Monday, April 15, 2013

Having an Accountabilibuddy

Left to right: Me and Jenny, Erica and Julia 

Maybe it's because I started this whole exercise thing later in my life.  Maybe it's because when I finally DID start working out, I joined a small group workout.  All I know is that I much prefer to exercise with a friend or two.  I'm sure that many people are so busy that they're trying to squeeze in workouts whenever they can, and don't give two hoots about having someone to sweat alongside with, but I am lucky in that I have the luxury of getting to plan and choose my workouts without time constraints (of course, weather is a completely different story), and I choose to do most of them when my workout accountabilibuddies* are available.

I think accountabilibuddy is the perfect term for my workout friends.  Having someone who is willing to meet me at a set time to run has been a huge factor in my successful transformation from couch-sitter to someone who actually works out on a regular basis.  I can't ignore the alarm and go back to sleep when I know Erica is coming over to run, or I'm meeting Jenny at the park.  Last summer, when my running club had hill workouts scheduled at 5:30 am on Tuesdays, I was shocked to see how many people actually showed up - but then again, knowing that others are going to be there, and are waiting for you, helps me to keep my commitment, and obviously others felt the same way.

The other awesome thing about having a steady workout partner is falling right into conversation with them, even if I only see them once a week.  We practically pick up right where we left off.  It feels very easy to talk openly with someone when you are running side-by-side, and I can't tell you how many times we've not only solved our problems, but the world's as well.  Plus, there's the whole "suffering together" thing that unites you so well...and also the satisfaction of getting through a run together.  I know for a fact there are many of my runs that wouldn't have happened, had it not been for my accountabilibuddies.

Now, I've had some workout partners come and go - sometimes, things just don't mesh either schedule-wise, or goal-wise, and that's OK...the key of having an accoutabilibuddy for me is one of mutual support.  And if I can't do for them what they are doing for me, then it's OK to move on. 

While I have several accountabilibuddies in real life, I also think of you, my readers, as my accountabilibuddies.  Knowing that I'll be reporting in here has kept me going some days when I'd really rather revert to my old couch-sitting self.  If you are struggling with getting your workouts in, maybe finding an accountabilibuddy might help - I highly recommend it!

*thanks to South Park for coining this term.

18 comments:

  1. I want an accountabilibuddy but I want you: is that possible?

    In real life it's hard because in my personal circle of friends and family I'm about the only one who's active, that leaves no options to find a buddy.
    And I am one of those people who squeezes in workouts early in the morning and to make appointments with someone to workout doesn't work for me. I want to be "free" when it comes to that.

    However, it's funny that during one of my walks with Bella this weekend, the thought crossed my mind if looking for a racing buddy would be an option. I don't like to go to events on my own and R. hasn't always time to come with me. Maybe I need to find a racing buddy?

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    1. I wish it were possible, Fran!

      And you brought up something I forgot to mention - race day buddies. I love knowing that come race day, I'm going to meet up with either Julia or Jenny (Jeff is usually along, of course). Jenny and I did all those 5Ks together the first year we were running and I know it helped to calm my nerves. It would be great if you could find someone like that!

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  2. LOVE THIS as I have a ACCOUNTABILIBUDDY for everything in my life from fitness to writing to marriage :-)

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  3. I've always pretty much been a lone exerciser. A long time ago when I lived in Texas and was trying to lose weight, I had a really good friend, and we would meet at night to walk. I loved it. LIke you said, its easy to talk when you're walking together.

    I probably have more friends now, but they aren't interested in exercising. My BFF just recently started working out--that would be perfect! Except that she lives in a different state!

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    1. I actually wasn't friends with any of the women I listed until I started running - I met them through exercise, and we connected enough to branch out together. Maybe there's someone in your neck of the woods who is looking for a walking buddy?

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  4. I exercise on my own, but I agree: blogging comes with built-in accountabilibuddies. (I'm so un-hip. I'd never seen this term before.)

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    1. Well, having had kids who watched South Park has made me aware of all SORTS of terms, lol!

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  5. I love that term Shelley! While I don't work out with a buddy, my new mantra is "getting my money's worth" at the gym and pushing myself harder than just going through the motions. I have another spin app today!!

    Happy Monday!

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    1. Getting your money's worth is a great motivator and I love that you do that!

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  6. Great post!!! glad to be back!

    Jennifer

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  7. You are so right! It is so nice to have other like-minded people cheering you on and motivating you through the good times and the bad! Sometimes I'll be making unreasonable excuses and my sister will call me out on it. (yes there was one time I didn't want to go to yoga because I just got highlights)

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    1. ...because your hair was looking fabulous and you didn't want to sweat it all up! I totally get that. ;)

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  8. I usually exercise alone, but a exercise buddy would be welcome. The only thing I worry about is holding them back.

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  9. Accountabilibuddy is my new favorite word. :)

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  10. Amen!!! My accountabilibuddy is a blogger friend who lives 1000 miles from me, BUT, she keeps me moving. We email or text every day! Wish we lived closer!!

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  11. What a great idea. I do prefer exercising by myself, but I can certainly understand better now why having someone else to be accountable to has value.

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