweet payoff of surprising everyone and proving them wrong.
Ultimately, it boils down to this: regardless of whether you have family, friends, or even two million race spectators cheering you on, it means nothing if you don’t believe in yourself. And if you ever lose sight of that belief, don’t worry—there are always motivational T-shirts to remind you.
If you’re interested in learning more about the journey of parenthood, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination. Additionally, if you’re exploring options for at-home insemination kits, a reputable retailer like Make A Mom can provide you with what you need. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, UCSF’s Center is an excellent resource.
In summary, don’t let appearances dictate your abilities. Every step you take, no matter how unconventional, is a testament to your strength and determination. Believe in yourself—because that’s what truly counts.
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