These are all completely normal feelings, but I learned that groups LOVE new runners!

1.  Accountability.  It’s so easy to hit the snooze button if you’re doing a solo run.  It really helps to know that others are meeting you at a set time and location. P.S. Who runs in pink dresses?!

2.  When you’re marathon training, you’re running for hours.  It really helps to have the company of others.  And, when you’re talking and laughing, the time really flies by!

3.  Speaking of good company, you can make so many new friends.  I have met some of my best friends through running groups.

4.  Running is good for your physical health, but group running is good for your emotional health.  It significantly improves your self-esteem, overall mood, and level of psychological stress.  Read more about this study…HERE.

5.  A group can help you hold a steady pace.  Some runners have a tough time pacing themselves.  They’ll go out too fast and crash before they’ve finished the run.

6.  Pacers, coaches, and mentors.  Fleet Feet Nashville provides pace leaders and coaches to everyone that signs up for training.  Everyone can start with the same training plan, but life doesn’t always go as planned.  A good coach can help you adjust your training for setbacks from illness, work, family obligations, etc…

7.  It’s a great way to learn from experienced runners.  Long runs provide a great opportunity to ask questions about nutritions, hydration, shoes, etc…

8.  Shared goals.  When you’re running with similar paced runners in your community, you’re often training for the same race and a similar finish goal.

9.  Pre-made routes.  Making run routes can be very time consuming.  It’s also easy to fall into a rut of running the same route every time.  For our group runs, the routes are always pre-selected before the run.  It gives everyone the opportunity to familarize themselves with the course.  It also introduces the runners to new routes.  They might not be this cool, but you get the idea!

10.  Safety in groups.  Not only are you safer from a would-be attacker, but you’re more visible to traffic.  It’s hard to miss this group!

11.  This is my favorite…water stops!  We set up coolers of water every 4ish miles along the route.  It’s such a luxery to not worry about carrying enough water for a long run.

Fleet Feet Nashville is gearing up for their Spring Marathon Training.  That’s what got me thinking about this topic.  I’ll be pacing the 4 hour marathon group.  They offer half and full marathon groups for every pace….if you’re walking your first race or trying to BQ!

I’m blessed to run with some great groups!!

What have I forgotten on this list?

Are you a group runner?  Is it organized through a local running store?

Unrelated…How was your long Thanksgiving weekend?