I’ve really been dragging on my runs. I look forward to them, but when I get out there, the time goes by soooo slowly, I always end up bailing on long runs (making a 6-miler a 4-miler), and taking unnecessary strolling breaks. It’s been a bit frustrating because I really want to improve my endurance and speed, but I just… don’t… care… enough.
Today – it hit me. I don’t have a buddy!
I have always had a running buddy that I ran with at least once or twice a week. In Orlando, I did many of my runs with my buddy Megan. We lived three miles apart and would meet in between for workouts. We talked about everything under the sun, sang Lady Gaga tunes, and helped keep each other committed as we trained for our first marathon.
![[CIMG8075[3].jpg]](http://lh6.ggpht.com/_DOQrQIzggu8/SnuJ6aHJ7NI/AAAAAAAAMgE/-0Yz1abBIus/s1600/CIMG8075%5B3%5D.jpg)
When I moved to Charlotte, I made friends with Nicole, and since we lived down the street from each other, we ran together A LOT (which is why we are so close now!). I’d say we did two or three runs together a week. Truthfully, I ran more often with Nicole than I ran by myself.
Then… I moved. I’m only about seven miles from Nicole, but that’s far away enough that we don’t run together regularly anymore. Convenience is key when it comes to a running buddy.
I’d really like to find a friend near my new house to run with…. but I don’t really know anyone. My neighbors are nice, but no one has mentioned running except my neighbor with the triplets… and she just won a half marathon. I think she’s a little out of my league!
So – the question becomes. How do I pick up a random woman to run with? Yes, seriously. I run by so many women on my workouts, and we smile at each other or say hello, but it never goes further. I need to chat them up and somehow convert one to a running buddy.
Potential pick-up lines:
-
Hey, you run here often?
-
You make my heart rate soar like I’m sprinting.
-
Are your legs tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all workout!
Just kidding. That would be creepy.
No – really. How do I pick up a potential running buddy? Any tips?
Twitter
Operation Beautiful
Pinterest
Facebook
{ 92 comments… read them below or add one }
Is there a chapter of Moms Run This Town near you? http://momsrunthistown.com/
Maybe you could find a running buddy through them…just a thought.
And for the longer runs – give yourself a morning off and travel for your run. Meet a tried and true buddy at a different park or pathway and do your long run together, have coffee and then go home to Henry.
Have you heard of or joined http://www.charlottemommies.com/ ? I am in the triangle and recently join the one here and it is great!! They have discussion forums for everything.
Haha you should read the book we just read for our Chicago HLB book club: MWF Seeking BFF. She’s looking for new friends, but honestly the tips would probably work the same. Even consider looking online for things like meetup.com or looking for other Healthy Living Bloggers in your area who might happen to live close to you!
Maybe try meetup.com? They have tons of groups, and I’m sure one for running in your area! Then maybe you can find someone in that group to run with more often. My friend is a member of a running meetup in Ft Lauderdale and she love it
I moved from New Orleans to Maine and left behind a wonderful group of running buddies and it took me about a year to make new running buddies. What worked for me was whenever I met new people, I’d mention that I was a runner and looking for people to run with. (For some reason, running comes up pretty regularly in conversations I have anyway so it wasn’t especially awkward.) And now I have three girls I run with! It took a while but just realize you’re not the only person looking for a workout buddy.
Oh and if you see a lady running near you, ask if she’s running the next race you’re running. That’s a good opener. I had a neighbor who ran a few races with me and that’s how we met.
I would suggest joining a running group. I met my running buddy through the one in my town and we run together once a week before work and then again for our long run on the weekend. I honestly wouldn’t have done half of my long runs during half marathon training if it wasn’t for her!
I’d say the same — do a season with an organized program, and you’ll have a bunch of new buddies from that.
This is how I met ALL of my running buddies. I joined the local running group, met people who introduced me to other people, etc … and now I have a group of 7 people who regularly meet for runs. I can almost always call on one of them to join me. One of them even turned into a very best friend.
