20 year ago, I made a decision that changed my life path: I made a random stop by the fraternity house where many of my college friends had belonged. I had heard a rumor that some alums were there hanging out for the evening.
Beer Geek was one of those alums.
1 year later, I married him.
19 years of marriage later, I know I made the right decision.
In many ways, keeping a healthy marriage is much like keeping a healthy lifestyle. So, here are 5 tips for maintaining a healthy marriage as well as a healthy lifestyle.
1. Don’t compare. Your marriage, just like your fitness, is yours alone. Don’t compare other couples public behavior to your day to day marriage. Same thing with running – you don’t know where they are coming from or how hard they’ve worked to get there.
2. Make it a priority. Life gets busy. People have jobs, kids, activities… Just like it’s easy to wake up one day and realize you haven’t run in a month, it’s just as easy to wake up one day and realize you no longer know your spouse. Regular date nights, trips together, and even working out together occasionally can help you keep that connection alive. (This would be the only reason I own a bike…)
3. Marry someone you like. That sounds kind of “duh”, but marrying someone you flat out enjoy being with will go a long way during the hard times. Same thing goes with exercise. If you hate running, you aren’t going to do it. Your primary form of fitness should be something that you enjoy.
4. Realize that the bad days are just that – a bad day. If your marriage is strong and you’ve worked hard to stay close to your partner, most bad days (or even phases) can be worked through. And a lot of times they are indicative of nothing important. Workouts are the same way. We’ve all had days where a run seems so hard for the pace we are running. But we don’t stop, we try again and, chances are, the next run is brilliant.
5. Keep trying new things. Learn together. Have adventures together. Just like fitness, sometimes you need to shake things up a bit.
And remember , it’s as much about the journey as the goals. Embrace every moment and enjoy the ride.
Happy 19th Anniversary, my love! I’d do it all over again – even the birdseed down my dress!
Can I add it’s hard work? Both things take effort but the results are well worth it.
Great post! I never thought of comparing my marriage to fitness, but you’re absolutely right.
Happy Anniversary! Here’s to another 19 (plus many more) years!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2014 BA5k Recap
I have never thought about it compared to fitness…you draw such great parallels! I love all of the points you make, especially about bad days. I think that goes with marriage or even just relationships in general. Some days you have those bad days and have no clue if your relationship is meant to be, but you work through it and later on can’t believe you had those thoughts. Very similar to bad days of running (which are the worst!) 🙂
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal recently posted…Finally, Here’s The Cure for Negative Body Image! (It’s not what you think!)
Thanks! It was one of those sudden revelations that “hey, all those tips work for running too” LOL.
Love love love this 🙂
Laura @losingrace recently posted…Running Updates: Mileage & Motivation
Thanks!
Congrats on 19 years! That’s a wonderful accomplishment and I love the parallels you’ve drawn to fitness, especially the one about making both a priority.
Chaitali recently posted…Tasty Tuesdays – chipotle oyster mushroom tacos
Thank you! Sometimes it’s hard to remember to keep your marriage a priority when you are dealing with midnight wakeups and diaper changes, but thank goodness we’ve gotten past that stage successfully.
Awww, this is so cute.
Something to strive for! <3
Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. recently posted…Meal Planning Mania
Thank you.
Love this! I’m getting married in March so I love reading great advice 🙂
Tiina recently posted…TTT – Games, Goofballs, and Gateway
Congrats! I hope your marriage makes you just as happy as mine has made me.
Happy anniversary!!
Love the comparison between marriage and fitness – my favorite if the reminder that a bad day is just that – ONE bad day not a bad marriage.
Kim recently posted…Super Easy Chicken Soft Tacos
Yep. We’ve had our moments, but we always managed to find our way back to our normal happy.
Love it!! I’m one those rare ones who is absolutely crazy about her husband. We’re not newlyweds either lol! I agree with all of your tips 🙂
Congrats!!!
Angelica recently posted…Italy–Part II; Pisa and Florence
I adore my husband, but I can’t imagine going 19 years and never having a bad day. ;o)
Oh totally!! Keeps things interesting 😉
Angelica recently posted…Italy–Part III; Sistine Chapel
Aw, this definitely brought tears to my eyes! I agree whole-heartedly. Congratulations! We are the opposite – I started running with him, and got him biking. Eating and drinking we always do together 😉
Ashley recently posted…Point of departure
Our favorite times together do involve craft beer…
Really good advice!
Jade recently posted…Mother’s Day
Thanks!
Happy Anniversary!
Diana recently posted…How Not To Train Your Dragon
Thank you!
Happy Anniversary! Good comparison. I like it.
Thanks!
Love this post! Fantastic comparison. Happy anniversary. (Mine is tomorrow!)
Pam recently posted…Food for Thought III (You Win Some, You Lose Some)
Thank you and Happy Anniversary to you as well!
Congratulations! I want to know the story behind the Elvis picture? We renewed our vows with Elvis for our 10 year anniversary.
Coco recently posted…How Can You Be Afraid Of Running?
The short answer is we renewed our vows with Elvis for our 11th anniversary. The long answer would require us to meet up for coffee or a beer LOL.
Awwww, you old softy!! Great post, E. I needed this today.
Thank you!
Happy Anniversary!! Great advice, definitely took notes 🙂
Sue @This Mama Runs For Cupcakes recently posted…Weekly Recap–Mother’s day, calf update and playing tourist!
Listen to your elders. You just might learn something. ;o)
And both involve heavy breathing. 😉
Happy Anniversary. 🙂
L A Cochran recently posted…“You don’t send me flowers” –Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond
Ha!
Congratulations on your anniversary! We’re coming up on 24 years and I agree with everything you wrote. Have a great weekend!
Lana recently posted…Shan’s Shortbread Cookies
So true! Love it 🙂 Some days my husband is like burpees…
Francesca recently posted…Unfried Green Tomatoes