Two runners share the trail at Boise, Idaho’s Dirty Dash. (© Tracy King | Dreamstime.com)
Running is the kind of thing that can be hard to keep up in your life unless you have great friends to share it with. Here’s the ones I’ve found help me:
1) The Faster One
This running buddy will help you step up your speed. Running with a fast friend can help increase turnover and push you to work harder. Ask lots of open-ended questions if you having a hard time keeping up.
2) The Slower One
A slower running buddy is great for recovery runs. When speed doesn’t matter and getting the mileage in does, embrace the relaxed pace.
3) The Veteran
A running buddy with years of mileage under the belt is a great partner both mentally and physically. They are usually full of sage wisdom and lifelong runners will never flake out at the last minute.
4) The Newbie
A new runner is full of infectious enthusiasm and ego-boosting questions. Hopefully some of their mojo rubs off and carries you through your solo runs.
5) The Bestie
Spending time with someone who has similar interests outside of running can make your relationship even stronger (and runs longer!). Maybe you have kids the same age or maybe you both really sci-fi movies. Whatever your commonalities, it’s refreshing to not always talk about running.
