With the beat of footsteps on the pavement, every runner finds their reason for running and their personal cadence (speed of each step). Sometimes, you may also discover your different preferences for running. Running solo, running with a partner, or running in a group can help shape your training, for better or worse. Having a running partner or choosing to run alone is a deeply personal decision. Let’s explore the pros and cons of the solace of solo runs and the camaraderie of group running, and how each can shape our journey on the road.
Running Solo
Running solo has been my mainstay, a practice rooted in the years following the camaraderie and competition of high school and college teams. In the quiet of a solo run, the world falls away, leaving space for meditation and a unique form of freedom. This freedom allows for spontaneous decisions. This could be a longer route on a good day or a shorter one when the body protests, all without the need to negotiate or compromise with a partner. Solo runs offer a precious commodity in a bustling household: solitude. It’s a time to recharge, to think, or not to think at all. It’s also a chance to enjoy some quiet.
Yet, the road taken alone lacks certain elements – the shared struggles, the collective triumphs, and the motivational force of commitment to others. I would often come back from a solo run and want to tell someone all about it. Running with partners or in a group can transform the run into an event, something memorable and enjoyable beyond the physical act of running. It drives some buy in to the stories I want to share, and am willing to hear from others.
The Running Partner/Running Group Experience
Reflecting on running in a group or with a partner brings to mind a blend of benefits and challenges. The shared pace can either hold you back or push you forward, but it’s the shared experience that often stands out, making each step more meaningful. On a recent small group run, we found ourselves hunched over, running under a major highway – an unexpected moment on the trail that warranted a photo stop.
There’s an inherent accountability when running with others – a commitment not to let them down. This can be particularly motivating, ensuring that you show up even when the couch seems more appealing than the pavement. Depending on your partner, they can help push your tempo run, or ensure you don’t take your long run too far or too fast.
You need to take some caution though to find the right partner or group for each run. Your faster friend might be great when you are trying to push your tempo run, but would be a terrible partner when trying to run slow for a long run.
Finding Your Own Running Tribe
For those on the fence about solo versus group running, consider starting with a running group. It’s a low-commitment way to experience the social aspect of running without the pressure of one-on-one commitments. Running groups offer flexibility; you won’t throw off anyone’s training schedule by missing a run. And if you find that you thrive in this setting, smaller, more intimate running partnerships can naturally evolve as you link up with runners closest to your abilities.
Not sure where to start? Start with a local running group. Many running stores have groups that go out weekly. Join a local running club. Even join and go on the Strava app and look for a group there. After a few times, you may find just the right set of partners. You’ll find that runners are very open to newcomers and are highly supportive. So don’t be nervous trying new things and meeting new people. You are all there because you enjoy the same thing, so you have an easy conversation starter.
Running Side by Side: A New Chapter
There’s a new chapter in my running story that brings a fresh perspective to the solo versus group dynamic: running a 50k with my wife. It’s a significant milestone for us both, marking the first time we will run a race together from start to finish, side by side. Despite the logistical challenges of aligning our training schedules amidst the demands of parenting and professional responsibilities, we’ve managed more joint runs in this training period than ever before, albeit still not as many as we would have liked.
These runs have transcended mere physical preparation. They’ve become shared adventures—exploring new trails, tackling challenging hills, and, yes, even navigating the occasional hard fall. But beyond the physical effort, these runs have been uniquely enriching. Running at a conversational pace, we’ve rediscovered the art of connection, sharing thoughts and happenings that are hard to find time to discuss in day-to-day life.
I find myself thinking about how this will be my first race run with a partner, side-by-side, since my first 5k run with my dad decades ago.
This weekend is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of partnership, perseverance, and shared goals. It’s about supporting my wife as she crosses the threshold into the world of ultramarathons, a formidable challenge that symbolizes much more than the distance itself. It’s about the journey we’ve embarked on together, not just on the trails but in life, finding new ways to connect and support each other’s dreams.
The Running Journey Continues
In the end, whether you find yourself alone on the road or side by side with others, remember that each step is a part of your story, a reflection of your journey. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you to wherever you wish to go.
Running, in all its forms, offers a unique canvas upon which we paint our experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you’re lacing up for a solo venture or joining forces with a partner or group, the road ahead is yours to define. And remember, in the vast expanse of miles under our feet, running solo, or with others, every step taken is a step toward a shared victory, a collective celebration of the human spirit and its endless capacity for growth.
Come back next week as I break down this weekend’s 50k race running with Kelly, MomJogger.
Do you normally run solo, with a partner, or in a group? Why?
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