I avoid running with other people. I worry that I’ll be too slow and hold them back. Maybe I’ll breathe too loud or sweat too much. Even worse, they might actually try to carry on a conversation
Yes, there are benefits to exercising with a partner. But I don’t.
I think I’ve finally found a way to have solo runs and a workout buddy—or in this case, several hundred workout buddies.
It’s the Complete Running Network, a great source of training tools, tips, and race calendars for novices and seasoned runners alike. The best part is the blog network: There’s a searchable database of more than 1,700 people who write about running.
Now as a regular reader, I constantly find great posts like “Advice for a New Runner” and “You Know You’re a Crazy Running Blogger When …” As an added bonus (thank you!), people are also reading mine.
I’ve also been scheduling some races, rather than just Web surfing.
I found a series of half marathons here in New York—including one in my very own Brooklyn to be held just a month after my proposed Virginia Beach race. (After a two-week running hiatus, some cold and rainy weather, and a lack of treadmills at the gym in January, I’ve fallen behind on my ready-by-March-16 half-marathon plan.)
So instead of a March road trip to Virginia, I’ve revamped my training plan. I’ll run an easy six miles this Sunday and ramp up to 12 miles (with one week to taper off) before the Brooklyn half marathon on April 26.
My sister has signed on to run the race with me, but we won’t be training together (she lives hours away). So until I get the confidence to train with anyone else, I think I’ll stick with my e-friends for motivation.
Comments (5)
Yeah, good running partners are tough to find. I’m holding out for a husky when I have the space someday, hopefully soon. Until then, it’ll probably be me and my trusty mp3 player.
Amanda, I’m so glad you found me, because it helped me find your fabulous blog – thanks for the shoutout!
Also, I hate running with other people for the same reasons that you mentioned. But it’s fantastic to be able to chat online with others who are running :)
I can relate. Years ago, I was a jogger, not a runner, for years when a friend invited me to come join the local runners club evening run. It suunded like fun, but in a bout trhree minutes, I found myself alone, at the back of the pack. After two weeks of this, I thanked them and said goodbye. I found that I could keep my own company on the road or trail. Even when my pace quickened to about 8:00 miles, and I rejoined the group, the jackrabbits always made me feel inferior.
These days, I find my bicycle more fun, covers more distance, and it less harsh on my joints.
Found your blog via the CRN network.
I like to run alone as well but for different reasons. For me running or cycling are MY TIME.
If you can find a running partner who is your speed, great! Run with them once a week. It’s also motivating to run with somebody who is a little faster than you to push you a bit.
Running is my time, my time to think, my time to work out problems, my time to address my own stress. Never feel guilty about running alone. About once a month I do a race or a group run other than that I run alone and it is my time – not even my dog gets that time. Enjoy, challenge yourself, and don’t feel like your run has to be social or guided by someone’s goals set your own and just run!