Group running question

I've been pondering for a couple of years whether to join a marathon training program for the sole purpose of doing the long runs on Saturdays with a group.  It would only be two weekends a month, due to my schedule.  

I'm a tightwad and didn't really think doing it just half the time was a good use of money.

What say y'all?  Is there benefit to running in groups only half the time?  And thanks for your time.

yup.  Make new friends, gets you to the dance on time, someone to talk to, makes the time go by quicker, run some new routes, find a cutie in the group .  Lots of good reasons.  But I certainly wouldn't pay much, unless they are putting out water etc. on the route.

There are pros and cons to running in groups. 

Pros -
motivation
meet new people
helps occupy the time

Cons -
can hold you back by running with slower people (do not improve as much)
you lose that self-reflection time
you can fall into the need to run with a group feeling (security)


When I am not training I prefer to run with people.  But if I am training I prefer the solitary route.

I love running my long runs with the group as it holds me accountable.  I run all week solo, so it is a nice change and very motivating.  But I've never paid for the privilege, so I hope that there is something that the money buys you.

I do about half my runs alone and half with others, and I really enjoy the mix. Nick's pros and cons were spot on, but it's just a matter of managing your training, and since you're only talking doing it about twice a month, the "cons" he pointed out shouldn't be too much of a problem. I say go for it this time and see how you like it.

I started running with my group 7 yrs ago because I was training for my first marathon and was intimidated by the long runs solo. Now they include my closest local friends but that's not the only reason for running groups. I still run a lot alone due to scheduling and sometimes I just want to be alone or my training isn't what they're doing but for long runs I would definitely go for it. Then again my group doesn't cost anything we just show up and run. But I say give it a try.

I've been leading a group on Saturdays for 5 years. They can be a bit pricey. They have great support with aid stations using the same hydration as the Chicago marathon. They have a speed session once a week with a former college coach. You get an indoor compound at the marathon with separate gear check, massage, nutrition, and yes, beer after. The latest update in the last 2 years were exclusive porta-potties near the start. They also have a couple dinner get togethers with the main course on them. The group runs can be a bit crowded for some of the popular paces with lines at the water stops. My group is small and easier to manage. I like that the time goes quickly by chatting. I also like offering advice and helping new runners train wisely then having the satisfaction of being part of their marathon completion. Since I volunteer it is free and they throw a ton of extras at us with a nice running gear related gift at the appreciation dinner at the end.

I can attest to the group becoming a "dependency."  I've been cycling with a group for a few months now, and if it's a ride over 30-40mi, I don't look forward to it unless the regulars are going.

Always solo. Don't have the extra time going, waiting, and coming back.

I can imagine the mental help, but once you get soft ...

Alright, who am I kidding as I am so lazy. 

Anyway, give it a try,

Wait, once you get soft ...

Whatever.

Jerry wrote:Always solo. Don't have the extra time going, waiting, and coming back.I can imagine the mental help, but once you get soft ...Alright, who am I kidding as I am so lazy. Anyway, give it a try,Wait, once you get soft ...Whatever.

But aren't you already soft?

I'll at least put a plug in for safety with running in numbers. Especially since most of my running occurs before sunrise I appreciate running with at least one other person even if we avoid dangerous neighborhoods. Then again, I'm a woman and thus have to consider safety daily.

Julie wrote:I'll at least put a plug in for safety with running in numbers. Especially since most of my running occurs before sunrise I appreciate running with at least one other person even if we avoid dangerous neighborhoods. Then again, I'm a woman and thus have to consider safety daily.

That's a great point.

I've joined several groups and I still end up alone because no one is my speed. At least you're out there with others and you finish up as a group.

Thanks for the many replies.  There's an information/orientation session tomorrow night, so I'll ask them if they have water tables.  I've seen some of their runners on Saturdays wearing Fuel Belts.  I have a habit of not wearing them because I plan my routes around water fountains.

I may end up joining it because Reina is going to pace me at Houston and I think I need some experience running with a person at the hip.

Thanks again.

Follow up question, if I may.

Would you consider, instead of doing the group running, to register for the 3 warm up races for the marathon, a Half in October, then a 25K in November, then a 30K in December?  thanks.

That sounds like an awesome idea because A.  YOu'll be running in a group, B. With the number of runners that might participate, you'll find some at your pace and you could practice your 'hooked up at the hip' method of running.

When is the marathon?  I must admit that since I am a racer, I would indeed do all three of them if they fit within my schedule.  I would be cautious on the last two so that I didn't "race" them at too fast a pace, but I would still do them.  Remember though as I already stated - I like to race.

It's the Houston marathon in January.  The 30K race is a 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon.

ounce wrote:It's the Houston marathon in January.  The 30K race is a 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon.

 To me, that would be perfect timing.