How to pick the perfect running partner

Picking a running partner is as important as picking a roommate or a romantic partner. You’re going to be spending time with them; you are going to be in each other’s’ personal space; you have to make plans together; there’ll be highs and lows; and you’ll have to work hard to make the relationship work. So, when you’re picking a running partner, here are a few things to look out for that may help you to have a long and successful partnership – rather than a short and turbulent one.

They overreact to everything

You want a flexible but responsible running partner, so someone who overreacts to weather, injury, or illness is not going to be ideal. This running partner cancels at the slightest cloud, if they were near someone who coughed, or if they wake up with a dead arm from sleeping on it. It’ll get old fast, so avoid this person as a running partner.

They talk constantly, and not only about running

On long runs it can be quite fun to chat to your running partner to make sure that the kilometres pass a little quicker. But they should also know when to focus on the run and when you’re feeling a little too drained to chat. The constant chattering will eventually have you heading out for sneaky runs by yourself for some peace and quiet so avoid this running partner.

They insist on pushing the pace just a little more

A running partner’s primary aim is to keep the duo on point, on pace, and in time, not to push the pace. Although pushing the pace is a great aspect of running in a group, if you run regularly with someone, you want them to be of a similar athletic ability to you and to compliment your style. Someone who’s trying to beat you will eventually get on your nerves and even cause you an injury while you try to keep up. Ditch the competitor.

They are never on time for anything

When you’re training and racing with someone, you don’t want that person to be late for every meet up or event. This will only cause you more stress, especially if you’re driving together to a race or race registration. The last thing you want is for your running partner to increase your heart rate before the race or run has even started.

The perfect running partner

Many runners opt for running in varied groups in order to avoid the trials and tribulations of trying to find the perfect running partner, but running as a group may be a fantastic way of finding your perfect running partner. Join group runs and time trials and chat to people and you may find you click with someone who is perfect for you.