I would highly suggest experimenting with partners! A partner can introduce you to new techniques, help get you in the mood, prevent boredom and keep you occupied. It has been debated that it might stimulate more areas of the brain and make you smarter, a partner can provide you with better settings and locality to accomplish your task, provide musical exchange of lyrics and chit chat, motivation, and just make the time fly. Running is often thought of as a solo sport (Did you think I was talking about something else?), but you're missing out if you always hit the roads by yourself. You might be surprised at how your running improves and the knowledge you acquire.
With the year 2011 now on us and keeping tradition, I would like to take a look back and thank my running partners, 'Thank You'. I would also like to share their wisdom, knowledge, and expertise on how to properly train and run a race. I have been fortunate to prepare physically and run with 4 VERY talented 'in the know' athletes.
Rob's Technique
In the event you are sidelined with a stitch many runners carry toilet paper or at least know the whereabouts of a toilet. However, if you don't want to weight yourself down with such frivolous assets, remove your t-shirt, locate a grove and commence wiping. Never wear anything new.
Jamie's Wisdom
Many runners incorporate some form of speed work into their training. Speed work doesn't need to be done on a track and can be initiated on all types of terrains. Runners should alternate between fast segments and slow jogs. In fact, a runner could remove excess clothing when overheated, toss into the ditch, begin a jog and immediately progress to fartleks when a male passerby decides pink is his favorite color too.
Noelle's Expertise
Before a long run it's important to eat and drink properly, carb-loading is a strategy to increase the amount of fuel (gas) stored in your muscles to improve athletic performance. Carbohydrates give you the energy to complete an endurance event with less fatigue. Some runners will benefit from a diet high in soluble fiber just prior to a long training run. This will allow you enough 'GAS' to truly propel you to the finish line.
Heidi's Knowledge
Runners often need to know how far a running route is for training purposes. Some of us can guess the distance of a route based on our typical pace and the time it took to run the course. If for some reason you are mathematically challenged, (ahh, me!) locate the nearest field plot and run 1 mile to the south, 1 mile to the west, 1 mile to the north, and finish with 1 mile to the east. Repeat 1, 2, or 5 times and establish aid stations on opposing corners.
"Of all the attitudes we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing" - Zig Ziglar
