OPINION: GROUP RUNNING

Running early and smelling the roses along Elliott Bay Trail, Seattle WA. Taken by PKSenagore June 13, 2017. All rights reserved.

​OPINION: RUNNING WITH A GROUP (OR NOT) For those of you thinking about joining or starting a running group, Kelly O’Mara discusses the pluses and minuses in her article, “Pros and Cons of Running with a Group” for Competitor.com
 
The article has greater detail, but here’s her list:
Benefits - 1) Have fun; 2) Be accountable; 3) Push harder; 4) Get guidance and advice
Downsides -  1) Push too hard; 2) One size doesn’t fit all; 3) Won’t learn to suffer alone
 
Confession: I’ve never run with a group. It’s kind of a secret shame. I am definitely NOT opposed to joining groups. I’m somewhat but not fiercely social and have friends, but not running friends. I love to ‘power’ walk with my husband (his preferred exercise) if I’ve gotten my own training done and out of the way. And if anyone was up for it, I would take a bike ride, play tennis, or go for a swim with them after my workout was in the books.  This would be at noontimes, in the evenings, or on the weekends when work permitted.
 
My running group-avoidance issues:

• I have a training schedule!  How do I accommodate a group run if I have a specific workout planned? Usually I don’t want to change my training run to one that others want to do.
• I’m pressed for time. I’ve got to get out and get my workout done early so I can clean up and get down to work.
• Relying on others to motivate me has been counterproductive. Cancellations are inevitable, but disheartening, and throw me off balance if I was counting on company.
• I travel a fair bit, but not on a regular schedule, and would not be a consistent group member.  I would be letting others down!

 
What’s the answer?

• Join a group that meets up regularly in the very early morning time and that’s so large that it doesn’t depend on a few runners to make each run a success. My dream running group describes a big city movement, like the November Project, or a runners’ club like CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) or Road Runners. I have mostly lived in smaller cities without these cool movements/groups,  not an option in that setting.  Another confession: when in big cities, I did not look for groups; the blame lies with me.
• Form my own group, on my own terms, that accommodates other nearby runners.  This would be a big effort however.. 
• BE PATIENT and TRY HARDER to find a running group that fits my needs regardless of where I live.  There are bound to be other runners with similar issues but who wish to “1) Have fun; 2) Be accountable; 3) Push harder; and 4) Get guidance and advice”, just like O’Mara indicates in her article!

 
RUN HAPPY!
 
http://running.competitor.com/2017/06/training/pros-cons-running-with-a-group_165128