How to counter runner spamming when moving second?

[MrUseless]

My problem seems to be that I just can't keep up. I think I end up behind because I spend my first turn putting out runners so I have decent vision of the map. Then my opponent kills my runners, and I'm behind. If I choose to build soldiers or buffed runners, instead of killing his runners, I usually either lose points to my base, a higher value unit like a sniper, or a wit space, depending on the map.

I'm thinking that when playing second I should forego vision for soldiers or buffed runners, then build vision in later turns....