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.
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.
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 π
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 π
This weekβs 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 β the more the merrier!Β Β Remember to come back for later linkers!
I have to admit, I’m a talker (on the run). And I tell people it’s ok to tell me to shut up, LOL!
Haha!
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! π
That is true. The miles do fly by when running with someone.
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.
Now that would be my kind of group. π
That’s the magic quality of running…we all get to do it OUR way π 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).
You make some valid points. Sometimes I tend to run too fast on my slow runs and I need to find a slow to slow down.
I don’t mind listening to people talk sometimes but I can run comfortably with a silent group.
I would run with you. π
Thank you! π
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!).
turn down π
Glad to hear I am not the only one.
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. π
I was hoping that with my honesty I wouldn’t offend anyone. Then I realize that why would I offend anyone since it is just my opinion.