running training groups yes/no?

i've recently taken up running and i'm training for a 1/2 marathon. i've got several friends that have run many full marathons as well as 1/2s and they suggest i join a running group for my training. i've got a plan i'm following calculated from RW.com and it seems to be working great so far... so should i really spend the money to run with a group of people when i enjoy running alone?

just wondering what other people's thoughts are on this- if you belong to a group or used what do/did you think?

Thu. Jul 26, 10:05am

I too would suggest you join the group for your long runs (especially if new to running). However if you are really happy running alone and on a budget, maybe you should continue training alone. The group though will provide motivation for getting to the park/running spot and the long runs will come easier. You will also make new friends and have a fun time. I think that in itself is worth the money!

Thursday, July 26, 2007, 10:15 AM

I would definitely join one if one existed in my area! Go for it.

Thursday, July 26, 2007, 10:53 AM

I'm training for a marathon now, already have a 1/2 under my belt, and I've never been a part of a running group. With my hectic schedule I need to get my runs it when I can, not when it's scheduled!

Thursday, July 26, 2007, 12:27 PM

If you're not up for it, you're not up for it. No big deal. Doesn't mean you won't improve as quickly-some people just really enjoy running w/ others. Personally, I like running alone and have never found being alone a hindrance in any of my runs. My long runs are up to 9 miles now and I think I would have trouble finding the time to run when it was convenient for someone else.

Join if you want to but don't feel like you have to. If your heart isn't in it-you won't stick with it.

Thursday, July 26, 2007, 1:50 PM

bump

Thursday, January 24, 2008, 3:13 PM

I have completed 7 marathons...18 half marathons have been part of local running club, go to meetings see them at local races but never train w/ them I just like training on my own..I love the road to myself but do what works for you, try it see what happens you to may just enjoy the runs on your own

Thursday, January 24, 2008, 5:01 PM

what about long training runs? if you run alone how do you feel about doing 20+ miles alone, with only the bottle of water in your hand or around your waist?

Thursday, January 24, 2008, 5:52 PM

Want to start a group?

I also just started running, and I am planning on running a half marathon in May-- huge challenge for me.

I am intimidated by other running groups on peertrainer because I dont really consider myself a "runner". We should start a group for beginers! Then, evern if we are not really training with other people, we can share training tips and motivate each other. Let me know what you think.

- Yipee

Thursday, January 24, 2008, 6:29 PM

5:01, I do sometimes get bored but I love the challenge of solo running I also feel that especially for marathon training it keeps me focused and mentally strong. When I run 20 miles on my own then when race day arrives it is like a party that 30,000 others came to celebrate w/ me.
I just posted the thread about the marathon movie check it out !

Thursday, January 24, 2008, 11:59 PM

Most runners I know--I mean serious, can't-live-without-my-daily-run runners--run alone. Including my sister-in-law who at 41 just completed her first Ironman in just over 13 hours.

I think running is a solitary sport--that is, it attracts people who like to be alone in their heads for a while every day.

Friday, January 25, 2008, 12:39 AM

OP here-

wow, i started this thread a long time ago, i'm glad it got revived because my issue was never resolved.

i do prefer to run alone as most distance runner's do. it's absolutely a solitary sport, and i love that fact. i'm not looking for a running group to have someone to talk to or anything like that....

i'm considering joining a running group for mostly the long runs and having the routes mapped, resources like water stops every 2 miles and first aid. it's a very large group 400+ people once a week for long runs. so my daily runs will still be all on my lonesome.

Friday, January 25, 2008, 11:53 AM

online running group

yipee- i've started a group!

"online running group"

Friday, January 25, 2008, 11:57 AM

Depends, I have ran a few 1/2 marathons have done both with a group and without. Personally I like running with a group or someone else who I have convinced to run with me iespecially if its a location. I have done it alone and my time was actually better because I did not feel as if I had to stay with the group but on the flip end it was not enjoyable to me.

Friday, January 25, 2008, 1:10 PM

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