MCM Mama Runs

MCM Mama Runs for Beer and Bling

  • Home
  • About MCM Mama
  • Racing the U.S.A.
  • I Heart Craft Beer
  • Product Reviews
  • Recipes
  • Disclosure
You are here: Home / fitness / How marriage is like fitness

How marriage is like fitness

May 13, 2014 by MCM Mama 37 Comments

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.

wedding-garter

19 years of marriage later, I know I made the right decision.

recent-picture

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.

marriage-tips

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.

Elvis-renewal

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…)

great-taste

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.

st-maarten

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.

white-water-rafting

And remember , it’s as much about the journey as the goals.  Embrace every moment and enjoy the ride.

marine-corps-finish

Happy 19th Anniversary, my love! I’d do it all over again – even the birdseed down my dress!

wedding-bird-seed

 

Follow on Bloglovin follow us in feedly

More from my site

  • 16 years and counting!!!16 years and counting!!!
  • Mostly Wordless Wednesday: 14 years!Mostly Wordless Wednesday: 14 years!
  • Free Resources to Stay Fit during Coronavirus IsolationFree Resources to Stay Fit during Coronavirus Isolation
  • 5 Fitness Items on my Wish List5 Fitness Items on my Wish List
  • Tips for staying fit during the holiday seasonTips for staying fit during the holiday season

Filed Under: fitness Tagged With: anniversary, date night, fitness, marriage

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Pamela Hernandez says

    May 13, 2014 at 8:02 am

    Can I add it’s hard work? Both things take effort but the results are well worth it.

    Reply
  2. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    May 13, 2014 at 8:25 am

    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 RecapMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says

    May 13, 2014 at 9:46 am

    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!)My Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:08 pm

      Thanks! It was one of those sudden revelations that “hey, all those tips work for running too” LOL.

      Reply
  4. Laura @losingrace says

    May 13, 2014 at 10:42 am

    Love love love this 🙂
    Laura @losingrace recently posted…Running Updates: Mileage & MotivationMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:08 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  5. Chaitali says

    May 13, 2014 at 10:56 am

    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 tacosMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:09 pm

      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.

      Reply
  6. Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. says

    May 13, 2014 at 11:09 am

    Awww, this is so cute.

    Something to strive for! <3
    Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. recently posted…Meal Planning ManiaMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:10 pm

      Thank you.

      Reply
  7. Tiina says

    May 13, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    Love this! I’m getting married in March so I love reading great advice 🙂
    Tiina recently posted…TTT – Games, Goofballs, and GatewayMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:11 pm

      Congrats! I hope your marriage makes you just as happy as mine has made me.

      Reply
  8. Kim says

    May 13, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    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 TacosMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:11 pm

      Yep. We’ve had our moments, but we always managed to find our way back to our normal happy.

      Reply
  9. Angelica says

    May 13, 2014 at 3:01 pm

    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 FlorenceMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:13 pm

      I adore my husband, but I can’t imagine going 19 years and never having a bad day. ;o)

      Reply
      • Angelica says

        May 14, 2014 at 10:40 am

        Oh totally!! Keeps things interesting 😉
        Angelica recently posted…Italy–Part III; Sistine ChapelMy Profile

        Reply
  10. Ashley says

    May 13, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    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 departureMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:14 pm

      Our favorite times together do involve craft beer…

      Reply
  11. Jade says

    May 13, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    Really good advice!
    Jade recently posted…Mother’s DayMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:14 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  12. Diana says

    May 13, 2014 at 4:43 pm

    Happy Anniversary!
    Diana recently posted…How Not To Train Your DragonMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:14 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  13. Elle says

    May 13, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    Happy Anniversary! Good comparison. I like it.

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:14 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  14. Pam says

    May 13, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    Love this post! Fantastic comparison. Happy anniversary. (Mine is tomorrow!)
    Pam recently posted…Food for Thought III (You Win Some, You Lose Some)My Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:14 pm

      Thank you and Happy Anniversary to you as well!

      Reply
  15. Coco says

    May 13, 2014 at 8:46 pm

    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?My Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:16 pm

      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.

      Reply
  16. Kim says

    May 13, 2014 at 9:37 pm

    Awwww, you old softy!! Great post, E. I needed this today.

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:16 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  17. Sue @This Mama Runs For Cupcakes says

    May 13, 2014 at 10:32 pm

    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!My Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 13, 2014 at 11:16 pm

      Listen to your elders. You just might learn something. ;o)

      Reply
  18. L A Cochran says

    May 14, 2014 at 3:16 pm

    And both involve heavy breathing. 😉

    Happy Anniversary. 🙂
    L A Cochran recently posted…“You don’t send me flowers” –Barbra Streisand and Neil DiamondMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      May 14, 2014 at 11:13 pm

      Ha!

      Reply
  19. Lana says

    May 17, 2014 at 7:00 pm

    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 CookiesMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Francesca says

    May 19, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    So true! Love it 🙂 Some days my husband is like burpees…
    Francesca recently posted…Unfried Green TomatoesMy Profile

    Reply
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Who is MCM Mama?
A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath, and has a minor addiction to the Marine Corps Marathon.

Recent Posts

  • Half Marathon #85: Appalachian Series – South Carolina
  • Half Marathon #84: Appalachian Series – Georgia
  • Coffee with a side of rain
  • Half Marathon #83:Appalachian Series – Alabama
  • Hotel Coffee is better than no coffee…
  • Training for Back to Back to Back Half Marathons
  • Runfessions of a Really Cold Runner
  • Kicking off the year with coffee!

Archives

A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath. Read More…

Half Marathon #85: Appalachian Series – South Carolina

Half Marathon #85: Appalachian Series – South Carolina

Mainly Marathons Appalachian Series – South CarolinaMarch 27, 20222:47:45 What I wore: hat, tank top, long sleeve quarter zip, capris, and Altra Rivera Location: Seneca, SC (State #41!) Let’s just start out with the truth – this race was the hardest of the races and pretty much sucked. I chose to do the early start […]

Copyright © 2023 · MCM Mama Runs on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in