Better Together: Why Running in Groups Rules

A common misconception that I hear a lot about running is that it is a solo activity. I mean, to a certain extent it is, but running with others is really amazing. I challenge you to find another group of people that cheer on each other as much as runners do. We understand the physical and mental challenges that running brings and if you spend enough miles together, no topic of conversation is taboo. There are so many benefits that there is no way I could mention them all, but here are my top 5 reasons that running with others is AMAZING:

1. 
   Motivation to Get Out There - I am WAY more willing to bail on a solo run than one where I am meeting others. Illness or injury aside, if I say I will meet you, I WILL meet you. 
2. Learning from Others - Actually training aside, you can learn about new gear, nutrition and hydration from others. Maybe your friend has an amazing new gel you've never heard of. Maybe they'll let you try a sip of their new electrolyte drink that you haven't wanted to spend the money on a full pack of if you don't know you'll like it. Oooh, that new top is adorable, but how does it perform? The knowledge runners can share amongst each other is invaluable. 
3. Improved Performance - Studies have shown that athletes consistently push themselves more when they run with others. There is definitely a psychological aspect to not wanting others to see you "slack". Peer pressure can cause you to run a bit harder when you might not otherwise (like walking that hill)
4. Social Benefits - Humans are social creatures. Being with others, sharing experiences, talking, these things all make what can be boring miles go by faster. Some of the best conversations I've ever had have been during runs. 
5. Safety in Numbers - Especially for female runners, but running with others can definitely offer safety benefits that solo running cannot. 

I have been lucky enough to run with some amazing groups of people over the years. My first run group was Run the Rock, a group that met at 5 am during the week (yes, AM) and on Saturday mornings at 7:00. Before running with them, pretty much every run I did was solo and let me tell you, running with others made the miles go by much more easily, especially that dang early. 

Run the Rock - 5 am Group Run

My 1st Fleet Feet Session as a Coach

After my initial taste of group running, I decided to sign up for a training group with Fleet Feet Fort Mill. I had trained for my first Half Marathon pretty much by myself. Let me tell you, it was HARD putting in those long miles on my own. Not only did I meet some awesome people, not only did I have accountability to show up at a specific time and place, but it was my first time working with an actual coach. The tips, advice and training plans I received from them made the world of difference in my running. I learned so much from them. And... it started a several year series of events that would eventually lead me to being a coach with Fleet Feet myself.

I also run with several other groups here and there for fun, mostly groups that start and finish at local breweries. These groups tend to be more socially focused with runs typically being around 3-5 miles and always finishing with a beer and a lot of laughs. 

And speaking of Run Clubs that end with a beer and fun, I, along with my training partner, Brian, are starting a brand new group in Rock Hill. The working title right now is Sunday Funday: Walk Bike or Run Day. We are in the preliminary stages right now (last week was our first official un-official meeting (as in we told some friends to meet us for a beer at Common Market after we ran). And I am pretty excited about it, with almost no notice, we had 11 people meet us - 3 ran, 5 biked and 3 more just showed up to hang out. And most importantly, fun was had by all. 

The first meeting of Sunday Funday at Common Market

So if you live in the Rock Hill, SC or surrounding area, I would love for you to drop in our new Run/Bike/Walk/Whatever Club. We will meet at the Common Market in Rock Hill (161 W Main St.) at 3 pm on Sunday afternoons. There will be a few different run/walk routes of various distances (1, 3 and 5 miles) and a bike route of 10 miles (more distances will follow in later weeks). Or, just want to hang out with the group? We will plan to all be back from our various activities by 4 pm. I hope to see you there! 

Have questions, comment below or shoot me a message.