1.  Yes, they really need all of that gear.  You don’t realize all of the places that chafe and rub until you’re starting to rack up the miles.  Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.  Rubbing that’s not even noticed at mile three can turn into a deep red burning patch of inflamed skin by mile eight.  Depending on the temperature, different weights and layers are needed to keep your spouse warm, but not over-heated.  As the runs get longer, water or gels need to be carried, along with GPS equipment for tracking location and pace, and reflective clothing and head lamps for running before the Sun wakes up. Compression gear and shoes are necessary splurges, as are socks, seemingly simple garments that can be appallingly expensive, yet shockingly effective (or ineffective, if you get the cheapies).  The accouterments make a significant impact when it comes to keeping your spouse’s body comfortable and healthy.

2.  Beware of their running gloves.  For spouses of cold-weather runners:  I advise utilizing pliers, disposable chopsticks or some other utensil if you need to pick up their running gloves. The gloves are used just as much for soaking up sweat and wiping off snot as they are for keeping hands warm.

3.  Just because your spouse is running out the door (maybe with a buddy) don’t think this means they are running away from you.   Your spouse might want to hang out with their running partner every Saturday morning instead of staying in bed and cuddling with you. Don’t take this as a personal affront. The running buddy is needed not only for companionship and stress-relieving purposes (we’ll concede that they might hear how annoying it is when you keep nagging about turning off the lights), but also to help keep them accountable, to keep them from walking, to keep them on track for meeting their running goals, and to keep them safer – running alone can be a dangerous act.  Oh, and don’t worry, the running buddy hears about your good qualities too, it’s not all negative talk, in fact the longer the run, the more those happy brain chemicals produced are likely to make your spouse feel like singing your praises. Don’t be jealous of the running buddy, and don’t be mad that your spouse is leaving your side – trust me it has nothing to do with your spouse not wanting to spend time with you and everything to do with them wanting to spend more quality time with you.  Running makes your spouse a better spouse.

4.  Pre-run and post-run rituals are all part of the long run.  You can’t expect your spouse to skip out on either one for the sake of time.. Fueling up with peanut butter on toast and a cup of coffee at least a half an hour before the run is essential for sustaining energy throughout the trot.  The pre-run shit is often not openly discussed, but is always needed. Post-run foam-rolling is another must-do, as well as possibly icing. And, of course, one of the most important post-run rituals is the consumption of eggs with crispy bacon, washed down with more coffee (but this cup should be spiked with Kahlua). BONUS:  You can join your spouse for this last bit.

5.  Their long run is truly in your best interest.  I’m sure you realize by now that if you are married to a runner you are married to someone who is at least slightly crazy.  Even though you might have to change extra diapers or cope with whining from the kids on your own while your spouse is off on a leisurely jaunt for hours at a time, trust me, they are doing this to be a better person, which equates to being a better parent and partner. Runners, as a whole, they have a deep-seated, primal aching, a visceral need to release pent-up energy.  The healthy manifestation of this exists in the form of a long run, but if that’s not an option, it could potentially transpire in a seemingly unprovoked raging incident that involves flying objects chucked across the room, aimed at your head.  It’s really better for you if they go for that jog. Look out for yourself.