The first time I ever met my hubby in person, he showed up in a work polo, basketball shorts, white tube socks and the most ridiculous pair of running shoes I've ever seen. I won't name names, but I didn't even realize they made these for men! He had been working out at a boxing gym and they occasionally ran quarter mile sprints as part of their workouts. That was pretty much the extent of the running he had done, but when I asked if he wanted to join me for a run, he wasn't going to let that stop him, and he eagerly agreed. I had picked a two mile route from my apartment for us to run. The first mile was uphill and he fell behind. For awhile I was concerned people would think I was running away from him (he was wearing kaki work pants this time). I slowed down and stayed with him while we enjoyed the second mile back downhill. It may be needless to say, but he was in desperate need of some "real" running gear! I took him to our local specialty running store and had him properly fitted for real running shoes. His first pair were, of course, Brooks. I also bought him some no-show socks and it was immediately a huge improvement. In the beginning of our marriage, I was training for my first half marathon. He hadn't run any long distance yet but, he still offered to come keep me company. He would ride my purple mountain bike along side me while I ran. He was there for me every step of the way (literally!). Shortly after that half marathon, we got pregnant with our first Bubba and running became non-existent for the both of us. After I had Micah, I started stroller running and Kevin was right there with me again. This time though, it was like we were both starting from square one. Over the next few years, we ran more and more adding in distance to our stroller routes. I got to watch him go from barely making it on a 2 mile run, to running a 1:45 half in less than 3 years time! It has been so inspiring to see him out there pushing our boys, running up hills, getting PR's and diving head first into a sport that he merely started to "get the girl". I'll even hear him encouraging non-runners to give running a try and it just makes me so proud. He would push the stroller for me whenever we'd go run as family. Whenever I suggested we try a new running group, he was always willing, even when he was working 50+ hours a week and was exhausted. He was there with Micah while I ran my first half marathon postpartum. He was there when I decided to take on my first marathon and met me at mile 19 with knee braces and told me not to quit. He was there when I wanted to join our local women's running team and pushed Micah in the stroller so that I could focus on getting my qualifying time to join the team. He was there when I wanted to drop from my second marathon and, again, encouraged me to keep going. He was there on all the weekend mornings to watch the boys so I could get long runs in. He was there to hear me go on and on about my newest Brooks shoes or the new running gadget I was obsessed with. He watched documentaries about running with me. He watched me try and fail to get my BQ 3 times, but never once doubted that I had it in me. He's been at so many finish lines, ran so many races with the stroller so I can run solo, and has really been the unsung hero in all of my running accomplishments. I can honestly say, that without Kevin, I couldn't have made it to Boston nor achieved any of the things I'm proud of in my "running career". Seeing him and the boys in the pouring down rain, freezing after I finished Boston is a memory I'll cherish forever. So, when Brooks offered to have me pick the person who inspires and encourages me the most, it was a no brainer! I was so happy to get to outfit my hubby with some new gear from the brand we both love. While it's still in the 90's here, Kevin was smart to pick some cool weather pieces because summer is short in the PNW and we'll be needing these items before we know it. So, here's what he picked: For his top he picked the NotchThermal Hoodie. He likes it because it's quick drying and light, but also great for warmth. Kevin's been in need of a great cold weather running pant and these Threshold Pants are going to be perfect for the fall and winter (and sadly probably most of spring too). Lastly, Kevin went with the Glycerin 16 for his shoes. He loves the softness they give him. He was a huge fan of the 15's and was a little worried that the 16's may be difference, but he says he loves them even more than the 15's! Just in case anyone is curious about my outfit selection, too, here is what I selected. My top is the Fly By 1/2 Zip in Iris. It will be there perfect top for cooler weather this fall and be a great base layer in the winter. Plus, how pretty is that color?! I'm a tad obsessed! I also picked the High Waist Ghost Crop because I love the mesh detail. I'm typically not a huge fan of crops, but these are more like 7/8 length which are my favorite! My sports bra is the Uprise Crossback and is super comfy and supportive. Lastly, I loved the first pair of Ghost 11's I got, so I just had to get another! These will be my shoe of choice when I start marathon training again this fall. Thank you Kevin for inspiring me to be the best mother runner I can be and thank you Brooks for outfitting us both and keeping us going as a running family! We are forever proud to be a Brooks family!
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AuthorThe adventures of running with my boys (bubbas) and the things I love! Archives
February 2019
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