Tips for Running with a Buddy

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Running with a buddy has many advantages. First it may keep you motivated to know that someone else is counting on you to be there. You may be less likely to cancel it. Also, based on research cited by Runner’s World, you might find that you run faster and harder, and enjoy it more since you are not by yourself. It can also make it much safer to run, especially if you are running at night or in a deserted area. You want to do all that you can to make running with a buddy a positive experience.
Choose the right person; in Runner’s Feed, marathon runner Greg Wieczorek states closely matched ability levels help establish appropriate training paces. You want to make sure that it makes sense for you to run with that particular buddy. A seasoned marathon runner might want to consider whether to run with a novice who gets winded after 5 minutes. You do not want to feel like you have to stop or slow down because of your buddy or do more than you can handle. You will then not get the workout that you desire.
Talk to your partner about the basics; Marathon Nation states it is a good idea to discuss things like average running speed and distance. Other considerations include where you are running and breaks. Obviously it may not match 100 percent, but it needs to be something that you are both comfortable with. You may also be able to find a place where both of your needs can be accommodated. For instance, if you are running on a track and one of you needs to take breaks more often than the other, then one person can simply walk a lap while the other continues to run. Also one person can stop the exercising earlier than the other.
Make sure that you find a place that can accommodate both of you. If you want to run side by side then do not choose a narrow path where one of you will be pushed out into the street.
You should also talk about what you want to do while you are running. Some people like to chat while running, but others don’t, and still more might want to listen to music. Make these decisions early, or keep things open ended so that no one feels insulted or left out.
It is important to keep the lines of communication open before, during and after running. If one person is unhappy about any aspect then it should be addressed. Even if you turn it into a social activity, you still want to get a good workout.
Running with a buddy can be great if you get it right. The above points can help you achieve a balance.