Running Groups are Great …

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

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. . . even for Shy Runners. That’s me in the white vest towards the right above.

A Reason to Show Up
It’s much harder to bail on a run knowing that other runners are waiting for you. It also helps if you’re a runner who tends to procrastinate.

Someone to Share the Miles With
As the saying goes, misery loves company. Sometimes it’s about sharing the wins:

  • PRs
  • Overcoming injuries
  • A new distance
  • Maybe just some cute new kicks or running clothes!

It’s all too easy for runners to get in their head, but running with other people can help you forget about what’s bothering you.

A Little Push
Sometimes you end up running with someone who is a little faster than you are — as long as you’re careful and don’t run too fast for your body, a little push every now and again is a good thing.

Slowing Down
For the runner that always runs like a bat out of he!!, sometimes running with someone who runs slower is just what the doctor ordered.

Finding Your Tribe
Let’s face it, our non running friends, or SOs who don’t run, and probably the rest of our family can get a bit tired of hearing about our runs. Runners love to talk about running!

Final Thoughts
I started out as a solo runner, I ran with different groups for a lot of years, and for a variety of reasons I’ve been a solo runner the last couple of years. Like anything there are pros and cons to running solo and to running in a group.

I will say this though: I wish when I had started to run that I joined a group. It can be immensely helpful when you’re a new runner, although if you’re a slower runner, sometimes finding the right group takes a few tries. It’s worth it though!

Group runner?
Solo runner?
Both Group and Solo?

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Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

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34 thoughts on “Running Groups are Great …”

  1. You know what I think. I agree with all the benefits you mentioned.

    I started out with a group. After that I joined many different groups.

    In our area we are lucky to have a lot of opportunities to run with a group especially in the summer.

    I wonder if one day you’ll return to group running. Or not.

    But some runners like to be alone. And that’s perfectly fine.

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  2. Haha, yes, runners love to talk about running!
    I think that’s why I enjoy running in a group – it’s so good to listen to others and to chat about the thing you love most while doing the thing you love most!
    I don’t mind running alone, but I do prefer a group if I have the choice.

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  4. Sometimes I join a group runner but mainly I am a solo. I am retired so I have plenty of time; going solo means to choose the hour, the distance, the pace and the route that I prefer. Often I go to run in some city near my hometown to explore different places. The same happens for the races: I prefer to go solo or with a friend to have all the time to visit the city and to have lunch in some restaurant with local food.

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  5. I’ve never run with a group, but it sounds like it can be really beneficial! I agree it can be really helpful for new runners. For me, its just never really worked with my schedule.

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      3. This is true. It sure didn’t turn out how I envisioned it when I was a teenager. So far, it turned out good, probably far better than had it gone as I thought it would. So, who knows what the future will bring?

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  9. I’ve been a solo runner for most of my running life. Right before the pandemic started I decided I would look into joining a running group. That was put on hold of course but running groups started back a few months ago and I started going to one. I’ve only been a few times but like it so far.

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  10. I’ve run in a group but now am more of a solo runner. I remember it started when I hired a coach while training for the IL Marathon. Maybe in a couple of months I will start running with a group again.

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