He had no idea that I had run 60 miles that week.
I was so happy to hear his complement (which wasn't intended to be a complement). It meant that my training for a 100 miler hasn't taken away from family time. Ever since I started running I have really made an effort to not let this hobby have a negative impact on my family. Time with my family is so valuable and I want to take advantage of that.
This means making a few sacrifices.
Sacrifice #1: Sleep. I don't get quite as much sleep because almost all my running is done early in the morning or at night after kids have gone to bed. Most of the time I'm home from my run and showered before they even wake up. If it weren't for the races I do, they might not even know that I'm a runner.
Sacrifice #2: TV. Aside from watching some of the news each night I don't watch hardly any TV.
These really aren't too much of a sacrifice though. After some adjustment I can function just fine with a little less sleep. And there's not much worth watching on TV anyway.
I really believe that family should be my priority. There is no sense of accomplishment or finish line medal more important than my relationship with my wife and kids. I've found that it is possible to work a full time job, spend lots of quality time with my family, and still train for an ultramarathon.
Your priorities are certainly in balance. Good for you! Cute family photo.
ReplyDeleteThat is SUCH a great compliment! Wow what a fantastically gorgeous family. You are blessed.
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful family! I am still trying to find a good balance between running, working full time and not ignoring my husband. And I don't even have kids!
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Cory, on setting your priorities in the right place. I fully agree that family comes first. Even in my job as a pastor, I want my family to be healthy before I even try to worry about my church family.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up!!!
What a great compliment! I feel the same way, I work really hard to make sure my running doesn't interfere with my family life. Running is awesome, but being a parent is awesomer.
ReplyDeleteI love it! That is such a great compliment to you.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Way to be!
ReplyDeleteThis makes me so happy for so many reasons! It's wonderful that you've been able to balance both of your passions!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. My husband and I are a little ways away from kids, but we often talk about what it'll mean in terms of racing and training. It's great to see an example of a parent who's able to train and race seriously and still prioritize family.
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing post Cory! Your priorities are right in line and it is so amazing to me that you can accomplish a 100 miler without taking time away from your family. You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family picture! That really is a compliment, because you are able to find balance. And running the mileage you do is time consuming, so that is really impressive!
ReplyDelete:)
Good for you all! Love the pic.
ReplyDeleteBravo!! I think it's awesome you are able to balance family and running like a crazy person. :)
ReplyDeleteI do believe this is my favorite post I've read in some time. My family is so important too. Although I don't talk of them often on my blog, by life- and running- revolves completely around them. I, too, run when my kids are asleep. It's the best way to do it. (I also try to do it when the spouse is asleep, too!) Your family picture is wonderful. What a good looking bunch you guys are. That's a really cool compliment your son paid you!
ReplyDeletewhat a great post! and a sweet fam. i know it means SO much to your children having you there. they may not know the sacrifices you make and likely never need to know...but its all totally worth it to spend time as a family :)
ReplyDeletethumbs up pops!
ReplyDeleteWhat? Jersey Shore isn't quality TV? I had no idea! ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the family picture, that is awesome!!