For some of us, running is among the most social things we do — we have a running group that meets once or twice a week (or is about to start back) and it’s all about the group training and discussion. For others, it may be the only time we have to be alone, just with ourselves, in our day-to-day life — and we seek out that solitude, because it renews us and refreshes us.
There’s no right or wrong answer, but I’d love to know what fills your cup, and what experience(s) you seek out in your own running 😃 — Terrell
When I was working full time and raising two kids, my runs happened at 4 a.m. and it was my alone time. It helped me excel at work and home. Now, retired, I have the luxury of running any time and I still find mornings best and running alone a nice way to destress from all the crazy things that are happening now.
I'm an extrovert mostly but also enjoy running alone with my dog. I like the company but also just like to go when I feel like running and set my own pace.
I’m an extrovert and I run alone all the time so when I do run with others, I have to hold myself back from talking too much. I was the same way when I was a stay at home mom with all my kids. I was dying for conversation with adults so I would (and still do) talk to other mothers, or anyone for that matter, in the grocery line or the McDonald’s while the kids would play. My kids used to ask me, “why do you always talk to strangers?” How do you say ‘because I’m desperate for adult conversation’ nicely? Lol!
I run by myself because it's my only time to be distressed and I have anxiety I live in Seattle it's very stressful there so when I go out for my runs I feel free And I like being outside in nature icon calms Me Too! And always alone but when I'm running I do not feel alone because out and about That's a great way to connect people and make them feel happy I just did my 1st half marathon in a long time and I met people who are doing their 1st half marathon and I gave encouragement that's hard I pick the hardest race to do but the cloud on
Introverted! Even when I ran with someone, we always were in our own space and the social aspect was at the end of the run, we’d have a meal and talk about how the run went.
I love my running group - a really great group of people. Love the comradery we have prior to hitting the trail. My Saturday mornings wouldn't be complete without it, but once I'm out on the trail, it's just me. I am definitely an introverted runner. I'm also a tweener - it always cracks me up, but there is no one out there that runs my pace, no matter what race I'm running - I'm out there all by myself - which is fine by me!
I have always been a group runner, it is for many reasons. Primarily it was for accountability until last year. The groups caused me to commit to training and thusly I became at stronger and more knowledgeable runner. I am currently doing group runs 3 out of 4 with a 4th starting next week.
I love running solo. It’s my favorite thing. And if I’m training, I have to run alone so I don’t run too fast, talk too much, or get annoyed by someone else talking too much. I do occasionally like to run with friends for shorter, fun runs. I started doing that more after being starved for social activity during the pandemic.
Wow! When I first read the topic, I thought my preference for running by myself would be in the minority . I'm surprised at how many people feel the same! I run @ 5 am during the week and @ 6am on the weekends, so it's coffee, journaling/prayer and then out the door.
My time is slower than it used to 😥however, I'm loving the Strava group of runners! It's so encouraging! And a nice variety of ages and stages of runners as well.
I agree with Dr. Johnson completely! I prefer my own thoughts! I have discovered over the years that I tend to want to push to the front of a group like a damn lead dog on a sled team! Too much pressure. When I’m alone I can run my pace and stop whenever I feel like it!
I like to meet up with a group of runners, just to push myself to get up and make sure I make it on time to the place we've decided to run that day. Once we start running, I like to run alone but that's only depends where were running (if on trails, I stay with the group) (on roads, or around my neighborhood, I prefer to run alone with my own thoughts, no pressure).
I would love to say that I like to run with others and I always feel like it is something that I should do, but at 59, I think I have finally stopped thinking that I am being selfish in allowing this quiet time of running to fill my cup. I know I am not alone, if you are beating yourself up for not wanting to run with others, stop...do this for you if this does it for you!
i'm in the middle. when i'm by myself i love just focusing on nature or the thoughts in my head. when i'm with others we can talk the entire time. and if i'm with a quiet runner i don't mind just being quiet (although i'd prefer to chat...it goes by faster:)
For me, running is a personal activity. I never know my pace, route or distance until I take my first couple of strides.I let my body dictate what I will end up doing. If it's a nice day and the wind isn't 10-15 mph blowing in my face, I strive for my daily distance of 5 miles... I love to run for runnings sake even though it helps me maintain my weight, I love chocolate, and keeps my asthma in check. Also, I listen to music or an audio book playing in min ears so I don't have to listen to my breathing, especially the last half mile.
