Need some extra motivation with the fast approaching winter? Call a friend or ten, create a plan, and run! It is as simple as that.

Runners Feed’s 5 Tips for Creating Your Own Training Group 

1) Find people with SIMILAR GOALS

It is important for you to be as ambitious as your training partners and visa versa.

2) Find people who are LIKE-MINDED

You may be spending upwards of 10-15 hours a week with these folks. While a healthy debate helps pass the time, you don’t want to spend your runs discussing topics you could care less about.

3) Find people who are RELIABLE

If you have to be at work at 8am sharp, you will want training partners that are on time.

4) Find people who run at the SAME PACE…or FASTER

There is nothing wrong with running a bit slower on a recovery or easy day, but assuming the goal is to steadily improve, it is not a great idea to run with people who will slow you down.

5) Find people who LIVE CLOSE TO YOU

Time is of the essence for most people. Chances are you will be less likely to get up for a 30 minute run if you have to drive upwards of 30 minutes to meet your training partners.

About the Author:

Brandon Laan is a runner, coach, and entrepreneur.  He spent his undergraduate days at The University of Western Ontario where he captained the Cross Country Team before fleeing to Hawaii Pacific University for graduate school. He is a Level II Certified USATF coach and holds personal bests of 1:06 and 2:21 in the Half Marathon and Marathon respectively. He also enjoys running to eat, not eating to run…and always will.

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