• Recipe Index
  • Breakfast
  • Appetizers
  • Soups
  • Salads
  • Mains
  • Meatless
  • Desserts
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Healthy Living, Running & Vegetarian

  • About Me/Contact +
    • Workouts
    • Race Calendar
  • Ultimate Coffee Date/Weekly Run Down/Runners’ Roundup
  • Meatless Mondays Link Up
You are here: Home / Healthy living / The Value of Finding A Running Tribe

Healthy living Running

The Value of Finding A Running Tribe

  • Share
  • Tweet

Happy Friday! If you have been here before or seen any of my social pics, you have probably seen and heard me gush about how much I completely adore my Moms Run This Town group. I could go on and on about why I love my running tribe and how valuable I think having a running tribe is. But I’ve narrowed it down to my top 5 reasons!

Finding your running tribe|running

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The Value of Finding A Running Tribe
    • Accountability
    • Inspiration
    • Step it up a notch
    • Safety
    • Friendship
  • Tell me- Have I convinced you yet that you must “run” right this minute and join a running group?

The Value of Finding A Running Tribe

Accountability

We all have days where we might just want to hit that snooze button and sleep in but I know my gang is waiting for me. I’ve said I will be there and that’s enough to get me up and out there. Plus I have serious FOMO when I can’t make it.

Inspiration

My tribe can pretty much talk me into almost anything! When I first heard about those crazy Ragnar relay races a few years back, I never in a million years would have thought that I would ever run one. I mean how ridiculous does it sound to run for 36 hours straight for 200 miles? Fast forward a few years and well, I’ve done 3!

Running tribe|REdemption capri|Ragnar Cape Cod|skirt sports

Step it up a notch

Wondering how you might pick your pace up a bit or try to to add on another mile? The miles seem to fly by on the group runs and you just might be surprised by your pace as well. #SquadGoals

Running tribe|10K November|November Ultimate Coffee date

Safety

When you are part of group, there is no reason to run alone when you have a built in data base of friends. Be more visible to cars and avoid other outdoor dangers while running in a pack.

The value of finding your tribe #SquadGoals #MRTT #friendship #lovetherun

Click To Tweet

running tribe|American Odyssey|relay|transition

Friendship

I don’t know if it’s the bond of being moms or I am just the luckiest person out there. Never would I have expected that so many of my running crew would become my closest most treasure friends. The support, love and encouragement we provide each other is priceless.

Tell me- Have I convinced you yet that you must “run” right this minute and join a running group?

Check out the national MRTT page to see if there is a group by you.

Linking up with

Friday Five: Lacey & Rachel

Fit N Fashionable Friday-Nicole

 

  • Share
  • Tweet


About Deborah Brooks

Hi I'm Deborah! I spend my days successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I've always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I've met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into. I love to keep up to date on new running & fitness trends. I definitely choose my running gear based on color and love to express my fashion sense while exercising.

Oh hello, join the newsletter

Get the latest recipes right to your inbox:

Your email is safe with me.

Previous Post: « Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon
Next Post: What does fitness mean to you? »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    01/13/2017 at 6:30 am

    Your running tribe looks like so much fun! I wish I had a local tribe. No MRTT around here…

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 8:04 am

      I thought there was a Chicago group? You might have to start your own

  2. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    01/13/2017 at 6:38 am

    I have loved and missed having my running tribe. They definitely kept me going during some cold winters!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 8:05 am

      I know! The great thing about running groups is that even if you need to take a break they are still there when you are ready to come back

  3. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    01/13/2017 at 7:30 am

    I belong to a couple of running groups, but it’s still hard to find people to run with. I am slowly building my tribe, though!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 8:06 am

      Don’t give up it’s so worth it! We are celebrating our 4th birthday next month

  4. Kimberly says

    01/13/2017 at 7:41 am

    I love this post and agree with everything that you said, especially the safety aspect. With everything going on in the world, it’s always best to have another runner with you, especially at night or early in the morning!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 8:06 am

      absolutely! Hope you have a fun group to run with as well

  5. Coco says

    01/13/2017 at 7:43 am

    YES! MRTT changed my running life, and now has changed my life by filling it with so many awesome, supporting women.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 8:07 am

      It is really just amazing to me when I think about how much MRTT has changed my life

  6. Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says

    01/13/2017 at 9:01 am

    Ah this makes me miss my old running group! We used to meet every Saturday, but over the course of time, people moved, changed their lives, and poof! I really need to see if there is another group I can join!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 9:23 am

      Oh yes you do! Or you could start your own-best thing I ever did

  7. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    01/13/2017 at 9:18 am

    A few yrs ago I was a part of a running club but now it has kind of fallen apart. I am going to look into joining anther one. It is always more fun running with others. And you never have a problem having conversation with other runners. You always have a lot in common.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 9:23 am

      OH yes finding things to talk about is not ever a problem!

