There's something magical about the shared pursuit of a common goal. Running, while often a solo endeavor, takes on a whole new dimension when you have a buddy by your side, especially on race day. The camaraderie, motivation, and shared triumphs takes the race day experience to a new level. MTRC Co-Founders Genny and Kayla have run many races solo and many races with a buddy, and they always go back to how special running a race is with someone else. In this blog post, we'll explore a few of the main reasons why we love running a race with a buddy (and 100% recommend you find a race day buddy - maybe through your local Middle Trail run club! 👫🤝).
Motivation Multiplied
Running solo can sometimes feel like a solitary battle - as the race progresses, it becomes a mental minefield of intrusive, nagging thoughts: “I didn’t train enough, so this one is going to hurt”, “My legs are getting tired, and it’s only mile 3”, or “There’s no way I’m going to make it to the finish line”. Here’s where a running buddy can be a true game-changer and transform a tough race day experience into an enjoyable shared adventure to the finish. Whether you’re engaging in a distraction-filled chat or simply enjoying the comforting presence of their stride next to yours, the mutual encouragement, friendly competition, and shared commitment makes the journey so much better! When the path gets tough, knowing that you're not alone can provide the extra push needed to conquer those challenging miles. Hearing “You are ready to dominate this race”, “You are strong and are going to crush these miles ahead”, or “We are going to get to the finish line together” from your running BFF is often exactly what you need to hear to accomplish your race day goals.
MTRC Runners kept each other motivated during a very soggy 13.1 mile trail race!
Buddy Boost: Elevate Your Training!
Knowing that you are running a race with a buddy helps make training for that race way more fun! Suddenly, those training miles aren’t just numbers on a path or treadmill - they’re shared stories, inside jokes and maybe a friendly competition or two. Whether you're chasing personal bests or just running to get out there, having a buddy makes the training grind much more enjoyable. 🏃♂️🏃♀️ If you are looking to find your training buddy, come join our weekly Middle Trail run clubs in Boston and Buffalo!
The Accountability Factor
Hitting the snooze button before your Saturday long run, skipping a challenging speed session, or deciding not to participate in a race because you just aren’t feeling ready to run - been there, done that. One of the best ways to stay accountable is to run with a friend! Picture this: someone eagerly waiting for you to lace up those running shoes and tackle the miles, workout or race on deck! With your race buddy counting on you, there’s no room for excuses during training or on race day. You are a dynamic duo striding together towards the finish! 💪 When training with your running BFF, you might even wake up ahead of your Saturday alarm because you are THAT excited to get out there and run!
Shared Triumphs on Race Day
When you cross the finish line, the sense of accomplishment is certainly sweet, but it becomes even more meaningful when you can celebrate with a friend who has faced the same challenges and conquered them alongside you. Shared success builds an unbreakable bond – the kind that leaves you with high-fives, laughter, and memories that make the whole journey unforgettable! 🎉🏅👯♂️ Trust us, that post-race beer will taste so much better when you get to cheers with your running BFF!
MTRC Runners celebrating and rocking their medals after running 13.1 miles!
Take it from Co-Founders Genny and Kayla - running a race with a buddy is truly the best! Running with a friend provides motivation, camaraderie, and shared triumphs. Pushing each other during training, crossing the finish line together, and sharing the sense of accomplishment makes the entire experience unforgettable. So, lace up those running shoes, find a like-minded friend, and embark on the adventure of running races together – because miles are always better when they're shared.
