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Learning to Run Alone 

February 10, 2016 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC34 Comments

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I really enjoy running with friends. I love having company and feel that pretty much even the worse run can be made better by adding company. I will do almost anything to avoid running alone. I’ll travel, run at the zero dark thirty, whatever it takes. I love running with others. However, I knew with my new training plan, I’d have to do some runs alone. Learning to run alone has been a challenge but I’m learning to appreciate it.

Learning to Run AloneAs you might recall, my new plan has me running six days a week. Running six days a week means that a lot of those runs are solo. I would love to run with folks daily, but that’s just not practical. I’m pretty much impossible for me to run tempo runs with anyone unless they are striving for my same exact pace range. And track work can be done with others because on the track it doesn’t matter what pace you are running to have the company but the weather has been gross for most of my track days so that has meant solo runs. The combination of higher mileage and solo miles has been tough. There are a few things I’ve noticed as I’ve learned to run alone the past couple months:

  • Mental strength is utilized so much more on solo runs. You can have mentally hard runs with others (and I definitely have)…however, having others around is a push to keep going. When you are having a mentally hard run and you are on your own, you are only accountable to yourself. No one is encouraging you to stay out there and finish the run. That strength has to come from within. I am always working on mental strength and feel I’ve made some significant gains during this training cycle. 
  • The importance of both creativity and routine. On my solo runs, I don’t have the luxury of friends to distract me so I have to sometimes be creative in where I run. If I’m running an easy run, then I really like to mix up my routes because that keeps those runs from being boring. On my tempo days, however, I’ve begun to crave the routine of that particular route and by this point, I could almost run my tempo run without looking at my watch for mile markers because I know the route so well. I thought I’d get bored of running that same stretch each week, but I actually look forward to it. I think having the mix of locations alongside the routine of other routes helps keep me motivated. 
  • I appreciate runs with friends so much more. I usually get 1-2 runs with friends in each week and I’m so grateful for the company. I’ve always been grateful for friends while running but nowadays, it’s such a true joy to have someone to talk through a run with. I definitely love the social aspect of running and crave that each and every week. 

Do you run solo or with others? 


Comments

  1. Alaina @ The Simple Peach says

    February 10, 2016 at 10:18 am

    Great minds think alike! My post yesterday was about developing mental toughness and running solo is one of the items I list. You are a beast for running 6 days a week especially in all this snow ya’ll keep getting.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 10, 2016 at 10:22 am

      Aw, thank you. I’ve had some unanticipated rest days this week because of my knee but I know it’s better to nip this in the bud now!

      Reply
  2. Lesley says

    February 10, 2016 at 10:28 am

    I like to run solo due to my pace and intervals, but I love talking about training and all kinds of running stuff with friends.
    Lesley recently posted…This is the Week!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 10, 2016 at 10:30 am

      Yes – it’s a good balance!

      Reply
  3. Hollie says

    February 10, 2016 at 10:46 am

    I run a lot more by myself because of my work schedule. These are great and to be honest running alone takes a lot of mental strength.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 10, 2016 at 10:47 am

      Yes! It takes a LOT of mental strength!! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lourenza says

    February 10, 2016 at 10:48 am

    During my marathon training most of weekly runs were done alone. It is a definite struggle to run alone. For my long runs I try to run with other people at “zero dark thirty” …Lol . I have learned that I have to motivate yourself to run alone, but it is better running with someone else.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 10, 2016 at 10:49 am

      Long runs alone are torture to me – and it felt that way for shorter runs at first too, but now I’m getting more used to it!

      Reply
  5. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    February 10, 2016 at 11:01 am

    I tend to do a majority of my training solo and it’s become something that I enjoy. The funny thing is, I’m realizing how great it can be to have more people to run with for those tough long runs!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Goals for the ZOOMA Run Love 10KMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Jen@bubblyrunner.com says

    February 10, 2016 at 11:43 am

    So funny because I’m the total opposite–I always run alone. I’ve always been nervous to run with others because I’m afraid they’ll be way faster than me. You’re right though, solo running does require a lot of mental strength. I rely on music to distract me during my long runs! PS we need to schedule another run date!
    Jen@bubblyrunner.com recently posted…Race Wish ListMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 10, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      Oh yeah, that’s the other thing – I don’t run with music! And yes – maybe a Sunday morning easy run soon? Although I run pretty early on Sundays… 🙂

      Reply
      • Jen@bubblyrunner.com says

        February 10, 2016 at 7:35 pm

        Sounds like a plan–and I don’t mind waking up early!

        Reply
  7. haley says

    February 10, 2016 at 11:58 am

    It’s funny. I started as a lone runner, then later started with my group. I really miss their company when I don’t have them, but you’re totally right. Tempo runs are almost always easier on your own unless your partners are at that same mark and pace. So I end up running solo twice a week and with my group twice.
    Hoping your dreary days of crappy weather are few and fading fast.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 10, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      Aw, thanks Haley – a good mix of solo and group is I think the best for me to enjoy the runs but get in the hard workouts I need!

