#Run101: Find Your Wingwoman
Truth teller Beth Baker here!
Truth #1: I am an introvert.
Truth # 2: I use to think I could run on my own. (More truths to come....)
I trained for my first marathon solo and with the company of a walkman. It was fine. But, when I think of why I love running, it's the people who were with me. I think of my sister-in-law Rena, who came to run with me the last 6 miles of my first marathon in her sweater and Mary Jane shoes. I truly believe I finished that damn thing because of her.
If you think you can do it by yourself, I wish you the best. But wouldn’t it be easier, and more motivating to be in the company of another person to keep you honest and accountable? And it would be, well, more FUN right!??
- A. By Yourself.
- B. Run with a wing woman.
Truth #3: I pick B EVERY time.
Truth #4: We are pack runners and we need each other, especially for new runners who just need don't have the faith yet that running is the bomb.
Here is my arguments for a partner in run:
Exhibit A.
It raises your running vibration. When you have a partner, your commitment to running is elevated when you have someone blissfully by your side. Maybe you want to quit, whine, or cry, but you don't because that person is there. So you decide to buck up and go for it. Then eventually you are both running blissfully together.
Exhibit B.
Accountability. There is an unspoken rule about flaking on your running partner. It's rude, and you'll go to running jail.... You are there for each other. Make it happen.
Exhibit C.
Vacation racing. Whisking away for a girl’s weekend seems so much more justifiable when you tack on a race to it. Then there is the post run pampering that feels like you really earned it.
Exhibit D.
Solving life's problems. When your body is in motion, your body processes feelings and thoughts better than sitting on your duff and typing it on Facebook. Fresh air, a conversational pace, and a hot topic equals the best therapy out there.
Exhibit E.
Real, honest to goodness communication. When was the last time you talked to someone for 30 minutes without checking your phone? Was it while running? I rest my case.
Truth #5: If you put yourself out there, and get over yourself, like I did, I promise you will find your #wingwoman. Then you can run happily ever after.
MORE STORIES
Core Routine For Runners: The Dozen
I was introduced to the "The Dozen" in the winter of 2012 by my favorite Oregon running family. I love this set of core exercises for its efficient targeting of core muscle groups, and because no gym equipment is required! You can do this on a grass field, in your hotel room, or really anywhere you can lay on a flat surface.
Reflecting on the Year of the Underbird
This past August, we launched our Year of the Underbird program: an open application for aspiring Olympic Trials marathoners, with a promise to select 5 women for a 6 month contract encompassing a stipend, gear, storytelling, and community support. As we reach the end of our flight with our selected athletes, we invited each of them to share a few reflections on their past 6 months as teammates.
Black History Month: Celebrating Our Athletes
We are honored to support five exceptional Black women athletes challenging norms in the running industry: athletes, advocates, and powerful voices in the sport. We invited each of them to reflect on their journeys through sport: how their identity has affected their development, and how they hope to impact the rising generation of athletes. Hear from Madie Boreman, Kendra Coleman, Brenna Detra, Carmen Pelar Graves, and Ari Hendrix-Roach.