Being Alone

acorsaut89

So I think I've posted here before that I'm a regular runner . . . not fast, or very far . . . but I really enjoy it. Earlier this year, a friend of mine offered to start running together as she's a runner and that way we can keep each other going and on our training schedule.

But here's the thing: I like being alone. I like being able to run when I want to - sometimes it's at 5:30 in the morning, sometimes it's at 9 at night. I like doing it on my time, and my schedule. I also just like being left alone sometimes. I love her really - she's so motivating and so patient (as I'm a MUCH slower runner than she is) and she's always down to go whenever. I feel like a horrible friend . . . but I just want to be alone when I run sometimes. It isn't about her in any way and I feel so bad saying I am going to run, but I don't want to run with her. I want to run alone.

Anyone else ever feel like this? I love that she's so motivated and she wants to run with me even when I really slow her down . . . that's true friendship right there . . . but I just want to be alone.

quiksylver296

Maybe you can do both? Have a running date once a week, and do the rest of your runs on your own?

VintageFeline

I would just explain it the way you have. If her pace is quicker than yours then she will probably enjoy solo runs too. I'm someone who prefers to run alone (when I do), it's pretty common I think, I don't see many people running with someone else when I pass or go through any park.

msf74

acorsaut89 wrote: »

Anyone else ever feel like this?

Yes, absolutely. One of the things I love most about running and cycling is the chance to be by myself, in nature and with the company of my own thoughts.

The rest of the time there is always someone wanting to talk to me, help them with something, get an opinion and so forth so it's a great release valve.

acorsaut89

She was VERY understanding when I explained this to her, which made it so much worse I think I'll try suggesting only 1 or 2 running dates together a week and then the other days by myself.

jemhh

Don't feel bad. I like being alone a lot. That's the norm for me and I'm pretty open (but not rude) about it. I'm very comfortable/happy doing things on my own, not forming my schedule around anybody else, silence, etc.

My daughter has been wanting to exercise with me so I've added to what I am doing rather than taking away my alone exercise time. I don't mind adding a bike ride or run or time doing pushups together or anything like that.

moonstroller

I prefer being alone. I've tried running with other people in the past, but either they go too fast or I go too fast, so I found it's just easier to run by myself.

BruinsGal_91

Another loner here. While I enjoy the camaraderie found on race day, I prefer to train alone. I like my own company and don't want to feel accountable to anyone else. And I'd feel obliged to chat or make small talk, and I'm not good at that. I go for a walk at lunchtime and go alone. My worst nightmare is when someone tries to come with me or asks me if I want to join their group. NO!

acorsaut89

BruinsGal_91 wrote: »

Another loner here. While I enjoy the camaraderie found on race day, I prefer to train alone. I like my own company and don't want to feel accountable to anyone else. And I'd feel obliged to chat or make small talk, and I'm not good at that. I go for a walk at lunchtime and go alone. My worst nightmare is when someone tries to come with me or asks me if I want to join their group. NO!

Ha ha that's how I felt when a couple of other friends were like "I want to get back into running, maybe we can train together sometime" . . . . I'm like NO . . . I'm happy that you want to run and we can sign up for the same race but this is my time. Just my time. No one else's time. Just me and my iPod and myself. ME. ME. ME. lol

Of course all of that is in my head and I just smile. I HATE conflict and confrontation so I'm banking on them "wanting to run" and then they get too busy to actually do it . . . I don't know what would happen if they followed through. I also just say that my schedule is crazy and I don't have a set time, sooooo let me know when they're back running and we'll figure it out. So far, I've been safe except for my super motivated friend who was always a runner, even before I ever met her.

carolineb81

Yes I like running alone, I really enjoy the me time!

Sp1tfire

I prefer all my workouts alone. People have asked to workout with me and I usually say that I'm not very fun when I workout and go at changing times. Not entirely true but its a nicer way to put it.

bchum32

I like both. I have a friend that I run with and we have scheduled our runs for lunch breaks through the week, but most evenings or weekends, I like going out on my own. I can set a different pace and take a different route.

vikinglander

Just talk to her.