I definitely prefer running alone. I’m able to run at my own pace and walk whenever I need to, and I never feel the pressure to keep up. Running alone is a great way for me to refresh myself; it’s sort of feels like going on retreat.
I like to be alone so I can focus on running, on the trail and all the seasonal changes. It is enjoyable to run in events, but after a year off, I really can't say I miss them. If you look at the restrictions for the races, it takes half the fun out of being with others. :)
I'm very much an introverted runner, it's my time to be alone away from noise and distractions. My job involves talking to people all day, solving problems for customers, etc. The only problem I solve when running, is what path do I take today?
I'm a combination of the two.... I enjoy running with my group because of the accountability; I know they'll be there, so I make sure I'm there. There are also times I enjoy the solitude... the just the sound of my foot falls and gasping for breath. For me, it is important to have both.
As a runner, I'm absolutely introverted. I use the time to clear my mind and focus on the task at hand. If I'm at a race I become extroverted as soon as I cross the finish line. I like to have the shared experience with those running the race with me. We immediately have something in common to discuss and it usually brings other topics up that we have in common as well.
I have met a lot of my running friends like this
I prefer to be very introverted during the actual running as I am usually trying to meet a goal and don't want to deviate from that task. The same can be said about my training runs. I usually have something I'm working on and can't really allow myself to be distracted from it
Although, at more "fun" races like at Disney I am completely extroverted because I'm there to just have fun and soak up the expeirence and not meet any time goals.
Extroverted ... I can kibbitz (nice Jewish word ... translates to “mess with”) with fellow runners during races, cheer on first timers, applaud the kids and teenagers who are getting into running way earlier than I did
I am definitely introverted. Like others, I use this time to listen to music, podcast or just my own thoughts. I can increase my speed or go as slow as I want. I think matching my pace to others is what I don't want to do. But....I would love someone to run with once a week to share my love of running.
Definitely an introvert. Running is my precious time to think. I am an engineer and I have solved many a hard problem that I was working on while running. Running renews my energy and refreshes me. I do enjoy running in races and like the feeling of being among the group. I don't even mind if someone comes up and runs along side me but I prefer not to carry on a conversation.
Definitely introverted. I relate to the comments about socially awkward, can't sustain small talk very well, so love my solo runs. Yet I like being with other runners at races because I know we have running in common and that fact removes the pressure of figuring out what to say. Mostly I just encourage others to share race stories and I enjoy listening to them talk (intrverts are often great listeners). Truth be told, aside from LinkedIn, this group is my only other social media. Thanks for being my window into the running world everyone 💜
Happy Friday, all! In general, I find running with others a little stressful - matching pace (I am slow-ish), chatting, choosing a route). For my regular runs, am solo all the way. Love the chance to listen to podcasts & music, and to think. I do love running with my husband, though - we decide on little adventures in advance - as well as my sons, but these are more for special occasions, not the day-to-day running that I need for my soul. 🥰
def more introverted. i feel competitive and slow when I run with my friends 'cause most of them are a bit faster (which maybe is a good reason to try and run with people!) I've started running with one of my best friends on saturday morning's though, and my pace is increasing quickly.
I don’t run with anyone. Once in a great while I run with my sister or friend (when they are in town), otherwise I run solo. When my boys were little it was my sacred time to have time to myself. It still is, but now it’s a mental stress purge. It’s also my time to think, ponder, & pray.
BOTH!! If I get an invite to run - extroverted! If I invite (an)other(s) - extroverted! If neither happens, or I'm just ready to run vs sending out an invite/waiting for a response - introverted!
Here is the funny thing about me. I am SUCH an introverted person. I am so, so, SO socially awkward that it is almost physically uncomfortable for me to be in a group of more than about four people, especially if they're not in my "circle". Yet in a running situation, I am SO relaxed and at ease that people in my running group consider me the unofficial "social director". I cant explain it. Also, it makes me extremely uptight to run alone. I have to have my people with me. Although... upon reading some of the other responses before I send this, clearly I'm about the only one who doesn't run alone.
