OH keeps trying to stop me

I haven't really been running for long (well, a few years on and off) but only really training consistently since April this year. To begin with OH was encouraging as he realises it puts me in a good mood. However, lately he seems to be trying to talk me out of it.

For example, I had a HM 3 weeks ago, he tried to persuade me not to go but to spend the time with him instead.

Since then I have had a dodgy ankle (think I might have pushed myself a bit too hard on the HM). It is getting better now and I am starting to get out again, and he is saying 'your ankle is trying to tell you something, stop running'.

I have no idea why he is doing this. We have been married for nearly 12 years, have 2 kids. I do most of my running early morning while he is still in bed, so I can't imagine he is that jealous of the time I spend running, and I don't wake him when I get up in the mornings.

Anyone else have this problem? It is like being on a diet and someone trying to get you to eat cake all the time!!

It's exactly like the cake thing and for the same reasons - he is trying to sabotage you.  Probably not aware he's doing it but it's all about his insecurities.  You feeling better about yourself makes him feel not so good about himself; he's worried that you getting into shape will make you want to look around and find something better etc.  It is hard to accept when someone you love wants to make changes so it's best to just talk about it, reassure him it's not got nothing to do with wanting to change him.  But if he wants to make changes too, encourage it.

Just don't give in if you have found something you enjoy.

Although you say that you do most of your running when he is still asleep, could it be affecting your energy levels or making you go to bed earlier?  He could be seeing it as impacting on his time with you in other ways than just being in the same room.  He might feel that he is not getting quality time with you.

Alternatively it might be making him realise that he isn't as fit as he would like, and he is taking it out on you.

Or he might feel that you enjoy your time running more than you enjoy time with him.  Maybe he doesn't feel special anymore.  It's easy for a long term relationship to grow stale, especially when there are kids taking up a lot of time. When was the last time you did something romantic together such as a meal out, or even a walk in the park holding hands?

Talk to him about it and find out exactly what is on his mind.  It might be something simple that you can resolve

BTW, I don't expect you to answer my questions publically on here.  They were aimed at making you think rather than because I need to know.

I think I do enjoy my time running more than my time with him - but I don't let him know it!!

According to him I have been tired ever since I met him! I think my energy levels are actually better now though, as I am not suffering from insomnia half as much as I used to!

mathschick wrote (see)

Dave - slightly extreme! and expensive! and who would look after the kids when I am running?

sad-Fit-Running-Cat wrote (see)

Hmmm I know how lucky I am now, Mrs FRC comes running with me couple times a week. She's lost 9 stone in last 18 months going from nothing to doing half / 10k races & ~20 miles running a week. Before then, I did have odd times when she bought or made me cakes, biscuits... "Treats" and things. Not what I wanted, straight after a run... Temptation. Running & exercise helps lift her mood now, obviously yours too. Talk to OH, explain? Sometimes it's just a subconscious thing.

FRC - what an amazing weight loss by Mrs FRC - that's about a whole person she has lost!

I have tried asking him why he is doing it and told him that I don't like it - he never really replies much!

I have asked him to come along to races a couple of times, but he has never wanted to, despite the fact that younger kid would like to do a fun run. However, have entered first ever marathon in April and he has no choice but to come. I am doing the Sussex marathon and we have booked a cottage for a week to combine it with a week's holiday. Haven't been able to run for a few weeks due to ankle injury and he has been saying things like 'I don't want to go to Sussex for nothing', and 'your ankle is trying to tell you something, stop running'. Funny thing is, these comments just make me more determined! I will do that marathon even if I have to walk half of it!! (hoping not)

I did consult with him before putting the entry for the marathon in, and he agreed and he was the one to look for and book the cottage for the holiday

I can't really offer any advice but I do sympathise - my OH is a bit the same - she never asks how I got on in races, has never been to see me race - well she did once in a marathon but she's never seen me in a bike race, never offers any opinion on how her races went either and if I ask it's like pulling teeth - what can you do - some people are just like that.