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Do you have a runner in your life? Do you have friends that want to support you but are not sure where to start? Here’s a quick article you can read or send to someone as a hint! (Ahem, my awesome boyfriend… if you’re reading this then hint hint hint haha)

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Be understanding of that sometimes a runner would rather head home for an early night so they can wake up early for a morning run.

Be understanding of the fact that I may be hangry and I may say things that I do not mean.

Live with one? Get some coffee brewing or if you’re feeling generous, some food ready for when they get home.

Sometimes we just need to rant or rave about a run – even when you have nothing to contribute, it means a lot if you’re just there listening :) Especially post race! There’s just so much to process so having someone listen to us go on about our PRs, the splits, what went wrong, etc is awesome!

Text messages can be amazing! I’ve broken down on a long run before and just sat down and cried. Having my friends text me during that moment to motivate me was amazing. When my friends tell me they’re going on a run, I make sure to send a “have fun!” text too.

Massages. Massages, massages, massages!

Gift cards to running stores because do you really know how many pairs of shoes runners go through? I loved receiving gift cards for running stores since that meant my shoes wouldn’t be full price!

If you bike, offering to bike alongside me on my long runs = you’re the best person everrrrrrr. I had a friend do this once and carried my water for me and it was one of my favourite/best runs EVER.

Up for waking up early? Make a cute race sign for their race! I was over the moon when I heard my friend screaming my name in the last 300m of my half marathon. I wanted to give up but knowing that they were there got me to suck it up and finish strong.

Bring an extra sweater with you if you’re at a race watching your friend: Never under estimate how cold runners can get post race (at least here in Toronto!) I always have the foil wrap, a sweater, sweatpants, and a jacket and I’m still shivering!

Did I mention massages?

Are you at a destination race? Scope out potential restaurants! I’m always so focused on the race, I always forget to plan out where we would eat afterwards (or before). I’m much rather someone do the planning so I can spend every waking hour on obsessing over my race!

Record everything! Training takes a LOT of work and race photographers aren’t always able to get a good shot. Going at different points of the race to snap some pictures or videos for a runner to show your support is amazing! Great memories were recorded for me when my friends got some pics of me at a race because I was mid sneeze in the photo the race got of me!

In addition, here’s some ways my blogging/running friends suggest to support your fellow runner:

The biggest way my hubby supports me is by watching the kids for me while I do my Saturday long runs. He also never complains about the mess in the house or how many of his sports socks disappear into my drawers – Janice via Fitness Cheerleader

Embrace their “crazy” just let them go do their thing. Don’t question. – Deborah via Confessions of a Mother Runner

I support my runner wife by doing the running laundry and helping pace her in tough workouts and races. – Marc via Train with Marc



Pay for a race entry fee – make their day – Diatta via Femme Fitale Fitclub

By cheering your runner on during their race. Nothing is better than seeing a loved ones face when you are struggling. – Toni via Running Loving Living

My hubby will take time off from work to come and support me at a race. Also watching the toddler so I can train and race – Gina via Mirror Watching

My husband & kids come to every single one of my races. They like to make signs or meet me at the end with a rose. Just having them there at the end means a lot! – Amber via Nutri Fit Mama

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So do you have any tips to help support the runner in your life?

<3 Carmy

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