The Role of Partners - Part 1 November 23, 2005
Posted by Amber D. Evans in : Reflections, Blacksburg VA , add a commentSupport, competition, and cooperation make for good partners in training and in life. It isn't always so easy, though …
I am without my regular training partner (and sister), Sam. She's back home with her visiting boyfriend while I'm out on an extended visit in Virginia visiting my man. It's strange to go days without seeing her. I've become so accustomed to 5 AM cell calls or texts asking me when I'm going to show up to take her butt to the gym. She's the one who puts up with my morning grumpiness and always tells me what a great job I've done once it's all over. She never complains (that's my role) and is always ready to do more or try harder.
Funny thing is, she's much faster and better at sports than I am, but in training she often lets me "win" at the last minute, just so I won't get discouraged. I always find that so interesting, especially since I don't mind either way; it's Diana and Sam that are the competive ones. I'm just really competitive and hard on myself. Besides, I'm the smart one.
>;P Just Kidding.
So what role or function do we as training partners play? See, I work in the field of training. We have models for everything. (Literally, everything.) There have been so many times that I've been out running in the rain or freezing cold and I'm thinking of Keller's ARCS Motivation model and I'm saying, "Gee, I could really use some relevance right now. Someone please remind me why am I doing this?"
Just because my schedule says I should run turns out to be a "not so good enough reason."
But, does my training partner provide Motivation? Resoundly, "Yes."
She reminds me that running contributed to losing 30 lbs. That running builds strong hamstrings (to counteract my overdeveloped quads). That running can be taken easier, pushed harder, or done anywhere, on nearly any terrain. (I like variety.) She reminds me that "we'll only run for 20 minutes," (Ha, ha!) Then she reminds me that if I run for an hour and a half, I can consume more calories than if I hadn't gone running. She reminds me that I always feel better afterwards. She reminds me that I "look hot" in my new form-fitting running gear. She reminds me that it's important to constantly improve oneself. Most importantly, she reminds me that everytime I go running, I re-inspire my mother, other sister, and even herself to keep with their own goals and weight issues. She doesn't let me down; I'd hate to let her (or any of my dear family members) down. And so, we go Running. Biking. Swimming. Dancing.
Together.