Running partner?

Question

Several months ago I started running on occasion with a neighbor. Since I have specific goals and am more motivated and push harder, I end up going out alone sometimes. My neighbor saw me out running alone one day and was very standoffish for several weeks. I decided to overlook the behavior, and she has been acting okay just in the past few days. Today, I ran alone again, and she seems hurt and upset. I know she is going through a tough depression, and I try to include her in my runs as my work schedule allows (she never initiates the runs). I'm about to give up trying to include her because the situation is draining me. Seriously, what would you do differently? I am curious to know what others (particularly those who are in similar situations) might do in this situation. Thanks. I now feel like a culprit whenever I go out to run alone!

Answer 1

Just run on your own. She obviously does not have the motivation you do to stick to it. She really can't expect you to not run if she doesn't. You not alone. Sometimes people don't want to do something and feel better if their partner does not want to do it too. Might even be some jealousy there too. We all get it. And maybe if she ever finds that motivation she will be back. Just make sure to offer to run but you don't need to go everyday and see if she wants to run.

Good Luck

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Answer 2

Perhaps if you were to work with her, some of your motivation might rub off on her.

I think I would just tell her that a couple of days a week you'd like to work out on your own. On the other days, maybe make one or two easy days and run with her. Other days, perhaps you two could go to a track where you could each work on speed issues , and you wouldn't feel as pressured to be working out at her level.

Answer 3

Talk to her about it.

Tell her about your concerns, how you need to work out more than she does, and how you are willing to work out schedules as often as possible.

If she understands, great. If she doesn't, her loss. It's not like the two of you are married. She has to know that if you have different goals, you might not be a good match as a running partner.