5 things to like about group runs
One of the best aspects about our sport of running is its individual nature. When you finish a 5K, it’s your time and not anyone else’s. And it’s my marathon PR. There’s no doubt, it’s a big deal after and a great sense of accomplishment knowing that we tested ourselves physically and mentally. Of course,
As much as we like the individuality, the solitude of running is hard to overcome sometimes. As important as long runs are to training, they can be boring. And some days, you just don’t feel like running.
If you’ve gotten tired of running by yourself, or if you need to jump start your running – or if you want to get in shape and start running but aren’t sure how, we suggest group runs. They are a fun way to get started in the sport and find the motivation to get off the couch and log some miles. Here are 5 reasons why we think group runs can be an imp0rtant component to your running.
Motivation
Usually, groups have regular times that they gather for running. If you know a group is waiting for you, you are more likely to get up early on a Saturday or head out some weekday evening and run with the group. When there’s a regular time that a group gathers to run together, you’re less inclined to bag your run because people are waiting for you.
Encouragement
When the Elizabethtown Running Club started in the spring, the group was a wide variety of runners: Some had never run before, some had run marathons and other distances, and others who wanted to get back into the sport. Regardless of where people are in their running journey, everyone encourages each other before, during and after the runs. When one member returned from her first run last spring, everyone who had returned to the starting point applauded her. The club members also keep each other up to date on races they are planning to run, both before and after.
Pace
We all either know a runner, or know about a runner, who can blaze through a 5K in 16 or 17 minutes, but the vast majority of runners aren’t that fast. One of the best aspects about group runs is that different people run at different paces, and you can always find someone who can your pace with you. We’ve heard of some groups in other areas that meet early on Saturday mornings with different people leading different paces along the same route. That way, everyone has an opportunity to get the kind of run in that they need.
No judgment
By and large, runners do not judge each other for their speed. If you you a 6-minute mile, you’re a runner. And if you run a 12-minute mile, you’re a runner. Both of you are exerting the same amount of effort to finish a workout or a race, and you are certainly giving it your all. In group runs, no one is going to look down on you just because your pace is a slower than other group members. That is a huge psychological boost, and that support can make the difference for you if you’re intimidated by the experience other runners have.
Time passes more quickly
If you’re running by yourself, especially during a long run that can last an hour or more, it can feel like a slog and get boring pretty quickly. If you’re running with a group, you’re likely to be chatting with others, which is an easy distraction to how hard the effort is. Before you know it, you’re already run 5 miles or more, and you haven’t even thought about it!
Where can you do group runs in this area?
Both the Harrisburg Road Runners Club and the Lancaster Road Runners have regular group runs. Check their websites for their regularly scheduled group runs. The Elizabethtown Running Club meets Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings until September.