Benefits of Having A Running Partner

I have been running with a partner once a week recently, and I have found that there are a lot of benefits to having a running partner. Some of the things I enjoy about having a partner to run with are that it helps keep me focused on the task at hand, and it gives me someone to chat with while putting in the miles. It is very helpful as well, that she is also good eye candy while we are running. Of course, my running partner is also my girlfriend. She is interested in getting to the level of running a 5k without having to slow down or walk, so we are gradually working towards this as our goal together.

Last week, when we went running, we split up for the first time while on a run. She told me to go ahead, knowing that it was supposed to be my long run day. Of course, being a gentleman, I didn’t want to leave her on the path by herself.  She assured me that she felt safe with all of the other people walking, biking and running around the lake.  However, I was still hesitant.  It was then that she whipped out the “you better do what I told you to do while you have the chance, or else…” voice.  She didn’t have to tell me again!  While she finished up a 5.5 mile day, I pushed myself to finish up an 11 mile day. My unofficial time was 1 hour and 45 minutes. This is right in line with where I want to be for my next ½ marathon. She is a great running partner.

Caption provided by Active.com

There are many reasons to find a running partner with whom to train. I have found that it helps with motivation, especially if you are having a hard training day, and it is even good to have someone to run with on the light days, so that you don’t push yourself too hard. It seems that it is more difficult to cancel a running date with a friend, than it is to cancel a training day by myself. In doing research, I have found numerous other advantages to running with a partner, which you can find by following the link provided.