It was about five weeks into lockdown that Lewis and I had finally fallen into step. Maybe it’s because, at 30, I’m far more focussed on staying healthy than worrying what Lewis might think if I’m a little sweaty or out of breath. The truth is, I don’t think he ever cared.

My goal is to get stronger, and he supports that without judging where I’m at now. This time around, I was willing to swallow my pride and say, “Hey, I’m not particularly fast at, or even keen on, long-distance running, but I’ll do my best.” Since I let go of my ego, I’ve learned that couples running doesn’t have to be competitive or humiliating. It can be about solidarity and having someone there to moan to when you feel achy or are stuck in your own head.

My husband is the reason I roll out of bed and lace up my trainers at 6am. Without him, I might not even set the alarm. With his help, I’ve also steadily improved my pace. I can now manage a 30-minute jog every couple of days and feel much better physically and mentally for it.

So, before you start running together, here are the pros and cons to consider.

Couple running: the pros and cons of running with your partner