Meet My Boyfriend: Running

Over the past few months of marathon training, I've had one constant thought that keeps popping into my head: running at this point is not just a hobby, or even something to do to stay in shape...it's a relationship. In fact, I can very much liken the whole process to a romance.

Firstly, you make that commitment: you sign up for a race just like you would circle "yes" when asked "Will you go out with me?" And for those first few weeks, it's all puppy love. You're running all the time; you're exhilarated; you're telling all your friends about it. After every run you record your time and think back about the high points, just like a teenage girl would relive that first kiss in her head over and over.

As you get deeper into the relationship and the runs become longer, you start putting preparation into it. What time? What should I wear? Where should we go this time? Again, just like dating. You're blowing off other friends, canceling lunch dates because you have a 20-mile run (sorry, Lucy). You're infatuated.

Here's the best part: even when that significant other doesn't treat you well (i.e. a run where you get sick, or blisters, or cramps) you turn a blind eye and act like you still love it. You try to convince your friends and family that it's a good thing after all--just maybe going through a rough patch. And after those long, grueling runs that just leave you physically depleted and mentally exhausted, after the next day, you only remember the good parts. You come crawling back, do it again and perpetuate the relationship.

Sometimes it's just dull and boring. No excitement, no thrill. You long for other things...like maybe cycling? But you stick with it by obligation. Sometimes you lose interest for a week at a time and stop making that significant other the priority. You remember how good the "single life" was...you know, sleeping in on Saturday mornings, eating whatever you want without regard to how it's going to feel during a run.

But you'll never leave, because when the two of you are compatible, you're an unstoppable force. You have so much to accomplish, and those feelings of pride at the end result keep you loving the one you're with.

It's really for better or for worse.