My husband loves me so much…

he walks beside me while I run. Many of you know that my husband competes in Ironmans, and that I prefer that other exercise, Yoga; which I just found out burns between 400-1200 calories per class for Hot Yoga, and 275 calories, for Hatha Yoga/per hour. (I will hear not another word about Yoga not really being exercise. Again.)

But, one day, last fall, don’t ask me why, I got this itch to host Thanksgiving dinner for my family. But first, we’d all run the Turkey Trot together. The 5 mile race, that’s the undisputed “Way to Begin Thanksgiving Day.” I love to eat — so I figured the race would give me a free pass to all the second helpings of Pie I wanted. Plus, you actually win a pie and a can of whipped cream!!

But there was still that issue of actually crossing the finish line, so that I could make it back to the table before the Pie was gone.

And just imagine the fun we’d all have — running that race, in a big group — me, my brother, his wife, his son, his wife, my husband, our friends — and my kids cheering us on!! What fun!!

During the weeks of training, I learned pretty quickly that even though yoga did give me a strong core, I hated running. But not to fear, I have my Ironman husband to train me. He created a training schedule for me; and he took me out to run, gave me all the tips on whether it’s better to take big or little strides, and we started. But running hurts everywhere. I hated it — every time.

Even though I’m so slow at it my husband needs to WALK beside me, he stays with me — all the way. Race day comes upon us, and, which I’ve blogged about here, but here are the highlights:

• Only one person out of our group is left with me after the first 3 minutes.
• She doesn’t let me “walk” for any part of the race — even when she stops to tie her shoes.
• She beats me. Everyone in our group beat me.
• The pies were gone by the time I crossed the finish line.
• My husband ran the race, got his pie, got some coffee, and met up with me to run across the finish line with me.
• I did run across the finish line.
• He gave me his pie, and I ate lots of it.

So, it’s Turkey Trot Training time again.

• My husband: Are you ready to start training again?
• Me: Yeah — when I get settled with the kids’ school schedules
• My Husband: Skip it. I just don’t think running’s your thing.
• Me: (Thinking: Yes — he’s right. I want to skip it… but I love pie)
• Me: I’m training — and I’m going to beat my brother this year.