Running: Solo or Social?

"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." ~ African Proverb

Some things are better done alone, like eating an entire batch of oatmeal raisin cookies still warm from the oven. Not that I did that this weekend. *awkward* Moving on... Some things are better done with others, like watching a comedy and laughing so hard that no sound comes out except for the occasional squeaky gasp. But when it comes to running, people are divided. Some would argue that running is a solo sport. Others would beg to differ, saying it is best enjoyed as a social sport. Here are some considerations for each to help you decide whether you are a solo runner or a social runner.

Running Solo

I love the freedom of running alone. I like to listen to my body and let it run wild and free, according to however I am feeling in any particular moment. Sometimes I am energized by a song or a beautiful thought and I will soar through a few miles, my feet flying and my heart pounding. Other times, I just like to settle into a slow and smooth rhythm that allows me to get lost in my thoughts. I like to be able to determine my pace by how I feel and it may change throughout my run.

I also enjoy setting my own training goals. Everyone trains a little differently. Discovering what works best for you individually is a vital part of learning how to enjoy running. One of the more important advantages of running alone is that you learn how to pace yourself by listening to your body. Dr George Sheehan, a cardiologist and author best known for his books about running, said, “Listen to your body. Do not be a blind and deaf tenant.” Listening to your body’s feedback requires awareness and continual evaluation which is less likely to occur during conversation with other runners.

Listening to ourselves is a very important part of life that many skip over because it can be uncomfortable at times. In prayer and meditation we allow our character to be developed. I’ve heard it said that running is meditation for people who can’t sit still. I’ve found that most runners, by nature, are happy with their own company. They enjoy the time alone and they embrace the solitude of being able to shut the world out for a few minutes and hear their own thoughts clearly and pray without distraction.

There are cons to running solo, too. You may find yourself lonely and wishing to share the experience with someone from time to time. I tend to feel this way particularly when I have an idea or solution that surfaces and I want to celebrate it with someone.

I also find myself wanting a running partner when I could use some motivation to help me through that last mile. Friends are great at pushing each other to run a little further or a little faster. You may also be more likely to complete your workout goal for the day if are running with someone. It is much easier to give up when you are by yourself and without support. A friend will encourage you to do what you set out to accomplish.

Another disadvantage to running solo is, unfortunately, safety risks. If you like to run at night or on trails, it is obviously much safer to run with a friend or group. Attackers are much more likely to strike a lone runner than they are to attack a group. Furthermore, if someone becomes injured or starts to feel sick, there is someone who can run for help.

Running with a Friend or a Group

Sharing the running experience with a friend or group can make running quite memorable. The time spent together is great for talking out problems and sharing successes. You can obsess over the details of your run until your heart is content because you know that your running partner shares the same passion!

Running with a group can bring out the best runner in us. When you’re running with people who encourage you to run faster and farther, it’s easier to take yourself to the next level. You will have the opportunity to meet other runners and gain knowledge from their experiences. AND! You get your own personal cheering squad. =) Members cheer each other on during races and support each other on long distance runs. Friends can be highly motivational and entertaining, which can make the tough miles easier to take on. You are also less likely to skip workouts if there are people counting on you to show up.

It is a great opportunity to get to know other people with similar interests. Many people have even met their significant other or close friends through a running group. For people with busy schedules, running combines their social life and fitness into one fun package. Oftentimes groups will go away to events together. They share racing experiences which gives them a particularly strong and special bond.

Some people like to run alone so they can use their running time for brainstorming because exercise gets our creative juices flowing. However, running in a group may be more helpful than hindering for brainstorming because you can bounce your ideas off other people.

There are some disadvantages to running with a group. Sometimes the group dynamics can be stressful and competitive (see March's blog post titled What a Difference Support Makes about having a healthy attitude about competition). Just remember to that there may be someone who mistakes the purpose of a friendly workout for a chest beating competition. Stay true to who you are and don’t let their mindset become your own. Strive for your personal best and encourage others to do the same.

Another disadvantage is inconvenience. Your group may choose to meet at a time that is not the best for you. They may run at a slower or faster pace than you. Different runners are strong in different parts of the run. Your group will not necessarily pace themselves according to your natural pace. They may take a route that you don’t particularly like. Inconvenience will usually be part of any social activity. Personally, I think that making memories with good friends is worth the small price of inconvenience. If it helps, treat the group runs more like a social gathering with a run thrown in for fun. Don’t take them too seriously. Save that desire for control for your solo runs.

Here’s one last thought to ponder. The fact is that Africans dominate marathons. Any advice that they share about running, the rest of us could benefit by taking notice. I am referring to the African proverb at the beginning of today’s blog. I believe it is referring to life in general, but I think it may also have some useful implications for our running strategy. We might include both solo and social running into our lives so that we may get the maximum benefit of both. “If you want to go quickly, go alone.” In other words, use those solo workouts to push yourself to improve your speed. “If you want to go far, go together.” Make those long distance runs more enjoyable by celebrating the camaraderie you share with other runners.

Try it and see what you think. Are you a solo or a social runner? Or both?

And, finally, for those of us who have encouraged our significant other or friend to start running with us… check this out and get ready to smile. =)