I happen to know the answer to this, because I was picked up by my running buddy on a run. She passed me, then I passed her, then she passed me, and she said “hey, we seem to be running about the same pace. Want to run together?” and I said “sure”, even though I was thinking “ugh, fine”. I’d never had success running with a friend before, so I preferred solo runs with my iPod. Now, I can.not.live without my running buddy. We’ve been running together for a year and a half and she’s become one of my closest friends. We started meeting just once a week on Tuesdays, now we run together as much as possible! Sometimes as much as 30-35 miles a week. You get to know someone really well when you spend that much time with them!
That is really awesome! Sometimes it just takes a little courage to approach someone and then one year later you’re so thankful that she came up to you! That’s a cool story
bahaha those pick-up lines made me lol!
I love this post and can’t wait to read advice from other people. I recently got a puppy and so now every time a woman my age comments on the dog while I’m taking him on a walk,I secretly say in my head, “Do you want to be my running buddy?” Don’t know how well that would go over…. Good luck!
I am so lucky my husband starting running with me! It really is the best part of running for me. Event hough there is no talking, it’s oddly bonding!
meetup?
sorry I mean… meetup.com
It wasn’t a proposition to meet up and run together, hah.
You are reading my mind!! Several times I’ve passed the same runner girl and we always wave and/or smile at one another or shout a “good morning” and I always think about how this girl could be a potential running buddy. I’ll definitely be checking out others tips!
I am going through this same issue!! I just moved to Denver and every time I pass a pairs of fun, nice looking young women running together, I’m a little jealous!
If the online/in person approaches don’t work, what about posting something at your pool if there is a notice board? You can put up info about how often you run, how far, speed, etc. and – fingers crossed – someone may see it and get in touch.
I definitely prefer solo runs but after a couple of weeks of not running, I think I need a buddy to get going myself! I also just moved so am starting to search for new friends and potential running/crossfit buddies.
Good luck!
This was what I was going to suggest. A poster at the gym or somewhere with your info like Danielle said, and maybe your preferred time to run (like when during the day) or something?
Otherwise there may be groups in the area you could join. My dad is in a Tri group and they run or bike or swim together at set times (sometimes it’s just a few of them due to other commitments and stuff), and he really loves it.
At first glance I thought your title was “Every body needs some Pot”…. haha. I think I need to have a nap.
Ps. Great Post!
Don’t worry, I read it that way too haha
I’ve been thinking the same thing. Ha!
I recently moved to the bay area and don’t know anyone.
There needs to be a website like healthylivingblogs.com but to find running buddies.
P.S
Thanks for making me feel less creepy.
I just moved out of the Bay Area… There are tons of runners!!! I worked at some gyms and we had posters up for running buddies. If you want more info feel free to contact me!
I think races are a great place to pick up running buddies. If I finish close to another woman, I will often ask about her training and if she wants to run together. This has worked out a few times for me!
Go to your local running group and find someone who might have a similar schedule as you (likes to run in the evenings/is a mommy to a young one)?? I also met one of my running buddies through our blogs. But most of the time I either go to the group run or just run on my own for convenience.
I love the comments in this! Thank you so much for asking. Definitely helps me out too.
Ooh I hear ya on this one! I’d love to have a running buddy to help push me, but unfortunately none of the runners I already know are keen on getting up to run at 5am like I do! I loved reading the comments on this post. Here in Canada, we have The Running Room and Runners Choice which have free group runs once or twice per week. If there’s something like this near you, perhaps you could attend one group run, then find your buddy there? You could also pull out a couple of these pickup lines: https://twitter.com/i/#!/search/realtime/%23runnerpickuplines
Well, first…if you live new Cotswold I’d love to run once a week or so! I’m coming back from an injury and it’s hard I be motivated!!!
Secondly, a while back I went to some running meetup groups. They have runs all over CLT…that might be a good way to find someone who runs the same pace?
I would absolutely suggest joining a running club. Right now I run with friends after work 2 days a week, but I’m thinking about joining a local running club that I’ve run with a couple of times just so I have some other options…
My running buddy lives 20 miles from me but we still meet once a week!!! Make it happen, call Nicole. 7 miles is nothing.
