Running with a buddy

wifeygonzo

I have a running buddy, we run on random days during the week. We meet at 5 AM and will run anywhere from 4 1/2 - 6 miles. I don't know if its her specifically or the fact that its so early in the morning, but I feel like I could run forever! The first mile or so is a bit uncomfortable while I warm up, but after that I feel great for the rest of the run. Perhaps the fact that she mostly talkes the entire run & my mind is on the conversation helps as well.

But if I run by myself I seem to struggle. Perhaps I'm bored and focusing on my legs, the distance, heat (I never run alone when its still dark outside). I have an iPod, but that only helps so much.

Does anyone else feel the same re: running with a buddy vs. running without a buddy? Any other suggestions to keep myself entertained?

maserati185

I ran with a friend at a 5k and he said the race passed very quickly for him while we were running together/talking. I'd say the company is a distraction from thinking of all the reasons you can't keep moving. Also, there may be some adrenalin going when you have a running partner, depending on your personality.

cdaye8184

i find the exact same thing! me and my boyfriend used to run all the time before he went to college but now I do it bymyself with an ipod and it's harder.

shellbell1993

I agree that a running partner can help a whole lot when it comes to long runs. I found the time went by faster, and if she went faster I pushed myself harder to keep up.
So I totally think that if you run with someone you click with...such as pace, conversation, goals in mind it works very well.

You make me miss my running partner I live 800 miles away and have lost touch! And unfortunately no one in my new area likes to run! On my own, but will survive!! LOL

Starkle09

Much easier to run with someone...i can do it alone but having a buddy makes the time go a lot faster.

wackynunu

I find benefits from both. When I run with my husband, he encourages me to go faster. I have a friend I run with and we talk so the run seems to fly by. But I also like to be alone for my runs sometimes and let my mind wonder. Especially for my long runs.

alyssamiller77

For any exercise I've always found that doing it with someone else helps pass the time faster and makes it seem easier overall.

Pisc2749

This is interesting to me as I'm the opposite. I dislike working out with anyone, I like to be alone. If I'm doing something strenuous and difficult I need to be in my own head - no distractions! I run beside a buddy on the treadmill and I secretly love the days she isn't there - no TV distraction, no distraction of seeing her in my periphery, no conversation. Just me and my music, I run much farther on the days I am alone. I get annoyed when people come in and out of the room as well (we have a small gym at work). I almost wish I could reserve the time and have the room all to myself. I'm selfish I know - but I don't work out well with distractions.