BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Running Friends are Motivating Friends

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

"The greatest thing about running is the friends you make along the way."

Those were the words posted by my dear friend Jill (on left) before congratulating Jody (on the right) and another friend on completing a100-mile race over the weekend. Wow! Right? Jill went on to say, "These 2 chicas both accomplished huge goals this weekend and I am proud to even KNOW them but mostly to get to run with them from time to time!"

Do you just love that or what? There's just something special about having friends who enjoy running as much as you do. And these friends are not only different, fun, and unusual in the best of ways, they are motivating as well! Whether a person completes a 5k, a half marathon, or even a full marathon, they will most likely tell you that it was because of the influence of their friends, whether by word or example. I personally would not be running all the races I do if it were not for my friends. I not only long to be with them but show up for those long early-morning training runs with a smile on my face because of them. 

But hey, if you're still skeptical? Check out these reasons why running friends are so amazing and why you should pursue these relationships. Doing so will not only motivate you to train harder but will inspire you to do whatever it takes to make it to the finish line. 

You always have someone to run with.

Your running friends are there for you during the three-mile shakeout run you just didn’t really feel like doing. And they're also there for that 20-miler that would have been totally boring and mentally painful without company. They're also there to pace you and run alongside you during the race no matter the distance. It’s so helpful to have a number of people who are always happy to join you.

You get to meet an awesome variety of people.

My running friends range in age from 20 to their 80 and are employed, or have been employed, in a wide variety of different careers. They come from all walks of life and have amazing stories to share. And no matter our differences, running brings us together.

They’re supportive.

Your running friends understand what it’s like to accomplish a long run, set a new personal record or finish a marathon. It’s awesome to have the support of people who truly understand the sport. And runners will not only support you, but will hold you accountable. 

They want to hear you talk about running.

It’s a win-win situation because you probably want to hear them talk about running too. Not everyone wants to hear every split for your last speed workout, but you can bet that your running buddies will listen. And not only will they listen, they will understand which means they will empathize, encourage and egg you on when needed. 

They want to see your posts about running.

They genuinely want to see what you did over the weekend or whether you completed that hard training run you told them you needed to do. They will purposely check out your Facebook posts or Instagram photos and like and comment on them to say "good job!" and to encourage you to keep up the good work. 

You can talk it out with them.

Often you’re running together for two or three hours, so you’re going to have to talk about something. And since runners tend to be the most supportive group of people you'll ever meet, you'll find your runs turning into 'therapy sessions.' And since runners are super smart, you'll almost always have a solution to any problem by the time the run ends. Especially if you're running with a group and have input from multiple brilliant people. 

They’ll eat with you. Or better yet... have coffee with you. 

This is so motivating that my friends and I almost always eat, have coffee, or hang out after our Saturday runs and especially after races. We will even talk about what we're going to consume after a training run before we even start it. And the best part? Depending on the length of the run, you can eat as much as you want without your running friends even raising an eyebrow. 

You have someone to enjoy races with.

Racing with a friend helps ease those starting line nerves. Plus you don’t have to be alone at the post-race party. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, it’s time to celebrate! This is one of my favorite things about running friends! They genuinely love traveling in packs and will purposely plan to run the same races and to hang out afterwards… especially after the Bass Pro or Dogwood Canyon races. 

And even if you don’t go to a race with a friend, you’re bound to know someone.

One good thing about runners is that there are a lot of us and we consider one another family. If you participate in a local race, chances are you’ll see someone you know. But even if you don’t know anyone or are running miles away from your hometown, runners are unusually outgoing and social people and will easily strike up conversations with one another. Which means you’ll leave the race with some brand new running friends. In fact, I don't recall ever showing up to a race solo and not making at least one new friend.

So there you have it fellow runners. Running with friends is always more fun than going solo. You'll not only have more fun but will most likely run farther and faster when you surround yourself with crazy people who share your love of the sport. The greatest thing about running truly is making new friends along the way. Does that make you smile or what? So get out there and hug your friends knowing just how blessed you are. 

Happy Running!