I have had to deal with some issues that have left me realizing I have been very selfish, self-absorbed, and over focused. I have been so wrapped up in my own little world that I never realized that my wife was really wanting a training partner.

Being the opposite of the outgoing person that I am (opposites attract ) she really doesnt come right out and ask for things and I am kind of slow to pick up on the non-verbal stuff. I finally got the message and started to figure out what she was needing. After some discussion Finally we found an outlet that she would really enjoy without the impact (she has some issues with her knees and such that can make impact exercise tough). We agreed on cycling.

I opened up the coffers and whatever she needed, she got. All in all, we got a really good bike for about $450.00. She went out on her own and really enjoyed it but she wanted me to come with her next time. My schedule can make it kinda tough but this was worth the effort.

Finally today was the day. Checked the radar and it rained for a brief time then we got an opening to head out. It was A*W*E*S*O*M*E !!. the rain made everything smell incredible. we went down the Heritage Trail. We went at a slow and easy pace past all sorts of incredible smells, apple trees, fresh grass, wild flowers of all kinds, and birds singing. I have been so busy bustin' a move that I have lost touch with this aspect of exercise. its always going further, faster and with more intensity.

The furthest she had gone was around 6 miles, we were going to change that.

It was a great experience. i changed from hubby to coach and she took my coaching seriously. nothing draws out the "inner trainer" like a receptive client. I kept tabs on her heart rate monitor and we went through the proper use of gears on hills etc... and worked the ride in intervals of walking, coasting, and high intensity hill climbs. At around mile 6 i had her stop and we took around 2 minutes to stretch to keep things loose. It was also really an awesome area to be in , the wet woods smell, the pines, flowers etc... I had her just close her eyes and smell deeply, to take in the moment. this is a lesson i learned early on, you draw deep into all of the positive aspects of your workout. the environment around you, sights, sounds , smells, make it a positive association in your mind. that way, associations in your mind are created that links a high intensity workout with something really satisfying rather than a gruelling, fight to the death experience.

It came really naturally, taking on the role of a gentle trainer nurturing a client into a deeper fitness experience. It was a really bonding experience. I wasn't so sure that she would take me seriously because familiarity breeds contempt. it can be tough to be coached by someone who you are too familiar with but she also knows first hand what i have done, how far i have come and how i have both failed and pulled through as well so there is solid credibility.

we have discussed a list of fitness rewards i am going to buy her and so long as she shows effort, there is no expense I will not lay out to make it happen.

Besides completing the marathon this fall, nothing is more important to me than helping her reach her fitness goals this summer. if I can get her to tap into that inner strength that comes from knowing that you can do it, I think her journey will take care of itself, she just needs to lock in on a safe, enjoyable routine and see results.

By the way, we pushed out 8.3 miles in a safe enjoyable manner using an interval method with stretching in about the same time as it took her to do 6. She got more fitness in on this run at an easier pace than if she just pushed until she couldnt go any more...

we also managed to beat the next rainstorm. If we had just judged by the rain and automatically wrote off any outdoor activity, we would have missed this. A goal oriented fitness mindset looks for an opportunity, a leisure mindset looks for a way out and usually finds it. We got in a great workout and if we got a little wet, so what? fat floats and sugar melts. Either way pushing through a little environmental discomfort gives you grit, soggy sneakers come with the training package.

Make it happen, you might surprise yourself.