      Reply
  8. Amanda @ Anchored to Sunshine says

    February 10, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    I love this post! I am the WORST when it comes to running along. Not only do I get so bored, I also end up cutting my run short (which is a total no-no since I’m training for a half). I’m glad someone else understands the struggle haha

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 10, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      Haha, you will definitely develop that mental strength to avoid cutting those runs short! It takes time in my experience but it’s good race day practice!

      Reply
  9. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    February 10, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    I run mostly solo. But I do like variety and rarely run the same routes — I usually decide where to go, in general, and then just make up the rest as I go along.

    Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    February 10, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    I always ran alone until this summer when I was a pacer for a marathon training group…I had to learn to run with other people. I ended up really liking it, but I was super nervous about having to talk during the run, keep everyone motivated and keep on pace for my group. I definitely enjoy running with others more after that experience, but I think at heart I am a solo runner.

    Reply
  11. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    February 10, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    I like having someone with me for the safety factor but during “training I prefer to run alone cus I can go at my own pace. The best is having my husband ride bike while I run!

    Reply
  12. Shawna says

    February 10, 2016 at 3:27 pm

    i’m largely a solo runner but have/will run with friends or occasionally in groups, and lately i’ve been running with the boyfriend a few times a month. i have to admit that while it’ll prob push me more to run with people, i enjoy running more alone. it’s my reprieve from the rest of my life, and it hasn’t become something competitive for me — i don’t have to race anyone, and if i ran with people, i’d probably feel the urge to push myself, which could be good, BUT could also turn running into something totally diff for me…so i like it how it is.

    Reply
  13. Chaitali says

    February 10, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    I like having a mix of solo runs and runs with friends, but I absolutely agree that my solo runs tend to be mentally tougher. It’s also tougher to motivate myself to get out there with solo runs. When I’m running with friends, I’m at least looking forward to seeing them. But the good solo runs, where I’ve been able to get lost in the running, are some of the best runs I’ve had.
    Chaitali recently posted…Being frugal and workout clothesMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Karen @ Fit in France says

    February 10, 2016 at 4:48 pm

    I love running alone. Its the only time I don’t need to make a decision, tell others what to do or have someone depend on me ! which pretty much sums up my work life ! I have even stopped running with music, much preferring the quiet and sounds of my feet hitting the pavement or nature.

    Reply
  15. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    February 10, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    I definitely prefer one time but don’t mind running with others now and again. We should scheduke a run date soon!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…April Fools Half Training Week 3My Profile

    Reply
    • Mar @ Mar on the Run says

      February 10, 2016 at 7:53 pm

      *that was alone time! Stupid autocorrect

      Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 11, 2016 at 12:13 am

      Indeed! Let’s do it!

      Reply
  16. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    February 10, 2016 at 9:01 pm

    With the exception of my Wednesday track workouts with a group of guys, I trained for my first two marathons and 50-miler all alone. Those were a lot of long, lonesome miles! Even though you miss your friends, those solo miles are making you mentally tough. Good job!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Triumphant MomentsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 11, 2016 at 12:13 am

      Thank you Debbie! 🙂

      Reply
  17. meljo @ a year in running shoes says

    February 11, 2016 at 7:43 am

    I run alone. I used to say I needed a shirt that say “does not run well with others” but the reality is I run alone because I worry about ruining someone else’s pace… My husband will run with me sometimes, but he is so much faster than me that I start to feel guilty about his run. I’m rarely bored on a run, I use music to break the monotony of long runs, or change my route altogether. I’ll admit, though, do find myself thinking “I wish I could do that” when I see a group of women running together.
    meljo @ a year in running shoes recently posted…15 weeks!!My Profile

    Reply
  18. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    February 11, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    I run almost all of my runs solo! I actually like it, because it’s the only time of day that I am completely alone. I just listen to my music and let go.
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…The Finish LineMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Leeanne says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    One of the things I love and am envious about you is how often you run with other people. I’m always worried about pace and schedule that running with others almost stresses me out. I need to learn your ways girl!!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 12, 2016 at 10:01 pm

      Easy days! That’s the key to running with people for me. That and having a group of my pace range on Saturdays 🙂

      Reply
  20. Zenaida Arroyo says

    February 14, 2016 at 8:29 am

    I like running alone when it is a short distance. Running with a group helps keep me on pace and makes the time go by faster. You are lucky to have friends join you for a run.

    Reply
  21. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    February 15, 2016 at 8:40 pm

    Right now I’m mostly solo on the treadmill and I’ve got to say I’m getting really sick of it. I miss the socialization and the miles just going by because of great conversation!

    Reply
  22. HJ says

    February 19, 2016 at 11:02 am

    Courtney, this is so well said! Mental toughness is a huge component and often overlooked since it is hard. Way to go and thank you for sharing! Keep up the hard work, it will certainly pay off.

    Reply

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