• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

a much more relaxed week

5 sources of mental clutter

my spring race plans

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / solo running vs group running

solo running vs group running

July 22, 2020      16 Comments

One of the biggest choices runners make is the concept of solo running vs. group running. Personally, I go through phases where I prefer one to the other, but runners learn to adapt to all situations.

solo running vs group running

Solo Running

I use my solo running sessions to get some much-needed quiet time. Sometimes I use music, and sometimes, I run to the sounds of my own breathing and feet. In fact, I’ve come to prefer the latter of the two. It’s good for my soul. Running on my own also allows me to pay more attention to my form and how my leg feels. Recovery is still very much a focus for me, and I need to indulge my aches and twinges a little more than I did before.

solo running vs group running

Benefits of solo running include:

  • Alone time
  • Builds mental toughness
  • No obligation to stick with a particular route, pace, or workout
  • It’s easier to become one with the run when on your own.

There are, of course, some downsides to solo running:

  • It’s easier to quit or talk yourself out of an effort without a buddy
  • Runners must take more safety precautions when alone (never run without your RoadID or telling someone where you are).
  • Solo miles can be boring
  • You can easily fall into a running rut when by yourself

Group Running

I confess it took me a really long time before I felt comfortable running with another person, let alone a group. It was incredibly intimidating and I always feared holding people back. On a positive note, I am far less likely to bail on a run if I am with a group, and getting to chat helps the miles fly by.

solo running vs group running
Remember: code RUNSWITHPUGS saves you 10% on any Best Damn Race!

There’s definitely strength in numbers, and so many of my best runs have been in great company. Members of the group are great for spurring each other on and encouraging each other, and that’s something you don’t get on your own.

Pros of group running:

  • Increased accountability
  • Social time in a healthy, fitness setting
  • Someone to push you when you’re not feeling motivated
  • Improved safety

The cons of group running can include:

  • Pushing yourself to keep up when it’s not safe
  • Having to commit to a route, pace, or workout when you’re not feeling it
  • It can be harder to take care of your own running needs in a group

The Verdict?

I remain solidly Team Both. I love running with friends, especially in these days of social distancing, when it’s hard to get people time. However, having few other outlets, it’s nice to have time to myself as well. As I came back from my injury, I preferred running alone, so no one would see me struggle. I also wouldn’t feel pressured to keep up with anyone if I was having a hard day. Now, I enjoy running with a friend, and can hopefully add more people to my running rotation, as it helps my motivation.

Where do you fall in the solo running vs group running debate?

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Organic Runner Mom each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy says

    July 22, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    I definitely prefer solo running over the group. I’ll do the group thing but it’s kind of stressful for me, trying to run at someone else’s pace, talk while running–stuff I’m just not used to, lol!

    Reply
  2. Farrah says

    July 22, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    I don’t think I’ve ever really intentionally (haha) run as a group, but back when I used to run, I liked it better with a friend since we could motivate each other (+ also a great excuse to get to spend time together/catch up on life). These days if I go running, it’s on my own!

    Reply
  3. Deborah Brooks says

    July 22, 2020 at 6:16 pm

    As you know, I am totally for group runs. They completely changed my life. My running friends have become my best friends. I love the accountability and the safety in numbers

    Reply
  4. Darlene S Cardillo says

    July 22, 2020 at 6:26 pm

    I definitely prefer group running but it’s because I don’t care about pace and my friends run slower than I do.

    I do find it stressful when I run with a group/friend that runs faster than me. But in the end, it’s probably better for me as a runner.

    Solo running does have its place. You can do it where and when and for how long you want.

    I belong to Camp Both.

    Reply
  5. Michelle D. says

    July 22, 2020 at 6:44 pm

    I’m definitely more of a solo runner or with just one other person. Larger group runs use to stress me out when I first started running so I stopped doing them and have not attempted to pick them up again.

    Reply
  6. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    July 22, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    I’ve always been a solo runner. I know there are benefits to running with a group, but I’ve always wanted to just be able to do my own thing! Sometimes I run with my husband so its nice to have someone to chat with (and to push the stroller for part of the run!)

    Reply
  7. Rachel says

    July 22, 2020 at 11:43 pm

    I have one training partner I’ve been running with since before COVID which has been really great, but I really, really miss running with a group.

    Reply
  8. Laurie says

    July 23, 2020 at 12:57 am

    I do most of my runs with my hubby. I really miss both running by myself and running with a group. Group runs from our running club should resume soon. I am excited about that!

    Reply
  9. Kimberly Hatting says

    July 23, 2020 at 1:06 am

    I like both, for different reasons.A big advantage for group running, though, is the chatter with others. Not only is it fun, and the time passes a lot faster, it’s great for learning how to breathe more effectively because it takes a lot more effort to talk while running.

    Reply
  10. Beckett @ Birchwood Pie says

    July 23, 2020 at 2:00 am

    Group running is new to me, and I really love it. I never thought that it was an option to run with others since I run early in the mornings and I’ve always thought of myself as slow. But then I met another runner a few weeks ago and hooked up with the neighborhood running group and it turns out that there are many women in my neighborhood who will run whenever and at whatever pace and I’m loving these new friendships. I still enjoy my solos as well. It’s not all or nothing, I still run by myself to meet up with the group, so most of my runs end up being 3 by myself and 3 with the group.
    Beckett @ Birchwood Pie recently posted…Weekly Eats: Getting My Act TogetherMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Laura says

    July 23, 2020 at 11:25 am

    I love solo runs or runs with just one other person. I’m an introvert and solo runs are really refreshing for me!

