Running Solo vs Running in a Group
Lately I’ve been having to spend a lot of my time running alone rather than running in a group. I miss the carefree days before I had kids when I used to run with a group 2-3 times a week but lately scheduling has necessitated mostly running alone. This is also true because I am still somewhat new to the area and haven’t yet found many friends to run with. There are positives to both running solo and running in a group. Which do you prefer?
Running Solo
- Run your pace. When you run alone it is easy to focus on running your own pace instead of getting caught up in running faster or slower than you had planned. This is especially important if you are training for a race and trying to run a prescribed workout.
- Focus on your form. When you run by yourself you can really think about your running form without the distraction of others around.
- Focus on your breathing. Another great thing to focus on when you are running solo is your breathing.
- Complete your workout as prescribed. This can be harder to do in a group when everyone runs different paces.
- Enjoy time alone.
- Schedule your run when it is convenient for you. Group running times are not always convenient. When you run by yourself you can run whenever the time is suitable for you.
- Think Time. When you run by yourself this can be a great time to focus on your own thoughts
Running in a Group
- Challenge each other. In our area there are group track night runs as well as meet-ups to mountain run, as well as regular Saturday runs. Doing these workouts with a group rather than by yourself can be highly motivating and will make you a stronger runner.
- Don’t worry about your pace. This is true when you are out for group fun runs when the focus is not on the pace but rather on running and enjoying.
- Explore new places. It is safer to explore new running routes when you are with a group.
- Motivate each other to go farther, faster, and to achieve new goals.
- Pick up your pace. Running with others is a good way to challenge your pace and when doing workouts together you can push each other to achieve new paces.
- Build your community and be social. Group runs are a great way to meet new members of the running community and to make new friends.
- Accountability. If you run in a group you are accountable for showing up and for participating with the plan for the run for the day.
Which do you prefer? Running Alone or Running in a Group?
12 responses
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I almost always run alone or with my husband and I love it. But I also loved it when I regularly ran with my running club once or twice a week. I think both are great.
Debbie recently posted…A Better Payday! 3 Ingredient Medjool Date Nutty Caramel Protein Bars
For the last 5 years, I have run exclusively with a group. It’s my exercise and my social life all in one. Not sure what I would do without them!
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Healthy Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas Everyone Will Love
I can really go either way. Sometimes, I really need to have some alone time, but lately, I’ve been running almost exclusively with at least one person, and I appreciate the camaraderie there as well. I’m glad to be flexible.
Jenn recently posted…riots #13: winter is here
I always go back and forth on this one. Because I’m pretty horrible at keeping a consistent pace when running I usually prefer to run solo, but I really love the friendship that comes with running with a group.
Kim G recently posted…Weekly Run Down: Rain Rain Go Away
Definitely alone. It’s my me time.
Most of my runs are solo with my husband joining me occasionally. My schedule has been all over the place and I just need to be able to run when it works best for me. Plus, I really love the alone time.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Run to Remember Training Week 2
I honestly prefer running in a group and was able to get most of my training runs (even speed work) with a group. However since my schedule has changed, I’m back to mostly solo runs. There’s a season for both so I’m just enjoying it!
Virjinia @ With Purpose and Kindness recently posted…My Favorite Snacks!
I used to be a 100% solo runner. Now I run with a group — or at least one other person – once in a while, but scheduling and pacing still make it difficult. I think you nailed the pluses of each one!
Coco recently posted…Retreating To Florida
Sadly, I don’t have much opportunity for group runs. I do a lot of runs with a friend, though, so that’s always great. I enjoy solo runs as well, especially if I’m doing speed work.
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Spring Is In The Air (sort of)
I run mostly alone, not because it is my fave, but just due to timing! A few years ago, I did a lot of running with a group and that is when I was running my fastest. I am hoping to get back into that at some point, but my kid’s schedules are CRAZY these days, so I sneak in windows of time when I can!
I do the same as you but do miss the group runs!
When I am able to run, I am a solo runner! I have tried to run with my local MRTT group many times, but the runners are typically way faster than I am (and that’s ok), so I feel bad slowing them down.
Esther recently posted…Green Juice without a juicer!