Perhaps you may have seen my earlier posts here and here about my first client-The Hubs. I’ve been chronicling his training towards our family 5K on December 6th. We are now 2 months into his training and I thought it was time for another update.
The first 2 months progressed pretty well with the Hubs gradually increasing his distance and his pace. I do feel like I have to nag him a little, the way only a wife can do. Ha ha you know what I mean right? He might have actually mentioned to me that, “there is probably a reason most people aren’t married to their coaches”.
The first month, he started off gung ho doing 4 workouts a week. The second month he has dropped back to three workouts a week. The Hubs has had lots of work travel the past few weeks which is obviously a challenge. He did send me a workout selfie from the hotel gym as evidence which means that he is thinking ahead and trying to plan out his runs. This is huge for him!
I’ve noticed that he is making an effort to make some healthier eating choices as well. It looks like he is slimming down and I hope he sees that he is benefiting from the running.
In chatting with my friends today, they reminded me that training has it’s ups and downs. We all have weeks where fitting in our workouts is more challenging and our motivation can fluctuate. As a coach (and a wife) I need to remember that!
Right now I think the biggest challenges are:
-The Hubs is getting bored running on the treadmill. I have tried giving him some new running apps to play around with but they did not help.
-The Hubs has done all of his training on a treadmill and does not really know what it will feel like to run outside in the cold for the race.
On the plus side:
-The Hubs has progressed from run walk intervals to being able to run for 15 minutes consistently. He has also added in some time on the stationary bike.
-We are still talking to each other 🙂
The Plan:
We have 6 weeks to go before our 5k. I’d like my husband to be able to add 2-3 min of running to his workout each week to put him at approximately 30 minutes of sustained running. I’d also like to get him outside for a run at least twice to get used to the cold air.
6 Weeks to go! Jingle All The Way here we come! I am so excited to run it together.
Any tips for him on fighting the boredom factor?
Linking up with Nicole, Ann Marie, Angelina Marie & Michelle
HAHa “we are still talking to each other.” Go, both of you!
I did almost all my training on a treadmill when I first started to run. I watch tv when I have to be on the treadmill now (oh, how the worm turns!).
I did get outside and run before my first 5k because I knew I really needed to get some time on the road since that’s where the race took place. Feel free to have the hubs read this.
That’s excellent that you’re still talking. 🙂
Yes a plus that we are still talking! Interesting that you did all your training on the mill. I can’t understand why he wouldn’t want to get out with these amazing fall temps.
Haha I think the biggest accomplishment of all is that you’re still talking to each other! My hubby and I would be divorced 2 weeks into me trying to train him, ahah! Thanks for linking up 🙂
6 more weeks to go! Should be interesting
Glad to hear y’all are still talking to each other. And yes on getting outside, not just for the cold weather, but the change in surface from the treadmill. That’s always what I need to work on when I’m training. I wish I could’ve gotten outside a bit before my last 5k but the weather wasn’t cooperating.
It adds an extra challenge on race day if you haven’t practiced at all outside. You are right the different surfaces have an impact.
I like that you are still talking to each other! Heck, my hubs doesn’t workout and sometimes we don’t talk to each other…
LOL yes we have those weeks too 🙂
LOL….I love this series…. you know you have a good husband when he is willing to do this and have it be photographed and chronicled on your blog…. You have to somehow get him outside…. For running to be a lasting success beyond your December 5K, he’s needs to develop an appreciation for running outside…. but I don’t really have any pointers…. good luck!!
I agree that I need to get him out there but not sure how yet. Maybe I can run in front of him with bacon cheeseburgers 🙂
Deborah, I think the fact he has allowed you to train him is HUGE. My husband is too hard headed. He used to run back in the day…blah blah. LOL. No matter what the topic, we both tend to play devil’s advocate and agree to disagree. Whatever works, right? Does he want to stay on the treadmill and not run outside or is that part of the plan? Keep up the wonderful work.
He doesn’t really want to run at all! He does say that he prefers the treadmill but it is so nice out right now and I think he could be distracted if he ran outside a few times. Work in progress!
How awesome!!
I can only imagine how working with the hubby can be a bit challenging! My hubby and I can’t workout together-lol!
Your plan sounds like a good one.
I think getting him outside may help with the switch things up and keep him engaged. Maybe some sprint intervals, hill work.