  8. Susan @ Culinary Envy says

    01/13/2017 at 9:30 am

    Well, you have convinced me to get off the couch, so that’s a start, right? haha Love the idea of a running group, and I love your name! I am motivated!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:26 pm

      Well thanks! Hope to connect with you more often. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend

  9. Lesley says

    01/13/2017 at 9:51 am

    I’ve been looking into running groups since moving to Boulder, so I can meet new people. I’m still getting the lay of the land, but at least the internet has running groups listed. I’ll have to gather the courage and just sign up for one. It’s out of my comfort zone, but we’re all runners.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:27 pm

      Ooh I am pretty sure there is an MRTT chapter there check it out. It can be scary to join a group at first but it can be so rewarding

  10. [email protected] says

    01/13/2017 at 9:52 am

    I agree… I’ve met such a great group of people through my running group, and a few are actually men and they’re great, too….lol….

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:29 pm

      Yes for sure although we don’t have any in ours

  11. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    01/13/2017 at 10:35 am

    I had an awesome running tribe back in NYC that helped me through marathon training. I’m hoping to find that down in Austin eventually!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:30 pm

      I hope you do find another group to run with

  12. marcia says

    01/13/2017 at 10:45 am

    You make a very compelling argument! You always look like you are having a blast. Fun is what it’s all about!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:30 pm

      I definitely have to have fun to keep me interested 🙂

  13. Marsha says

    01/13/2017 at 11:11 am

    I’ve been part of a running group for about 12 years now, and I absolutely love it! We meet 3 times a week and do fun things throughout the year. I’ve run races, distances, and paces I probably never would have had I not been part of a group.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:31 pm

      Yes exactly! The power of the group is amazing. Glad you have your peeps too

  14. Jamie says

    01/13/2017 at 11:21 am

    I miss having friends to run with. Having someone to meet up with always held me accountable and I was never bored on my run.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:33 pm

      Yes that is definitely true for me as well. Check to see if there is a moms run this town group near you.

  15. Rachel says

    01/13/2017 at 11:35 am

    I so agree with all of these reasons. Safety in numbers and it’s way more fun! I like a good solo run but there’s nothing better than forming a bond over miles.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:34 pm

      Yes! It’s amazing the things we talk about while running sometimes

  16. Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says

    01/13/2017 at 11:37 am

    You have inspired me! I really want to go out and join a running group now!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:35 pm

      Fabulous! Let me know if you find one. I am so excited for you 🙂

  17. josephine says

    01/13/2017 at 12:36 pm

    I need to find a tribe… i’ve got a few local options of running clubs but none are a perfect fit, well they werent a year or so ago… time to check them out again 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 1:36 pm

      Oh good check them out again and see if one of them will work for you. I started mine about 4 years ago because I could not find what I was looking for. Best thing I ever did!

  18. Kimberly Hatting says

    01/13/2017 at 2:47 pm

    You have an awesomely BIG tribe! Lucky you! Small town living kind of limits repertoire of gal pal runners…but I have a huge network of “virtual” tribe runner gals 😉 (I’m looking at YOU!)

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:00 pm

      And I am looking right back at ya! Seriously though you could start one yourself!

  19. Runaway Bridal Planner says

    01/13/2017 at 3:12 pm

    I do think you have a great group to surround yourself with!!!
    I don’t have a tribe per say, I am a solo runner and it may sound terrible but I love everything about solo running, for me I just find it to be more freeing. However, I do have loads of runner friends, oddly they are all solo runners besides one is in a group, and while we don’t run together. Pretty much anytime we are together all we talk about is running and share out trials and success and push each other in different ways.
    But for so many they need support to keep something up, plus many just need the conversation. So I definitely think finding a running tribe is key to anyone who is struggling or needs the extra support to keep up running or even getting into running!!!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:01 pm

      I think to each his own! If running solo is what makes you happy that’s fantastic. I need the support and conversation of buddy runners to keep me going

  20. Tara @ A Daily Dose of Fit says

    01/13/2017 at 3:15 pm

    I sometimes run with a local running group, and they’re the best. I also have a running buddy. Us two, we make a tribe of sorts of our own! Haha!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:01 pm

      Yes 2 can be a tribe! Running friends are the best friends

  21. Kerri McGrail says

    01/13/2017 at 3:50 pm

    Love my running friends, even if we can’t run together, its always nice to talk training and races together! I need to join the running group in my community, but the times they meet is hard with my school schedule but I need to make a better effort!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:02 pm

      I started my own group after having difficulty find a group that fit my schedule. I knew other moms were out there I just needed to find them

