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Hello True Agape readers! A huge thank you to Cassie for having me today. My name is also Cassie, oddly enough! I blog over at Sage where I document my life as a newlywed, our recent(ish) move to the Midwest, and my life as a believer. I’m a runner turned triathlete that has completed a number of running distances including two half marathons (I am currently training for my third), two triathlons, a duathlon, and a few obstacle races!
My health is important to me, but Jesus and my husband are more important. When I got married last year, I wanted to be cognizant of how I was spending my time. I wanted to shepherd my time wisely, which meant trying to find the balance between my passion for training and my love for my husband (and all the other responsibilities we have in life). Thankfully, my husband also has a passion for racing and we have been able to use it as a tool to keep our marriage healthy. These are the 5 things that have helped us to keep our marriage healthy while training.
1. God. By keeping our hearts focused on God, we have been careful not to let training become either of our idols. We know that without Jesus, we cannot have the marriage we desire. We also know that He is the one that gives us the ability to race in the first place, so He is always our number one priority. We are careful not to let training get in the way of church obligations or prayer.
2. Training together. When we can, we like to train as a team. This can sometimes be hard if I am going out for a long run and my husband is going out for a bike ride, but we at least try to get one training day a week in together. If that means that I have to go for a harder ride then planned in order to be with him or commute to work on a chilly morning, I will do it. We are sure to keep each other as our top priorities, even if it requires sacrifices to our training plans.
3. Encourage one another. If you’re anything like me, you’re your own worst critic. I cannot tell you how amazing it feels when I am being hard on myself and I come home to an encouraging husband. Lift each other up with encouraging words because training can really take it out of you.
4. Be race support with a smile on your face. Sometimes it can be hard to just go out and watch your spouse race, especially if you wish you were racing too. Remember that your marriage is the most important thing. Go out there with a backpack full of layers, snacks, and electrolyte supplements. Cheer your spouse on because you believe in them and remember that you are on their team always.
5. Have fun together! Training shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Have a little fun and use training as an opportunity to date your spouse! It’s like killing two birds with one stone.
What things do you do to ensure your marriage stays healthy while training?
Make sure to head over to Sage and check out what else Cassie has been writing about!
these are great tips! my husband and i aren’t training for anything but we are both trying to get healthier now and doing it together is great for our relationship!
I think having your spouse as your workout partner is great! Helps keep you in check at home as well! Jackie, I am glad to hear you and your husband are getting healthier!