Continued success! Way to go!
Hill work would probably not go over too well! We actually don’t work out together because he would never do it. Stay tuned for updates!
Haha…you’re still talking! That’s great for him! I was actually just thinking about your little project, and I stop by to find an update!
Still talking to each other is definitely a huge plus! That’s great that he’s already up to a straight 15 minutes of running too. He’ll definitely be ready by the time the race is here 🙂 And that race has plenty of fun distractions with all the holiday themed costumes and running downtown.
That’s true there are always crazy costumes right!?
I love hearing about the Husband Project! It must be exciting to see his progress. I would love to learn what it takes to be a running coach down the line, I wonder if my boyfriend would enjoy me coaching him, haha!
Ha I doubt it LOL!! Maybe I can train him and you can train my hubs!
You are a brave woman, my friend. 🙂 My husband & I decided long ago that we do marriage MUCH better than fitness partners. Good for both of you! <3
Well that is probably a conclusion that we have both come to as well. 6 weeks to go!!
Hooray for still talking to each other! haha – it sounds like he’s doing a great job thanks to your awesome coaching!! Intervals tend to help me on the treadmill. I know he’s doing run walk, but maybe he can change the pace of his runs with each interval – going a wee bit faster each time? That or change up the incline – or find a good podcast!
yes we need to try some of those ideas I don’t want to lose him now so close to the race
Congratulations to your hubby! It sounds like he is making amazing progress! The fact that you are still talking to each other even with you coaching him is a plus too, lol!
Yes so far so good! Thanks
Good for both of you that you are still at it! I agree, it would be really good to get him outside. If I had to run on a treadmill all the time I would never have stayed with it.
No me either!!
Good to hear your still speaking to each other, LOL
Treadmills do get boring, maybe you can start gradually adding outdoor workouts in beautiful places that you can both enjoy together. I am lucky if I can stay on a treadmill more than 2 days in a row in the winter if I am forced too:) I think it’s awesome he’s come so far, hope he can find ways to keep from getting bored with it, and make it enjoying again so the new habits will stick lifelong:)
I could never do all my runs on the treadmill either too boring. I have plan for him we will see!
Great job to your husband! I like to switch up my treadmill work and go outside and do intervals as well. Sometimes I hop off to do a few squats and lunges then get back to running.
Oh that’s an idea too thanks!
aw, why won’t he go outside?? haha – I love this “We’re still talking to each other”. lol.. I wish I could do the jingle all the way 5k – loved it last year! – but sadly it’s the same day as our Girls on the Run 5K!
I don’t know why he won’t go outside! Our gotr race is Nov 22 too bad would have been fun to see you there
Kudos to your hubby for sticking with it and still speaking to one another is winning! When I first started running on the mill I had to cover the display with a towel and watch TV. It was hell but it gets easier as we all know.
It does get easier if you stick with it! I just hope that he does
We are still talking to each other. I love that. Chris is on our treadmill every morning now (walking). The problem is he doesn’t like sharing the room so I had to relocate my weight training and plan my bike trainer or treadmill sessions around him. Sounds like a few outdoor runs may be good for you and hubby. Would he do a run/walk with you on the CCT or Burke Lake or something like that?
I don’t know I am going to try to convince him somehow!
It sounds like your hubby is doing great! I know how he feels with the treadmill running, I just get so bored which leads to minimal running in the winter for me. Good luck with his continued training and I’m happy to hear you are still talking to each other 🙂
I love the husband project so much! Your hubby is a good sport. He’s doing great!
Haha, I cracked up at the plus of “we are still talking to eachother.” Luckily my hubby and I can workout well together, but my ex and I never could.
hmm interesting!!
Hah, yes, keeping your marriage together is important too! Does he watch TV on the treadmill? That’s what my husb does on the elliptical.
Sometimes he watches tv. I think I need to get him outside
I was just wondering yesterday how your husband’s training was going. Sounds like you’re pretty good at this coaching thing! If he’s getting bored on the treadmill, encourage him to go outside and run instead. It’s much harder to get bored with all of the sight and sounds of the great outdoors during the fall.
I totally agree that he needs to get out there-it’s finding a way to get him there that is the challenge.
Sounds like it is going well with your client. I’m sure it is a challenge when it is your husband. Why not taking a workout outside now that the weather is getting cooler? I always feel runs go by so much faster when your are outside instead of the treadmill.