  22. Allyson says

    01/13/2017 at 4:05 pm

    I’m still looking for my running tribe–but one of the things I LOVE about runners is that when I show up to a race alone (as I usually do because my friends all think I’m crazy, lol) I can always find a new friend.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:03 pm

      Yes absolutely! The running community is so great and we love to talk running to each other

  23. Angela @ happy fit mama says

    01/13/2017 at 4:33 pm

    This past Tuesday, it was 3 degrees when I was supposed to meet my friend to run. I secretly hoped she’d text and bail on me. She did text me. But said, layer up girl, it’s cold out there! And I’m so glad she didn’t bail!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:03 pm

      Yes! It’s that kind of craziness that bonds us together

  24. Michelle @ Movin' it with Michelle says

    01/13/2017 at 4:40 pm

    You know, I had a running group and truly believed I had the best friends in the world. And here I am, a year later, and thanking God for the 2 (out of dozens) of running friends I had that stuck by my side when I couldn’t go running whenever I wanted to. I think I’ll stick to being a solo runner for the most part from here on out.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:04 pm

      I am sorry you had a less than optimal experience with your group. Having a few great running buddies is all you need right?!

  25. MCM Mama Runs says

    01/13/2017 at 4:52 pm

    I love MRTT. I still do most of my runs alone, but I use the online group all the time for advice, to chat, and to pawn off kid clutter LOL. It’s become a huge part of my support group.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:06 pm

      It’s really amazing how truly supportive the groups are around us. We are very lucky indeed

  26. RUN gina RUN (@hanzelboyzmama) says

    01/13/2017 at 5:01 pm

    I COMPLETELY agree with ALL of these. I have girls that I run with most mornings and the mornings that I don’t — well… my bed stays a tad warmer. I love the accountability that I get with a running squad and the lifelong friendships are pretty great too! Runners are the best and I’ve met some great friends through social media that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Nice to meet you Deborah!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:07 pm

      I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for stopping by and nice to meet you too. Look forward to connecting

  27. Sarah says

    01/13/2017 at 5:42 pm

    The best! I need a new tribe… mine have all moved, or been injured, or are doing a 5am Ferrell’s boot camp thing that doesn’t work for my schedule and just isn’t something I want to do.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:09 pm

      You might have to start your own! Do you have an MRTT group in your town?

  28. Cassandra says

    01/13/2017 at 5:42 pm

    My running club, Flying Feet, is like a 2nd family. My husband and I have been with them for several years now and the relationships we’ve made through running extend into our every day lives. I definitely vote YES for running groups!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:09 pm

      That is exactly how I feel about my peeps! So glad that you have your own crew too

  29. abbey sharp says

    01/13/2017 at 6:05 pm

    I could totally appreciate the value in a running group, so many pros to them! And it’s so true, safety in numbers!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/13/2017 at 6:10 pm

      Yes so much to love!

  30. Anna @ Piper's Run says

    01/13/2017 at 6:25 pm

    There is nothing more powerful then a running group of mom’s! This inspires me to creat my own mom running group!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/14/2017 at 2:34 pm

      That’s what I did so I say go for it!

  31. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says

    01/13/2017 at 7:01 pm

    I can definitely see the many benefits of running with your tribe! Looks like you have lots of fun together!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/14/2017 at 2:34 pm

      we sure do I am very lucky 🙂

  32. Jenn says

    01/13/2017 at 8:52 pm

    Since I started running, I always had running friends, but not friends with whom I would run. It was mostly my own insecurities. I trained for a full marathon completely on my own, and I’m a little proud of that, because you have to be able to hold it together on some of those double digit runs.

    Recently, I’ve gotten used to having a running buddy or two. To the point where if my buddy bails, I am really loathe to head out on my own. I don’t know that it’s a good thing, but it goes to show how much more fun a person or three make the miles.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/14/2017 at 2:35 pm

      Yes it certainly does! I have also gotten to a point where I dread doing the long runs on my own as well

  33. Farrah says

    01/13/2017 at 9:30 pm

    Having an awesome support group is so nice! <3 I've never had a running group but I used to have a running buddy til we moved to different time zones! :[ We're now currently back in the same time zone but 5 hours apart so neither of us are running and I went back to lifting. ._. Someday…

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/14/2017 at 2:35 pm

      I think you are a little busy right now but yes someday is good 🙂

  34. Carmy says

    01/13/2017 at 10:29 pm

    The friendships gain are always the best!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/14/2017 at 2:35 pm

      That is really the best part

  35. Alexis @FITnancials says

    01/13/2017 at 11:28 pm

    I would love to have a running tribe. I’m more of a slow paced runner, and have found it intimidated to find other runners, solely because I’m so slow compared to others!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/14/2017 at 2:36 pm

      Our group really does have runners at all paces and distances. Check to see if there is a moms run this town group near you

  36. Megan @ Meg Go Run says

    01/14/2017 at 7:18 am

    I’m glad your found your peeps! I used to run with a group all the time and I absolutely loved it!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/14/2017 at 2:36 pm

      I have definitely found my peeps!

