It often helps to have a running partner with you. The idea that a runner is waiting for you so you can run together has gotten more than one runner out the door when they did not want to run. The pace is usually comfortable so that you can carry on a conversation while running. Running with more than one partner is good and can add to the enjoyment.
There are several problems in finding the right running partner. The most obvious problem is finding a running partner that runs the same pace that you do. I have seen two partners running down the road with one partner about 20 yards ahead of their friend. This seems to be true with a boyfriend and girlfriend combination. When one runner is faster than the other runner it is he or she who has to slow down. A slower runner is not in shape to run faster. If the faster runner wants to have some speed work then a separate training session is needed. The good part of the faster runner slowing down is that while the pace is slower, it is probably just a little faster for the slower runner. Over time the slower runner will get a faster pace.
One type of run that is nice to have company on is when the group is training for a marathon and the schedule calls for a long run. Long runs are more for endurance — being able to keep running for three hours or more and not necessarily for speed. I have been in groups of up to 10 runners for a long run. It usually breaks down into several smaller groups at various paces. I recall running the San Antonio Marathon where we started with a group of 15 runners. We ended up with the last five vowing to stay together the last six miles. At that point, the goal was to finish together. Every person in the group finished at different times, but the celebration at the end brings fond memories.
