Things that motivate me:

A training partner for at least a few workouts each week is invaluable! Personally, when I know I have a running date or a cycling date with someone, I remind myself to train on the other days to keep up. By working out with a partner, you can benefit in a number of ways. You can also chose to run with a mentor, someone who is better than you, who could coach you to be a better athlete yourself.

The difference between running by yourself and running with a partner can be HUGELY beneficial. When you have a partner, you are more likely to run longer, faster and have more fun. Running buddies can turn a recreational weekend warrior into a competitive runner. They make you accountable to yourself. My own running has improved by having a partner. I love to run, but when left to my own speed, I tend to be a 9 minute miler, however, when I run with other people, it’s much faster than that.

Socially and emotionally, running partners are a gift! It gives you a chance to work out your problems with a like minded person. You can give each other a boost when you’re down about something. You can cheer them on for interval training- or make you run faster to keep up. If you get bored when out running, then it’s time to find a running partner.

Don’t have a running partner? Here are some places to look: your local gym, seeMommyRun program, Team in Training, Baby Boot Camp, Stroller Strides, church, school, work, anywhere! I make an effort to be friendly with people whom I know are interested in the same things as me. When someone passes me on a run, I make an effort to talk to them when I see them at school. It will be up to YOU to find a running partner.

Recently, at my spin class, there was a new woman who started coming to my regular class whom I did not know- but who obviously had cycling experience- and I asked her after class about it. Guess what? She is a World Class Ex-Pro Mountain Bike Racer, Penny Davidson Lundgren, and a mother of 2 kids and now we have regular rides outside together! I am so lucky, cause all I did was ask!

Get out there and find a running partner, cycling partner, gym rat, somebody who will help you improve on your fitness goals. Tell them your goals often so they can help you stay focused on the PRIZE.