My topic for today is: Reasons to Run with a Group (there are way more than 5!!):

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.

• 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.

• 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 (Brooks, 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.

 

 

 

 

 

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It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

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