By: Mizuno Race Team Member, Sheree Shea
Before the sun begins to crest over the eastern hillside, the steady chime alarms your peaceful slumber. You inch upright as the familiar figures of your bedroom take shape while your eyes adjust to the shadowy darkness. Your thoughts are flooded with reflection of the wild dream you had last night just before the morning haste sets in. As you pad around for the light switch, your lethargy subsides. A slight bounce in your step presupposes your morning routine. With a quick check of the weather and a complimentary outfit alteration for the frigid temperatures outside you are ready to get off and running! Rounding the neighborhood block, you see your best friend jogging toward you in the distance.
Running friends inspire a refreshing sense of camaraderie, motivation and enthusiasm. It is much easier to follow a training regime when you have a friend alongside for the journey. Whether it is meeting at early hours of the morning before work, sneaking out of the office during lunch break or winding down for an afternoon jaunt, having a friend to meet up is a bonus for the sometimes laborious task of exercising.
On Sundays, my teammates and I meet up for a traditional long run. We meet at the same location and time every weekend, which has built into an enjoyable routine. There is an overwhelming sense of commitment to one another through punctuality and attendance. Not to mention it is far easier to get through a two-hour long run when you have others to chat with and endure the pain together!
There is a special bond that I have formed with my teammates, an unspoken connection between us that is seldom reproduced with others. Their presences adds a unique spark to any run and an extraordinary feeling of friendship and understanding. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and when to provide encouragement and constructive criticism. Moreover, we are always there for one another! I look forward to running with my friends and the stress relief it provides. From gossiping about our love interests to travel plans for our next competition, we keep the pace and conversation flowing.
Call up some local friends and start a running friend community, I’m sure you won’t regret it!