Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week’s Tuesday Topic: benefits of running with groups! Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
I’ll admit that I am more of a solo runner due to the amount of treadmill runs that I do, but there are definitely benefits to running with a group.
Accountability
Let’s face it, sometimes the snooze button is mighty tempting. Knowing that you’re supposed to meet someone, or people, at a certain time to run makes it less likely that you will bail on the run. I also think this is super helpful when running in very hot or very cold weather. Knowing that you won’t be suffering alone makes the run more bearable.
There’s safety in numbers
It’s always good to run with mace or anything else to defend yourself when running, but there’s extra protection when running with a group. There’s less probability that you’ll get lost or followed by an attacker if you’re running with at least one other person. You can never be too safe when running!
You’ll have more fun
Running can get boring, especially if you often run the same route. Having someone to talk to on those runs can make the miles go by faster.
Built-In Support System
It’s always nice to run with people that are training for the same, or similar, race as you because it’s an automatic support system. You can plan do long runs with them so that you have company out there on the road when those larger distances get a little tough, especially if you’re training in the summer heat.
Tell me: What are some benefits of running with groups?
Join the Link-Up!
Topic for next week – benefits of running solo. Feel free to write about this or any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
Darlene says
I definitely agree with your points.
I prefer to run with a group. I basically have more fun and run better.
I’m lucky to have many groups in the summer.
kookyrunner says
I think group runs in the summer are so important for me because I would have no problem looking at the temperature and bailing on my outdoor run and jumping on the treadmill instead.
Catrina says
I love running in groups! It’s a lot more fun and the long runs pass by very quickly.
As you say, it’s also a great support system. You learn from others and they help you out.
Just the other day a running buddy gave me an entry ticket to a race that I badly wanted. He is injured and can’t run it. So it’s a win-win for both of us. Yay for running groups!
kookyrunner says
I agree, especially when doing double digit runs. Those runs can feel so long if you’re doing them solo.
Deborah Brooks says
well, you know I am all about my run squad. They are the best motivators and definitely keep me entertained out there. Safety in numbers for sure. More importantly for me, the friendships I have made are a gift I will always treasure
kookyrunner says
A run squad is definitely like having a built in group of motivators which is awesome, especially when training!
Kimberly Hatting says
You highlighted the best of everything 😉 I’d also add, running with a group also gives you an opportunity to either run slower or faster than you might if you were on your own. Variety is such a nice thing, to avoid injury and/or burnout. I wish you and I could run together…
kookyrunner says
That’s true about running faster/slower. I did see an increase in my speed when I was running with a group form Fleet Feet many years ago. We were all training for a half marathon at the time.
Jenny says
It’s true- having someone to talk to can make the miles fly by. I used to-long ago- meet up with various people during my long runs. That was fun, but somehow as the years have gone on I’ve ended up running by myself all the time. I enjoy my solo runs, but I should try some runs with friends again- I would probably enjoy that as well.
kookyrunner says
I’m in the same boat – even before Covid my local running group was dwindling (due to a lot of reasons). I do like running with a group but I am much more used to solo running now.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I do love running in groups, actually, but circumstances have just made it hard for the last few years.
kookyrunner says
Totally understand – I’m in the same boat.
Black Knight says
I prefer running solo so I can decide the hour, the distance, the pace and the route.
Running in group is also nice because time flies and we can improve our speed.
Moreover we can give and get help just in case. I remember I broke my shoulder while running in group and my friends helped me until the arrival of the medical car. Another time I “rescued” a friend during a dog attack.
kookyrunner says
that’s very true – it’s nice to be able to set your own schedule when you run solo.
Zenaida Arroyo says
As you know I am a solo runner but do see the benefits of running with a group. Hopefully soon I will get out of my bubble. 🙂
kookyrunner says
It will be hard for me to get out of my bubble, especially after staying at home so much over the past 1.5 years lol