I totally understand where you are.  First let me say my husband is great and supports me in everything I do.  He is not lazy and works out, just doesn't understand running.

I started running about 2 years ago.  When I started getting some milage (4-6 miles) he said "if I want to go that far I'll take the car."

I said I wanted to try a 5k or a 10k.  He said, "Why pay money to run, you do it all the time anyway."

I said I wanted to try a 1/2 marathon.  He said, "Why?  Are you stupid?"

Now that we live in a "colder climate" and he will be out of the country for a while I have asked for a treadmill.  We have two young children and so its going to be hard to get my runs in.  Treadmill is not really desired but it is better than not running at all.  He said, "go to the gym.  They are free there and we don't have to worry about moving it."

IF ONLY WE COULD MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND!

To be fair he does cover the cost of the races because its something I want to do.  He has also looked at treadmills for me, but is still feeling sticker shock.

The races are the best part about running for me.  I live for the rush of adrenaline that comes at the end of a race.  However, I am having a big problem with my father-in-law who has requested that I never speak about running in his presence.  My mother-in-law tells me that it upsets him greatly that I run and talk about running because he is older and cannot do any physical activity.  She says that my running makes him feel old.  He is 59 - not old in my book.  I see many much older runners out there at the races having the time of their lives.  He will storm out of the room if anyone even mentions my racing.  It's tough because I feel that a family should support the healthy habits of their family members.  How can I bond with someone who does not want to even speak with me about one of my newfound passions?

At least my husband is very supportive of my running.  He hates to run, but he comes to every race that I do and waits for me at the finish line.

I agree that 59 is not old.  Is he having any medical issues that prevent him from physical activity such as running?  My father in law's response to my wife informing him that I run marathons now (ran my first in January and have done 3 this year including Chicago) was that he'd heard of guys coughing up blood from running marathons and that it's just plain stupid.  LOL!!!!  33,600 people finished Chicago and I don't think anyone coughed up blood!  By the way - I qualified for Boston and had the best time of my life.......   

I run for me only.  No I have no support from family...my husband thinks I'm nuts, the kids roll their eyes, but I've gotten to the point in my running that I really could care less.  I'm not a good racer and really pretty much stress myself out to the point of non enjoyment but I race anyway.  I do enjoy working towards a goal and the race is the goal.  I just ran my first HM last weekend and I drove to it, ran it and drove home (2 hours each way I might add) alone.  My family doesn't fortunatly sabatoge my efforts but they definately are indifferent to my achievements.  It is very hard when you would like to share with someone the excitement of a milestone and there is no one there...that's why I use this site...the people here give me the "atta boys" or the kick in the pants at times that I need.  Get what you need where you can!

I think you have the right attitude.  Not easy to enjoy the hobby all by yourself and no one immediate to share.  Site such as this or other social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace are great ways to meet people with same aspiration as yours.  However, try joining a local running club to get tangible support from your region.  Face to face interaction with people of similar interest will increase the joy of running and provide necessary motivation for races.  May be your future 2 hour drive to and from races will not be as lonely when you have running partners by your side.  Keep up the good work!

Fred Lin

Please visit my fund raising page at www.fredlin.com and donate towards my effort for Lance Armstrong Foundation's fight against cancer!