The Power of the Group Run

Peer pressure can be positive!

My outfit has been carefully laid out on the bathroom floor. I’ve set my alarm for a ridiculously early hour, even earlier than normal for my work days, but it’s Saturday night. It’s a time so early that most people don’t realize it comes twice in one day. 

Why am I performing this ritual? Because I’m running with friends in the morning. 

It was my first run in a few months. It was just under three miles, but it was significant for me. It marks my comeback to the sport I love. In many ways, it feels like I’m starting over.

It’s been so long since I’ve run regularly that my carefully curated runner’s tan has faded. Ladies, you know the marks: the outline of a racerback tank, the mid-thigh line from your shorts, and a pale spot around your wrist from your GPS watch. Sadly, all that work is gone! But I’m just one improperly timed and un-sunscreened run from alleviating that deficit. (Please note: I do not condone this behavior. It’s simply the truth!)

Fit me misses the habit of running. I’m accumulating extra weight around my midsection. I’m trying to convince myself that I’m not lazy. I’ve just been through a lot over the past several months. An injury, of sorts. The excuses don’t make me feel significantly better about how much my body has changed. 

It won’t be my first comeback after injury, but this will be, by far, the most difficult, mainly because of the duration of my inactivity. I must remind myself of the runner I once was, and that she is still there. 

I’ve been a runner for over ten years. I don’t know exactly how I got to the point that I can not only call myself a 10-time marathon finisher but also an ultrarunner, completing a 50k in 2021, but I can. Considering I was the girl in gym class who got out of running the mile, it does seem unfathomable. 

Not only did I become a runner, but I was also recruited to be a coach. I’ve coached with the Sports Backers 10k and marathon training teams for several seasons. This year marks my first without continuing my role as coach in 6 years.

One thing that’s been consistently motivating for me is committing to a group run. When people count on you to pound the pavement with them, it makes it far more difficult to back out of the plan. But don’t just listen to me. Even the experts weigh in and agree that the power of the group helps you keep up with a running routine!

On the other hand, it’s easy to talk myself out of running if I’m going solo. Yes, there are benefits to running solo, too, like having the time to meditate and process problems, but there are times when a group run is helpful. Sure, it would have been easier to sleep in than to wake up before sunrise to meet friends, but I’m glad I got up and moved. 

Although casual group runs are fantastic, there is a special kind of magic in running with an organized training team. I’ve experienced this myself, both as a participant and as a leader. 

Have you ever gone on a big trip that was a tour group or that someone else organized? It’s bliss to simply show up with your luggage and go. There’s no need to waste energy on logistics because it has all been done for you. 

That’s similar to what it’s like to run with a training team. You have coaches who have worked out the running schedule and routes as well as provide strategically located hydration stations. All you need to worry about is taking care of your body, what to wear, and your shoes, although coaches give lots of advice about this, too. 

Besides that, there are always people to run with. Even if you are not quite paced with anyone else on the team and wind up running alone sometimes, you are never exactly solo. Someone is always looking out for you.

Let’s face it… making connections in this ever-isolating world is a challenge. But group runs provide a stable, meaningful way to do this, and it can change your life. 

I’ve found some of the most amazing friends through my involvement with training teams and a community of super supportive runners. And although I grieve the time I wasn’t with them while injured, they have assured me that they are ready to welcome me back when I’m ready. 

Returning to the habit of a weekly long run with a group will be just the thing to re-establish a routine. Consistency breeds discipline. Group runs definitely contribute to this.  Although my current fitness level means I’m not quite ready to join my marathon training team this season, I plan to train with friends to run the Richmond half marathon this fall.

My absence from my routine makes me feel like a new runner. Even three miles seems challenging right now. 

If you are a new runner, and especially if you have a big race like a half or full marathon on your bucket list, I encourage you to seek out a local training team or running group. You will meet new friends who run your pace. You will connect with others and stay motivated. There’s power in finding like-minded people who encourage you to succeed. 

Plus, it’s easier to run those double-digit runs with company! Running 14 miles won’t sound weird if you’re with dozens of other runners who are just as focused on a goal as you are. And soon, you will brag to your friends and co-workers that you are “only running 12” miles this weekend. I assure you, this is a special kind of crazy!

There is power in the group run. Harness it, and you will be successful in reaching your running goals!

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For the first time in many years, I will be on the course as a participant on Marathon Day in Richmond in November. I’m looking forward to the journey!

As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.