What can I say... I'm an enigma. *shrugs shoulders*
I run with our area Fleet Feet running group and I love it! I have made some wonderful friends and I love the camaraderie of the group. I find it easier to get out there when I know I have some people expecting me to show up. That said I also like my solo runs. These runs give me a chance to tune into how my body feels and focus more on form, cadence, etc. I like to think of myself as an introverted extrovert as I enjoy being with others but I also am good on my own.
Definitely an introverted runner here. Living in NYC, I enjoy the mental break. Running is my meditation and allows me to reflect on things. In the early mornings, when I seem to have places like Hudson River Park to myself, I like to turn the music off and just be one with the rhythm of my own pace. Upon finishing, I always feel more refreshed and mentally prepared for the day ahead.
I enjoy the peace that running alone affords. I listen to music and enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds me. It's a time to reflect. I try to find routes that will put me in the middle of nature and away from people.
I love this question and look forward to reading the responses. I'm absolutely an introverted runner, and my dog friend is nearly always my sole running buddy. I'm fortunate to live near a riverside path, and I'm much better able to immerse myself in the beauty of nature and feel grounded without the distraction of another human. I'm a social person generally, but running is me-time.
I run in the early morning. I love stepping out the door into the cold darkness and running through neighborhoods while all is quiet and most are sleeping. On longer run days, it is so uplifting to see the sun slowly creep up, and to start a run in the dark and finish it in the light. Love the solitude.
Alone- mostly alone. My home(farm) is full of people and animals and often times life drama. I need the quiet. From time to time I take some kids a long, but mostly alone. "running is therapy"
Running clubs really helped me when I first started running. It gave me the right kind of peer pressure to get out and run at a specific day and time, which really helped me cement the habit. But I'm pretty introverted, so it takes some effort to meet people before and after the group run. I do love my running alone, but I also miss my running clubs (CBR!) and I'm looking forward to getting back to them soon.
When I was working full time and raising two kids, my runs happened at 4 a.m. and it was my alone time. It helped me excel at work and home. Now, retired, I have the luxury of running any time and I still find mornings best and running alone a nice way to destress from all the crazy things that are happening now.
I'm an extrovert mostly but also enjoy running alone with my dog. I like the company but also just like to go when I feel like running and set my own pace.
I’m an extrovert and I run alone all the time so when I do run with others, I have to hold myself back from talking too much. I was the same way when I was a stay at home mom with all my kids. I was dying for conversation with adults so I would (and still do) talk to other mothers, or anyone for that matter, in the grocery line or the McDonald’s while the kids would play. My kids used to ask me, “why do you always talk to strangers?” How do you say ‘because I’m desperate for adult conversation’ nicely? Lol!
I run by myself because it's my only time to be distressed and I have anxiety I live in Seattle it's very stressful there so when I go out for my runs I feel free And I like being outside in nature icon calms Me Too! And always alone but when I'm running I do not feel alone because out and about That's a great way to connect people and make them feel happy I just did my 1st half marathon in a long time and I met people who are doing their 1st half marathon and I gave encouragement that's hard I pick the hardest race to do but the cloud on
Introverted! Even when I ran with someone, we always were in our own space and the social aspect was at the end of the run, we’d have a meal and talk about how the run went.
I'm an introverted runner. I usually run alone, and it's my way to be with myself and clear my mind.
I love my running group - a really great group of people. Love the comradery we have prior to hitting the trail. My Saturday mornings wouldn't be complete without it, but once I'm out on the trail, it's just me. I am definitely an introverted runner. I'm also a tweener - it always cracks me up, but there is no one out there that runs my pace, no matter what race I'm running - I'm out there all by myself - which is fine by me!
I have always been a group runner, it is for many reasons. Primarily it was for accountability until last year. The groups caused me to commit to training and thusly I became at stronger and more knowledgeable runner. I am currently doing group runs 3 out of 4 with a 4th starting next week.
As a preschool teacher, I love my solo runs in the afternoon to decompress and just enjoy the quietness of the country road!
