You can always run alone, but running with friends can make a world of difference. It can be a training run or just a fun run or anything in between. We will share some benefits and tips to improve your experience.
Running with Friends makes a difference
There are many reasons to get motivated to go out for a run, but running with friends can bring a different level of motivation. It can really help in several ways:
- Being Social: Either meeting new runners or catching up with friends can make the run less painful or tedious. The miles seem to go by faster than when I run alone. If you run at a comfortable pace, you can get to know someone new or catchup with a friend. It’s a great focused time that technology or other distractions won’t interrupt.
- Being Accountable: A running group can bring the ultimate accountability. It’s even better if there is a schedule to bring discipline. You can’t skip a training run if you have a group waiting for you every Saturday at 6:30am. It also helps to keep from cutting a run short. Unless everyone turns around before the half way point, you will get your full distance in.
- Being Safe: It can help situations where you may not be as familiar with a running path. I usually run with a coworker when traveling for work. It gives a level of comfort when you don’t know where you are. I’ve also been in groups where someone couldn’t continue because of the heat and the group was able to get help. The risk of injury may not seem common, but having a safety net is invaluable.
- Being Competitive: A friendly competition can really drive great results. If you want to train at a certain pace, running with a group will make sure you stay on track. It’s being able to push each other to make sure you stay on target. No one wants to end up in last place.
Where’s the Starting Line?
Running with a group can be challenging depending on where you live. I’ve run in a few big cities in the US, and there have been running programs available to run in groups. I’ve done a few fun runs at shoe stores and more organized groups. Fun runs are usually free, so check out your local running store. It’s a great place to start. The running groups vary depending on where you live and what you are looking for. Running groups associated with a training program usually have a fee. Another great option could be checking social media within your area. Running groups definitely utilize social media to spread the word.
If you don’t have access to a group, start one! Running with friends or people you’ve never met before could be fun. Remember safety first. Make sure to pick a public area as a meetup spot and bring a friend.
If you already have a running group or a friend you can head out with, keep it up! You keep it social or can take it further by training for a race together. There’s nothing like the discipline of training for a race that will accelerate your running together.
Running to the Finish Line
Whichever path you take, enjoy the social aspects of running. Use it for motivation to lace up and get out for a run. Or you can use it to catch up with a friend or meet someone new. The benefits of running with a group can really help elevate your running. Running with friends is a great way to take your running to another level.