  37. Esther says

    01/14/2017 at 3:32 pm

    I LOVE my MRTT group! I have made wonderful friends as well as improved my running when not injured.
    It is evident that you have made a great group!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/15/2017 at 11:48 am

      Yes so glad to hear! I am very lucky to have them

  38. Akaleistar says

    01/14/2017 at 7:17 pm

    Those are all awesome reasons to find your running tribe!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/15/2017 at 11:48 am

      I can’t say enough about how much I love them

  39. jill conyers says

    01/15/2017 at 2:43 am

    I would join right now if I could find a group locally. No such luck so far. I’ll keep looking.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/15/2017 at 11:51 am

      I hope you do find your group. I actually started mine because I just couldn’t find what I was looking for. Best thing I’ve ever done

  40. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    01/15/2017 at 5:15 pm

    I love that you love being as active with the MRTT group as you are. My fitness schedule often has to revolve around little man’s schedule/needs, which makes it hard for me to commit to working out with others on a regular basis. #sadface

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/15/2017 at 7:03 pm

      You know we have all been there and it does get easier (in like 10 years). You know you are welcome to join us anytime!

  41. Gingi says

    01/15/2017 at 9:06 pm

    Ugh!!! So this is what I need to do.. this lone gunman thing just isnt cutting it!! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/16/2017 at 8:03 am

      I hope you do find your peeps to run with it really can be such a help and so supportive

  42. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    01/15/2017 at 9:25 pm

    You know that I feel the same way you do about my MRTT friends. They’re absolutely the best!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/16/2017 at 8:06 am

      I know! Can’t say enough 🙂

  43. Mary Beth Jackson says

    01/16/2017 at 6:11 am

    So true! Nothing like a set of friends to push you out of your comfort zone and the promise of no man left behind! Love it!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/16/2017 at 8:07 am

      Yes exactly! Do not know what I would do without them

  44. Tricia@MissSippipiddlin says

    01/17/2017 at 2:24 pm

    It is always more fun with a group and the miles do go by a lot faster! I do most of my weekly runs alone unless my daughter who has been joining me lately comes, then on the weekends I try to run with friends if I’m not racing. If I’m racing then even if I don’t know a soul it’s still fun! 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      01/17/2017 at 4:30 pm

      I totally agree!

Primary Sidebar

Follow Me

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Hi, I’m Deborah

Successfully raising a husband & 2 young adults in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. NASM Certified Nutrition Coach & RRCA Run Coach. As a lifelong vegetarian/pescatarian I’ve always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 800 members. I’ve met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into.
Read More…

Keep updated on my blog and site news:

Your email is safe with me.

Search

Recent Posts

  • Weekly Run Down Happy Mother’s Day
  • Cauliflower Rice Tabouleh Salad
  • Weekly Run Down Let the May-hem Begin
  • May 2025 Ultimate Coffee Date
  • Weekly Run Down Pushups, Pilates and Pickles

Sponsors & Affiliates

weekly Run Down

 

2024 Brooks

Ultimate Coffee date

RRCA certified coach

Categories

  • Appetizers/Snacks
  • Breakfast
  • Desserts
  • Fashion
  • Friday Five
  • Giveaways
  • Gluten Free
  • Healthy living
  • healthy Sides
  • Lo Carb
  • Main Dishes-Vegetarian
  • Meatless Monday
  • muffins
  • music
  • nutrition
  • Peloton
  • Product Reviews
  • Recipes
  • Runners' rounduup
  • Running
  • salad
  • Salads
  • sandwich
  • seafood
  • soup
  • Soups
  • Travel
  • triathlon
  • Ultimate Coffee Date
  • Uncategorized
  • Weekly Run Down
  • Weekly Wrap
  • workouts

Footer

You might also like

Fruity Greek Yogurt Bark

Fruit Filled Frozen Greek Yogurt Bark -Your New Healthy Summer Treat

cranberry butternut squash cake

Cranberry Butternut Squash Bundt Cake Fit For The Holidays & Everyday

fruity summer lasagna

Fruity Dessert Lasagna- A Light & Fun No Bake Summer Treat

Hot date chocolate Valentine brownies

Hot Date No sugar added Chocolate Valentine Brownies

Grandma's cinnamon coffee cake

Grandma’s Cinnamon Coffee Cake & Holiday Favorites

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · Customised by Janice from Salads for Lunch · WordPress · Log in