Group Running vs. Solo Running- TOTR

This is my first blog link up with some very lovely running bloggers. Patty, from My No Guilt Life, Erika from MCM Mama Runs and April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere are the hosts for Tuesdays on the Run. I’ve even raced alongside a few of these ladies. So this Tuesdays on the Run topic seems very fitting!

Group Running vs. Solo- Is one better than the other?

For my first half marathon, the Disney Princess Half Marathon, I trained completely alone. My friend Kierstn and I would hold each other accountable, but we never ran together. I completed every training run and finished that race feeling very strong. I’d get lost in my own thoughts while running. I didn’t mind running solo back then. I wasn’t a mom yet, so I could run whenever I felt like it. If I slept in, I’d just go out later- no big deal.

I think running solo worked better for me back then. It fit with my lifestyle and I didn’t depend on other runner’s for motivation. The goal of completing my first half was enough motivation to train alone.

Kierstn and I at the 2013 Princess Half Marathon

After having JP, my needs changed as a runner. Sleepless nights combined with the struggle to get back in shape left me with little motivation. I started chatting with a group of ladies from the ATLRunsDisney Facebook group and we all had similar racing goals. We met for our first group training run and it was LIFE CHANGING.

My Sunday Run Group

I instantly knew I was hooked on group running. These ladies understood my new Mommy woes, my love for Disney and desire to race again. At this point in my life, I need other runners for motivation. I can run with them and talk Mommy issues- they get it! It’s therapy, training and friendship at it’s best.

We all wake up at the crack of dawn and drive together to races. We all complain of the heat together. Or about our aches. Or about Porta Potties. It’s a wonderful running friendship.

Before the 2014 Possom Trot 10k

We even turned our training into a much needed Mommy girls trip! We ran the Walt Disney World Half Marathon together this year. We ran together, laughed together and drank together. It was awesome! I truly met life long running friends through a Facebook group. I never thought that would happen, but I’m so blessed it did.

Toasting before the 2015 WDW Half Marathon

In the end, I’m a fan of group running now. Some weeks, it’s my only break from being a Mommy and my only social interaction. But I understand the joys of solo running too. It’s just not for me right now.