Running with a buddy

wifeygonzo
wifeygonzo Posts: 287 Member
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
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?

Replies

  • maserati185
    maserati185 Posts: 263 Member
    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
    cdaye8184 Posts: 18
    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
    shellbell1993 Posts: 315 Member
    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
    Starkle09 Posts: 238 Member
    Much easier to run with someone...i can do it alone but having a buddy makes the time go a lot faster.
  • wackynunu
    wackynunu Posts: 103
    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
    alyssamiller77 Posts: 891 Member
    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
    Pisc2749 Posts: 61 Member
    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.
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