I am trying so hard to get him to go outside. Problem is that he often does his workouts at night and it’s already dark out. I am working on it!
Awwww that is awesome! I have always wanted to run a race with my husband, good for yours for training to run with you! Mine won’t run but he stays active by coaching hockey several times/week.
It’s been an interesting experience for sure!
This is such a positive and fun “project” that you both have an interest in working towards! My husband and I would definitely-not-be speaking to eachother at this point, so you are WAY more successful than I would ever hope to be on the same journey! LOL! Much luck and good running to you all!
Thanks! I hope we are still talking to each other in the end 🙂
When I started running I only ran on the treadmill, too. I remember how hard it was to make the switch to outside, but I have to say the same is true vice versa. Once he runs outside he might like it better than the treadmill. Extra points for your hubby to run at the hotel gym. This is such a cute post:) I love following this story.
Ah thanks! It has been fun to do together and I am really looking forward to running the race with him
How awesome! I am not sure I could train my husband but I have been able to coax him into running. I can’t wait to hear how the big race goes. It sounds like the hubs has made some excellent progress to being able to run consistently!
You know it’s easy to train your spouse!! He has made progress and I am excited to run the race with him
I think it is awesome he is still doing well. I know my husband would have lost interest real fast. Props to your husband for even finding the time to workout when he is traveling!
Well..I wouldn’t say he is as excited about it as he was at the beginning. I need to find something to excite him this week
I really think he is loving it!! And having his wife coach him is pretty darn sexy 🙂
I love all of it and you two are going to have so much fun at the race!
Tell him to try outside running – he won’t look back!
Thanks! I do need to get him outside soon. It’s so much better!
I used to go to the gym and do my strength training with my hubby. Now I don’t go at all- I hated it that much! LOL! I am glad he is hanging in there! He does need to get outside, it will make a huge difference for him I think 🙂 Keep talking to each other, you tow are cute! JIngle all the way!
Thanks! I do need to get him out there I think he will enjoy it so much more.
I love the little note that you are still talking to one another 😉 So important! I pretty much can only do interval training on the treadmill or watch tv shows if I’m going to run. I also really like the music from rock my run because it’s like a personal DJ mixed things for you! Good luck!
I haven’t used rock my run in a while maybe that will help thanks!
Go hubby go! Love that y’all are working out together- what a great example you’re setting for others.
Thanks! We will see how it goes the next few weeks
Your hubs is such a good sport!! I just adore that he sent you workout selfie on the road – that made me smile!! Yes get him outside, that will be a great way to beat his boredom with the treadmill as well! Running completely changed for me when I started running outside, even when it was cold!! Best of luck and yay you are still talking!!
I know I have to get him out there it will be so much better!
Awesome progress! I know the treadmill can be really boring. While I’m not a fan of the cold, I like being outside much better than using the treadmill. Hopefully, he will like training outside 🙂
So do I! Now I just need to convince him to run outside 🙂
i might have missed it, but what is the reason he is choosing to run on the treadmill rather than outside? if he ran outside, it would be a whole lot more interesting!!
and i think its commendable how you’re so helpful and dedicated to this. My mother is trying the same thing with my father, but with a lot less luck…. maybe you can give her some pointers 😉
You know he usually runs at night after work and it’s dark already so I guess that’s why he started running a treadmill. I need to get him outside on the weekends.
I’m so impressed that your husband is such a great sport! I ask my husband running questions but no way could I have him coach me.
Well….I am not sure he will let me do it again 🙂
He is going to do great come race day. Fitting in a hotel gym run and a selfie moment – that is priceless!
LOL yes we’ve come a long way for sure!
I binge watch Netflix on the treadmill to fight boredom…maybe that would work? You need to find a really good show that You don’t want to shut off!
That’s AWESOME that he can run for 15 minutes straight, now!! Way to go, team!
Wow, great job, Coach! That’s such impressive progress. I do understand the treadmill challenge. They can become so monotonous. Great work by you and your husband!
Thanks! We’ve had a few more challenges with consistency lately but working through it
Yay for still talking to each other! He looks like he slimmed down based on your bday pic! Cute couple!
Ah thanks! It’s been a little sporadic with the running but yes I think he’s slimmed down a bit as well.