I joined a running group
and I liked it 🙂
I have PR dreams for my next half marathon, so my friend Monica hooked me up with a training plan, which I’ve been loosely following according to my schedule. This week, I also went to the running store to get fitted for new shoes to last me the fall/winter season since my sad Brooks are around a year old. (Still trying to get used to the new sneaks but I like to think I’ve been taking some of the right steps to succeed!)
When I was at the running store, I was talking to a few of the fit specialists about my running plan for the half marathon. Monica put 3 runs each week on the plan, but I was only thinking about doing 1 or 2 as I have in the past, since I teach so many active classes. Everyone working that day said I need to run more than one or two times a week, no matter what else I’m doing. One of the guys working there said that he also teaches fitness and had the same mentality, but for the races that he trained more often throughout the week, he did much better than the ones where he could only squeeze in one or two training runs.
Hmmm. This “training” thing they speak of. Apparently it works if you do it correctly 😉
The way they made it seem non-negotiable made me realize that it’s probably the trick to getting in a solid training base, since my body will be very used to the mode of running. So, I joined a running group. The mileage corresponds well with the plan Monica gave me, and they meet twice weekly for runs (which is awesome, since I need all the motivation I can get!). The times work with my schedule and teaching days, so I decided to go for it. Athletes training for an event make extra training days happen. I’m by NO means an elite runner (Average Jane at best), but I’m training for an event, so it’s going to take more time and dedication. I just need to make sure to fuel myself adequately and get in enough strength training + foam rolling.
I did my first track workout with the group and loved it! There were running coaches there to watch and give feedback, and the group atmosphere inspired me to PUSH myself. It was also a nice bonus that I ended up without any active teaching classes yesterday, so my legs were nice and fresh. We stretched, did a two-lap warmup, and then did 800m overlaps. We got into teams of two according to our race pace, and for the overlaps, one person would do 400m, the second person would join them for the next 400m, and then the first person would rest while their partner did 400m. You ran 800m each time. It was awesome to run in group with my similar race pace and to be honest, I never would have done that workout on my own. I feel like a hamster running around a track, and while I used to do it often, I find it so boring alone now.
I still have a little over two full months to train, so I think that having a group working towards a similar goal, plus coaches at hand to run with us and give tips is going to be extremely beneficial. My November races will tell 🙂
My weekly fitness schedule is changing a little bit, but I’m glad there are still two off days on there:
Sunday: OFF
Monday: Easy run
Tuesday: Weights (no cardio) or yoga
Wednesday: Teaching day + track work
Thursday: Teaching day + weights (on my lunch break or if a private doesn’t book)
Friday: OFF
Saturday: Teaching day + long run
Sundays are going to be that much sweeter, for sure.
(Sunday aka Crepeday)
Do you love working out alone, or thrive in a group atmosphere? I’m a sucker for group fitness, but I love lifting weights by myself.
Have you ever joined a running group or something similar?
Hope you all have a wonderful day <3
xoxo
Gina
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That’s so awesome that you found a running group! I bet it makes running so much more motivating being in a team environment 😀
Good for you! I prefer running alone, so I’m not sure a running group would be for me, but I love group fitness classes.
I like working out with others because I’m competitive!
That sounds so fun! I’ve always wanted to join a running group, but I’m kind of intimidated because I don’t want to be the slowpoke. 🙂
you won’t be! in ours, there was a huge variety of paces
I’m with you, Lindsey! I prefer running along, but a part of that is because I’m afraid to be the slow one or the only one who can’t run and chat at the same time.
I’m the same- I love group cardio classes (I push myself wayyyy more) but like to lift weights by myself and at my own pace! Seems like the running group is just what you need to keep you motivated!
That’s great you joined a running group! It’s always fun to challenge yourself in new ways. How did you find the running group?
i’ve only met with them once, but love it so far!
I definitely agree with the people at the running store – for a race, and especially longer races you should be running 3x a week or more. Its important for your body and will help with your training. Even if you have other activities in the day, running on those days and doing those extra stuff will only make you stronger and better. Glad you joined a running group – I am sure it will help you stay motivated and PR!
How did you find the running group? I’ve always wanted to join one but I’m worried I will be too slow since I’m not an efficient runner (10 min mile)…definitely my weakness in crossfit!
girl, you are an efficient runner as those that do sub 8 m/m or those that do 15 m/m. you’re putting one foot in front of the other, propelling your forward momentum in a speed fitted to your body on which only you can improve upon. I call that efficient.
