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Group Training |  |
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See the Index for more topics, information, hints and tips.
Groups hold you accountable. The friendly conversation and comradery helps to pass the time. You get free advice and encouragement, and peer pressure to do your best. There's safety in numbers. A group is more visible, more likely to be seen on the road. And it's a deterrent from people with bad intentions.
When you run in a group your perception of your level of effort is lower than if you run by yourself. It may be that the camaraderie takes your mind off of running or maybe it is that they are sharing the same pain as you. You'll find that you can run further and faster with less effort.
You don't even have to talk much or at all. It could be some random person you end up running with in a race. Just having someone there is comforting.
Members of a group should run two across. Remember you are sharing the trail with other runners and bicyclists. This also makes you a smaller target on roads. Unorganized groups (sometimes called herds) are really obstacles. This makes it more difficult for other to pass, making it unsafe for them and others.
Groups are especially good if members have about the same pace and abilities. Using the same coach provided training plan means everyone will be on the same page as to what you are doing every workout. You should be training for the same distance and their goal race should be close in time to yours.
Group runs are a good excuse to hang out with some awesome people. The members become friends, close friends, and even 'family'.
Don't listen to music. This is kind of rude in a group because it tells other members that you don't want to be bothered by them. And it can be dangerous. With music playing in your ear you may not hear about upcoming dangers or hear the leader's instructions. Be friendly and enjoy the comradery of the group.
Running stores frequently offer group training. Many local running clubs also offer training opportunities. Look for groups that offer a number of different paces and provide a training plan.
I am lucky to be associated with one of the largest running clubs in the United States, the Dallas Running Club. We typically have about 650 members training for marathon, half marathon, and beginning runners. With this many people we can divide them into groups at about 10 minute goal pace intervals, so everyone in a group is within about ten minutes of each other. I help pace one of the largest groups, the 2:30 half marathon. Typically these are newer runners and I love to help them and teach them from the things I've learned on My Running Journey.
Look for groups through running clubs and stores that sell running gear. Look for a group that runs on days you are available and at times that are convenient to you. You will want to find a group that has a similar goal pace and distance. Having them close to where you live is a bonus. Once you find a group you may make good friends with individuals in that group and do other runs with them. Running with someone who clashes with your personality does not help motivate you.
Several qualities to consider when choosing a running partner: do they have about the same pace (or you could run with different partners on hard and easy days), are your personalities compatible, are they dependable/committed, are they flexible, do they have a positive attitude, do they talk too much or not enough, do you have similar goal races (if you are training for different distances or events that are a couple months apart it may not work).
Look to people who finish close to you in a race. They will be at about the same pace. Make a point to connect with anyone interesting after the finish line.
When you join an organized group you'll get a lot of information, advice, and education from the other members of the group. But slowly you'll become a mentor and source of information for others.
Everyone who runs is an inspiration to others, especially if you have obvious challenges like age, weight, or something else physical. You are setting a good example just by being out there and running. People are always watching you. It doesn't matter if you come in first or last, you are a great example and an inspiration. Only 3% of Americans can run 3 miles and only 0.5% have run a marathon.
Training Group Etiquette
