Have you ever done something on a whim that turned out to be one of the best decisions you ever made? Just over 8 years ago, I was running solo in my neighborhood. I noticed other moms doing the same. I wondered, who these other mother runners and how can I connect with them? What did I do? I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town. This running group changed my life in ways I never could imagine and brought me the best friends I have ever had. I am sharing my best tips on running with a group and why you should.
Excellent Reasons to Run With A Group
Accountability
No chance you are skipping a rainy run or sleeping in on your Sunday Runday when you know your group is waiting for you. Groups help to forge motivation and discipline.
Run Farther
Running Groups have a way of motivating you to train for new distances and experiences. Relay races and racecations? Yes, please.
Run Faster
Sometimes running with a group can train you to run faster or at least step out of your comfort zone.
Learn new running routes
Find new trails and routes to run.
Friendships
You just might make the best friendships of your life as well as build relationships in your community. Forming a virtual running community has its perks as well.
Do’s and Dont’s for Running With A Group
Do contact the group leaders or members to find out the basic details of the group runs. They should be able to answer any questions you might have. Many have Facebook groups which are a great place to connect before you head out.
Do be on time and ready to run. No one wants to wait for late runners.
Do know the route and distance ahead of time.
Do leave your headphones at home and engage with other runners.
Do come prepared with the appropriate gear needed (water, reflective gear for example)
Don’t be afraid to socialize with other runners but do keep it PG (at least until you know your group!)
Do be willing to change up your pace a bit if needed. It’s ok to run a little faster or slower than your normal pace.
Do be willing to give and accept feedback on running form etc
Don’t be surprised if you make the best friends of your life.
How to find a running group
Local running stores usually have the scoop on local running groups.
Check Road Runners Club of America
Check out Moms Run This Town/She Runs This Town for chapters all over the country.
Finding your tribe can be one of the most rewarding and motivating experiences. Everyone knows that Running Friends really are the best friends. Running with a group may just be one of the best decisions you ever make as well.
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Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I love running in a group!
And you are right, you can find the best friends there.
I am not part of a formal running group, but I think it’s a nice idea. How many members does your MRTT have?
My chapter has almost 800 moms! Some of the others around here have even more. You may have to start your own group too 🙂
I’ve never really run with a group. I’ve always preferred running alone, and I feel like my schedule is pretty limited and I can only run at certain times. Maybe one day I’ll give it a try!
I do think it’s much more challenging when you have super young kids. We do have a 6 am group and we do have lots of moms that run with strollers. It might be fun to see if there is an mrtt near you maybe for a weekend run
I’m mostly a solo runner, but I have run with a group and it was fun! But for me, running is ‘my’ time and the chatter and pressure to keep up (or slow down) kind of takes away from the reasons I run.
I totally respect and get that. I love the challenge and the motivation that running with other people brings out in me. I also find the miles fly by when I have someone to chat with. Virtual running friends are fantastic too and I am happy to count you as one of mine
You have really built a legacy in your area, Deborah! Barb and I are trying to get more gals to join us (not necessarily at 05:00 LOL), especially on Saturday mornings. There is so much strength in numbers, and it’s so fun to connect with others while knocking out some miles in the running shoes 😉
Oh yes you should! We do have a large 6 am group here and our weekend runs are always more attended. I bet you both could find tons of other runners
I really have made some great friends from when I was running with a group. And I’ve had some non-PG conversations, lol. Runners will talk about all kinds of things related to running including potty habits!
Yes we sure do once we get to know each other!
I love this, before I busted my knee I used to love to run with my sisters!
It does build some great friendships
It’s funny that there are a couple posts today about group runs! I’ve never run in a group. I enjoy being a solo runner, but I know there are a lot of benefits to running with a group. I’ve heard there are running groups in my area (although I’ve never seen them) so maybe I should check it out and get out of my comfort zone!
It might be fun to check it out! See if there is a MRTT group. I seriously have made the best friends ever
These are excellent guidelines, Deborah!
thanks! You know I love my group runs
Ughhh I love running so much, I wish there was running groups near my house but I live in such a small town! ahah thanks for the tips
You might have to start one of your own!
I loved running groups when I lived in Nc, haven’t found one close to me in maryland. But a great reminder to find one!
You might have to start one as well 🙂
I love that you’ve built an amazing community! So empowering!
I don’t know what I would do without them
I would love to have a running group (or even just one running buddy) for the accountability and social aspect. Thanks for the great post!
Yes that is the best part! Have you looked for groups near you?
The accountability would be a good thing and the motivation to keep on going. If I actually ran anymore, these days I am just a light trotter.
The accountability is great for me!
This is one of the things i miss the most about the past year or so – not being able to run in a group! I did the same too, started a couple of my own run clubs to help create a community!
Running groups are the best! I stayed in a small group this past year and it’s really saved me!
I love that you started this group! What an amazing way to connect with people!
It has truly been life changing for me
I love running with a group. One of my favorite things is running with a friend. It’s nice to have the one-on-one time while also getting to run together. Looking forward to doing much more of that this summer now that the weather is improving!
Yes, it’s one of my favorite activities as well
I’ve never thought about running with a group. I’m not a strong runner so I’d hate to slow people down, but maybe I can find my beginner runners!
There are definitely beginner runners. I always tell our new members that your slow is someone else’s fast
I agree with all of this!!
I joined my local MRTT group by accident because another group run I was attending got cancelled last minute and I was already dressed and awake so why not go to the other close group run? It was literally the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve made some really close friends in that group and have been pushed beyond my comfort zone multiple times running with these ladies. I have gotten a lot faster chasing the speedies. Our group is amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
That’s exactly how I feel! So glad you have found your people too. Makes everything about running so much better
Running groups are really so great. I’ve always been too nervous to run with an official group – I like my “casual” running buddies – but maybe one day I will feel great about getting out there.
I think casual running friends also count as a group! Running friends are the best aren’t they?
I admittedly don’t like running in a group, although I do like medium sized races where there are a good amount of people around!
Yes that is nice too!