5 Benefits of Having a Running Partner
More and more people are choosing to find a running partner to exercise with. When you run with another person, you enjoy different benefits that you simply wouldn’t if you did it on your own.
Similar to team sports, exercising with other people can boost performance. In addition, it can be a great opportunity to strengthen your bond with another person.
On the other hand, unlike running alone, having a running partner is psychologically beneficial in different ways. Although the power of companionship is often overlooked, the truth is that it boosts motivation and reduces fatigue. Below, we’ll analyze the main benefits of having a running partner.
1. It helps to distract you from fatigue
One of the problems you have to face while running is the unpleasant sensation of fatigue. In fact, it can become so intense that the runner becomes totally engrossed in it, making it difficult for them to keep running.
Running with a partner can distract you from fatigue. For example, if your running buddy talks to you about their life, your attention will focus on them and not on the bodily sensations that are generating discomfort.
2. Having a running partner helps you commit to a training routine
Sometimes, it might be difficult for you to find reasons to go for a run. When laziness or excuses appear, your motivation and commitment considerably decrease.
Luckily, running with a buddy involves making an additional commitment that’s harder to break. In other words, committing to a joint training routine means that you aren’t only committed to yourself. Thus, you’ll be extra motivated to avoid disappointing the other person.
This is especially helpful for people who have a hard time finding time to exercise due to their hectic schedules. In fact, in these cases, it isn’t only a way to get in shape but a social activity as well.
3. Provides feedback on performance
Like any other exercise, running has proper techniques that you need to know to avoid injuries. However, if you run on your own, no one can give you feedback that will allow you to correct inappropriate movements.
Running with a partner can solve this problem. Your running buddy can observe how you run and tell you which movements you need to correct. Also, you share tips with your running buddy on how to optimize performance and get better results with less energy.
4. Having a running partner motivates you to keep the pace
Finding their running speed is a fundamental task for any runner. Running isn’t about sprinting until you’re exhausted. Instead, it’s about striking a balance between speed and endurance.
Sometimes, it’s difficult for runners to find that rhythm if they run alone. Runners tend to let themselves get carried away by fatigue to adjust their speed, which isn’t incorrect per se. However, you can optimize your speed if you run with a buddy.
This is because having a running partner can push you to keep moving forward. In psychology, this is known as “social facilitation”. As a study published by the journal Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte (In English: Sports Psychology Notebooks) explains, being around other people boosts performance in well-learned tasks.
5. Leads to creative solutions and ideas to problems
Running is demanding on both mind and body. Unforeseen situations, such as finding a short path, can arise, meaning you must find alternatives to continue.
The famous saying, “Two heads are better than one” perfectly applies to this case. You’ll be able to come up with great solutions if you have a partner by your side. Your running buddy can provide a different perspective that can help both of you solve any unexpected problem that may arise.
Few things are more rewarding than running with a partner!
Running is an activity that people either love or hate. If you’re lucky enough to love it, you can get a lot more out of it if you do it with a partner.
The best thing about these benefits is that you start enjoying them right away. The first time you go running with a partner, you’ll notice that you’re better able to keep the pace and that your legs don’t feel as heavy. What are you waiting for? Find yourself a running partner today!
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- Vega Marcos, R. D. L., Ruíz Barquín, R., Caro, F., y Ortín Montero, F. J. (2012). Aplicación de una prueba objetiva conductual de evaluación de la influencia de los otros en el rendimiento en fútbol. Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte.