Running with friends can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable during your training. But what happens when you and your running buddy have different paces or goals? Can you still train together effectively? The answer is yes, and here’s how you can make it work.
According to Katelyn Tocci, a UESCA-certified running coach and managing editor at Marathon Handbook, having a workout partner can provide you with the encouragement and motivation you need to push through those tough training days. Even if you and your friend run at different speeds, there are ways to tailor your training plan to accommodate both of your goals.
One of the key benefits of running with a friend is accountability. Tocci explains that having a partner can help hold both of you accountable for your training. On days when motivation is lacking, knowing that your running buddy is counting on you to show up can make you less likely to skip your workout. This mutual accountability can help keep you on track with your training plan.
In addition to accountability, running with friends can also provide companionship and support. Chatting with a workout partner can help ease stress and make your runs more enjoyable. Tocci points out that running buddies can inspire each other, look up to each other, and plan exciting goals together. This companionship can make a challenging run feel more manageable and enjoyable.
Another benefit of running with friends is distraction. Listening to music or chatting with a friend can help distract you from the monotony of running and provide a mental boost during your workout. Running with someone else can provide the excitement and distraction you need to make your runs more enjoyable.
Additionally, running with friends can help improve your speed. By running at a conversational pace with a partner, you can train in the optimal zone for building endurance and increasing your fitness level. This type of training can help you become a faster and more efficient runner over time.
If you and your running buddy have different paces or goals, there are strategies you can use to train together effectively. Tocci suggests performing speed work individually but at the same location, adjusting your pace to train in the optimal zone, and doing recovery and easy runs together. You can also connect for a portion of the run or meet up for strength training and mobility work to supplement your running workouts.
Ultimately, running with friends can provide you with the motivation, support, and companionship you need to reach your running goals. By tailoring your training plan to accommodate both of your paces and goals, you can enjoy the benefits of running with a friend while still hitting your running goals. So lace up those shoes, grab your running buddy, and hit the pavement together!