Running with someone

Retireby40

As a friend you should want to help to some degree. Not because your life doesnt matter but she is your friend after all and good friends are hard to come by.

Couple of solutions.

You run 4 times a week. Could you make the intensity of 3 of your runs harder (hot sessions) and treat your running day with her as like a "cold" session where you are literally just doing like an active recovery. Therefore you dont compromise on your own goals and you help your friend out. Tell her you arent able to do it say 3 days a week as you have specific goals but you can go with her 1 day a week. As a personal trainer you will understand that your presence may give her that extra boost and help her maintain it and after all. For a friend its little compromise.

On the other hand if you are completely against the idea you could "invent" some kind of event you are going to take part in. For example a marathon, a tough mudder something that would be way above her level but wouldnt seem unrealistic for yours. You can explain that you only have 3 running sessions a week and each has to be super intense or quick, or longer which wouldnt be suitable for your friend. Say that one day if you are going to have a slow or active recovery day youl let her know.

I know your time is your own but for all you know she just needs that bit of encouragement and sees you as someone she wants to look like or be as fit as. A positive influence.

Adly812

Thank you for your advice. All really great.
tbh I am very up for a walk, strength training anything with my friend. But just not running. The runs I like to go on, are uphill fast pace, nothing comparable to her likes.  And I just like to leave in the morning without a time schedule/ need to meet at a certain spot etc, just totally hassle free and an opportunity to vent. 

So I’m thinking I’ll just be straight up and say how much I’m sorry, but I’m up for anything else bar running together as we are just not a match for that😂

I’m certain she’s more than one friend that could be more similar in running style and pace .