Just Your Average Joggler

Yesterday for my 617th joggling day in a row, I did something that I rarely do. I ran with a running group. There is no particular reason that I usually run alone except for the fact that my joggling is unscheduled. When I want to go, I want to go. Perhaps it just doesn’t occur to me to call up running friends.

Anyway, one of my Facebook friends said she was meeting at a local running store (Running Away Multisport) and leading a group for a speed workout. It sounded fun for me so I went. I’m glad I did. Here are 10 good reasons for running with a group.

Makes you go faster

- When you run with a group you can’t slack off or you’ll be left behind. If you pick the right pace group, they’ll make you stay on pace.

Makes you work harder

- I’ve been doing sprint workouts on my own but there is nothing like chasing someone or having someone chase you to inspire you to put out more effort. I felt physically ill from being winded for the first time since doing a race. My lone workouts rarely hurt that much.

Gives you someone to talk to

- While I usually like to listen to a book or podcast while joggling, it was nice to be able to talk to other runners about this and that while easily pacing away. I didn’t know I missed connecting with people but apparently I do.

Makes you part of a community

- In the Chicago running scene people have heard of the Joggler or the running juggling guy. It’s nice to hear people say that they saw you joggling and found you inspiring. It’s also nice to be part of a group. Somehow it makes you feel more important.

You get free stuff

- After the run yesterday, they had a keg of beer and were giving free drinks to runners. That was cool! Other times I’ve run with a group, there was a pasta dinner at the end or they gave away free runner’s gear. It is an excellent deal.

You can meet famous people

- Often a running store will have famous runners come out and give a talk and even do a light workout with you. This is great. You get to meet people who you’ve only read about on the pages of Runner’s World.

You can participate in group races

- When you run with a group you get tipped off to all the best races in the area. You can find out who is doing what race and what they liked about it. You can also occasionally get free entry into a race.

Extra motivation to run

- Running alone can easily be replaced by doing something else with your time (like going out with your friends). But when you’ve got a group run planned, you are extra inspired to keep your appointment and do your run.

Meet interesting people

- Runners are an interesting bunch. They are always quite friendly (especially the 8+ min milers) and you can have some great conversations. You can also meet new friends and future running companions. If I ever moved to a new city and wanted to meet people, the first thing I’d do is find a weekly running group.

Inspire more people to joggle

- People are naturally curious about joggling. If you want to get more people to do it, it’s much easier for a runner to start juggling than for a juggler to start running.

I doubt that I will change my habits much since I’ve been a solo runner for so long. However, I will certainly make it a point to run with a group more often. And if you want to help improve your running, you might consider it too.

Do you run with a group? Do you like it? Leave a comment below.

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