Craig Winrow: the former athlete turned coach is a huge advocate of training with a partner
MARK SHEARMAN
MO FARAH and Galen Rupp are fierce competitors when they have a number on their chest. But in training they are great partners. It sounds counter-intuitive, for you would think it is risky training with a rival. What we know as psychologists, however, is that the right people working together can bring out the best in each other, spurring each other on to better and better results.
The benefits of a training partner can be extensive. Studies have suggested that just the presence of an audience or being in competition with other athletes when training can improve performance. The improvements could come from trying to match your partner on effort or outcome, wanting to impress your partner, copying better technique from them or from simply being really inspired by them. So how can you pick someone who will help, and not hinder you?