The Lone Runner vs The Group Runner

The Benefits of Running With a Group

Do you know why I love running? Honestly, it is because I am a horrible team player. For someone who spent years of her childhood and adolescence playing softball, I never quite grasped the idea of being part of a team. Running allows me to stay in shape, participate in an athletic event and not have to give much thought to anybody else. I admit this mentality can be a bit lonely.

Running alone provides me solitude and time to think. But it also means that I am without a running buddy to encourage me. I lack those race day pictures, smiling proudly next to my fellow racing friends, holding our medals as we take a dozen pictures. Being a lone runner means crossing the finish line and walking back to my car, well,  alone.

Are you a groupie? If so, you may not realize all the benefits running with the pack provides. If you are a lone runner like me, you and I may want to consider the following benefits.

Safety

Training with a group is safer. Your options when exploring new places to run are greater. I can attest to this statement. There is a park I love to run in near my home, but I rarely run the trail because of its remoteness.

Encouragement

When you run alone you are less likely to push yourself. Running with a group encourages you to pick up the pace, to run another quarter mile, to not give up when it starts to get tough.

Performance Boost

The encouragement you receive  whether verbal or implied, from a running group will enhance your performance. For a few mornings over the summer, I ran with two other women. During these runs, I found that my endurance increased at least 20 percent because I refused to be the first to suggest stopping.

Peer Pressure

This goes along with the performance boost benefit. Sometimes all it takes is not wanting to look weak in front of your running mates to give you the motivation to give it your all. Of course, peer pressure can also lead to injury. So be wary of this benefit/caveat of group running.

Builds Friendships

Runners who run in groups already have a social circle of people who share similar qualities such as fitness, healthy living and a love of the outdoors. The bond formed in running groups goes beyond running and racing. Lifelong supportive friendships can be formed.

Do you run alone or in a group? What benefits have you gained by including running groups in your training?