Here’s How To Motivate Your Non-Runner Significant Other To Run

Etiquette expert Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, knows a thing or two about the rules of the road—and the descendant of the famous decorum diva is a runner too!

Q: I really want my husband to start running with me, but it’s hard to get him off the couch. How can I get him motivated without out ending or annoying him?

You can do all of the subtle hinting that you like—but this is a choice your husband has to make himself. You can suggest he try, but he has to really want to run in order for this to turn into a regular activity.

When I started running, I did a couch-to-5K program that I loved. I felt like I had discovered a whole new part of my life. My boyfriend at the time had zero interest. At first, I was really disappointed. I felt like this thing that was benefiting me so much would be perfect for him too. I had fantasies about the two of us being one of those couples you see out enjoying a run together, finishing races holding hands!

What I came to realize was that running just wasn’t his thing. He tried a couple of easy runs with me, and well…let’s just say my fantasy quickly died. But he found other sorts of workouts to enjoy, and I found my daydream was replaced by learning to love my alone time on my runs.

If you still want to give it the old college try, focus on what motivates him. Does he love watching TV? The treadmill might be an option so that he could start walking or running while he watches. Is he competitive? Challenge him to run farther or faster than you. You know him well, so use that to your advantage. If he doesn’t bite, then count running as an awesome way to spend time with friends or get some solo headspace.

Have a question for Lizzie? Email editorial@womensrunning.com or tweet @WomensRunning with the hashtag #ProperForm.