Running With A Partner Feels Easier. Science Explains

July 9, 2026

Runners generally perform better with a partner because company shifts attention away from discomfort and raises perceived ease, but the fitness gains themselves still come from your training; solo runners can train the same skill by practicing effort-based pacing and scheduling quality sessions alone.

Studies and practical advice recommend treating holding pace solo as a learnable skill—use RPE (effort) over the watch, break workouts into smaller segments, and deliberately schedule solo hard sessions to build mental tolerance. Running with others adds accountability, safety, and pacing benefits, while solo runs offer flexibility, freedom, and necessary practice for internal pacing—mix both depending on goals and context. Marathon Handbook