Thank you <3 so sweet. I get smoked during workouts though lol!
This is great! Like you, I never make myself to track workouts. I am really good at sticking to training plans in terms of mileage/ type of runs … except when it comes to speed work :). I think I would benefit from a running group like this! It’s been hard since I travel 4 days/ week for work (to various places), so I say I couldn’t make it work … but that’s probably just an excuse, as I’m sure there are some groups that meet on weekends!
I’m with you on joining a running group! I found one in my new town I moved to so I could have some motivation to get in at least two runs a week and to make some new friends! I think it’s great you joined one! Speed workouts will definitely help you get to that PR!
good job! I keep telling myself I need to join a running group but I just get so wrapped up in my own training. . . running with other people is fun. not as lonely. I haven’t done track workouts before. they kind of scare me. haha. I know of one all womens running group that meets once a month and have groups according to pace. no one is left alone, which I really like.
That’s awesome you joined a running group. I’m also training for a half marathon that’s coming up in about 2 months – Nike Women’s in SF. I love my weekend run but find it soo difficult to get in a second or third run during the week. I have the same exact mentality as you…as long as I do my long run on the weekend and fit in my strength training classes at the gym I’ll be fine! It makes perfect sense that more runs will help though…thanks for the post, it’s inspiring me to get my butt out there more often!!
Strangely enough I ALWAYS do better when I run with a buddy… When I run alone I talk myself OUT of running faster/farther. When I run with my husband I run bc well, he is showing me up 😉 and when I run with a friend it is literally like social hour. We run slow enough where we can still hold a conversation but quick enough to get the job done! Good luck with your training group! 🙂
That’s awesome!!! I usually like to run alone since I am sooo slow, but I think a running group would actually push me to get faster. If nothing else, it has to help with accountability right?? Can’t wait to see how it helps your training!
That’s awesome! Best of luck with the group!
I usually like to work out by myself, except in dance of course!
i’ve successfully trained for a half marathon on 3 days/week, i think the key was adding in some speedwork once every week or so! wouldn’t want to run more than that! well, sometimes i do, but i know it’s not good for MY body 🙂 everyone’s different!
That sounds great! Track workouts (especially with a group) can be super intimidating, but I feel like you’re so happy you did it once you’ve tried it out.
I prefer running/workout on my own overall – but I am so much more motivated with a group.
I really need to find a running group to join, I love running with other people sometimes. It’s so much more distracting (time flies!) and more fun!
Congrats on joining! Working out with people with similar goals makes me train harder. It is so motivating when everyone wants to help each other improve!
I used to hate group fitness because I felt it slowed me down, but once I started CrossFit and Body Pump and Yoga I began to be motivated by the group atmosphere. I can still run on my own and in fact prefer to because it is hard for me to find people my pace, but I really miss the social aspect and I feel I push myself much harder in a group! I’m so competitive!!
I like both! I really like to swim in a group, i.e. my local Master’s team. I’d love to find a running group for feedback on my form and motivation to run faster!
I’ve always been a solo runner, but since I’ve started running with a group of ladies one or two lunch hours a week, I think that I would DEF sign up for a running group when I train for my next race. It pushes you that much harder. Way to go!
Also, if you have not already read ‘Born to Run’, I highly recommend it 🙂
How did you find the running group? Did you just do a google search for groups in your area?
Arghhh!!! Now I can’t stop singing Katy Perry’s song, haha!! I think a running group would be fun! We have a few in my area, but I too, worry about being the slow one. Perhaps this Fall?!
I never thought I’d enjoy running (and then I did) and I never thought I’d like running with another person (until I found a friend who makes it more fun). I don’t know if I could join a running group, but give me a few months and I might change my mind 🙂 I’m glad you enjoy it!
I trained with a group for my second half marathon, it was so much fun! I liked running with people at various paces, it would push me to go faster. It also made speed work easier for me, I wasn’t out there by myself trying to do sprints on a track. Good luck with your training!
I would love to join a running group but there are none around here! I hope next place we move has some great running groups – I love running by myself but I much prefer to be with people!
I just downloaded the 10k for pink app and I’m hoping it motivates me! Training group would be a great option but I’m not sure of any in my area
My immediate response to your question was alone! But actually I really love group fitness I just tend to go to those classes by myself so in a way I think of it as being alone. Is that weird? Probably!
