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.
COVID Changes Things: A look back on our Fall themed group runs
By Brittany Katz
Usually during the fall, the Terra Van makes trips from Athens, Tennessee to Chatsworth, Georgia timing races. This fall looked very different in the race timing industry due to COVID-19 restrictions, and we knew people were craving some community on their runs. We had the idea a few months ago to fill the fall with socially distant, outdoors, themed group runs. We limited the size of each run with required online preregistration, but each event was free. Masks were required for gathering before and after the run. Participants could run or walk, with the group or on their own, and there was a specific theme each month to participate in. These runs ended up being the highlight of the fall for many of us, and it was exactly the community we have been missing since the spring!
September: Flannel Group Run
We planned the Flannel Group Run on an 80 degree day, but by the time the first day of fall came, flannel wasn’t such a bad idea! It was a cool evening and everyone was encouraged to wear Flannel to celebrate the first day of fall, even during the run! We got some confused looks from those passing by as we ran down Parker Street from people trying to decide if we were runners, scarecrows, or just poorly dressed for a workout. It was a great event and a perfect way to welcome fall!
October: Leftover Group Run
This run was inspired by my day-long task of organizing the leftover race shirts in the basement of our building! From the former Tall Betsy 6k, to the multiple years of Cleveland Half Marathons, to our most recent Spread Hope, Not Germs virtual race, we have leftover race shirts that tell a story of great race memories! For the Leftover Group Run, we limited the number to 25 participants, and they all gave us their preferred shirt size. For many of us, this was the first time running with a group since the spring and it was so. much. fun! We met outside the store on the sidewalk and then ran or walked 2.3 miles together. Upon finishing, everyone got to choose a “leftover” race shirt to take home.
October: Costume Group Run
The Costume Group Run was a super fun celebration of Halloween for adults! Everyone dressed up in their best Halloween costume and we ran through town together dressed up and happy. We had everything from Wonder Women (multiple) to crayons (who matched but didn’t know each other), princesses, cats, and a police officer. Some Halloween costumes are better for working out in than others, but everyone did about 2 miles around town together and it was a blast! We got lots of pictures and enjoyed the bit of daylight left before the time changed!
December: Cookie Run
2018 Cookie Run. Remember a time before social distancing?!
The Cookie Run is a tradition at Terra Running Company, and 2020 will mark our 5th year! This tradition was inspired by my love for cookies and annual desire to be part of a cookie exchange! This year’s Cookie Run will be December 17 at 6pm. Due to COVID-19, this year’s Cookie Run will look slightly different, but we are working hard to make it happen! In the past, we have had up to 75+ people participate, packed them in Bear Brew Coffee and Terra Running Company, and enjoyed hundreds and hundreds of cookies! This year, we will have to limit the number of participants, and we will have servers with masks and gloves serving the cookies to participants. Some cookies will be homemade, so we ask that you avoid those if you aren’t comfortable. We will be running 2-3 miles downtown at 6pm, and then will meet at Terra Running Company afterwards to enjoy the cookies. Strollers, dogs, and kids are welcome, but the roads will be open and it will be dark, so we ask that you dress in reflective and lights and stay on the sidewalks. We all have great memories of the Cookie Run over the years, and we are looking forward to making the event happen again in 2020, even if it has to look a little different! If you are interested I joining, you must register at this link: https://www.terrarunning.com/cookie-run Bring at least 1 dozen cookies per person (individually wrapped is recommended).