Running Buddy

I ran a marathon once. People think this is such a big deal…and if you run marathons, I guess maybe it is a big deal. Because they are long, hard, and require great amounts of effort. The best piece of advice someone once gave me when training for the marathon was to find a running buddy. Because a running buddy will do for you what training schedules and new shoes can’t do: keep you honest. You may wake up and tell your training schedule that you are tired, but your running buddy won’t be as forgiving.

Over the years, I have had numerous “running buddies” in different situations. There have been graduate classes I would not have survived without the opportunity to grumble with a fellow student. As a mother of two young children, I needed “adult” time with another mom to preserve my sanity. When I was a classroom teacher, I co-taught. This means, two teachers together, in one classroom, ALL DAY LONG. For those of you who sit in a cubicle and ease-drop overhear every single detail of your co-workers life, you will know what I refer to: the good, the bad, and the UGLY. And if you are really a glutton for punishment, being married will elicit the same results.

Having another person to communicate with causes you to check yourself, process your thoughts, and listen to your gut. When we are in the presence of another, it can help us to think about what we say, how we act, and the attitudes we have. When we allow ourselves to be isolated, we sometimes forget how to balance who we are with who we should be. The isolated individual disconnects from opportunities to refine his character. So next time you are wondering why you are so snarky, lace up and call your running buddy!