Top 5 Benefits of Joining a Running Group
It's February and that means Valentine's Day is coming soon. Whether you are single, married, or anywhere on the relationship spectrum, some kinds of relationships are essential to your fitness goals.
Running groups are all around the United States. Some are large, some are small. Some are for moms, some are for students, some are for old people, etc. There are a bunch out there.
However, how do you know which is right for you? Should you even join a running group? Let's dive into running clubs and why they are important.
Running Accountability
Unless you're extremely self-disciplined, running casually or for training is difficult to do alone. Running with others gives you more accountability in a way that isn't stressful and shameful.
Think of it as a healthy form of peer pressure. It's not like an "If Billy/Sally jumped on a bridge, would you?" type of mindset. Instead, it's "If Billy/Sally is expecting you to run with them on Thursday, are you going to?"
Safer Running
It's easier to see a group than it is one person. That's a reason why you see cyclists frequently riding in groups. Running in a group gives more visibility which improves safety.
If you're new to a city and don't know your way around, running with a group ensures you don't get lost. Sure, you'll likely have your phone on you, but a local runner responds no matter the strength of your phone signal.
Better Running Performance
Since you'll be safer and have accountability, your running performance will increase. There are many factors for this:
Someone is going to be a better runner than you. A Kansas State University study actually found "that those who exercised with a teammate whom they perceived to be better increased their workout time and intensity by as much as 200 percent."
We perform better with the competition. Records aren't broken in secret. Personal records aren't meant to be secrets. When you're with others you won't cut your workout short.
Social Connection
People are not meant to do life alone. There are many studies and stories of how we are better when we are around other people. Finding a health running group. Some ways it enhances social connection could be
Career connections: You could have great career meetings while running. Instead of a golf course, the meeting room could be along Main Street. You can also connect with others in similar professions and networks.
Find friends: If you're new to a city, a running group is a great way to make friends. No matter where you go, you'll find people who enjoy running. It's just a matter of clicking with a few of the people and you're set.
Post-run hangout: One of the best ways to run is to have incentives. Knowing you'll enjoy a drink or delicious meal after running is a great way to build a connection (and why we always have post-race celebrations)
Improved Mental and Physical Health
This is the most obvious item on our list. While running alone does improve your mental, heart, and lung health, running in a group goes an extra step.
Running in a group helps give people a sense of purpose.
Having people challenge you, celebrate with you, and cry with you, are all signs of a life worth living. You'll be more determined, motivated, and inspired.
The Downside of Running in a Group
Running in a group isn't all sunshine and rainbows. It's scary to join a group of strangers. If you're more introverted, that idea is more of a nightmare.
Other than the fear of meeting new people, some additional drawbacks to running in a group include
Less flexible scheduling: running groups will meet weekly. Try to find a group that best fits your schedule. If you run whenever you can and not routinely, this is a tough barrier to joining a group consistently.
Talkative people: if you're talkative then this isn't a problem. However, if you use running as a way to detox after a hard day at work or to have some quality alone time, running in a group could provide the opposite effect.
How to Find a Running Group
We want to make sure we connect you to running groups in your area. If you are located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, you can click here to check out some of the clubs or view some on our list below.
If you live elsewhere, check out the Road Runners Club of America.
Don't forget, you can register for Irving Marathon Running Series events as a group to compete or for casual sport. Learn more at irvingmarathon.com/teamchallenge