    Reply
  12. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    July 23, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    I actually do love running with a group. But I’m not comfortable with that right now. It’s too easy to forget social distancing.

    Luckily, I’m ok on my own too — it does have its benefits. Like choosing which day, where, and what time I run.

    I get the best thoughts on the runs sometimes! Lately I’ve actually stopped & made notes so I don’t forget those great ideas before I get home!

    Reply
  13. Sandra Laflamme says

    July 23, 2020 at 4:23 pm

    I am so missing group running. Since the pandemic started I have only run once with two other friends. I love chatting as we run or challenging each other.

    Reply
  14. Denise @ runheartfit says

    July 23, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    I liked doing my long runs with a group when I ran with Team n Training. It helps distract from the boredom. But I run alone now and I like it but having another person for those endless miles would be nice.

    Reply
  15. Catrina says

    July 24, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    I am definitely with you in “Team Both”.
    I love running with friends, but at the same time, I really appreciate time alone.
    I never listen to music or a podcast as I need some headspace while out running. It’s so refreshing for body and soul!

    Reply
  16. Andy Waring says

    July 29, 2020 at 10:21 am

    Although I’m quite happy running on my own (and do do most of my running this way), I do like the occasional group/club run.
    I find the running in a group ticks the social interaction box as well as motivating increased effort keeping up with better runners. I’ll try to ‘group’ runa at least once a week.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • a much more relaxed week
  • 5 sources of mental clutter
  • my spring race plans
  • a week of exploring new things
  • 5 fitness superstitions

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Easy is nice, but nothing great ever happens insid Easy is nice, but nothing great ever happens inside the comfort zone.

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids 

 #injuryRecovery #RunChat #Training #FitMom #RunnerMom #FitnessBlogger #RunnersOfInstagram #RunningBlogger #SRTT #FitAfter40#WomensRunningCommunity #RunningCommunity #GoalDigger #HoneyStingerHive #TeamRoadID #GoodrFlamboyance #BalegaImpi #LeagueOfgarmin #BeatYesterday #RunHappy #BDRAmbassador #RunJax
Even though I got up late, the weather was still c Even though I got up late, the weather was still cool enough to make my 5 miler tolerable. 

We are supposed to see temps in the 90s this weekend and I am 100% not about it!

I won’t be racing this weekend: instead I’ve got some work, some volunteering, and another event on Sunday. Looking forward to all of it!

Are you running long or racing this weekend? Tell me about it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
This Sunday, I hit up the #womenrunjacksonville ev This Sunday, I hit up the #womenrunjacksonville event at the @theglassfactory, presented by @yelpjacksonville and @market.and.mimosas!

Is it possible to be overwhelmed by so much amazing talent, creativity and awesome woman power? 

From the iconic “my phone eats first” tote to the gorgeous party wall lined with craft mimosas, to the silent disco headphones and all the vendors and food/drink samples! Swoon.

I shopped, ate, drank and chatted my way around the venue, and enjoyed every second of it. What a way to celebrate Women’s History Month, and all of the incredible female entrepreneurs, business owners and bosses in Jax and NE Florida!

Five stars. Would do again in a heartbeat!

#yougogirl #womenshistorymonth #girlpower #lovelocal #womanownedbusiness #smallbusiness #localbusiness #supportlocal #womenrunjax #yelpelite #yelpelitesquad #vendormarket #onlyinjax #thingstodojax #myphoneeatsfirst #firstcoastfavorites
35 minutes on the elliptical 👿 with a cool down 35 minutes on the elliptical 👿 with a cool down walk in the beautiful sunshine.

I am not a huge fan of gym equipment like the treadmill or the elliptical: I find it boring and often times awkward. That being said, I’m working through a training plan from @runsmartofficial and trusting the process.

Did you get your fitness inside or out today? How do you feel about the elliptical?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Knock knock! Rolling through another Wednesday of Knock knock!

Rolling through another Wednesday of miles! It was not a great run (i got something in my contact and had to go home to flush it out!) but the company stellar as usual (@montarriba) and future me will say thank you for sticking it out.

I’ve got a busy day with some writing, a few emails and a trip to @danielle904beauty so stay tuned for that glow up!

How is your Wednesday? How are you rolling?

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Could they be any cuter? @lunanleonidas #pug #p Could they be any cuter?

@lunanleonidas 

#pug #pugpuppies
Let’s talk about balance. Balance is an area wh Let’s talk about balance.

Balance is an area where I sometimes struggle, physically and emotionally. It can be a challenge to fit in all the things I want and all the things I need. I don’t always love doing the mundane or tedious tasks that ultimately lead to the foundations of the things I am more passionate about.

I am taking a little more time to build on the basics, and find my balance. It’s going to lead to a healthier and happier me.

How do you find your balance? Do you struggle with the basics? 

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run.

I worked through some cardio under the blue skies and in the fresh air and then came home to @runsmartofficial’s base building boot camp. 

There was A LOT of focus on balance and feet and ankles, as well as ground work in the form of different planks and push-ups. 

The movements were small but effective and my legs are certainly burning! It’s going to get harder as we go, but I’m excited to spend more time on my stability and form, to see if it makes me stronger and more efficient over time.

What was on your workout calendar today?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
This morning, I started on a new training plan wit This morning, I started on a new training plan with @runsmartofficial. I have a goal race in May, so I am going to see if I can make some improvements along the way.

I can admit that I am built more for distance than speed, but I am taking a crack and improving my pace over the next ten weeks. Keep your fingers crossed 🤞🏻!

Anyone else starting a new training plan and cycle?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!