2011 WSJ Article: A Workout Ate My Marriage

I will take a contrary view on fit families. If it weren't for fitness my family would be like ships passing in the night. It is something we can all do together, and a common bond. There are definitely times when I have pushed it a bit far but, for the most part, it is something we share, all four of us. And, there's nothing like a good intra-familiar rivalry on results. I think you've got that one right Geek! I know other families doing the same thing! When my kidoos were home I was a runner. I did my running either at 4:30 a.m. or after 10 p.m. I didn't mind it cause I was young and had boundless energy back then. Most of the rest of my time was spent at their swimming events, cooking, or work. I love my kids ferociously but I'll admit it is a tremendous break having them mostly on their own now!!

I think this article deals more with Ironman. I have done (and I use that term loosely) 5 of them. To do one of these properly (never done by me) is, in my opinion, an incredibly selfish endeavor, especially if you have a family. One- sport pursuits are much more reasonable (unless combined with trolling the forums:)). I have friends who do the IM seriously. I would agree that training is very time-consuming. The events themselves are pretty expensive too, not to mention the equipment. Whether it is "incredibly selfish" will depend on the context and I'm not willing to generalize further than that.

I am really tired of all the side-jabs at ElaineK (about her fonts and smilies, husband, where she lives, how she deals with the noodlers, etc.) in this thread and elsewhere. I wish the moderators would be a little more active in talking privately to the perpetrators and asking them to stop. This is an interesting thread that I'd like to follow without having to read about others' personal gripes about other forumites. But in case the moderators don't want to do this, I'd like to ask, please, that it be stopped. It isn't funny and it certainly isn't about swimming. I undertand your POV, Philo, but it was Elaine who put her personal life on the forums. If certain posters don't like her whining about noodlers or don't think it's profound that her husband got up every morning until he retired, they are entitled to say so as long as there is no breach of forum rules. This is a fairly civil forum, and there have been many many vastly more contentious threads. It's best to try to not be so thin skinned. And I say this based on my own experience from years ago. If Elaine or others view every contrary opinion as a personal attack, they might as well pack it in. This is a discussion forum; we don't have to hold hands and sing kumbaya every day. And there are threads for that, e.g., attaboy/attagirl. Just don't expect Geek not to be Geek.

some people also manage it just fine with a full-time job and while being good parents/spouses. I still submit "managing it just fine" is different than being a good parent when you work 40-60 hours/week and train another 20...not that I would know anything about being a good parent. I agree, training with a spouse has theoretical benefits (unless you are married to mine...she was once temporarily DQ'd from the largest local triathlon because her bike split was faster than the winning pro male...one race official was quoted as saying, "no way a girl went that fast")...my fragile ego and my weak body can't take the beating. BTW I kinda miss geek insulting me.

I am really tired of all the side-jabs at ElaineK (about her fonts and smilies, husband, where she lives, how she deals with the noodlers, etc.) in this thread and elsewhere. I wish the moderators would be a little more active in talking privately to the perpetrators and asking them to stop. This is an interesting thread that I'd like to follow without having to read about others' personal gripes about other forumites. But in case the moderators don't want to do this, I'd like to ask, please, that it be stopped. It isn't funny and it certainly isn't about swimming. Thanks for speaking up, Philo! :) You know, 'Geek and I have never even met in person. But, he has singled me out as his target on these forums. I had never done any social networking until this site (and still don't), so I don't know how it is on Facebook and other sites. But, I've heard stories... It's just too bad some people have to be so negative. That Guy: You SO rock! :applaud: A big :bighug: and :smooch: to ya! :D

I have to agree as well. As I am becoming active on this forum, I have noticed this too...and I don't appreciate it. Both ElaineK and her husband are wonderful people and I feel lucky to know them. She is an awesome swimmer and trains very hard. Her enthusiasm for swimmming inspires me. Thanks, Marianne; the feeling is mutual! You and Tom are so nice and I have never met such a humble swimmer as you! Check out your rankings at the end of this year; I see some Top Tens in your future! :cheerleader: I really appreciate your friendship and look forward to seeing you at St. Pat's! :)

I undertand your POV, Philo, but it was Elaine who put her personal life on the forums. If certain posters don't like her whining about noodlers or don't think it's profound that her husband got up every morning until he retired, they are entitled to say so as long as there is no breach of forum rules. This is a fairly civil forum, and there have been many many vastly more contentious threads. It's best to try to not be so thin skinned. And I say this based on my own experience from years ago. If Elaine or others view every contrary opinion as a personal attack, they might as well pack it in. This is a discussion forum; we don't have to hold hands and sing kumbaya every day. And there are threads for that, e.g., attaboy/attagirl. Just don't expect Geek not to be Geek. It's not what you say, but HOW you say it. Rudeness is not necessary. The civil forumites express their views in a polite, respectful way.

Just don't expect Geek not to be Geek. I agree. Most of us who have been here a long time have taken a jab or two from Geek. OK, maybe Elaine is taking more of it than anyone right now, but in my opinion it's fairly light-hearted. I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh at Geek's post about "Active Adults."

Please stay on topic and refrain from comments about other forum members. Debate the points not the people.

Well, being exhausted all the time is a problem for other family members! I've heard people complain about "spousal uselessness." They (and Wookiee) got banned on the Welsford thread for off-topic posts about religion and such. Then I guess I didn't miss the fireworks. :) At some point I did resume not visiting NSR-land though.