Do you always run alone? Or can you not imagine running without the support of your running group? Most runners are pretty squarely in one camp or another, so this month on the Just Run series, we’re taking a look at the pros and cons of running in a group and running solo, to see why sometimes one choice might be better than the other.
Want to catch up on our past Just Run topics? Here’s what we’ve covered this year:
Tips for Beginner Runners
Instagram Tips & Tricks for Runners
5 Things I Couldn’t Run Without
And if you want more from us, you can check out our Run It series here, and our Workouts for Runners here.
I am definitely a solo runner. Whenever I want to run, I just get ready, and head out the door. Here’s why running solo works for me:
Running is my alone time
Going for a run is my chance to be alone, to not talk, to have some time to just be alone with my thoughts for a while. I think that’s why I rarely run with music – I just prefer to not have any distraction, to enjoy time to myself. Once I had kids, it became even more essential for me to have a solo outlet where I could just empty my mind and have that short stretch of me-time.
Solo running helps me find my pace
I can easily settle into a comfortable pace on a solo long run, without over-thinking, is this too fast? Can I maintain this? What pace am I running, anyway? I prefer to just settle into what feels right and check my pace later, when I get home. Whenever I’ve run with a group, or with a friend I haven’t run with before, I get a little worried about whether I’ll be able to keep up with the pace, or be the one holding them back.
Running solo is the best way to get my training done
If I’m training seriously for an event, running solo is the only way I can seriously get my workouts done. My workouts are specific, even down to the pace I want to maintain for each section of a long run, and that kind of pacing is easier to maintain on your own. And if I’m doing repeats, or intervals, I need to focus hard on keeping my speed.
My competitiveness is with myself
I think a lot of runners have this similar quality – we are competitive people, but we tend to compete with our own times, our own PR’s, and our own goals. Yes, toward the end of a race I might try to kick it past women who look like they’re in my age group, but even that is more of a mental tactic for me to distract myself, since I’m never seriously in the running to place in my age group. When I run, I like to know my goal based on what I can do, and what I’ve done before, and I find that easier to focus on when I run by myself.
Despite all those great reasons for running alone, I have run with others, both with friends and with formal running groups. And even though now I’m not tempted to seek out a group to run with, I can tell you it has been really helpful in the past for me to run with a group. Here’s why:
Running with a group helped me learn new workouts
Years ago I ran with the NYRR running group in Central Park. Two evenings a week I’d head out with a big group that would split into 3 levels of ability and do various workouts of the night. From running with those coaches, I learned how you could pick up or hold off on pace in longer repeats. I learned different techniques for running uphill and how to downhill run and enjoy the speed without injuring yourself.
Group running can make me push myself more
When I worked at Equinox Fitness in NYC, I would often head out running with a friend, or a group of trainers if we all found ourselves with a break at the same time. Usually we would just do an out-and-back along the Hudson River, but occasionally we would head out and do some speed workouts. And yes, I know I just said I was competitive with myself, but when you’re with a bunch of your coworkers and your whole job is based on being fit and strong, well… yes, ego sneaks in and you feel like you have to prove yourself a little. 🙂
Running with friends is super bonding time
Years ago my sister-in-law shared a great parenting tip with me. Whenever she wanted to have a personal, or potentially embarrassing talk with one of her sons, she would wait until the two of them were in the car alone, and sitting next to each other. She explained to me that there’s something about talking without having to make eye contact that seems to make people open up a little more. This was cemented for me when I found that I bonded quickly with my dear friend Jenny when we started running together. We had some pretty intensely personal conversations pretty early on in our friendship…when we were out running, side by side. Anytime I’ve ever run with a friend, we end up feeling comfortable enough to be really honest and open with each other. Try it out, see if it works for you.
Me with my super running buddy Jenny 🙂
Running in a group can improve your confidence
I recently took part in Run Rise Retreat, a women’s running retreat that was taking place in my village of Woodstock, Vermont. The last morning, we went out on a trail run to the summit of Mt. Peg. As we were heading up the mountain, I was thinking, ‘I am running with some super speedy women right now. They are going to think I’m such a slowpoke.’ Three of my companions that morning were Sarah, Laura, and Sandra, and if you’ve read their blogs you know they are fast runners. As we worked our way up the trails, I found myself in the lead for the last push to the top. I had been training hills a lot, for the Road to the Pogue, and for Covered Bridges Half Marathon, and also because this is where I live, and hills and mountains are just part of the terrain, so I figured I’d push it a bit to the top. When we reached the summit, I turned around and Laura, who was behind me, said, “Carly…you’re a beast on hills!” The confidence boost that gave me was massive, to the point that a week later as I ran the CBHM, one of my mantras in a tough part of the race for me was ‘Strong, determined, beast.’ 🙂
Whether your preference is running alone, or running in a group, it never hurts to try out a different style and see what you get out of it. Now – let’s find out what the other Just Run coaches and bloggers think:
ANGELA – HAPPY FIT MAMA
NELLIE – BROOKLYN ACTIVE MAMA
ALLIE – VITA TRAIN FOR LIFE
LAURA – THIS RUNNER’S RECIPES
I of course agree with ALL of these points but especially about not looking at someone having the ability for you to confess everything 🙂 I always had the most open and honest conversations with friends on a run for that very reason! And thanks for the tip about the car with my boys. I know those uncomfortable conversations are right around the corner!!
allie recently posted…Running With A Group vs Running Solo