Running buddies are quite possibly one of the greatest blessings in the world. It's no secret that running is one of the hardest things mentally and physically that a person can do. Encouragement from people every now and then as you run by is nice, but it can only work for so long. Running alone is tough because you have time to get into your own head, and for a runner, your head is one of the most dangerous places you can enter. Your body wants to remain at that comfortable homeostasis that it knows so well. Sometimes, it takes a village.. or just one person to help you overcome your running obstacles. Here are just a few reasons why running buddies are everything.
1. Running with people helps to create bonds that will never die.
Running buddies come to know everything about you- whether it is what your most/ least favorite workouts are, who you like, the drama with your relationships, and what your favorite color is. These bonds become extremely tight- knit... so much so that if you don't get to finish a story on one of your runs, you can easily pick up where you left off on the next one no sweat. When you run with someone for so long, you come to study how they run; so you have their form down. It gets to the point to when even if they are running towards you from a long distance away, you will be able to tell it's them because you just come to know that person so well. A person's running form is extremely sacred, so being able to distinguish your running buddy's form is pretty spot on.
2. Your running buddy becomes your therapist.
This is such an amazing perk of having a running buddy. Running in itself is extremely therapeutic, but having that person that you trust just listening to you rant and rant with no judgement? It's priceless. Sure enough, it is easy to become your true self when you run with your running buddy because they accept you for your strengths and weaknesses, and love you just the same. It is also awesome when you become that therapist for someone else, because you realize that you have become that person for them. It is one of the reasons runners are known for being more positive and happy. They just had a free therapy session, and it didn't cost a thing. Your running buddy comes to know you for who you really are, so they become excellent people to turn to for advice.
3. They encourage you in more than just running.
When you run with someone for so long, they become your friend not just when you are running, but in your everyday life. You begin by sending motivational running quotes for that afternoon workout you have both been dreading all day, and all of a sudden, you are sending random texts and funny dog videos you found on Facebook. Have a big test you've been dreading? Get ready for the awesome text of encouragement from your running buddy, telling you that will kick its butt. Going through a hard time and feeling stressed out? You have that person to talk to on the phone, on your run, or in your room while you stuff your face. Bottom line is that a running buddy will always have your back.
4. You feel the need to have great workouts in order to push your running buddy to have one too... and vice versa.
Once you establish that amazing relationship with a running buddy, you start to feel that you have a duty to push your running buddy so that they can reach their potential. One of the best things about running is that it isn't selfish. The running community is beautiful because everyone wants to see other runners be successful. With your running buddy, this feeling is heightened. As you begin to start a race or an extremely hard workout, you have that person in the back of your mind. When it is time to begin, you find extra strength when the fatigue hits in because you know your running buddy is feeling it too. You realize that you have worked extremely hard with this person for so long, that nothing than your absolute best will do. It is one of the greatest feelings and realizations in the world for a runner.
5. Your running buddy ends up playing a major factor in what kind of person you become.
As I close with this one, a million memories come flashing back to me at once. All of the encouragement, the venting, the laughter, and blood, sweat, and tears all led me to become who I am today. I get to run at a D1 school because my running buddy kept me in check. of course there were other major key players in my story. I have had simply amazing coaches and teammates along the way. The morals and strengths my family and friends instilled in me helped build a solid foundation. But it is that person that knows you almost as well as they know themselves, and the reason you believed in yourself as hard as you did, that really helped to get you where you are. It doesn't even begin with getting to run at a collegiate level. It is the morals and determination, as well as the ability to persevere when life gets hard. You will always have the fond memories, but it is an outstanding revelation when you discover that there are many more to come.
