Athletes! It’s time for some unsolicited advice about my first (athletic) love, running. If you’re a runner you may already be hip to this advice. If you’re not a runner spread the word to your friends on the run. Everyone knows that a workout partner helps us stick to our training plans. Even if you don’t do the exact same workout, just having someone to hold your ass accountable for the checks your mouth has written is huge. If you’re in training for your first endurance event choose your running group/partners wisely. Choose your running shoes carefully (that could be a blog unto itself) and audition your running partners before you commit to regular runs with him/her in the new year. In order to build up your endurance, stamina, and speed I encourage you to find three running partners.
Partner #1 “The Hare”
It’s simple, find a running partner that’s faster than you are. I’d recommend finding a soccer player. They may not be fastert than you for a short distance. But, the average soccer player runs at a pretty fast pace over a large field during a long game. On a five mile run, you’ll be working to keep up. Be sure to find someone that doesn’t mind you lagging behind. Even better, find someone that will look over their shoulder and encourage you to hustle up. I’m sure you’re able to push yourself to move faster. You could also download some app to encourage you in a cyborg voice. Or you could do things the old-fashioned way and get back in touch with your competitive roots. Try to keep these runs to 5 miles or fewer in order to train safely. You’ll find that your speed will improve. Then you’ll need to use restraint with partner #2.
Partner #2 “The Tortoise”
In order to learn restraint, find a second training partner that’s slower than your average pace. Running at their speed for distances greater than 5 miles will teach you to be patient for the long haul of endurance runs. Hold back, you can use that speed near the finish line. Your Tortoise partner is there to stimulate your brain and suppress your ego so that you can stay in control of your pace instead of speeding through the first few miles of a marathon only to bonk later. You’ll need one more partner to help you avoid the bonk.
Partner #3 “The Cheerleader”
Find your equal and run with him/her at your average pace while both of you challenge the other to improve that average minute per mile pace. Make sure that partner 3 never “vents” or bitches about their day on the run. You’ll need someone positive and upbeat to fill this role. The Cheerleader runs should feel like you’re in the zone the entire time.
Foursome
Closer to race day, try to schedule the four of you to run together and remember what kids look like when they run. When kids have a foot race there are two kids that always stand out. There’s the Sprinter that takes the immediate lead. You’ll watch that kid look over his/her shoulder as the Specialist closes in. The Specialist will run hard at one steady pace from the onset of the race. The Specialist never looks back. The best runner in the group never looks back. The strongest/fastest kid runner only looks forward because nothing else matters. Be that kid when you run. Be the Specialist and run like you mean it without being mean about it. I’ll see you on the road.