Running Buddies.
I have a group of people I run with, sometimes.
I say sometimes, since they are a minute or more faster per mile than I. But during the short distances, I’ve developed the ability to run faster, and finally keep up with them. I do much of my training alone, as few run that slow. But there are wonderful times when I do run with friends, listening to their banter, their plans. And if I can breathe well enough, I respond back.
I am continually amazed when I run with someone faster, and then I check my watch: I’ve run a sub 11 pace for at least a short portion of time. I do believe it was the running buddy who pulled me along, helping me run faster than I have in recent ages.
Who are YOUR ‘running/graduate school’ buddies?
When in training, you don’t always want to run fast. Long runs are slow–there is great benefit of a long slow run–for body and for your mind. Some short runs are run fast, faster than you’d normally run in a race. Both help the runner. Both help the runner develop different aspects of their running ability.
What are the topics of discussion with your buddies?
Much like in my graduate program, I “ran” with my graduate school buddies. I discussed all matter of things graduate school: interacting with faculty, discussing our current thoughts on subject matter topics and research methods. I attended lunch sessions with faculty and had lunch with learning colleagues. They helped pull me along in my thinking. They posed questions. They challenged my thinking and helped me see another point of view. They let me ponder and invited me to return with questions and comments.
Spending time alone, thinking, reflecting is valuable.
Spending time with buddies discussing is valuable.
How are you challenging your graduate school buddies?
How are you challenging your self when alone?
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on Monday, September 15th, 2008 at 7:33 am and is filed under Becoming Doctoral, Doctoral Advising.
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September 16th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I’ve found that identifying buddies for workout purposes is an
excellent way to stay motivated and “on course” with your workout
routine. Looking ahead to a run or workout with like-minded individuals
makes the time more enjoyable, for starters. Additionally, it helps hold you accountable because you don’t want to disappoint the person(s) you have agreed to meet. I find that I don’t particularly care for the gentle “ribbing” I receive if I don’t show up for a workout session to which I’ve committed.
Taking the “buddy system” a step further, I have found that when buddies
commit to training toward a common goal (such as a race or weight loss
goal), you can help motivate and improve each other’s performance.
Furthermore, the friendship and camaraderie that I have received from
meeting more workout buddies has made for a fulfilling experience.
From a variety of fronts, workout buddies certainly help ensure
motivation.