Facebook! Perhaps you will find a friend that is looking for one, too!
It’s funny how different people are – I cannot run with others.. I need to be alone!
Good luck on your search.
oh my gosh, i am writing a post about the EXACT SAME THING.
i just moved to seattle and have exactly zero friends (aside from my husband–and he doesn’t really count). i feel like such a weirdo when i “check out” the other runners in my area. so stressful! but i need to find someone quick… i’m going crazy!
I moved to Seattle not too long ago and have no running friends here (they’re a softball, dodgeball, and kickball group of friends). I’m looking for a running buddy since it’s starting to get dark by the time I get home from work. Contact me if you’d want to run.
I would LOVE to have a running buddy!! Definitely need some motivation. Plus, it would just be fun to meet someone new with a common interest
Love reading all of these comments!
Is there a running group in your area that you could join? Even if you don’t end up running with the group that often, you’ll probably meet other runners that way.
Thank you for this blog! We are relocating to Arizona from Texas (in 4 weeks) and I know I need a run group! I also want to find from mom friends too, but that’s a diffeent situation. Anyhow, I appreciate everyone’s tips. Thank you!
Here in Portland we have a running store called Foot Traffic that hosts weekly running “clinics”–basically just a group that runs together for free. I’ve always wanted to join up but every time I get serious about finally doing it, I get an injury.
But seriously, check out running stores!
Do you have a running room close by? They have weekly run groups!
wait. SEVEN MILES!? come on!!! if y’all are great running buddies, i say make it work! i live maybe 20 minutes from my running buddy. y’all can do it!!
being one car family makes it extra difficult.
that’s true…(and working around the baby’s schedule)
If you live in the suburbs …7 miles is far!! nothing is 7 miles away!
Do you have a local running store that you could put an ad in? They may also know of some local groups that you could try!
I’m interested to hear some of the responses you get on this because I’ve NEVER run with someone before – part because I don’t know anyone to run with (especially have moved and not really having any friends – wow that sounds sad) and part because I’m AFRAID to run with people (and not being able to keep up with them or slow them down if I’m having asthma issues. But, I’ve wondered about trying to find a local running club and then I’m at least being forced to mingle with other runners in my area, find someone who runs my pace and see if it turns into someone I can run with on non-run club days. And even if it doesn’t, then I at least have some running buddies on club days.
Can you post something on a bulletin board at your pool/gym or at your husbands office? If there is a running shoe store in your area they will often have local runs and offer clinics and running groups which are great places to meet like minded folks. Contact the local parks and rec. dept for running clubs that meet at the parks & trails in the city. I met a running buddy at a running clinic at my gym and we continued to run after the clinic was over. Maybe some of your contacts at girls on the run could get the word out that your looking for a buddy. The local schools may let you post a note on a board in the teachers lounge, maybe someone there may want a running buddy. Good luck, it’s hard. I moved last year and have missed having workout buddies and friends in general.
None of my pick up lines have worked and I don’t have a runny buddy, so I’m no help at all but please share your successes!
Have you checked out that meetup.com website? I’m dying for a running buddy outside of my training group runs. I run with a local running store in Miami and have met a lot of nice women. But everyone’s schedule seems too busy to have a run buddy. One also has triplets, the other works nights in the ER, the other is in a pace group wayyyyy ahead of me. Running with people is so much fun.. I am thankful for the fun runs that the store puts on. At least it’s something!
Which local running store in Miami? Would love to join!
I married my last running buddy… I don’t know if I’m looking for another one! She’s given me two boys who are wonderful, but can be a bit of interference to my fitness
Maybe super runner next door knows some less superhero people in the neighborhood. I’m in a running group but I’m the type to see people running and ask them to come run with me. LOL
I think you have an easy resource—other mommies. Mommies at the gym who want other workout buddies, people in running groups, etc.
I never really had running buddies, I was kind of a solo runner. But if there WAS someone within walking/running distance of my house I would definitely buddy up more.
