I was a longtime solo runner and started running with a friend about 8 years ago. She’s a bit faster than me so it made me a faster runner. For a few years, we would run in the dark early morning hours, so it’s great for both motivation and safety. I would not have gotten out of bed at 5:30 in the winter nearly as often if I didn’t know someone was waiting for me.

Cons: sometimes we run out of stuff to talk about and I find myself saying really dumb things to fill the silence that I wouldn’t have said otherwise. Also, we are so totally running friends that it’s almost awkward to see her any other time of day or in other social situations. It’s like we don’t quite know how to interact unless we’re next to each other running.

Safety in numbers. Time with a friend. What's not to like?

I have been running alone for a few years but a friend has been asking me to go with her. We are around the same pace and live near each other. We also prefer to go at the same time of day. But what if she likes it and I don't? Or she is faster than me? Or I am faster? Or she wants to keep going and I don't? What if she wants to talk? Can I listen to music?

What are pros/cons of a running mate?