Funny when you said… Hmmm. This “training” thing they speak of. Apparently it works if you do it correctly . I say that type of thing all the time in regard to fitness and eating well. 🙂 “Ahh… so if you lift weights, you’ll actually gain some muscle? interesting….” 🙂
I definately do better with group fitness, especially if I have a hard time with it. If I was home and had a hard time, I’d be more apt to stop. In a class setting, I plow through what I can do and just rest where there is soemthing too intense for my fitness level. I don’t really know how to work with weights, I need to find some information on it but I’ll have to determine how I feel doing these on my own.
I definitely believe that the running almost everyday is the way to go. I follow Hal Higdon’s half marathon plan for each half marathon and usually end up with a 1:48 time. Although it is really strenuous and taxing on my body, the program really does work (or any running program with interval training, frequent running, lifting, and one long run per week). I didn’t start off as a runner, but it has changed my body completely and I love the results. I’ve backed way off now that I’m 6 months pregnant with only 6-9 miles per week, but having a running base has kept me going strong through the pregnancy. Running can be so addicting sometimes!
Joining a running group sounds amazing! Congrats! I’ve never been part of a running group, but I’d love to do that sometime. I’ll have to check and see what’s in my area.
That’s awesome that you enjoyed it!
I go through phases with fitness. For instance, this past month I have just been loving group fitness, especially anything Les Mills. But the month before that I preferred solo weight workouts. A fitness guru friend of mine says this is good to switch it up and keep your body guessing, so I guess I’m gonna go with it!
MOST of the time, I prefer working out alone. Mostly because it’s the only time of day that I am alone, so I love having the time to myself. I tend to compare myself to other runners too much too, which can really mess me up.
I had a trainer for a while who had me on a six-day-week schedule, and that really didn’t work for me. As soon as I started doing weights and running three or four days, I had way more energy and even gains in speed and distance ability. But I think it is important to run several times a week for events, as your partners told you, because when I reduce my running and then try to get back into it, it seems like I’ve lost my ability to push myself as much as before. Running seems way easier when you do it often. 🙂
PS Will you release a weights/hiit DVD someday? I’d love to see your summer shape ups and other workouts in DVD form!!
I joined a running group when training for my first 10K and when training for my half marathon. I LOVED them — there’s no way I could have run 8+ miles on a Saturday morning without have some friends to do it with. 🙂
I hope the running group helps with your PR goal!
I love working out alone. I’m not a group gal.
I tend to push harder when I’m alone, and love to challenge my self with new workouts and heavier weights, and I love writing personal goals for my fitness.
Glad to hear you are enjoying the running group! The track workouts will help A TON. I beat my half marathon time by 11 minutes after training with lots of hills and track workouts.
Yay! Knowing that you have someone to meet to keep you accountable is always great motivation to run! I’m a mixed bag when it comes to fitness. I love the energy from a group fitness class when I need to get my HR up and a good sweat, but also like to do my own thing. When it comes to lifting, I like to turn up the music, lift heavy, and be left alone to my own routine. (I can’t lift with my husband…he likes to ‘meander’).
MMMmmm for crepes! We usually have them here at the house 1x per month. So simple to toss the batter together the night before then cook in the morning. 🙂
I like a mix of group workouts and solo workouts. I think I found my own running group to join post-pregnancy! The only downside is they meet between 5:30 and 6 a.m. Ouch – that’s early!
It can definitely be hard to balance being a group exercise instructor and trying to do your own training – I’m sure you’ll do great at it though!
That crepe looks delicious! Do you ever see yourself going back to vegan?
I joined the running group through meetup a couple years ago. It worked great for helping me find my pace/training plans/etc, and I’ve made friends with a bunch of people who were looking for a weekend long run partner. Good luck!!
I’ve always trained with a friend, but about 2 years ago a bunch of us girls in our small town started a workout group and we do a variety of things including running:)
Definitely like working out on my own….especially running! I like to go and do my own thing. To each their own 🙂 For training for a race like that I can definitely see how it would be great motivation to join a group!
I like classes that allow inner focus, like yoga. Or else I work out alone. Group stuff and team sports drain me… Introversion I guess.
I love group classes like Zumba, but have been loving running alone too. I’m training for my first half marathon, so I’m with you on the training kick now.
I need to join a running group too because I’m currently struggling.
I am relocating to Tucson!! Can I get info on this group?? I definitely need the motivation of a group setting for harder workouts.
I’ve just joined one too! I did a hill sprint and stair session with them and I’ve never run like that in my life! Hopefully it works for both of us!