Good luck!
I am right beside the HarrisY in Charlotte, if that’s close to where you are? I’d love a run buddy if convenient!
Clemsoncaroline@gmail.com
I just moved from DC to Milwaukee and have the same problem! I am hoping to meet someone at the gym, but so far no luck!
I live in Milwaukee (well, slightly north but work downtown) and have been looking for a running buddy for ages! I’m slow as molasses but if that’s not a total no go for you, feel free to consider emailing me or something. (I am fully aware that this sounds a little creepy but oh well
)
Join Badgerland Striders!
i second that badger land striders…!!
I’ve met both of my regular running buddies through the local track club pretty randomly. One posted to the group she was looking for a running buddy at xyz pace and in xyz area and it turns out we were practically neighbors…we’ve been friends for 3+ years now. The other I met this spring, we were both running late for the group run and I struck up a conversation while we were waiting for the crosswalk signal to change…turns out she was in my pace range as well and we now run together 1-2x per week!
I’m really impressed by that neighbor of yours who won a half! I would love to hear more about how she was able to do it all, would you be able to post about it?
Don’t give up on running -it’s like motherhood, one day, it gets easier (again)
I think the running club suggestion is a great one. They have one in my town, and I know I should join but I am a chicken! I rationalize it away by assuming they are all faster than me. I need to get over it! I think the club idea is so great because then you can meet people close to your speed easily and see what develops.
I say just go for it! You’ll never know unless you ask… “hey any interest in doing some running together?” What’s the worst thing that could happen? They could look at you weird, you’ll have a moment of embarassment, and then the awkward moment is over!
Good luck
Oh my God you are hilarious!!! I love the pick up lines! I’ve actually been going through the same thing. I really want to train for a marathon but I need a buddy system. I am going to try to look for some sort of team or fundraiser to run it with and then hopefully make friends that can become running buddies!
go to a running group!
Oh my, the wording in the latter half of the post absolutely cracks me up. I’ve often wondered the same thing, though. It would certainly be easier to not hit snooze if I had a running buddy to go with me. Side note: I tried using that logic with hubby cause I REALLY want a puppy, lol. No go
Yeah, I’d check and see if there is a running group near you at times that would work for you. Try meetup.com. Also, Runnerstrials met me through meetup by searching through profiles and locations and noticing I lived near her, so that might work if people show a location close to you in their profile.
I wondered this as well. Anyone on here from South Minneapolis and need a running buddy? (mose0155@gmail.com, if you want to meet up) I like the ideas on here of checking out the Running Room. I will have to do that.
The running room in Uptown on Wednesday night running group was where I met all my running buddies. It’s such a positive place, check it out!
I’ve actually made a bunch of friends through blogging. There’s a Chicago Running Blogger Web site and I’ve found a lot of kindred spirits there. I am thankful for blogging in this respect because it’s so incredibly difficult to make friends as an adult, especially without kids.
Great topic. Running with a buddy makes it so much more fun! Looking for a running buddy in Boston! Any takers?!
I’m not brand new to running, but I never get very far in my attempts. My speed and endurance are probably pretty low right now. But I just moved to Boston and would love to a) start trying to start running again and b) do so with a buddy maybe! If this sounds tolerable to you, send me an email!
Oh my email is cassandra.irwin@gmail.com
I live in boston and love to run.. Email me: danielleschneider12@gmail.com
Always looking for new running buddies
I might be up for it, too! rstullashby@gmail.com
I live in SW Charlotte (Steele Creek area) and would love a running buddy. If that’s not close to you, there are a couple of good meetup groups for running moms in Charlotte – http://www.meetup.com/Running-Moms-of-South-Charlotte/
http://www.meetup.com/Stroller-Strides-S-Charlotte/
Or, maybe you could organize a weekly run for your Charlotte readers (looks like a few people posted that they’d enjoy running together!)
Wah I’m in SE Charlotte
But I LOVE the idea of a Charlotte run!!!
