Running alone is fantastic - the solitude, the peace, the quiet reflections, and a proud play list are what makes one come back to the roads for more. But day after day, motivation and enthusiasm can fade and take a toll on the training journey, hence the phrase, “the Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner”. Whether training for a race or for free-spirited purposes, taking a friend or two underneath your wing at the track or on the roads is an invaluable part of your happiness and even progression.
I just recently, adopted my training partner – an old teammate of mine from Boston College, who I’ve known since high school, and nearby neighbor – Cameron. We ran into each other at the gym, realized we both needed some work on flexibility, stretched each other out on the mats, and just like that we made plans to do it again. In addition to our stretching routine, we are syncing our schedules to catch runs with one another and even join a running group. While she trains for the Boston Marathon and I train for a 5k in Somerville come March – we have different goals, different mileage per week, yet the same desire to keep each other company and positive on our separate but very intertwined paths.
What benefits can you expect from a training partner(s)?
1. Accountability– when it’s 20 degrees out and 6pm after a long day of work, they’re meeting you on the other end and holding you to your word. Chances are, if they’re an awesome partner, they’re meeting you there all smiles.
2. Close competition - Pushing each other to pick up the pace gently or make it up that monstrous Beacon Hill are the details in between the lines that make a great training day. Details add up. And then the high five (or shared beer) at the end of the run is certainly one of the best feelings, ever.
3. Totally Awesome Banter – The once -a -week long run is a true test of patience. Conversation is always welcome on these runs, as a ten miler or plus can be a mental stress. To keep things light, talking and catching up is warmly welcomed. I remember while doing a long run from Newton Centre to downtown Boston, it flew by after a talk on politics. After the run I had learned what the word “caucus” meant.
4. A Wolf Pack - Running with a local group is the most effective way to make some extra friends, find a running partner within the group, and share in each other’s trials and joys. My favorite group is at the South End Athletic Company on Tremont Street. Led by Justin Burdon and Dan Fitzgerald, they too were once on the same team at Boston College and have hit the road together in business and in running. They’ve gathered a quality bunch of runners and consequent shindigs with their Run Club held three days a week. I’ll be joining them in the next few weeks.
5. Friend with Benefits – Stretching and massage are integral when it comes to keeping healthy. “Exchanges” as Cameron and I call them are what keeps us happy and super healthy. We have a core workout we can do together, a series of stretches we assist one another in, and weekly massages to get those knots out from a tough day. It’s a rewarding end to a hard day’s work.
 |
| You and your training partner, ideally... |
