Should You Train On Your Own?

Should you run on your own or with others?

Some runners go through their whole running careers training on their own. Others always run with a partner and some only run in groups. There are so many great running clubs catering to all abilities now that meet multiple times a week, making this is a much better option than it used to be. Many runner combine the three approaches. What works for you? Here we look at the pros and cons of running with others.

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What are the benefits of running with others?

There are plenty of them but not all of them might of course apply to everyone. What works for one person may not work for another. Importantly remember one of the four principles of training; that of individualisation. What works for you in terms of time on feet and rest etc might not work exactly the same for a running partner. Focus on yourself and be selfish when you have to be. For all the reasons below it's great to run with others, but necessarily all the time. Mix it up, solo, a partner, a group and see the benefits.

• Motivation

  
  

There may well be times when you're struggling to stay motivated, for whatever reason. You might be finding than you think and things aren't going to plan and this is when some running with a partner can really help; if they are a motivator of course. It's good to have someone along side you giving you support. It might not be as bad as you think and it's good to have someone tell us that. We all have down times with our running and it helps to have someone there to support us when we do.

• Support

  
  

Not every run is a good run; we all know that quite soon after getting started. There will be many days when every step feels tough and enjoyment is the last thing you're thinking about. Other days it can be completely different and on days you don't need any help to get through. On the days when it's not so good it's great to have a running partner, someone to distract you, to talk and to focus your mind elsewhere.

• Interaction Time

  
  

It's a great opportunity to be able to spend time with others, whether people you know well or someone you've not met before if you're running in a group. All manner of different subjects will be discussed. Politics and sport and lots more besides will more than likely be hot topics. It's very likely that as you're introduced to others you'll form friendships that will be long lasting and also important to you outside of the actual runs. Where else do you get the chance to do what you love doing and chatting to like minded people at the same time?

• Commitment

  
  

There will be many occasions when you plan to run, but for whatever reason you don't make it. You may have decided you didn't feel up to it or a domestic chore became more important, or one of the kids needed you. Imagine if your running partner had knocked on the door and you had to tell that person. Chances are that won't happen because you'll be ready. It is much less likely that you'll let someone else down than you'll let yourself down. Having someone waiting for you is often the biggest motivator there is. Try it

• Common targets

  
  

This really only applies if you have been fortunate enough to have a running partner who has exactly the same running goals as you and runs at pretty much the same pace as you. The training principle of individualisation, touched on at the start, means we are all likely to respond to training plans in a slightly different way. If you have found someone who is very similar to you then you'll have a great opportunity to share your experiences with someone else and not impact on your own performance.

• Improvements

  
  

It can also be helpful to periodically run with someone who is quicker than you. As long as they are not too much quicker you'll find it helpful to be pushed and to see what you're capable of. It's very common to get into a bit of a speed rut where you don't really run quicker than you have done for a long time, because you don't know you can. Running with someone else might take you out of your comfort zone and then there may be no looking back!

• New horizons

  
  

One of the challenges that most runners have to overcome is exactly where to run. There is a real danger that if you do the same one or two routes, day after day, the dreaded running boredom will set in. This has to be avoided at all costs, so you have to keep finding new places to run. The more that you run with others and let them decide where you'll be running the chances are they will introduce you to new places. Sometimes these will still be on your doorstep but you just know about them or they may be further afield. It can be a real breath of fresh air.

Your running partner could introduce you to some amazing new running routes

• Expertise

  
  

One option which is particularly good for those starting out on their running journey is to join a running club or jogging group and take part in their organised training programme. Many of them will have groups especially for those wanting to run their first half marathon for example and they may have sub groups by expected time. Ok, you might not enjoy everyone's company initially, but the value of the coaching support should outweigh any negatives.

• Safety

  
  

There is also an element of safety if you're running with others. It's not generally something to worry about, but it can make a difference if you get some sort of injury or illness and it can also be important if you want to run in the dark, but safety concerns preclude this from happening. If there's a small group of you running in the dark then those concerns should disappear.

What are the downsides?

• Incompatible partners

  
  

There are a number of reasons why a running partner can be incompatible. They may start by being the ideal partner and then things change over time, or very quickly. They may not be training as well as you, or better and your speeds start to become very different. If they are relatively new to you things might change in your relationship. Your views might become very different and things you didn't notice initially may soon become an issue. If you feel this is happening, be honest and make changes.

If your partner is incompatible, don't fall out, just change things, but quickly

• Potential deviation from your training plan

  
  

It is really important that if you are following a training plan that has an event as its target that you stick with it. Your partner or someone within a group may not have the same objectives and if they are too overbearing they may well force you to deviate from your plans. You must push back if that's happening and focus on what you're doing.

• Too much to worry about

  
  

Sometimes there is just too much to worry about. Running should be your quality time, in a world where you don't always get as much as you'd like or need. If you are worrying about the needs and wants of others it can be way too stressful. You shouldn't have to worry about others. Of course you should take their views into account but if it becomes overwhelming the benefits of running with others are outweighed by the negatives.

• Too much information and noise

  
  

Running is a hugely positive experience and you need to be surrounded by positivity when you run. Of course you will have bad days but you need to make sure you run with people who share a positive outlook and are there for you when you're having a rough patch. And you will do the same for them. If you surround yourself with negativity it will impact your performance and your outlook. Also remember that anything you discuss with one or more other runners needs to stay with that group and if that isn't happening then make a change.

What are the options?

• Train on your own

• Train with a partner

• Train with a group

• Train with a running club

• Combine the options

They are multiple approaches to who you run with. You may decide this is your quiet time and you just want your own company or you may have a friend that wants to run an event with you at the same time and you'll do it together. Or you run with a friend a couple of times a week and a group once a week. Or you join a running club and run in their organised groups and meet others that way. There are so many options and it might take a few weeks to work out what's best for you. Importantly if you feel something isn't right then make a change quickly. Life's too short to ruin your runs!