For a while, we were running alone… and not socializing.
Now it seems than more and more runners are racing and running with other runners.
Please do not take anything I say below personal.
It’s just my opinion. We all interact with others differently. And than includes virtually.
Here are a few suggestions on How to Be a Better Running Friend:
1. Give a Smile, Hug or High Five.
Sounds so simple.
It is especially welcomed when you haven’t seen a friend in a while.
Or you are passing them on a run.
Or before or after a race.
Yes, I forget sometimes because I am thinking about myself… my problems, my run…
2. Be flexible.
Obviously, you can’t always be. Some of us work full-time and others have childcare needs…
But try to coordinate runs to meet each other’s schedules. IOW, sometimes you have to run at a time that you do not prefer.
I work until 4 pm but sometimes I have to wait until a friend gets out of work or get up early and run before work (which is hard for me).
And when running with a friend, if they ask for company, you may have to be flexible on how you run… Intervals, run slower, etc.
I’m sure Jenny slowed down for me…
It’s easy for me to change to anyone’s pace. (I’m pretty loosey goosey)
Of course if you seriously training for a PR, you may only want to run with a slower friend occasionally.
3. Listen (and don’t always offer advice)
Another no brainer but we often tend to talk about ourselves… our injuries, our pace, our last race. (or is it just me?)
IOW, ask your friend after a run how it went. Ask them if they raced recently and how they did. If you know that they are not running due to an injury, ask they how they are feeling…
I ran, she walked but we celebrated together after
Even if you a a certified coach, not everyone wants advice and to hear everything you know on the subject.
Of course, if they ask, you should offer advice. If you’ve had a similar injury, if they ask, you can tell them what you did and if it worked.
4. Communicate and Be Dependable
You can choose whatever method method works for you – text, FB, phone call.
Call a friend to plan a meet-up or see what’s new with them.
Ask what races, they are planning to sign up for. Share the races that you may be doing (so they can decide whether or not to join you.)
Obviously, respond promptly to calls, texts or invitations. And if you have to skip a run or meet-up, always offer a reason. (Friends will understand.)
By being dependable, I mean if you say you are going run or race, show up or contact someone to tell them that you are unable (Things happen.) And be punctual.
brrr … glad Karen didn’t keep me waiting…
5. Provide Support.
This may be the most important.
There are so many ways to support your friends. All of the above are examples.
Also, go to a race that you are not running and cheer your friend on. Or if you are running the race and you finish first, stay and cheer at the finish line.
You bet I was screaming “Go Judy!”
Try not to complain about your pace and say that you are “slow” or a “BOTP” runner. We are all aware that pace is so individual. So many variables play a part… How long have you been running? How old are you? Are you recovering from an injury? Have you been training for longer races? Etc.
Enough said.
and that includes my virtual friends
Happy Running? Any other tips? What is the most important to you when it comes to being a good running friend? Please share.
It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!
So Join in!
And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.
My First 5K and More... 
What a thoughtful post! I love this! These are also applicable just in life in general.
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Yes. That’s what I thought too.
It’s good advice for all relationships
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Just acknowledging people & smiling at them when you run — so many people never even look at you.
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I find most do but sometimes you have to be the one to wave and shout nice job first.
But they may be in their own world like we are sometimes.
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These are great tips. I have a few friends who make plans to meet or to go to a race and always flake. I’m cool with changing plans and being flexible but you have to be reliable. I also love cheering friends on. I’d add offer to pace or run with a beginner runner in a race if they’re up for it!
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I love that one. I have offered to help someone in the last few miles.
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You definitely meet your qualifications as a good running friend! I’ve googled but can’t figure out “BTOP.”
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BOTP = Back of the pack.
You meet the qualifications too. Glad we met.
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Oh, I’m excited that I made your “running friends” post! i almost always run alone, and I know I’m missing out on a lot. I always think one of these days I’ll get involved in a running community. Of course we have our race together coming up in February (I’m still talking it up and hoping more people will join us!). Great post.
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Please do. Maybe Cari will do it.
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Yes yes on the people it introduced us too. I think support and flexibility are key. But also, have fun. Don’t stress. Enjoy the time with your friends and forget about the watch
Not exactly on friends note — but I also think outside of racing we should be beter about acknowledging other runners. Life’s too short not to smile or wave and if you lose .01 off a training run, well BFD
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Agree totally. And you are a great running friend.
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right back at you!
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And non running friend.
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Such amazing tips. Being a good running friend is so important and this is a great way to do it.
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It really is… at least for me. I know there are some who prefer to do it solo and have different running goals than I do.
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I think often when people tell about their injuries or problems, they just want to say it out loud or get it off of their chest.
I know I’ve said things out loud that have been on my mind for a while and suddenly I know the answer or realize how foolish the thought was.
As a man and as a dad I try to hold back when someone tells me their troubles. Sometimes kids or fiends just need someone to say things out loud to and don’t need or want my advice or solution.
When I first starting holding back with new runners I felt like I was being coy. Like I was holding onto some truth or wisdom that I should be telling these new runners about. But I was not going to give up my knowledge so easily.
What I have found is that if I say less, the ones who really have questions will ask.
My greatest wisdom is being a good listener and not anything I can say.
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Great words. Thanks
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