The Buddy System

So, I don’t run with people much these days. My stupid UC has sort of nailed me to the treadmills down at NYU. And when I do get the thumbs-up sign from my large intestines and get to run outside, I often have to stop during the first couple of miles anyway. Sucks.

But it wasn’t always that way and I miss the option of having a running buddy.

Yes, running is get-away time for me when I’m only focused on myself and don’t have to think/talk/fix anything I don’t want to for about an hour. I really enjoy this quiet time and cherish the energy I can put into my workout after coaching and pushing others through theirs.

But sometimes it’s nice to have company. And sometimes it’s fun to be with a friend. And the time always flies by when there’s someone running next to me.

Running with friends is fun. You can bring each other snacks, like PB & J sandwiches.

The other thing about a running buddy is accountability. Sure, one of you will want to back out of a run now and then, but you are far less likely to do so when your buddy will be waiting for you at dawn or after work. This applied to trips to the gym, spin, yoga and any other type of activity, too!

Tweety and I were doing yoga about once a week together before school took over for both of us. She’s wicked smart and up at Cornell now :) and we both have to focus, but it was great while it lasted! Rainbow & KP are my spinning buddies and I love that they are up for anything, despite their sometimes crazy schedules.

Love how all my favorite people came out to ride with me on Saturday! Especially this lady who ate a half-marathon for breakfast in Nashville two weeks ago. Yay, Sam! (totally stole this picture from Sam’s blog: checkmypulseblog.com)

Listen, this country has a serious problem with obesity. By 2030, 46% of Americans will be obese. Why not have Happy Hour at the gym or pounding pavement in the park instead of at the bar? I love a mojito every now and again, but I get so much more out of a good workout than I do out of a drunken night on the town.

Mmmmm…mojito. Mojitos are a sometimes treat, like Cookie Monster says.

Grab a friend. Hit the gym. Keep each other on track. You don’t have to do it alone! And if you don’t have any friends interested in getting their sweat on, perhaps you should seek out some new friends who have the same interests and priorities as you. Just a thought. Lululemon stores, running clubs and Twitter (!) are great places to meet new workout friends. You never know, you might just make a friend for life!

Now go out and run!