I love running solo. It’s my favorite thing. And if I’m training, I have to run alone so I don’t run too fast, talk too much, or get annoyed by someone else talking too much. I do occasionally like to run with friends for shorter, fun runs. I started doing that more after being starved for social activity during the pandemic.
Wow! When I first read the topic, I thought my preference for running by myself would be in the minority . I'm surprised at how many people feel the same! I run @ 5 am during the week and @ 6am on the weekends, so it's coffee, journaling/prayer and then out the door.
My time is slower than it used to 😥however, I'm loving the Strava group of runners! It's so encouraging! And a nice variety of ages and stages of runners as well.
I agree with Dr. Johnson completely! I prefer my own thoughts! I have discovered over the years that I tend to want to push to the front of a group like a damn lead dog on a sled team! Too much pressure. When I’m alone I can run my pace and stop whenever I feel like it!
I like to meet up with a group of runners, just to push myself to get up and make sure I make it on time to the place we've decided to run that day. Once we start running, I like to run alone but that's only depends where were running (if on trails, I stay with the group) (on roads, or around my neighborhood, I prefer to run alone with my own thoughts, no pressure).
I would love to say that I like to run with others and I always feel like it is something that I should do, but at 59, I think I have finally stopped thinking that I am being selfish in allowing this quiet time of running to fill my cup. I know I am not alone, if you are beating yourself up for not wanting to run with others, stop...do this for you if this does it for you!
i'm in the middle. when i'm by myself i love just focusing on nature or the thoughts in my head. when i'm with others we can talk the entire time. and if i'm with a quiet runner i don't mind just being quiet (although i'd prefer to chat...it goes by faster:)
For me, running is a personal activity. I never know my pace, route or distance until I take my first couple of strides.I let my body dictate what I will end up doing. If it's a nice day and the wind isn't 10-15 mph blowing in my face, I strive for my daily distance of 5 miles... I love to run for runnings sake even though it helps me maintain my weight, I love chocolate, and keeps my asthma in check. Also, I listen to music or an audio book playing in min ears so I don't have to listen to my breathing, especially the last half mile.
I'm an extroverted person, but I prefer to run (mostly) alone. It's my zen time.
I definitely prefer running alone. I’m able to run at my own pace and walk whenever I need to, and I never feel the pressure to keep up. Running alone is a great way for me to refresh myself; it’s sort of feels like going on retreat.
I like to be alone so I can focus on running, on the trail and all the seasonal changes. It is enjoyable to run in events, but after a year off, I really can't say I miss them. If you look at the restrictions for the races, it takes half the fun out of being with others. :)
I'm very much an introverted runner, it's my time to be alone away from noise and distractions. My job involves talking to people all day, solving problems for customers, etc. The only problem I solve when running, is what path do I take today?
I'm a combination of the two.... I enjoy running with my group because of the accountability; I know they'll be there, so I make sure I'm there. There are also times I enjoy the solitude... the just the sound of my foot falls and gasping for breath. For me, it is important to have both.
As a runner, I'm absolutely introverted. I use the time to clear my mind and focus on the task at hand. If I'm at a race I become extroverted as soon as I cross the finish line. I like to have the shared experience with those running the race with me. We immediately have something in common to discuss and it usually brings other topics up that we have in common as well.
I have met a lot of my running friends like this
I prefer to be very introverted during the actual running as I am usually trying to meet a goal and don't want to deviate from that task. The same can be said about my training runs. I usually have something I'm working on and can't really allow myself to be distracted from it
Although, at more "fun" races like at Disney I am completely extroverted because I'm there to just have fun and soak up the expeirence and not meet any time goals.
Extroverted ... I can kibbitz (nice Jewish word ... translates to “mess with”) with fellow runners during races, cheer on first timers, applaud the kids and teenagers who are getting into running way earlier than I did
I am definitely introverted. Like others, I use this time to listen to music, podcast or just my own thoughts. I can increase my speed or go as slow as I want. I think matching my pace to others is what I don't want to do. But....I would love someone to run with once a week to share my love of running.
Definitely an introvert. Running is my precious time to think. I am an engineer and I have solved many a hard problem that I was working on while running. Running renews my energy and refreshes me. I do enjoy running in races and like the feeling of being among the group. I don't even mind if someone comes up and runs along side me but I prefer not to carry on a conversation.
