Quite a while ago, I put out a post requesting responses to how runner’s felt about running with their significant other. I was curious to see what type of responses I’d get after reading Runner’s World’s Can Love and Running Coexist?

Personally, 9 out of 10 times, HQ and I will be run together, but every once in awhile we’ll split up. I’m a good amount slower runner than he is, so he has to slow down the pace significantly to run with me. Although that’s not usually a problem, sometimes it’ll drive me crazy that he’ll sprint ahead to pass someone/something (without realizing what he’s doing). We ran our last 5k together at the same pace until he sprinted off at the end. I think for our next race, at the end of September, I’ll vote for us running separately so we can both try and get the best time we can. Sometimes I think it’s easier to push myself to a higher pace when by myself, although I’m not sure why–HQ is capable of any speed I will run at.

I’ve always found it funny that in the Runner’s World story, it discusses how females are usually the ones who want to talk and chat during the run–but we’re the opposite. HQ will always be observing everything and talking (mostly because my speed is a conversational pace for him, while it’s not for me). For the most part, I like to keep quiet anyway.

Here’s some of what you guys had to say on the topic to various questions I asked:

Do you run with your significant other? Why or why not?

“My husband and I often run at different times because that is what our schedules allow.  When we are free at the same time we like to run on the treadmill next to each other.  This allows us to go different paces and still be together.  We have run two road races together and we are looking forward to more.  We start the race together and then follow our individual paces.” –Susan of Simply Modern Dance

“We do not train together for the most part. We have a 5 year old, so one of us has to be home unless we hire a sitter for our runs. Since we prefer to go out first thing in the morning, child care is a little tough to come by, so we coordinate our runs separately. However, we do sign up for most of the same races. We haven’t had any issues organizing at-race care for our son so far, and he loves to watch and do the fun runs when available.” — Jennifer of Runs With Pugs

“I no longer run with my husband. I felt like I was holding him back with his running. He has a much faster pace then i do. I always worry that I hold him back when we do run together. We both like to listen to music when we run but he prefers running inside on a track or treadmill and I prefer outside. we also have difference in WHEN we like to run. He likes early mornings and I prefer late night. Because we dont run together anymore, we have found that actually working out, either to a DVD program or following a program that I built for us is just as romantic as a date with dinner and a movie.” –Danielle of SAD Fitness

Do you worry (if you’re at different paces) about slowing down the other person or if you’re faster leaving the other person behind?

“Only some of the time.  We can do short runs around the neighborhood together with our daughter in the jogging stroller and our son on his bike, but he’s still too little to keep up with us for more than a mile or so.  It’s easier for us to run separately and take turns hanging out with the kids.  As for races, if we’re running for time, we run separately as I’m just a bit faster than he is (for now) – I’d love to be able to run an entire race with him though, maybe when we do one of the Disney ones for fun!” –Kristin, A Mom on The Run

Do you find that you and your significant other want to do different things while running, ie one of you wants to talk, the other would rather listen to music, think, etc.?

“Yes!!  I like to put in my ear buds and zone out, listening to music or podcasts.  He does when he’s alone, but likes to chat if we’re together.  I’m not coordinated enough to run, chat, and breathe all at once!” –Kristin

Anything else to add on the subject?

“My husband has been running for a few years and I am new to the sport.  I have always danced and find the transition challenging. I wasn’t sure what to expect from running together, but it has been better than I could have imagined.  We share the joy of reaching our personal goals and cheering each other on.  It has given us something new to talk about.  Not to mention, racing has give us a new shared experience and we have made new friends through running together.” –Susan

“I love that we have something so amazing that we share, especially something that’s healthy and has an ever-changing goal. It keeps things fresh and exciting.” –Jennifer

Do you run with your significant other?