Yes, I am a solo runner and I am OK with it.

When I first started running back in 2005, running wasn’t a “thing”.Β  At least to me it wasn’t.Β  I didn’t know many people that ran nor were any of my friends runners.Β  Over the years I met more people that ran and now many of my friends are runners.

For my first marathon in 2006, I trained with CARA and would meet up with my group on the weekend for my long runs.Β  I did a few other marathons for charity and also trained with CARA.Β 

Picture below is from my first marathon – The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in October 2016.Β  It was cold.Β  Then the following year it was blistering HOT and the race was cancelled.

4, 2006 Chicago Marathon 2

I also trained with Chicago Endurance Sports for a marathon and several half marathons.Β  I liked it so much that I became a pacer!Β  Still many times I doubted myself and thought that I wasn’t a good pacer.

I started training with Mary in November of 2017.Β  I did most of my runs by myself and outside in the cold weather.Β  In the past I would do many runs on the treadmill.Β  That winter was an eye opener for me because I ran outside (about 95% of my runs were outside) and I learned so much about winter gear.Β  I actually liked my runs.Β  This past winter was a different story as it was just a bitter and cold winter.

Cold Anna

There are so many running groups/clubs in Chicago.Β  While I do like the camaraderie of running with a group, I still prefer running alone.Β  Let me tell you why.

β€’ Alone/quiet time –Β This is the time that I think about my personal goals, work goals, plans, etc.Β  I listen to music and actually enjoy listening to the songs on my playlist.Β  This may be mean but I don’t like listening to anyone’s conversation during a race, so for sure I don’t want to listen to anyone’s on a run.Β  Bottom line, I don’t like to talk to anyone when I am running.Β  πŸ™‚

Season 2 Shut Up GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

β€’ Set my own pace –Β My easy runs are “slow”.Β  I don’t want anyone waiting for me nor do I want to run faster just to catch up to other runners.Β  While running alone I can slow down (or walk) when I want to or pick up the pace if I want to as well.Β Β 

β€’ Sometimes I don’t want to run –Β Life happens and sometimes I am too tired to get up and run.Β  I simply turn off my alarm and go back to sleep.Β  I won’t feel bad bailing on a group because there is no group.Β Β 

β€’ I run very early in the morning –Β I don’t think anyone wants to run with me so early in the morning.Β  Depending on my run, I am up and ready to go by 5.Β Β 

However, I won’t say no if someone wants to run with me.Β  But who would want to after reading this post?Β  Haha.Β  I will make sure to tell that person that I will not be talking during a run.Β  Would YOU run with me?Β  Probably not.Β  πŸ™‚

Tuesday Topics

This week’s Tuesday Topic:Β Β Are you a solo or group runner?Β  You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post.Β  Remember to Link-up withΒ KimΒ andΒ Zenaida!Β  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!Β Β Remember to come back for later linkers!

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15 Comments on Tuesday Topics: I am a solo runner

  1. I can definitely appreciate all of these things about solo running and although I love it, I also love running with a group. (I’m a mixture of both!) I love talking while running with someone because the miles seem to fly by! πŸ™‚

  2. Even when I run with a group no one talks, lol. We all have our music on but I think I just like the idea that you have other people running with you.

    I totally understand what you mean about pace – I hate when I feel like I am holding someone back because my pace is slower than theirs.

  3. That’s the magic quality of running…we all get to do it OUR way πŸ˜‰ It took me awhile to acclimate to talking while running, but now I like it because it forces me to keep things slower than I would if I was on my own. Long runs are meant to be slow, and I have a tough time keeping my long legs under control. That said, I DO enjoy my solo runs as well because I can be more spontaneous with them regarding distance and pace (or potty stops).

  4. I don’t mind listening to people talk sometimes but I can run comfortably with a silent group.
    I would run with you. πŸ™‚

  5. I am totally like you. While I wouldn’t turn out a run with someone, more often than not, I prefer and choose to run alone (for the same reasons that you stated!).

  6. LOL, I love your honesty. You’d be surprised how many women in my MRTT group meet up for 5 am runs, and we’re big enough to match paces, but it still requires more planning than I can pull off most weekdays. I love having someone to talk to on long runs. πŸ˜‰

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