Why running makes you closer friends

If you run with a best friend, you certainly know how the sport has made you much closer. From the long-run chats to the tough-love approach on a bailing bud, running is the recipe for a tight bond. Plenty of runners have a story of how training has led to life-long friendship. Here’s why:

1. Your runs are too long for small talk

Sure, you agree to start running with someone you don’t know very well. The mileage you’re jamming in together though doesn’t make for small talk. If you run together, the too-polite conversation lasts until about the fourth or fifth kilometer and then you’re swapping stories on family, dating, embarrassing moments and frustrations from the week.

2. Increased endorphins make opening up easier

Even if you’re a cards-close-to-the-chest kind of person, as the endorphins get flowing, you loosen up. Whatever is on your mind comes out. After the 20-minute warm-up, the tight-lipped runner starts a conversation with “I have to tell you something,” and a friendship is made.

3. Your post-run rituals become sacred

It wouldn’t be a good run without the post-workout ritual. A quick coffee to warm up on a winter Sunday morning becomes precious. Neither of you would dare change it.

4. Running friends get really comfortable really fast

Running friends have seen it all. You change sweaty gear in front of each other, you pee in forests together and you’ve seen each other’s unfortunate spitting episodes. With running friends, there’s no judgement.

5. Runners’ highs get associated with their pal

That feeling that you get mid- and post-run is incredible. You can give credit to exercise for that happy feeling but since you’re always in high spirits around each other, the relationship stays a positive one.

6. You see each other at your worst

Somehow there’s a myth that runners look attractive while out on their route. The rosy-cheeked, windswept-haired runner doesn’t exist. The blotchy-faced, sweat-drenched one does. Your running friend looks like an ogre when she’s running. You like her anyway. That’s real friendship.

7. Encouraging your buddy is not optional

Everyone has bad days and team mates or club members are there to inspire. Everyone takes their turn being the supportive pal.

8. Running turns into travel

You start by picking your fitness up so you can run a 10K. That turns into signing up for a local race. After that, you find yourselves planning a road trip to a bigger race or you decide to plan a running vacation.

9. No one else will nerd out about running with you

Your other friends are disgusted when you explain that you found a smoothie recipe that doesn’t make you have to poop on your route. Running partners are fascinated. This is why you’re friends.

10. Your running friends hold you accountable

You’re other friends are impressed when you tell them you ran 5K. Your running friends call you out on being lazy.

11. Female running friend= extra closet of gear to steal

Yes your friend sweats all over that gear. But it’s a cute top so you’re going to borrow it anyway.

12. You have someone to share indulgences with afterwards

It’s always fun to go out for beer, pizza or poutine with the regular crowd. But when you do it with the person you just ran 20K with, both of you can revel in having put in the work for the day and consume the junk food guilt-free (nearly).