That’s what I did! I made my first friend when we lived in Minnesota because we were running opposite directions around this lake and had passed each other once, so the second time around, I just said, “hey how many miles are you doing?” I figured she was doing a lot because she had a Fargo Marathon shirt on and that was the race I was training for. She said 9 and I was doing 11 so it was perfect! She showed me around the town I had just moved to and we have been good friends since!!
You laugh…but I picked up my running buddy just that way!
I saw her run by me every day. We were about the same pace. She always smiled and said “Good morning!” I began to think about her every run.
One morning, I gathered my courage, penned a quick note that went like this:
Hi there!
I don’t know your story but you are beautiful! And I’m proud of you for running!
P.S. Not hitting on you.
Leah Drichel
Phone #
Email
On our first pass, she said hello and I said, “I have a note for you!” and handed it off to her as we passed. Somewhat awkward. I was nervous on my way back to see her!
She stopped on the 2nd pass and said, “That is so awesome! Your note made my day! I’m Sarah! I’ll e-mail you!”
We had coffee for 1/2 hour the following week (after a couple intro emails) and geeked out about running and learned we were both running the same half marathon.
We have been inseparable ever since! I even talked her into becoming a triathlete with me.
I love that!!! good for you
Haha please share the best pick-up advice you receive! I’m in need of a running buddy too and my husband keeps telling me to ask one of the girls in our apartment complex… I roll my eyes and tell him I can’t just walk up to her and say “will you be my running buddy?!” Imagine how awkward it would be getting the mail if she rejected the offer [totally kidding... but not really] ;P
I want to use a running pick-up line so much! What a hilarious idea!
I’ve found all my running buddies so far through work (we all trained for our first half marathon together!) which has made it nice! But due to injuries (on their part) I’ve been doing a majority of my runs (and swims and bikes) alone! Way more fun with friends!
Hey, I just ran past you
And this is crazy
Here’s my race number
So call me maybe
haha best comment ever!
You win.
I moved to Northern Virgina last year from the Twin Cities, Minnesota and left behind a great group of galloway style runners that I miss terribly. I’ve joined running groups here in NOVA, but get left behind because of running intervals (it’s the only way I can run with my asthma) and the Galloway group here charges an obscene amount of money to be a part of their group. As I’ll be getting back into running this winter postpartum, I’m nervous about the hunt for running partners again! So, anyone who reads this, likes to run Galloway style, and do it slowly in the DC/Northern Virginia area, let me know. =)
Just go with “Hey babe, wanna get sweaty together for a couple of hard sessions a week?”
You want to make sure you pick someone with a sense of humour!
Those pick up lines cracked me up
I third/fourth/whatever the meetup.com suggestion! I joined a running club in my town when I first moved here and have met a ton of great people to run with.
Ccheck out local running stores, too. Almost every running store in the Boston metro area has a group run at some point, so even if that run isn’t great for you, you will meet folks that run your pace and may live closeby and could be your running buddy.
One more! Check the Road Runners Club of America for a runnign club near you: http://www.rrca.org/find-a-running-club/ Some of the clubs are super competetive, but some are more casual – and most of them have members at varying levels, so you may not want to joing the club or run with the club all the time, but you might find your running buddy through their network or message boards!
bahaha… those pick-up lines are hysterical. and creepy. but seriously- it is hard to make women friends in adulthood!
I miss running with you pal!
I’m in Huntersville and run in Dilworth area about 1x a week. If you ever want to meet up I’d love to!! I have a big group of girls I run with daily and it took me 9 years to find them but its the best thing to happen to me. Good luck!
Website idea – someone needs to start a running buddy site! one where peple can meet up with other runners.. like match.com but for runners haha – i would do it but i am not good with computers (hangs head in shame considering im in my upper 20s ha) I think this is very common that most people are intimidated to ask but I’m sure most people want one
If you figure out a noncreepy way to make this work, I’d definitely be interested because I always run solo and I would LOVE a running buddy! Preferably one who is not going to smoke me since I run sloowwwww
{ 1 trackback }