Running can be the loneliest of all athletic pursuits. However, does it really matter whether you are running alone or with a partner? After all, running is just another activity that helps you stay fit. To figure out if you want to do it alone or with a buddy, you need to ask yourself a few basic questions such as:

Why are you running? Do you think a partner will interfere with your goals and so on? Although there are people who love running alone and benefit more this way, the rule ‘better with a buddy’ holds true for running.

3 Buddy Benefits

• Running, in many ways, is all about patience and perseverance and more so if you are a beginner. This is when you need loads of support and encouragement as after the initial enthusiasm wears off it becomes hard to continue. It is at this period when a partner can keep you on track.
• Running with a partner can also cross check your performance. You may not be able to push yourself up to the required limit or conversely, may exert more than required. A partner can always check your performance, apart from offering healthy competition.
• A partner can help you stay disciplined and focused on your fitness goals. What’s more, you may also discover that you develop a lasting friendship with your running mate. Isn’t that an added bonus?

Choosing a good partner

A good partner is a boon with whom you can scale new heights and reach your goals. However, the key lies in being able to find a companion who is able to motivate you, push and prod you successfully and help you stay on track.

So before choosing a running mate, assess your own ability and decide your goal and then search for a partner with a similar ability and goal. This is really important because running with someone of a higher caliber may result in discouragement. You may strain yourself quickly and quit the running program with a big question mark on your abilities. Conversely, if your partner is far inferior in capability than you may not actually benefit and eventually your level may fall instead of rising.

It would be useful to take advice from a personal trainer who can easily match you up with someone who has compatible goals and abilities. Also, remember your partner should be reliable, committed and available at the same time when you want to run. Make sure that he/she is genuinely interested in running otherwise your run may not last too long.

Remember to keep these points in mind before deciding whether you want to run solo or with a mate and above all, always keep your goals in sight.