Why a Good Running Buddy Kicks You in the Ass Sometimes...

While the first rule of running might be, don't stop.  I think the second rule might just be to find a really good running buddy.  As a runner, I am constantly fighting the demon on my shoulder.  The little monster that likes to whisper sweet excuses into my ear.  Hey there, how about you just walk for a bit?  You've worked hard for a couple miles now, maybe you should call it quits for today.  You can always make up those extra miles tomorrow.  Plus, you don't want to hurt yourself, do you?  This is really for the best you know.  Plus, if you quit now, you can make it home in time to watch a Seinfeld rerun and eat some Ben & Jerry's on the couch.  You deserve it. You know, THAT demon.  He's always there, trying to get me to quit.

Fortunately, I have a few weapons in my runner's arsenal.  Weapon #1:  My ipod.  I crank that puppy up and drown that sucker out with the likes of Britney Spears and Madonna.  Weapon #2: Mind games.  I'm just going to run until I get to that tree.  When I get there, I can renegotiate, but first I need to get to that tree. And last, but definitely not least, weapon #3:  The running buddy.  My running buddy is a living, breathing, corporeal combatant to that demon.  For every excuse, she has a reason not to quit.  She's there cheering me on every step and fighting in the trenches right alongside me.  A running buddy can not only keep you motivated while you're running, they can also hold you accountable for all those runs you have scheduled on your calendar.  It's one thing to drop the ball when it's just you, it's another thing to stand up a good friend who's counting on you.  Not to mention the fact that it's just plain safer and more fun to run with a friend than to go alone.

So next time you're getting ready to pound the pavement or hit the trails, bring a buddy!  Because who couldn't use another weapon on the road?