Jogging Buddy Review

LIKE Facebook, but for runners to find other runners. Great idea, right? Although I'm used to training on my own and have no real desire to socialise whilst thrashing myself, I set about the task of finding a training partner from my neighbourhood for the purpose of this article. I made a profile with a picture and included my normal running distances and times but mentioned I'd be happy to run at a slower or faster pace with individuals or groups of either sex to maximise the chances of finding someone.

The site had a tidy little list that gave me basic details of other Jogging Buddy members in my area with information such as their distance from my house and how far they would like to run. I proceeded to do the equivalent of poking and friend requesting in an attempt to broaden my network. I was pleased to be immediately accepted by a friendly chap of the same running calibre.

Although he didn't want to go for a run, he very helpfully told me about a local low-key running club. My progress in finding a jogging buddy then began to decline. The boys and girls who had befriended me, with whom I was trying to make innocent running-related chit chat, all seemed to be angling towards dating rather than training so I changed my profile to make it clear that I am happily married. Since then I haven't received a single buddy request or message.

Conclusion? If you're looking for active lovers of opposite or same sex, join Jogging Buddy. If you're not, still join as I think it's a great resource for free useful runners information with a great mapping tool, and the services can only improve as more and more folks join up.

JoggingBuddy.com

Phil McDougall is a former Royal Marines Commando and international level ski racer with more than 15 years experience as a top level triathlete. He is now professional sports performance specialist and a remedial massage therapist.