How to deal with common running buddy problems

Running with someone else can make the kilometres go by faster, can help you push yourself further and harder than you otherwise might have and can double as social time. While most of us are currently running solo thanks to the pandemic, we’re all looking forward to the day when we can reconnect with our running buddies again. Of course, running with another person isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Check out these common running buddy issues and what to do about them.

RELATED: Running alone vs. running with a group: why you should do both.

They constantly show up late

If lateness is a constant problem with your partner, there are a few things you can do. First, make a plan to do something shortly after your run, and let your partner know that you need to start right at the agreed-upon time so as not to be late. Another option is to come to an agreement that whoever is there first will wait for a certain amount of time (no more than five or 10 minutes), and if the other hasn’t shown up, they can go ahead and start. Finally, if lateness is always a problem, ask your running buddy if a different start time would work better for them. As long as the time works for both of you, changing it might solve the issue.

They’re flaky

If your running buddy is constantly bailing on you, the best thing you can do is try to find out why. Maybe the time you usually try to meet doesn’t work well for them, maybe they’re not enjoying your runs for some reason, or perhaps they just want to run solo. Whatever the reason is, you can’t come up with a solution if you don’t know what the problem is.

They run too fast or too slow

If your running buddy is constantly leaving you in their dust, try starting a conversation with them while you’re running and make them do most of the talking — that should get them to slow down a bit. Of course, there is also nothing wrong with simply asking them to slow down, either. Alternatively, you could choose to do something other than a regular mileage run, like a track workout, hill repeats or stairs, where you can do the workout together at the same time but don’t need to be right together.

If they’re running too slowly, the only thing you can do is slow down and match their pace. If you agreed to go for a run with this person, then we’re sorry, but this time you simply have to suck it up. Save your legs for a fast solo run the next day.

They have a bad attitude

The point of having a running buddy is to have someone to help motivate and encourage you to get out the door and run. If your buddy is constantly complaining about having to run when they show up to meet you, do your best to counter their negative attitude with a positive one. If they continue to show up with a poor outlook, this may be the time to cut your running buddy loose.

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