Running a race by yourself

MADDIESMOMMY6611

How many of you have run a 5k, or different race, by yourself? I'm nervous because I'm doing my first race, and I won't know anyone. On one hand it's better because I don't want to feel the need to keep up with a friend, but on the other hand I don't want to be the only person by themselves. What's your experience?

ecottencat

I run them by myself all the time. I will assure you, you will NOT be the only person there without someone. Also the running community is very friendly find someone else by themselves and if they don't have head phones or or warming up say hi. That is how I've met a few people. For me a prefer running by myself that way I can get in the right mind set of what I need to do. Also the race itself is high energy so you really get swept up in all that and it doesn't matter you are by yourself. Go out there and have fun!! Good Luck!

skippygirlsmom

I start off the first 20 feet with my boyfriend then he leaves me LOL It's all good I enjoy running alone since that is what I do 90% of the time anyway. Once you get going you won't feel like you are alone anyway - lots of people will be around. My 14 year old and I are running our first 5K together in May and she said "I don't have to wait for you do I?" Nice kid..honestly all she does is talk because running with me is a jog for her so I'd rather she go and leave me to my pace.

Enjoy!

12by311

I've run lots of races by myself. You will be fine. I agree with the other poster; the running community is awesome! Your adrenaline will be pumping. It's very exciting.

The last 8k race I ran (HUGE race), this mom brought her 9 year old daughter over to me and asked if she could stand with me until the race started. This little girl was so cute with her watch on to pace and her little under armour running gear. I was so inspired!

wombat94

I agree with ecottencat... you will not be alone because runners are generally very friendly (especially at the back of the pack where I normally am)

I run races with a mix of either going alone, or with my brother/sister in law and occasionally a friend or two.

Often, the races without people I know turn out to be some of the most enjoyable as I am more apt to talk to strangers/connect with another runner who is right at my pace (rather than trying to keep up with my brother who is a good bit faster than me).

Don't sweat it... you'll do fine, and might come away with some new friends.

greypilgrimess

I've run most of mine alone. I like to have some friends or family to spectate, and see me at the beginning/end (and sometimes along the way) but it's nice to be able to run at MY pace.

If you want to find someone along the way to chat to I'm sure you will, lots of runners are up for meeting people! (Though not all want to talk on route lol)

Pectinbean

I'm doing my first solo race next month. Training for a half marathon but my friends I'm doing that live down south. So to keep me motivated I'm doing a 10k. I think it'll be good cause I can run at my own pace without having to worry about keeping up with anyone (ha or slowing down not to leave anyone behind). You'll be fine, everyone's lovely on a race day.

JTick

I prefer to run by myself. I don't want to feel like I'm slowing a running partner down.

I also prefer to drive to the race by myself, have no support crew, etc. I just zone out and run, I don't want to have to remember to wave to any fans in the crowd.

You don't really ever "run by yourself" though. At every race I've been to, there's been multiple people who will run alongside me for a bit and chat. There was one gentleman during my half marathon that gave me a much needed pick-me-up at mile 11. For the most part, runners are very friendly.

rml_16

How many of you have run a 5k, or different race, by yourself? I'm nervous because I'm doing my first race, and I won't know anyone. On one hand it's better because I don't want to feel the need to keep up with a friend, but on the other hand I don't want to be the only person by themselves. What's your experience?

I've never started one alone, but it's very common for me to either fall behind or end up ahead of the people I'm with so that I end up by myself and I generally see a lot of others who are also alone (I don't know if they start that way).

I say go for it.

Eric_DeCastro

the only (out of the four I ran this year) have been with friends. They aren't runners so as soon as the race started, I didn't see them until after I changed my clothes and was relaxing walking around the vender booths, they were just finishing. so yeah i run them all by myself. and 5K's are so short it just blurs past and you are at the end.

will you have family supporting you? I just find them at the end of the race and hangout with them.

Desterknee

I did the NJ Super Spartan by myself. Started with a group but we got separated within the first mile. The race was 8 miles. I loved it. That's just me though, I'm kind of a loner.

My understanding is that a lot of people run races alone. No reason to feel weird about it.

wannaBrunnner81

Every race I have ever run i was "alone". With the crowds at the start it really doesnt matter, you will be so amped up and ready to go that you wont notice anything other than the surge of the crowd. I say go have a great time, and embrace the sensation of getting lost in that crownd and finding your own pace and rhythm amid the other runners.

A_Warrior_Princess

I like running by myself. I put on my music and just run. This way I don't have to worry about keeping up or slowing my pace to run with someone else. On occasion my husband will run the race with me, but he runs at his own pace and I run at my own pace so we don't really run together!

Amberlynnek

I run all my races solo. That includes half and full marathons. If you're nervous, enlist some friends and family to come cheer you on.

zillah73

I run them all by myself. The few I have run with someone else, I felt like I had an anchor around my neck. I feel a camaraderie with the other runners when we're gathered on shuttles, corals and at the starting line but once the gun goes off, it's not a team sport – just me versus me in every other race I've run.

BerryH

Yup, like many people here I've run nearly all my races alone. Have a plan and know your pace from your training rather than trying to hare off with the races leaders. You'll find people to run alongside who are going at your pace, then you can wish them well and peel off to the next suitable running partner is you want to speed up or slow down.

bagge72

I think it is better to run a coupel by yourself, then you can just do your own pace.

