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My husband, Charlie, recently picked up running so we could have a similar hobby. As many of you know, I am a runner and try to fit in 4-5 runs every week. We decided to do Crazylegs as our first race together. This year was my 5th year running the event, which is my favorite running race in Madison.
I decided to run the race with Charlie, since it was his first one and I’m just a nice person ;) … even though I am very competitive. I warned him not to start out too fast because he hadn’t even done a 5 mile run to train. Boy, was that a mistake. We started out averaging an 8 minute mile. I kept telling him that we should pick up the pace… that he could run faster. He didn’t want to and instead wanted to keep his pace. He told me that I should just go on ahead if I wanted to run faster (well, we all know that is a no-win situation!) I opted to stay with him and tried to keep my comments to myself.
At mile 4 and exactly 32 minutes into our race, he was ready to pick it up. We ran that last mile a lot harder and it felt great! We passed people; he was smiling – it seemed like a nice ending to our first event together.
That is… until he decided to pull the so-called “guy thing”! As we came into Camp Randall Stadium, he started to sprint ahead of me! By the time I knew what he was doing, I didn’t have time to catch him. He beat me by 2 seconds. Our finishing times: 39:01 and 39:03.
I couldn’t believe it! Here, I ran a slower pace (my time in 2007, the last year I ran Crazylegs was 37:35 I think) for HIM, so we could be TOGETHER… and he ditches me in the last 5 seconds so he can say he BEAT me! Who does that?
To make matters worse, we were waiting for one of our friends to finish and watching other runners cross the finish line. I witnessed multiple couples crossing hand-in-hand, smiling and high-fiving, etc. Did I receive any of those nice sentiments? NO! I made sure he knew I was a little annoyed. =) (In his defense, he did give me a hug afterwards.)
Of course, I told everyone the story. My father-in-law says that’s just a “guy thing” – really? I’m not so sure! Some males in the newsroom say they would do the same thing. But others are quick to say they would let their wives win. Charlie says he thought I was going to ditch him, and that’s why he did it. I don’t know what to believe!
What do you think? Is it a “guy thing” or is my husband just ultra-competitive?
I learned one thing: never be nice in a race. Nice girls finish last.
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Posted by: Rock Location: Madison
Never, ever trust anyone in a distance race, Leigh. You can only do that if you are Ethiopian and your last name is Bekele, Sihine or Gebreselassie. Posted by: Tammy Location: Rewey Get used to it honey! It is a major GUY thing! Posted by: Katie Location: Silver Springs Campgrounds Ok Leigh...I think your overreacting!!!! Charlie's a great man!!!! :) Don't sweat the small stuff... Posted by: KT My husband is the same way..he will and would do anything to win..but he will take the extra step an run it in my face..if he loses..he pouts and whines like a 5 year old Posted by: Leigh Location: NBC 15 Hi Matt -- thanks! Charlie came up with it after we had been dating for a while. I like the name for a small, family construction business =) and thought he was quite creative! Posted by: Matt Location: Stoughton Just caught the emblem on Charlie's shirt that says "Charleigh Const" - clever! Posted by: Mike Location: Madison Hmmm. I guess you would first have to ask yourself, "is our relationship based on open communication, shared values, ideals, expectations, goals, and a desire to do things together as one of those nausatingly sweet couples into PDAs?". 1. humans (both males and females) are competitive creatures; 2. men are not given automatic mind reader abilities when they sign the marriage license...; 3. if you don't clearly discuss the anticipated outcome to a situation, you can not ever hope someone else will stay by your side to help it resolve the way you want it too in (here we go) your own mind. Posted by: Don Location: Arlington That is a hilarious story. Yes, it's a guy thing so I wouldn't worry about it. Next year you can kick his butt. Be happy he started running for you and spend time together. Besides, you can hold this over him for a while! Great story! lol Posted by: John Location: Deere Come one Leigh....the man has to put the woman in her place, you know that. Otherwise, you guys get a little too big for your britches! Posted by: Leigh Location: NBC 15 To answer a few of your questions: yes, he is older than me... I like your idea, Matt! And to D: we have resolved it. Luckily, I'm not one to hold a grudge. Life is just too short! =) And you're right, Packer Fan, Charlie deserves credit for even picking up running. It was a surprise to me, after being together for 4 years! Just thought it would be fun to hear what others think about the topic... since it started such a discussion both in our home and in the newsroom. So thanks, everyone, for the feedback! Posted by: Matt Location: Stoughton If he is older than you (even by a few months) you can kid him by saying "I guess youth and vigor is no match for old age and treachery". Posted by: D Location: Madison Wow, I'm not so sure this is a guy thing if you got into running to share something together. May have been a good idea to discuss your expectations going into the race. Not so sure that posting it for the greater madison area to see is going to be a step toward a resolution... Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mt. Horeb Maybe you 2 should settle the score by having a paddle boat race. Winner take all. Posted by: Peaches Location: Madison _East Side Yes. Posted by: Packer Fan Location: WI Absolutely a guy thing. When my son is with his friends, it is always "I can do this better." I was raised in a competitive environment and I always focus on winning as well. However, there are times when it is better to let your partner win. This sounds like one of those times. I absolutely would have let you finish first. As far as you ditching Charlie, you didn't ditch him even though you could have and it would have been a nice gesture to let you finish first. It seems a little immature to have to finish first (guy thing, I guess.) I give Charlie credit for doing this with you though, too (especially since he didn't really train for it.) Posted by: Jeff Location: Janesville He either did it to be funny (most likely) or he is super insecure and can't stand having his wife be better than him at anything (you would have known this before you married him) Posted by: hopethishelps Location: Token Creek Its a guy thing. I wouldn't let it bother you or punish him too much. When we are young, or newly married, we want to be manly and seen as strong to the women we love, such is our egos. As we age, we come to know that they actually love us for who we are. This allows us to learn the joy and blessings that comes with sharing the events and moments with our loved ones. Generally speaking, I'll bet that the younger people you talked with were more eager for "winning" and the older ones were the ones you saw sharing the moment. Posted by: Eric Definitely a guy thing. If I was in Charlie's situation I'd probably do it too, (sorry Leigh), although if I won, it would be obvious that I was just doing that out of fun, 'cause I'd have a huge unmistakable grin on my face. |
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