Running with a Partner

I love running because it is my time to be alone. It is my "therapy" time. I had a running partner a few years ago when we were training for a relay race, but she moved across the country. What would the benefits be to have a running partner or a group?
Commitment. I've been guilty a few weekends of not getting out of bed for my long run. The only person I am hurting or disappointing is myself. If I had a running partner meeting me somewhere I wouldn't let that person down. (and I wouldn't be late)
Motivation. Having someone with similar interests helping you during those tough spots is a definite benefit. Can you imagine you are at mile 6 of an 11 mile run and you say I've had it. (happened last week to me, I was alone and QUIT, so embarrassing) Your partner would help you finish.
Improving your speeds/distance. Finding a partner with a bit more experience than you can help you improve your performance. Finding a running group in your area is a great way to meet people of all different levels of running fitness and experience.
Safety. Running by yourself can be a safety concern especially if you are running when it is dark out. I used to run in college by myself sometimes at night. I look back at this and think, "What was I thinking??". I was in a bad area of town and was a young woman. I chalk it up to growing up in a rural area where the only things watching you on your run are the cows. Today, I won't run at night by myself though it is one of my favorite times to run. A partner would solve that problem.
There are online running communities such as www.findrunningpartners.com or www.runningonline.com if you are having difficulty finding a running partner.

Motivation on Vacation

This week I'm on a much needed vacation but it falls in the middle of training for my next half-marathon. So how do you keep motivated?

Some basic things you can do to keep on track are:

-Make a schedule prior to going on vacation(keep it realistic)
-Map routes for running (you might want to drive it so you don't get stuck 1/2 way)
-Pick hotels with work out facilities
-Search for gyms or pools before the vacation
-Keep things simple (you don't want to over exert yourself, this is VACATION)
-Be flexible (I can't stress this enough)

Because you are on vacation the running route will be new and should be motivating in itself. Checking out the sites on my morning run is the best part of the run. You might even go a little farther because you are watching the waves (in my case)!