Definitely introverted. I relate to the comments about socially awkward, can't sustain small talk very well, so love my solo runs. Yet I like being with other runners at races because I know we have running in common and that fact removes the pressure of figuring out what to say. Mostly I just encourage others to share race stories and I enjoy listening to them talk (intrverts are often great listeners). Truth be told, aside from LinkedIn, this group is my only other social media. Thanks for being my window into the running world everyone 💜
Happy Friday, all! In general, I find running with others a little stressful - matching pace (I am slow-ish), chatting, choosing a route). For my regular runs, am solo all the way. Love the chance to listen to podcasts & music, and to think. I do love running with my husband, though - we decide on little adventures in advance - as well as my sons, but these are more for special occasions, not the day-to-day running that I need for my soul. 🥰
def more introverted. i feel competitive and slow when I run with my friends 'cause most of them are a bit faster (which maybe is a good reason to try and run with people!) I've started running with one of my best friends on saturday morning's though, and my pace is increasing quickly.
I don’t run with anyone. Once in a great while I run with my sister or friend (when they are in town), otherwise I run solo. When my boys were little it was my sacred time to have time to myself. It still is, but now it’s a mental stress purge. It’s also my time to think, ponder, & pray.
BOTH!! If I get an invite to run - extroverted! If I invite (an)other(s) - extroverted! If neither happens, or I'm just ready to run vs sending out an invite/waiting for a response - introverted!
Here is the funny thing about me. I am SUCH an introverted person. I am so, so, SO socially awkward that it is almost physically uncomfortable for me to be in a group of more than about four people, especially if they're not in my "circle". Yet in a running situation, I am SO relaxed and at ease that people in my running group consider me the unofficial "social director". I cant explain it. Also, it makes me extremely uptight to run alone. I have to have my people with me. Although... upon reading some of the other responses before I send this, clearly I'm about the only one who doesn't run alone.
What can I say... I'm an enigma. *shrugs shoulders*
I run with our area Fleet Feet running group and I love it! I have made some wonderful friends and I love the camaraderie of the group. I find it easier to get out there when I know I have some people expecting me to show up. That said I also like my solo runs. These runs give me a chance to tune into how my body feels and focus more on form, cadence, etc. I like to think of myself as an introverted extrovert as I enjoy being with others but I also am good on my own.
Definitely an introverted runner here. Living in NYC, I enjoy the mental break. Running is my meditation and allows me to reflect on things. In the early mornings, when I seem to have places like Hudson River Park to myself, I like to turn the music off and just be one with the rhythm of my own pace. Upon finishing, I always feel more refreshed and mentally prepared for the day ahead.
I enjoy the peace that running alone affords. I listen to music and enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds me. It's a time to reflect. I try to find routes that will put me in the middle of nature and away from people.
Definitely an introverted runner. The only time that I run with others is during a live race. :)
I appreciate the time alone - being able to run at whatever pace I want and not being distracted from the sights/scenes around me.
I love this question and look forward to reading the responses. I'm absolutely an introverted runner, and my dog friend is nearly always my sole running buddy. I'm fortunate to live near a riverside path, and I'm much better able to immerse myself in the beauty of nature and feel grounded without the distraction of another human. I'm a social person generally, but running is me-time.
For me, it’s an alone thing. Time to just space out, think about things, listen to a book or music. The only time I run with a group is during races.
I run in the early morning. I love stepping out the door into the cold darkness and running through neighborhoods while all is quiet and most are sleeping. On longer run days, it is so uplifting to see the sun slowly creep up, and to start a run in the dark and finish it in the light. Love the solitude.
Alone- mostly alone. My home(farm) is full of people and animals and often times life drama. I need the quiet. From time to time I take some kids a long, but mostly alone. "running is therapy"
Running clubs really helped me when I first started running. It gave me the right kind of peer pressure to get out and run at a specific day and time, which really helped me cement the habit. But I'm pretty introverted, so it takes some effort to meet people before and after the group run. I do love my running alone, but I also miss my running clubs (CBR!) and I'm looking forward to getting back to them soon.