Are you interested in running with a group/club/team? Are you not sure where or how to start? Unsure if it’s for you? Looking to expand your running friend community?
Whether you are new to running, out of touch with the group scene (like I was until recently), or just looking for something different, there’s something for everyone!
HOW I STARTED
When I first started my running journey in early 2000s, I ran mostly solo. I ran my first marathon in 2005 and by 2008, I was propelled into the group running scene. That year was my first as an American Cancer Society Charity/Determination runner and that experience left me with bonds that will last a lifetime.
I had never run with anyone other than my dad, who would always let me set the pace. As I got more into running, my friendship group expanded to include runners and consistent running dates, especially during marathon training. I really enjoyed the camaraderie during my time with my ACS team.
At some point along the way, likely during veterinary school when free time was scarce, I decided it was easier to do my long runs (and all runs) solo as to not work around anyone else’s schedule or pace. And I didn’t look back- until the summer of 2022. It was then that I jumped back into running with groups and friends, and I love it!
WHY TRY GROUP RUNNING?
1) It’s social!
Running is all about the community, and this is a fun and easy way to broaden your horizons and expand your community.
2) Running with others makes the miles and time fly by.
The conversations and laughs had during group runs make the time go quickly. And you learn oh so many things while running with others!
3) It’s a great way to mix things up!
New routes, new friends, new experiences. Variety is the spice of life, right?
4) Make new friends.
This is a great way to meet people who enjoy the same activity as you. You’ll also find out that there are many other things you have in common with some of those new people you’ll meet!
5) Expand your running support group.
You can never have too many cheerleaders!
6) They’ll push you (and you may not realize it)!
Running with people who are faster than you is a fantastic way to push yourself, and this is an easy way to do it in a fun, laid back setting.
7) You can always count on having someone to run with!
I now have a standing group run every weekend that I know will happen regardless of weather. I also have a weekly running date with a friend when our days off align.
8) Accountability and motivation.
Missing from a group run? Someone is going to check in with you. Don’t want to get up for that early morning run? Those running friends will remind you why you want to go! Want to go outside of your comfort zone and do something that seems crazy to others but normal and fun for our kind? Those running friends will be up for a challenge!
9) There’s safety in numbers!
Last but not least, stay safe.
FIND YOUR PACE
One reason I stopped running with others for over a decade was pace. I didn’t want to slow someone down and I didn’t want to go faster than I was comfortable, especially during long runs. Finding the right running buddies can make a world of difference to your training, performance, and mentality surrounding running.
This past summer, I decided I needed a change in preparation to run the New York City Marathon followed by the California International Marathon 4 weeks later. Only once had I run more than 1 marathon in a calendar year but I had never run 2 marathons just a short month apart. I started running with friends and groups again, and that was one of the best decisions I could have made to help advance my training (both physically and mentally).
Back in September, I participated in my first long run with a new group. The experience was initially daunting. I didn’t know anyone I would be running with, I didn’t know the city or trails, I had no idea how fast I would have to go to keep up, and I wasn’t sure it would be something I would enjoy. My anxieties rapidly dissipated as I quickly settled in with fellow back of the packers. That day, I ran 14 miles with people I had just met that morning, on a new route, at a pace I didn’t expect to be able to hold for as long as I did. I was shocked that I felt decent during the run, the miles went quickly, it was a confidence boost, AND I looked forward to going back!
On New Year’s Eve day 2022, I ran a 23k (for 2023) with 2 of my “new” running friends and it was a blast! Talk about something I never would have otherwise done or sought out! I’m so thankful for these new experiences, new friendships, and that I took a chance, stretched far outside of my comfort zone, and dove headfirst back into group running!
HOW TO FIND A RUNNING GROUP
There are so many local options!
Some groups meet Saturdays, some alternate Saturday and Sunday for long runs, some have weeknight runs. Most have a social aspect to the run, such as getting coffee or breakfast afterward, and offer other social events throughout the year.
I mention the Twin Cities because that is where I live. If you’re interested in finding a running club or team in your area, you can contact your local running store or check the Road Runners Club of America website.
These are just a few of the running clubs/teams located in the Twin Cities area:
- BFM Running Club
- Lakes Running Company
- Mile to Marathon
- Mill City/Saint City
- North Star Running
- Parkrun Series
- RunWEST
- Run Minnesota Polar Bears
- Twin Cities Running Club
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Some running clubs/teams are free to join, others have an annual fee to help offset the cost of coaching, track rental, jerseys, etc.
FIND YOUR PEOPLE
Surround yourself with people who lift you up, excite you, and share your passion!
Like so many things in life, it might take a little while to find where you feel the most comfortable. You may love every experience and run with different groups on different days! It’s worth the risk to try something new. Some of my closest friends are people I met through running (we truly are a special bunch) and I’m always looking to expand that community!
Bottom line: running with others can boost your running game, create and strengthen friendships, and breathe new life in to something you cherish.
“Running has given me many things, but the greatest gift has been the people that it has brought into my life.”
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