I’ve been running half-marathons for almost six years. The reality of my long run taking over my weekend has been something that has become the norm. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve uttered the phrase, “I can’t, I have to run.” Jason wanted to do something tonight. We barely get to spend time together because of his schedule, but I didn’t want to, because I had to run. I had to run tonight (I did 3 miles) and then I am running 9 miles tomorrow. Sometimes I feel selfish about it. Running always seems to be my top priority. I base my life around my training runs. Sometimes I wonder how life would be if I wasn’t a runner. I would be able to get spur of the moment drinks with my husband on a 70 degree day in February.
But I don’t think I’d be happy while I’m doing it. Even if I wasn’t running, I feel the need to exercise. I can’t imagine being the type of person who just doesn’t work out. I need to work out. I need to feel the sweat, to get my heart rate up, to push myself. And this is time consuming.
But, it’s something that I have to do for myself and in turn, this makes me a better friend, a better wife.
Do you ever feel guilty for putting exercise first?