When it comes to exercise, I’m usually a total scrooge. 

“Leave me alone, get me away from these people! I’m going out for a walk/run!” 

I like to be alone. The trees, the chirping birds, the opportunity to set aside my concerns and just be with my thoughts. No one around to bother me; it’s beautiful. 

But lately, I’ve been running with other people more often. A few group runs a month have made a huge difference in how much I enjoy running and how often I have the motivation to get out and do it. 

Read on for several reasons why you should mix in a few group runs with your solo runs! 

1. Accountability 
   
   Running with a group of people allows you to be held accountable by someone other than yourself. 

   When a friend is texting that he’s outside my house waiting for me, it’s hard to slump down lower on the couch and eat more snacks. 

   Also, knowing that a running group will be welcoming and happy to see me helps entice me to be there when my self-motivation is lacking. 
   

2. Sense of community

   Getting out there with a local group fosters an amazing sense of community. 

   The fact that you are all out there together shows you have similar interests or share a common goal. 

   You may be surrounded by people you wouldn’t typically share time with, but chances are you likely have more in common with one another than you think! 
   

3. A fun way to be social and make friends 

   Run clubs are the ideal place to get your daily movement in while catching up with some friends after a busy day. 

   We get it. Making friends was easy in 1st grade when all you needed was the same color shirt. But as adults, it can be so hard to find friends without being super awkward! Finding a running group can solve that problem by giving you an "instant friend group" who share similar interests, and will support your fitness goals. 

   Also, odds are good that someone will be wearing the same color shirt (or running shoes!) as you, and become your instant bestie.
   

4. Increased motivation
   
   You know those days when you planned to run, but when you get home the couch looks 10x more appealing than lacing up running shoes? 
   
   Those are the days when you need the extra nudge from the people in your community to fire you up to do the things you know you can do. 
   
   Runners can recognize other runners' off days and understand the struggle, so they know all the right things to say to encourage you and get you through your run. 
   

5. Free workout
   
   You can easily find this group fitness community elsewhere in cycle classes or even HIIT training.
   

   Running in a group has this same electric energy, but the added bonus is that it’s free! All you have to do is show up and get moving. 

If all these reasons sound great to you, here are a few resources: 

• Parkrun - Find a free 5k run in a casual and positive group environment. Every city has one!

• Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) - Running clubs with qualified coaches in every state (even Alaska!). 

• How to find a local running group - Runners World has good tips on what questions to ask when joining a running group. 

• Marathon Sports (Boston, MA) - If you’re local to Boston, check out the link to find each store’s weekly schedule of group runs.

If you’re a beginner and not sure where to start, we have a program for you! 

Our “Running Empowerment Program” is for new runners who want a supportive group environment, expert coaching, and customizable training plans that actually work. 

Click here to schedule a call with Coach Colin