Today I re-learned a vital life lesson - The Buddy System. Up until now, I have never wanted to run with anyone else, but me, myself & I. This avoidance had stemmed from my insecurity in my own running skills, thinking I was too slow to run with others, or if I needed to stop, I would be judged for it. So instead of taking my friends up on their offers to run together, I would casually come up with an excuse to get out of it. But this morning, in a state of under-caffeinated delirium , I suggested going on a run together with my friend Ashley. I really wanted to get both a run in, as well as a gym workout, and since Ashley was sponsoring my 3 day guest pass at the gym, I needed her. So on Sunday morning, bleary eyed and itching to get my body in shape, I suggested to Ashley that she drive to my house and we run the 2 miles to the gym, work out, and then run the 2 miles home. A part of me thought she would never go for it, but a part of me knew that she has commitment and drive and would drag me out of bed to join her in my plan. And she did.
The two miles to the gym went well, she pushed my pace and we were able to make small talk here and there. The two miles flew by and I didn't even have any profane thoughts. So not only does running with a friend hold me more accountable, it makes my head less angry. I guess I should take note of this positive correlation.
At the gym, Ashley ran me through a series of Cross Fit exercises, sufficiently wearing me out, and when we were done, Ashley put a smile on her face, and in a sweet Texas accent, she reminded me that we still needed to run the two miles home.
At this point, I was hot, hungry and not happy with myself for developing such an exhausting plan. But we tightened our shoe laces, took a swig of water (or in my case a really big chug), cued up our music and hit the pavement to complete our Sunday morning workout.
Halfway home, I realized I should not have downed 20 ounces of water before leaving the gym, and then the side cramps started, the gross, water bubbling up your throat feeling came creeping on and I wanted to walk. So when I finally speak up and tell Ashley I need to walk, she looks at me and tells me I will be ok and to swing my arms, we are almost there and to keep running. Then she says that we should sprint the last tenth of a mile. There may have been a profane thought or two that went through my head at that moment, but all in all, I survived and I am grateful for the encouragement she provided during my first buddy run.
Lesson Learned: Running Buddies are good. Drink water in moderation.
Distance: 4 miles total
Time: ???
Ya know, I really hated the idea of a running buddy, too. Then, I met my friend Katie, and because of her I ran the half marathon in Indy.... It really does make a difference! So glad you had someone to push you that extra little bit
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