The Pros of Running with a Group

If you’re like me, running is your “me time.” It’s your chance to escape for a little, to clear your head, to catch up on your favorite podcast, or listen to that new music that just came out. Running is a chance to be free for even just a few minutes. And, if you are in fact like me, it is because of these same reasons that the idea of group runs sounds pretty unappealing. Give up my solitary 30 minutes of “me time?” I think not.

And yet…

… there are so many great reasons to give group running a try. (I write through gritted teeth) Since apparently, we both need convincing, let’s take a look at four of those reasons.

Running with a group pushes you — 

Have you ever gotten a really great time in a race even though you didn’t particularly train for it? I have! And you know why? Because I’m competitive. There are all of these people prancing past me like gazelles and I think, "“pshh, I’m just as fast as you!” (I am not) And even though I almost throw up at the end of that race, I realize that I have PRed. Why? Because I had others around me, I pushed myself more than if I were alone. In psychology, this is referred to as the Kohler Effect. The Kohler Effect basically states what we all already know: no one wants to be the worst at something so, in a group, people will work harder than if they were alone. Group running activates this psychological impulse and helps you push yourself a little more than you would have pushed yourself if you had simply been out for some solitary miles.

Running with a group provides accountability — 

Let’s be real. Accountability isn’t fun or exciting or sexy. It’s boring and lame and some days a huge pain in the rear. But that’s the point! You’re not feeling it today? Well too bad, because the group run is already on your schedule and you’ve already committed. Though it may not be exciting, accountability is a powerful tool to help build our habits and our habits build our lives. If you’re struggling to get into a consistent habit of running, a group might be the exact thing that you need.

Running with a group adds variety — 

Bored of the same old, same old? A group run can help! Whether you are in a rut with pace, route, or time of day, a group run can add variety to your regular run. It can even be a surprisingly pleasant change of pace to disconnect your headphones and chat with other people (or just listen to the sounds of the world around you if you’re not superhuman and can’t talk while running).

Running with a group creates community — 

At its best, running is connection: connection to yourself, connection to the world around you, and connection with others. Group runs provide shared experiences that quickly turn strangers into friends and give people things to connect over that don’t revolve around work drama and family gossip. #wholesome

So there you have it, four great reasons to step out of your comfort zone and run with a group. Your faithful “me time” run will still be there when you need it, but give a group run a try and you’ll find “me time” doesn’t always mean alone.