Running alone vs running races

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Replies

  • luvbwfc
    luvbwfc Posts: 107 Member
    I've recently started parkrun, and the 5k race on Sat am is very motivational for me as regards training. Im only racing against myself at the moment and trying to get my time down from a sluggish 33:59. All my training is solo however, as I prefer to run solo also.
  • MichelleWithMoxie
    MichelleWithMoxie Posts: 1,817 Member
    I’m like you OP. I much prefer running alone. To me, organized running events are chaotic, expensive, and actually overwhelming to me with all of the crowds.
  • EHollander89
    EHollander89 Posts: 169 Member
    I do most of my training runs by myself, but without an end goal in mind I would lack the structure I need to make much progress. I need and enjoy the structure of following a training plan to prepare for an event. I've spent a good portion of this year training for two half marathons. In between training plans I continued to run, but I prefer having a plan. It pushes me in a good way. I still get to enjoy my runs as "me time" and I am working towards a goal. On race day I usually get a nice boost of adrenaline. I'm a middle of the pack runner, but I still enjoy the thrill of the race.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Probably 99% of my running is solo, something I enjoy thoroughly but I also sign up for a handful of races during the year (this past year was pretty evenly split between running & triathlons) as a way of testing my fitness and I enjoy racing.

    If you're considering racing all I can say is to give it a try. I still vividly remember crossing the finish line for my first 5K, it took me almost 40 min but you feel like a champion with the crowd cheering you on etc. Just remember to smile for the finish line photo!
  • kathakraz
    kathakraz Posts: 65 Member
    Running races has completely ruined running alone to the point where I've barely trained for my next half marathon. It's gonna be interesting. I love running with other people around, but not necessarily WITH people all of the time. Races allow me to be as friendly or solitary as I choose.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    And the other side of the equation, organisation:

    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2017/oct/11/so-how-far-is-it-again-how-to-organise-a-marathon
  • dutchandkiwi
    dutchandkiwi Posts: 1,389 Member
    I love running on my own. Don't like it with a group (don't even run with my husband) and am not intending to race. I run for me and not against another. My husband does run races and TBH if I see those massive crowd running I just want to run the other way. Way too many people
  • oilphins
    oilphins Posts: 240 Member
    edited October 2017
    I've always ran on my own from day one. I don't like chit chat or having to keep up or slow up for someone else. But I find doing organized runs though I always run better and have a faster time then a regular run. I've done 7 half marathons and just that motivation from people watching and clapping for you as your running I find is just a great feeling. The marathon I do has about 10,000 runners in total so there are a lot of people cheering you on as you run. I always look forward to those Sunday marathons for that main reason.
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