The_Enginerd

I've run all of my races by myself. I keep my own pace since I'm racing myself. Sometimes I have friends who come with me to race, but we each go at our own paces and get separated.

melaniecheeks

I run at my pace. My friends run at their pace. it would be silly for us to try to stick together during the run.

That said, it's nice to have the company before and afterwards, but during the race itself, I'd say the vast majority will be running by themselves.

Eric_DeCastro

i noticed something, the people who run in big groups 3 or more and stay together throughout the whole race...they all come in after I do. lol. they always stop and take pictures at the mile markers and just take pictures in general. I have no time for taking pictures during a run. some people can continue to run and instagram during, i'm not that coordinated to do such things. so I race myself, keep my pace and enjoy the scenery. just have fun. remember its your victory lap from all the miles of training you put yourself through preparing for your race.

rml_16

i noticed something, the people who run in big groups 3 or more and stay together throughout the whole race...they all come in after I do. lol. they always stop and take pictures at the mile markers and just take pictures in general. I have no time for taking pictures during a run. some people can continue to run and instagram during, i'm not that coordinated to do such things. so I race myself, keep my pace and enjoy the scenery. just have fun. remember its your victory lap from all the miles of training you put yourself through preparing for your race.

Where are these races??? I've never seen picture-taking during a race. lol Silliness.

I've started with larger groups (four or five of us) but we break off into our own paces.

willrun4bagels

Every race I have ever run i was "alone". With the crowds at the start it really doesnt matter, you will be so amped up and ready to go that you wont notice anything other than the surge of the crowd. I say go have a great time, and embrace the sensation of getting lost in that crownd and finding your own pace and rhythm amid the other runners.

This! I've run every single 5k, 5mi, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon alone.

willrun4bagels

i noticed something, the people who run in big groups 3 or more and stay together throughout the whole race...they all come in after I do. lol. they always stop and take pictures at the mile markers and just take pictures in general. I have no time for taking pictures during a run. some people can continue to run and instagram during, i'm not that coordinated to do such things. so I race myself, keep my pace and enjoy the scenery. just have fun. remember its your victory lap from all the miles of training you put yourself through preparing for your race.

Where are these races??? I've never seen picture-taking during a race. lol Silliness.

I've started with larger groups (four or five of us) but we break off into our own paces.

I've done races in Disney World in Florida with picture stations along the half marathon and marathon course. They have characters lined up that you can wait in line for pictures with. I thought it was kind of dumb to wait in a line during the timed race for pics, but to each their own! :drinker:

Eric_DeCastro

i noticed something, the people who run in big groups 3 or more and stay together throughout the whole race...they all come in after I do. lol. they always stop and take pictures at the mile markers and just take pictures in general. I have no time for taking pictures during a run. some people can continue to run and instagram during, i'm not that coordinated to do such things. so I race myself, keep my pace and enjoy the scenery. just have fun. remember its your victory lap from all the miles of training you put yourself through preparing for your race.

Where are these races??? I've never seen picture-taking during a race. lol Silliness.

I've started with larger groups (four or five of us) but we break off into our own paces.

I ran the pole to pole race at sea world this past sunday and we ran through the park so people were taking pictures.

Ready2Rock206

My first race I ran by myself. My 2nd my son joined me. My next ones I'll probably run myself just because I don't know anyone to go with. I thought it was a little awkward just hanging out alone before and after but for the race itself it is fine. My son really slowed me down because he was hurting and had to walk so I had to walk with him. And he refused to stay after. So maybe alone is better?!

rml_16

i noticed something, the people who run in big groups 3 or more and stay together throughout the whole race...they all come in after I do. lol. they always stop and take pictures at the mile markers and just take pictures in general. I have no time for taking pictures during a run. some people can continue to run and instagram during, i'm not that coordinated to do such things. so I race myself, keep my pace and enjoy the scenery. just have fun. remember its your victory lap from all the miles of training you put yourself through preparing for your race.

Where are these races??? I've never seen picture-taking during a race. lol Silliness.

I've started with larger groups (four or five of us) but we break off into our own paces.

I ran the pole to pole race at sea world this past sunday and we ran through the park so people were taking pictures.

I see. I just do local races. I see my friends (even the truly serious runners) stop and take pictures when they do park races, like Disney and such. At a local race through a park or streets or whatever, you don't see that.

Kekibird

I run 90% of my races alone. Just me and the road!

sweetpea03b

I run by myself all the time and I actually enjoy it... just me and my ipod. I've done 3 5K's by myself as well It's nice to have someone at the finish line waiting for you though... if you've got a non-running friend or family member that can go to cheer you on.

hellykill

I run with me, myself and my iPod. Love it. Feels like I am the only one out there! With someone else can be fun at first, but eventually running alone is very liberating Good luck!!!

Chieflrg

Many times...no biggie. I usually am focusing on my warm ups pre race anyways. After the race is my social time...:)

RUNNING_AMOK_1958

I did a 6K on March 2 by myself. No big deal. My husband and I have raced together, but it's not really together because he's so much better than I am. He takes off and I'm by myself anyway. I don't run with other people that much and most of my goals are PR based, so I'm really racing against myself. That race I did by myself? I was first in my division.