My TT topic for today is: Running in a Group
This one was easy for me because that is my preference and I am lucky to live in an area where I have access to many different running groups.
So here’s why it’s beneficial to run in a group:
- It’s fun and inclusive.
You’re never alone. There’s always someone faster and slower than you. No one is ever left behind in group running.
- You will be motivated to run faster.
My long runs with other runners are faster than when I run alone.
- You will be less likely to cancel.
Especially if you’ve paid for the training. Or people are waiting for you. And even if the weather is not ideal, you will most likely show up.
- You will make new friends.
You will then bump into them at races or make plans to race together.
we met at the Turkey Trot Group runs
fellow Freihofer Challenge groupies
- You may run at a location that you normally wouldn’t choose.
I’ve run at parks and in neighborhoods that I had never been to before.
path near Knickerbocker Area
Indian Ladder Farms
- It will prepare you better for race conditions.
Yes, no one ever runs races solo.
- Chatting with others will make the miles go faster.
The funny thing is while we run, we rarely talk about running. But after…a different story.
- You may learn something new.
You’ll learn about new races or new gear and even get running tips.
Now you may ask “How do I find a Running Group?”
- Check out your local running store.
In fact that’s how I started running… through a group at our local Fleet Feet store.
- Ask at a local race.
I’ve also met people at races and we’ve made plans to run together.
Some races even have training groups. We have several that do here and they are a great way to meet other runners.
- People may ask you to join or start a group as result of reading your blog.
That’s exactly how I joined my first running group (Strong Running Mamas)
and my current one (Sole Sisters.)
Local runners read my blog and the rest is history.
- Join a virtual group through FB.
Virtual groups can be just as fun fun and supportive.
You can join ones based on products you support (Skirt Sports, Zensah, NUUN, etc) or races you run (NYCM. ARE, MCM, etc. or even the type of running or workouts you do (Galloway, yoga, Peloton, etc.).
Happy Running! Do you often run with a group? If so, what benefit(s) does it offer you as a runner? How did you find your group? Please share.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
I’m also linking up here:
with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.
My First 5K and More... 
A big yes to all these, Darlene! I also love running in a group. Mainly because I love to talk and listen to others about running. 🙂
But the other point you mentioned is a good one: you get to run in neighbourhoods you normally wouldn’t run. I’ve been doing that a lot over the past few weeks and it is very enjoyable and interesting.
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I knew you would get it.
I love your group running experiences.
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Agree with everything you mentioned! I’ve made a few local friends through different running groups which I consider to be a huge benefit. I’ve found it to be more difficult to make friends as I’ve gotten older so running has really helped with that.
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Yes yes. Some of my friends are running friends too.
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You know I am all about my running group! You are right they can encourage you to go farther or faster or try something new. They have also become my most closest friends-the best benefit of all
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Yes yes. I knew you would understand. Love your group pics
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I’ve never run with a group! Its just never really worked with my schedule and I really like being able to go at my own pace and at a time thats convenient to me. But it seems like there are so many benefits to running with a group!
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I’m right there with you Lisa. Plus, as far as I know, there aren’t any running groups close by me – the closest I know of is an hour away. I usually barely have time for my run, let alone drive for an hour to do it. LOL I do think it would be fun to do though, for all of the reasons that Darlene mentioned.
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When I traveled for work and at the beginning of the pandemic I did run alone. And often my schedule doesn’t allow it. But I do miss the group benefits.
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Every runner is different. I prefer running with others. But of course there are many times that it is better for me to run alone.
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I almost always run alone- every once in a while with my husband. I like being alone and setting my own pace and schedule, but I’m open to the fact that I might really like group runs if I tried it. Something to keep in mind for the future!
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Running is different for everyone. Sometimes running alone is the best option. If a group is available I would recommend trying it to see if it is beneficial to you.
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I disagree with number one. Because not all groups actually do account for those at the BOTP. Yes, many do, but on one of my first night runs with ARE (many years ago), my new friend and I quickly lost the rest of the runners.
We were completely lost. Eventually someone from a different running group found us & guided us back. Which was just luck.
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Based on my own experience with FTC, SOAR, ARE and several other groups that has never happened. And I can only speak from own experience. That’s a great reason not to run alone.
I also am not only referring to official groups. I consider running with some friends also a “group.”
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Even if I prefer to run solo, I totally agree with you.
Running in group can also be important just in case you need help for some reason.
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Yes. There are benefits to both. I do both.
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I primarily ran solo for many years until right before the pandemic started when I decided to join a running group. That was put on hold for a while but once they started back again, I started going to one of the group runs. Even though I’ve only been a few times I like it so far.
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Glad to hear it. It’s great to have a group run as an option.
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These are all great points! I definitely thought of you when I was writing my post. 🙂
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It’s great to have this option.
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I used to run with my running club all the time (well on weekends at least) and I loved it. As time passed people moved on and now I usually run alone. Which I also love. I’m happy now that I’m running with a girlfriend once a week again (from that long ago running club). It’s been great.
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You do have your hubby as a running partner too.
That’s great that you also have a friend to run with.
Even within a group, runners usually pair up anyway.
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Running with groups can be so great. I like running alone fine, but I do look forward to running with someone too.
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Same. It’s great to have the choice to do either
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I enjoy running alone most of the time, but sometimes it’s good fun to find a group!
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Exactly. It’s good to have the choice so you can decide which works better.
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I love running in a group!
Once I’m up and running again, I plan to do more group runs with my running club here in South Africa.
They all know the area much better than I do and I can get many local tips from them. I’m also on their WhatsApp chat (100+ participants) and they share a lot of useful info there as well.
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That’s a great point. In a new area being part of a group helps you find running routes.
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I tried running with a group several years ago and it never really clicked with me so I ran solo for many years. Then a couple of years ago I saw a brewing company had a group run so I tried it and I’ve loved it ever since. Many breweries where I live have running groups. Fleet Feet is also a great source for group runs.
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We have a few brewery runs also. I haven’t joined them but that’s seems like fun.
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Running with a group definitely made me run faster, but after a certain point I knew I couldn’t keep up so I just ran my own pace lol
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True. Just have to find a group with slower runners.
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I think you may be the Queen of running with friends, Darlene 😉 It’s always fun seeing all your pics with your friends, especially when you take those girl trips!
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I do a lot of solo running during the week. But group pix are more fun.
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yes to all of these! You know how much I love running with my MRTT group. Starting my group 10 years ago has changed my life. I am so thankful for all of them!
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I knew you would agree. I have met some amazing women due to running.
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I prefer running alone, and group runs wouldn’t work for my schedule. But I know they are really motivating and a great option for many runners!
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Definitely hard to schedule which is why I usually have to run alone during the work week.
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I’m definitely a solo runner, but I do love my trail group!
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I think with a group would be fun and helpful in case you get lost or fall.
It is easier to schedule solo runs. I do often. But for long runs I need company.
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I like to run alone, but it would be fun to have a group to run with once a week or so. I agree with all your points- it’s motivating, entertaining, and you get all sorts of good ideas from the other runners. Of course I feel like our blog community gives me a lot of these things!
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Yes, I love our blog community too.
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I’m part of two running groups (one that I started), but because of my schedule, I mostly run alone. 😦
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Makes sense. It’s hard when you work to run with a group all the time. I like that the opportunity exists if you want to take advantage of it.
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