COMMUNITY JOURNALISM: Running tip

Editor's note: Erin Moeller, 34, of Mount Vernon, is a lifelong runner who qualified for the last two Olympic Marathon Trials. A native of Ryan, she's a graduate of North-Linn and Wartburg who works for Benchmark Inc. in Cedar Rapids. She has two children - Ryne (7) and Evelyn (3) - with husband Andy.

Sometimes it's nice to hit the roads solo to enjoy the beauty around you, let your mind wander, and allow yourself some much needed “alone time.”

However, when I'm facing a particularly challenging workout, about to tackle a long run, or the weather is hot, cold, windy, you name it, I find having a running partner almost always makes the run more enjoyable.

If you ever see two or more people running together, they're typically smiling, maybe laughing, chatting away, and generally appear to be having a good time. Selecting the right running partner:

l Makes the miles go by faster. I'll often find my running partner and I are in the middle of a conversation and the miles have just flown by while we're chatting away.

l Holds you accountable. Those days when I'm just not “feeling it,” knowing that someone is counting on me to meet for a run always gets me out the door and on my way.

l Makes things safer. Having someone who knows where you are or is able to assist in the event something would happen along the route provides a sense of security for everyone involved.

l Might make you faster. Having someone by your side willing to push the pace a little and offer encouragement is a great step toward improved fitness and faster running times.

l Allows time for good conversation and deep thinking. I've found that when you get a group of runners together on a run, the topic of conversation can get pretty interesting - from retelling funny stories to discussing politics, personal situations and more. Being on the road for a long run offers the time to go from solving the world's problems to simply offering support and guidance to a fellow runner-friend. Having a trusted running partner is a mate to treasure.

l Means more FUN. As the saying goes, “the more the merrier.” Who doesn't enjoy getting together with a number of friends with a similar interest? The opportunity to go on a run with a group like this can be a social event in motion. Whether the heat index is higher than 100 or the wind chill is 30 below, it's always a little more bearable and a lot more fun when you're in good company.

This weekend looks like it's going to be terrific. Call, text, tweet - or whatever you do - and grab one of your favorite running pals and head out for a run together.

I bet you'll be glad you did, and I hope you have fun along the way.