Tips to Finding the Right Running Buddy for You

Make New Friends

With all of the above in mind, realize that the title "best friend" doesn't mean "best" for everything. If you look to your friend to gab and gripe with, going on a run together isn't going to kill two birds with one stone.

But don't be bummed -- running can actually be a way to make new friends. Ask a coworker who regularly runs to join you for a jog or join a local running club through the Road Runners Club of America (visit rrca.org for more information) to meet a network of striders to keep you going. "You want to find a winning balance of inspiration, accountability, motivation, hard work, and hopefully some good laughs and memories to boot," Benadum says.

Don't have the right schedule for a group? Benadum suggests looking into one of these sites to find a partner:

"Getting feedback is great fuel for running even if you don't have a partner," Benadum says. "Posting runs on social sites like Daily Mile and even Facebook offers the opportunity to always get feedback from other runners."

Originally published on FitnessMagazine.com, June 2012.