Don’t go it alone
Image by mikebaird via Flickr
The title of the cult classic film The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner resonates with a lot of people for a reason. Training hard and long can seem like a very solitary pursuit, something our friends and family often don’t understand. And a solo run to sweat out problems and frustrations can be incredibly beneficial for the mind and body. However, if you want to get faster, reach your running potential, and make some new friends – training with a group can be the way to do it.
It’s much harder to push yourself through the last reps of a speed workout or the final miles of a long run if no one is watching, but training with a group provides accountability. You’ll be more motivated to push your limits if you know others are watching and cheering you on. Meeting up with other runners can also get you out on the road when the weather is less than ideal. Last winter I trained with my running club on Thursday nights. Regardless of rain, shine, sleet, cold, or snow – we met in the park at 7pm. One night we completed a tempo run on one of the coldest and windiest nights of January – something I would have never done solo. But together we bonded over the ridiculous temperatures, got through the workout, and then celebrated with giant burritos afterward. And you know what? It was actually kind of fun!
Even if you’re not doing speed workouts or tempo runs, having the camraderie of other runners can be a great asset for your social life. Rather than indulging in an expensive restaurant dinner or one too many glasses of wine, how about meeting your friends for a Saturday morning jog? You could even make a contest of it – whoever can outsprint the others to the finish has to buy breakfast! Having a few running friends also gives you an outlet to discuss body glide, BQ times, and training shoes to your heart’s content. That’s something your family and non-running friends will surely appreciate if you’ve been talking their ears off about your running obsession.
If you’re thinking about joining a group, check out the Road Runners Club of America web site - there’s a whole page dedicated to finding a nearby club. Research a few different options before you commit. Some groups focus on raising money for charity or emphasize the social aspects of running, while the raison d’etre of others is to race and train competitively. Think about what you want to get out of the group and then attend a few runs/practices to help you find your best match. Some things to consider: Does the running club have paid coaches? Are there weekly workouts or just informal meet-ups? Does the group focus on specific races throughout the year? What are the social events like? Ask about the range of abilities within the group. You don’t want to run with people who will drop you in the first mile, but you don’t want to hold yourself back either.
This winter, the weather might be cold and dark, but at least the roads don’t have to be lonely. Happy running!
What do you think are the pros and cons of group running?
By Megan Kretz
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I have found this to be so true! I tend to do things by myself, and running was no exception for a long time. But since I’ve met a group to run with, running just seems like so much more fun. Even when I’m by myself, I’m motivated to train harder so I’ll run better when I’m with the group.
-Matt
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Matt, Megan Kretz. Megan Kretz said: do you run alone or with a group? http://trueslant.com/runningshorts/2009/11/18/benefits-of-running-clubs/ [...]
I love group runs. On the other blog I write for, my editor and I have started a running group with our readers, who are mainly lawyers. It’s a great way to make a real world connection with the people reading our stuff. But we promised them in advanced that all conversations during runs are off the record!
[...] recently read a fun article about running in groups, check it out if you’re [...]
Kashmir – I love Above the Law! I work in the industry, so it’s a great (and entertaining) resource. Also – I think that more people should have “running meetings”, so much healthier than sitting in a conference for hours!
-Megan
I have benefitted from both group and solitary running. Running in groups has really helped me on days when I needed the extra boost to get out the door, when I knew I could have easily had an excuse to skip it. It has also been a great way to meet people, develop friendships, and be challenged to make goals for myself. On the other hand, I need those solitary runs, with time and space to myself..to think…or NOT think…or have to talk. I like going at my own pace, enjoying the act of running, paying attention to my body…without every run being about competition or having to keep up with someone else.