This summer I’ve been training with a new marathon training group. This is my first time running with groups in about a year and a half and I’ve been enjoying the group setting. However, because it had been awhile since I’d trained with a group, I did make a couple of rookie mistakes upon my first couple of weeks. I thought I’d share my tips on things to remember when running with a group so you can learn from my experience! If you’ve never run with a group, use this tips and go for your first group run – you’ll probably love it! A version of this post first appeared at Women’s Running.
- Run your pace. When running with a group, it can be tempting to run faster or slower than you normally do to fit in. Remember that’s it not a competition. Chances are there is someone that runs your similar pace. Automatic run buddy!
- That being said, take advantage of the group. At my first group run, folks seemed to be either just a hair faster or a good bit slower than I wanted to run. I stuck with the faster group and got in an unexpected tempo run. It’s not good to always run faster than is comfortable but pushing yourself will only benefit your running. (Disclaimer: please know yourself and don’t run with a group running 8 minute miles if you normally run an 11 minute mile. You will injure yourself!) I can’t stress this last part enough. I’ve seen a runner in my group recently who started off running really strong 9:30ish miles (which is faster than my long run pace). After a few miles, I let that runner who was pushing the pace go on and continued on at my comfortable pace. Sure enough, late in the run (say mile 8), I saw that same runner who was pushing the pace walking it in because she had blown up by running too fast early on. This can happen – and don’t beat yourself up if it does – but it’s much easier to just avoid it!
- Ditch the headphones. I feel sad when I see people put in headphones during group runs. I get it, but I feel sad. I used to think that it was impossible for me to run without music, so I completely understand. However the fun in running with a group is chatting with folks. And putting headphones in says “don’t talk to me.” It may be a challenge but give running without your headphones a try. Plus many groups don’t allow their members to run with headphones because of safety issues.
- Talking is allowed. And if you are running with me, it’s encouraged. I know lots of folks who say that they can’t run and talk. I used to be one of them. The truth is you can run and talk; you just have to get used to it. You may have to run a bit slower at first but that’s okay because the friendships you make are worth it. Plus twenty mile runs are WAY more fun when you are using the time to catch up and chat with your best running friends. Trust me on that one!
- Have fun! Group runs are supposed to be fun! Yes, it might be your long run but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop to take a picture, wait for your buddy while they take a much needed potty break or stop to admire just how beautiful your surroundings are. Enjoy the company, get your run in but remember that it IS supposed to be fun!
not my current group, but another run group I sometimes run with. 🙂
Do you run with a group? What tips would you add to this list?
Perfect timing for this post! I really need to try running with a group.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Miss Independence
Oh, I’m glad the timing was right 🙂
Group runs always intimidate me. The few that I’ve participated in, I’ve always been one of the slowest runners, and I feel like I’m dragging the group down. 🙁
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…My Goals for Saturday’s Firecracker 5k
You should try a more formal group. For example, my new group (Arlington Road Runners Club) has a wide range of paces – from 7/8 minutes per mile to 13/14. You’d definitely have people to run with in my group!
You know I love my group and don’t know what I would do without my MRTT peeps. They keep me motivated and accountable for my runs not to mention the great social aspect.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Going Down Hill Fast -Haleakala Bike tour
I know you love your group — group runs are the best, right??
Great post. I only ran with an official Running Group one time (years ago). I was invited by a friend. I ended up running my own pace which was much faster than my friend. She never said anything about it, but I later felt horrible because I didn’t keep pace with her and was running with others at my speed ( I was a much better runner back then..lol). I’m sure I broke some kind of runner etiquette rule by not sticking with the person who invited me. Is that even a rule?
no way! you ran at your own pace, which is best. and you met new people which is awesome! i would never begrudge a faster friend 🙂
The biggest “group” I run is usually is just two other women. I LOVE when I get to run with others because I’m usually solo. We chat SO much that the miles just fly by. Love it!
Allie recently posted…In 200 Words or Less…An Amazing Opportunity
Exactly! I’d much rather run with someone else 🙂
Two years ago I barely got over my fear of running with others. Unfortunately since I moved I haven’t found another running buddy. Hoping to find a group soon! Thanks for the tips 🙂
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Places to Run in San Diego: Cowles Mountain
Oh bummer – hope you find some buddies soon!
These are great tips! Groups are amazing for motivation and pushing yourself to go faster.
