In my race planning process though, I knew that I likely wouldn't be able to motivate myself enough to train for my very first half marathon on my own, so I went WAY out of my comfort zone (I mean WAY) and joined a local running group. I still remember those first few group runs - I was too shy to talk to anyone and everyone seemed as if they had already formed their own groups. So, I would show up every Saturday morning, meet up with the large group, then when everyone would break off for their runs, I would run it solo. (I don't want it to sound like I didn't speak to a single person there. My coaches were wonderful and I made "friends" while there, but I just didn't have anyone to run my distances with.)
It took an entire five or six months of this process before I started being invited to run with a group - I finally made real friends there and I'm so very glad I stuck it out. By the next season of our running group, I was no longer a solo runner, but I had my group and it was wonderful! This went on for another 8 years and it was seriously one of my favorite times of my life!
Sadly, our running group disbanded a couple of years ago and although some tried to stick together and run for a while, it definitely began to fizzle out. Sad times.
Now, I have my little running buddy (Brayden) who loves to go for a run with me as well as Orangetheory which is definitely more of that group type setting that I love. As a people person (I'm a nurse and love working with people), I crave that group type atmosphere and I'm so glad that Orangetheory gives that to me. My oh my what a change from the shy person 10 years ago who didn't want to step foot out of her front door because she was scared!
So, do I consider myself a group runner or a solo runner? Maybe a little of both! :)
What about you? Do you prefer group running or solo running? Today, I'm also linking up with KookyRunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics!
Totally agree with you - I'm definitely a little bit of both!
ReplyDeleteYes!!
DeleteI definitely like both, too! Both have different dynamics that aid in training and social fun ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo true and great point!
DeleteI'm mostly a solo runner do to scheduling but I love my MRTT group and the few group runs I can join. I do love having a running buddy for longer runs - it sure can make the miles go by faster!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely helps! :)
DeleteToo bad you didn't live near Lancaster, PA. No one runs solo at our club's group runs unless they want to. We have an ambassador to get newcomers acclimated to the group. Your current running buddy is adorable! :)
ReplyDeleteI love that idea so much!!
DeleteSolo for me. But I do see the advantages of running with a group.
ReplyDeleteThey both have their advantages for sure!
Delete