Advice
Team Spirit
30 October, 2011
Looking for a buddy to train with? Searching for a comrade to join your racing team? If you’re desperately seeking a team mate, here’s how to ensure you find the right one
Whether you’re looking for a training partner, an adventure racing buddy or a mountain marathon pal, your team mate will be your first source of assistance, drive and support – so choose wisely! Not only could your running comrade keep you moving when the going gets tough, but a training partner may also motivate you to work out regularly and push you to run even harder. However, fail to choose your running partner smartly and you could discover that both your running ability and racing enjoyment suffer as a result. So, the question is how do you find the perfect running buddy? Read on to discover what to look for in an ideal running chum…
Laughing matters
Making light of hard work is important when it comes to intense training or racing. “Run with someone who has a good sense of humour,” recommends Salomon’s trail running athlete, Tom Owens. “When you are logging big miles and spending heaps of time training with the same person it’s essential that the chat and banter is enjoyable and light-hearted. It’s got to be fun.” So, sharing a joke or two will help you get through the long training runs, tough sessions and, of course, the pain!
Group together
Why settle for just one training buddy? Research suggests group training could be key to success. Among such research is a study from the University of Oxford’s Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, which found that the pain threshold of 12 rowers was greater when training with a group than when training individually. “It’s best not to rely on one training partner,” adds Tom. “He might get injured or become ill, plus he may even skip sessions. In a group there will always be different people feeling sprightly and training hard.” In short, find a group of training buddies and running is more likely to seem interesting.
Be skilful
When it comes to navigation sports, from taking part in a local trail race to competing in a mountain marathon, it’s essential to be part of a team that can multi-task. “If you’re a strong navigator, you need to choose a person that is a stronger runner than you to be your team mate,” explains Three Peak Yacht Race record-holder, Christopher Sellens. “Do this and the better runner will be able to drag you around the race while you direct from the back.” So, don’t forget to analyse your own strengths and weakness before choosing your pal.
Aim for the top
If you’re feeling a bit flat on the running front and want to turn your speed up a notch, choose a training partner who is slightly quicker than you. “I’d aim to do my key session with those who are at least as quick as or quicker than me,” agrees Tom. “Ideally, your partner should also be as ambitious and as motivated as you are too.” Locate this perfect comrade and you will be able to help each other finish important sessions, avoid slacking in training and reap the rewards in a race.
Commit to the cause
Your ideal running friend should not only have a similar level of motivation as you, but the same running goals as well. Do not put up with a no-show Sean or a whinging Wendy. If you have to listen to your buddy complain about how hard training is, find another partner who won’t drain all of your positive energy. “Training is a big commitment,” agrees Tom. “It’s essential that your training partner is reliable because, when training time is limited, there’s nothing worse than having to wait for a late arrival or someone who takes a lifetime to get changed!” You have been warned.
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