Last week I embarked on a first – running with a partner. Yup, in all my years of running and dating, I had never run with a significant other. Last Monday, after a week apart due to vacation, I returned to the city to spend some quality time with my guy. Tuesday, we rose early to head out on a morning run.
It was rainy, and neither of us felt much like going, but we set out anyway for a quick three miles through Center City. I wasn’t sure where we’d go but it wasn’t difficult to follow his lead. He is naturally a good deal faster than I am but my competitive side kicked in and I made sure to keep up. We eased through the streets of the city with little effort, chatting and laughing as we ran.
I couldn’t help but think while on this run that this is something I have lacked in past relationships. In not sharing my love of running with a partner, I was keeping to myself a large part of my life that no one has truly known. I was pleased to be running with someone who also understands the benefits of a run and I’m pretty impressed that it was so easy and comfortable to share.
It was a nice challenge to start the day, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and trying something new with my guy. It’s pretty great if you think about it; maintaining a healthy lifestyle with the one you choose to spend your life with is definitely an awesome way to keep each other motivated and in shape. Sharing healthy interests also helps alleviate the silly guessing game of “what are you going to look like in the future?” And let’s face it, we’ve all thought that, even if just for a minute!
With all the running I do, I’d have thought there was a lot less opportunity for firsts. I now see it’s not the case. As I truly open myself up and incorporate my love of the run with my day-to-day life, I’m learning sharing those parts of me are every bit as important as sharing my love.
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