Comments on: The Downside of Running with a Group

By: Carrie

Carrie — Sun, 03 May 2009 12:27:04 +0000

Gah! That sort of group run wouldn’t be my thing, either! Makes me appreciate the very, very casual nature of our running club: “Show up and move.” We have walkers and sprinters, and everybody does their own thing for an hour before going for coffee.

By: Middalia

Middalia — Sun, 03 May 2009 01:56:50 +0000

Thanks for all the feedback..I think most of us agree, groups have their positives. Company, encouragement, motivation, and sometimes our peers give us that extra little push we need. But there are times that we need to just skip out so that we can go at our own pace or just recover. Thanks again for all your kind words and encouragement.

By: mickdo100

mickdo100 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:45:31 +0000

It is very important to make yourself number one when it comes to training. Like you I have gone along with the flow in recent times and it has not done me any good. So you are correct to make your schedule and stick to it.

By: Julianne

Julianne — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:19:47 +0000

I’m part of a running group, too! And on THOSE kind of days, I skip my group run. On some days, I know I just need to do my own thing or REST. But I totally understand the “downside”!

By: Count of Monte Christo

Count of Monte Christo — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:48:37 +0000

Taking some days off can really bring back the enthusiasm for running. I hope you are better now. Take care of yourself.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:27:28 +0000

I used to love running with a group and must admit I miss the social aspect of it-the sharing of goals, information, race war stories. I supplement that need on twitter now.

I think the built in peer pressure is good for getting you out of bed for that 17 mile training run you are on the fence about and you’d rather stay in bed. Also, I can tell you that I was grateful someone had taken the time to lay out water while I brought the energy gel.

That being said, when your body is screaming “rest,” you need to listen to it. I used to do group long runs 70% of the time, and then oaccasional track workouts. I say good call for packin it in.

By: Gina Harris

Gina Harris — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:59:13 +0000

I have never run with a group and don’t really have a desire to do so. I am so focused on my own running that I think it would just hinder me. I enjoy races with others, but I’m still in my own “zone”.

Hang in there and do what is best for yourself (running wise, anyway!)

Gina

By: Ron

Ron — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:44:32 +0000

I like running with people when possible but ultimately end up running solo most of the time. I do know that when I have run with others my pace is better and I’m getting a better workout but sometimes that’s not what is needed. Sometimes you need to run “just because” and don’t need others pushing you beyond your limits (on THAT day). It sounds like you know when to push it and when to relax. Sorry to here that the group run was a drag and I would encourage you to just enjoy YOUR run and save up your energy for the next butt kicking race!

All the best!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:34:50 +0000

I love running on my own. Granted it would be nice to have some girlfriends to run with once in a while, group running would not work for me. Some days i’m with it and other days i wanna be by myself. As group as i get, is running on the treadmill hour after hour all by my lonesome and i have the time of my life.