Bri recently posted…6 things you should do to detox after a weekend at a summer music festival
Great tips! I don’t do a lot of group runs, but when I do, I’m always talking to someone – otherwise, I could just be running alone, right?!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The 10 Best Running Memes
exactly!! that’s kinda the whole point, right? 🙂
I’ve never done a group run…and truth is it’s quite intimidating to me! I’m always so afraid of being the “slow one”. I’ve gotta get over it! Sounds so much fun. Great tips!
Alyson @ Disney runs in the family recently posted…Paris? Oui!
I’ve had the same fears and I have had a time where I did a group run and was definitely the slowest. However, the leader was nice and ran with me!
Thanks for the great tips Courtney! I always get intimidated by the idea of group runs, but want to start adding them into my routine
I’ve found that w/out exception, most runners are so nice that it’s not that bad. However, I’ve also run w/groups before where I knew it wasn’t a fit early on. Luckily, there are SO many options!
These are excellent tips! I like go at your own pace that’s important you want a challenge but not to kill yourself during training.
Ivanna recently posted…Join the “Try This Thursday” Link up
yes, exactly! you have to run your pace!
I have been wanting to try running with a group for a while now! I just need to find a group in my area. I can definitely see how it would be so much fun and motivating. Great tips!
Angie @ PAce with Grace Blog recently posted…July Goals
As much as I dread hard workouts, I look forward to meeting up with my group!
I think whatever you do, it’s important to remember to be happy and not be stressed out. I run with and without people depending on what people are doing. Nice post!
Hollie recently posted…June Training
Thanks Hollie 🙂 Running happy is super important!
This is great! I’ve made it my summer goal to join an occasional weekday group run and think about a training group for my half marathon in the fall. I think I just need to suck it up and go once I’m feeling 100% on the running front 🙂
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races recently posted…Monthly Goals: July
You should think about joining ARRC. The cost is low and the group is fantastic. I’m really loving it!
The talking is the best part about running with a group, for me, Courtney! I run by myself the rest of the week, so it’s a nice change. Great post and I hope you’re having a wonderful Thursday!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Mini Reviews
Thanks Tara – yeah, even when the workout is hard and I talk less, I ALWAYS appreciate the conversation.
My biggest concern is that I don’t know where to find a running group. I know my local running store has a group, but they don’t ever do long distance runs. :S I guess I could always go ask and see if they have another group or know of others and how to get in contact with them.
Do you pay to be in the group? I know you had mentioned a formal group in the comments.
Tedi @ Running with Infertility recently posted…Things that are Marathon Training Week 11 Recap
My group does have a cost (80-90 depending on when you signed up). I’d honestly just google running group + your city. I bet there are more than you know! Or look on meetup.com!
Good to know! Up until this year, I’d rarely run with a group and certainly not regularly. Now I do some of my runs with a tri training group. It’s been fun!
Marcia recently posted…Stuff I’m Bringing to Europe
Great tips. I tried some group runs here, but they everyone seems to be way faster than me so I kind of ended up running alone. So I am stinking to just running buddies for now. Seems like your DC group is great though.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…AJC Peachtree Road Race Goals
running groups are great! it’s easy to run hard too as there’s always someone to chase!
Carmy recently posted…TOL #25 A Lesson in Patience
I have just joined a running group but I haven’t gone out with them yet. I’m still nervous and intimidated. I’m working on it, though. I’ve done so much training on my own for so long that I have a hard time putting myself out there.
I don’t run with a group so all I can say is thank you for the tips. I actually find, when I run in company, the time passes by SO much faster, than running with an ipod. An ipod will never replace a human being, even though it can be nice sometimes. I’d much rather run with someone, but we sadly don’t have any running groups nearby. 🙁
Emily recently posted…TOL: How to Vary your Diet!
Great tips! I usually run solo… but I need to find a group to run with and use these tips! 🙂
rachel recently posted…Summer Fun
I have definitely become a solo runner because of my frustration with feeling too slow for group runs…though it is funny – each time that I have run with a small group lately, I have surprised myself and kept up. Maybe I should give groups another shot!
Elena recently posted…A Day in the Life at Hilton Head Health
You should!!!
Great post. I get nervous about group runs (as it seems with everyone else). Its nice Pacers moved closer, but I know those guys are on the speedier end. I suppose the only way to see which group fits is to try it out.
Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Fitness Trends I Will/Will Not Try
I’ve done a pacers group run before – they were all pretty fast. My friend and I were the slowest – and that was with 9:45s! Of course that was over a year ago – it may be more diverse now!