I’ve pretty much always been a solo runner. I didn’t listen to music. I’d just enjoy the solitude and listen to my own breathing. The only person I ran with was my dad. Running with him has always been my favorite kind of running, but I never really had any urge to run with anyone else.
This spring one of my friends joined me for part of my long runs. That was pretty cool. Then I ran a race with a friend and, since I wasn’t actually “racing” it, I enjoyed chatting during the run. This fall I ran a half marathon with an online friend and had a blast.
Now I’ve started running once a week with someone and hope to add another day a week with another friend. And I’m loving it, which surprised me. Today I finally figured out what has changed.
Before kids and during the early years with kids, I used running as a stress release. I needed it to survive the sensory overload that was my life. Now, the kids are in school for significant chunks of the day and we are no longer meeting up with friends on a regular basis. Suddenly, I’m running by myself, working at home by myself, running errands by myself… The extrovert in me has been begging for an outlet. And once again, running has saved the day, this time by providing a social outlet.
(I will, however, continue to do my speed work by myself. There’s something about running near “puke speed” that doesn’t scream “share with friends” LOL.)
So, who wants to come visit and go for a run?
I run alone just about all the time too but I do like running with friends when I get the chance and I'm going to look into joining a club when I really start training next Spring! Glad you've found another way to love running!
me! G and I need to get off our butts and make it up there!
I enjoy taking my long runs with a friend. Chat and run the whole way.And I worked part time when the kids were little and CRAVED adult interactions. I think I understand that aspect of your situation as well
i am a recent convert as well. i use to HATE talking while running and didn't enjoy being with other runners but now I have learned to love it and appreciate it for what it is …social and it always makes me run faster OR helping someone else run faster.
I love running with friends. Good luck with your race this weekend!
Me me me!I never run with anyone. Sounds fun, fun, fun!
I hope I have the chance to run with you one of these days!I LOVE running with friends and I'm fortunate to have a huge selection and regular group runs. Hubby sometimes too!I often wonder if I would have stuck with long distance as much as I have if I was hitting the roads solo.
I'd totally go running with you…. if you know we lived in the same country and maybe state/province.
I can understand that! But I'm still at the end the de-stressing point in my life (most days). I wonder if I tried running with someone else for a while if I'd actually like it? Hummm, in cow-town I doubt I have to worry about finding fellow runners anytime soon.
I always train alone but often run races casually with friends.
I have 3 groups of friends that i run with it and love every group for a different reason. Today I ran by myself and loved that too. Sometimes you need to zone. I know your feeling about suddenly being alone once the kids go to school. It is kind of a weird feeling.
I run alone too, but I have run with others, and I agree, it can help make the runs easier. Esp. long runs!
as soon as I'm healthy, I'll come run with you 🙂
I'm just getting into running with friends during the week. I've always had clinic nights, but other than than run by myself or with my husband. Neither of the ladies I run with have kids so it'll be nice to talk about something else!I'd run with you, but there's about 2400 miles between us… Maybe we can just run in spirit? 🙂
I do! :-)I love running with ppl, but my how the tables have turned! Early on in my running i would struggle to find ppl to run with, now i cant seem to get in a run by myself!!! I love running with ppl but i love running alone too. Good call on the speed work!
I do, I do! I recently realized running is a lot more fun with friends. I only wish I had some living by me!
I with you on the solo speed work thing. Next time I'm in your neck of the woods, I'll let you know!
I run solo, but have run with a partner and SO miss it! I may have to investigate a new running partner (mine started to work, and our hours conflict, ugh! )