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Key Takeaways
- Group running offers camaraderie, friendships, and accountability, while solo running allows for quiet time and personal exploration.
- The author transitioned from solo to group running, finding joy in training with others and ultimately coaching.
- Safety is an important consideration; running in a group can provide a sense of security for women.
- Both group and solo running have their benefits; the right choice depends on personal preference and circumstances.
- Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for your training and lifestyle.
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I ran by myself for years before I started training with a group. I don’t know if I was shy, intimidated, or a combination of both, but I honestly could not bring myself to join a free running group meet-up to save my life. At the time, I told myself I liked controlling the schedule rather than having to plan my day around the meetup time.
Looking back, I think I was in pure denial. I was a “real runner,” whether I defined the term based on my pace, endurance level, or the fact I didn’t have running clothes that were actually running clothes for far too long.
Related Post: If you need advice for staying safe while running alone, check out this post with advice on solo runs.
Key Topics Included in this Post
Is Running in a Group Better?
The truth is, I originally started running with a group when I signed up for my first marathon. I still fought the commitment to the group by running with them inconsistently however I eventually found myself not only in the habit of group training but I became a pacer for Chicago Endurance Sports. This summer I started coaching for the program and I am so excited to bring my energy and love for marathons to a bigger group in our run/walk program.
Since then, the only time I’ve trained for a race on my own was the summer I trained for a “Pandemic DIY Marathon.” I was so inspired watching a friend run her DIY Grandma’s Marathon in 2020 I decided to run my own “DIY New York City Marathon.”
I don’t think there is a right way to run. It just a matter of preference. It’s all about understanding what works for you and your training plan.
This post outlines what I’ve learned from both experiences.
Why I Love Group Runs
The Comradery
I love the intensity of knowing we’re all in this together. When the miles feel tough and I am struggling, it’s nice to know this is hard for all of us. I used to joke about the fact you’ll never forget who you trained for your first marathon with. I went through some intense miles with the women in my first pace group.
The Friendships
This is one of my favorite parts! I have met so many incredible friends in the last ten years through group runs. It’s made me appreciate the beauty of meeting people outside of my normal social circles. It’s been fun to plan so many girls trips for running vacations over the years! As they say in run club, “In da clurb, we all fam.”
The Celebrations
In the last seven years I’ve paced summer marathon training every summer and my goal is to give my group a memorable experience. I love getting to celebrate runners in my group for new PRs, such as tackling a new running distance. Sometimes it’s something as simple as high-fiving passing runners or wishing an oncoming group a good morning. And sometimes we go for brunch after for mimosas and Diet Cokes.
The Schedule
Having a run on my calendar is a great reason to show up for myself and be accountable. When I know I am ready to show up and see my friends, it makes it a little easier.
The Safety Aspect
I wish I didn’t have to share this one, but honestly, there is a brutal truth that as a women running alone is not as easy as it looks. Running in a group definitely helps create a sense of safety.
Related Post: Here is a post with smart ways to save on running vacations!
Reasons to Run Solo
The Schedule
I will admit showing up for a specific running time can be a challenge. Finding the motivation to get myself out of bed early and on time is difficult at times, especially when the weather’s cooler and I can postpone to a later option. Or sometimes I get completely wrapped up in my anxiety and want to get ahead of my timeline so I want to get my run done earlier.
The Quiet Time
Sometimes it’s nice to have the reflection time to be in my thoughts and sort through my emotions or thoughts.
Quality Listening Material
Audio books are a wonderful way to get lost in to process. And I’ve found myself to be more of a podcast runner than a music runner, but I do dabble in both. Songs are short and overstimulating. Podcasts are segments that I can absorb for longer distances. When I was training alone in 2020, I spent my time either listening to Run the Jewels (for speed work) or podcasts. There is something about the pacing of season 1 of Serial or Season 2 of In the Dark that I lost myself for miles.
Running Different Routes
My solo time is for running routes I’ve yet to explore. One of my favorite parts of my pandemic marathon training was running exciting new routes. I’d plan my routes (usually around finding fabulous murals) the night before. I ran the entire lakefront path!
Ultimately I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer here. Based on your current situation, as long as you’re spending time on your feet and getting the miles in, you’re doing great.
For my list of audio book favorites, check them out here on Audible.
Related Post: If you’re looking for tips as a busy runner to maximize your time, I’ve got you with tips to maximize your time while marathon training.
Do You Prefer Group Runs or Solo Runs?
Are you a group runner through and through or a solo runner all the way? Let me know in the comments, I would love to know where everyone’s alliance is!
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