Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics. This week’s Tuesday Topic: benefits of running solo! Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
Last week we talked about the benefits of running with groups. While there are definitely advantages to running with others, I consider myself to be more of a solo runner.
Make your own schedule
Basically you can run when you want, where you want, when you run solo. You’re not stuck running at a set time because you have to meet a group. This works well especially if you have a fluid work schedule. I often talk to employees in the UK and Asia, so some days I have super early meetings or meetings later in the evening. Sometimes I’ll do a meeting, then sneak in a run, grab some breakfast, etc. It’s nice to have a more flexible option to make sure I get my runs in.
Helps on race day
Doing mid to long runs solo can really help with mental toughness. I have run shorter distances (5Ks) with friends but never a long distance race. I have often thought back to my long runs when I am struggling during a race to remind myself that I can do hard things.
Run your own pace
Sometimes it can be hard to run with a group if there isn’t anyone that runs your pace. This has happened to me a few times and I ended up running alone while in a group, which was just odd. When you run solo, you can set the pace you want to run for that day and settle into the run.
Hang out with the treadmill
It’s no secret that I don’t mind the treadmill. This year most of my runs have been on the treadmill as it just works better with my WFH schedule and I enjoy the Peloton guided runs. Also the treadmill is great when you just don’t feel like dealing with the oppressive heat/humidity/freezing cold weather.
Tell me: What are some benefits of running solo?
Join the Link-Up!
Topic for next week – share your home gym. Feel free to write about this or any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
Catrina says
That’s so true about the flexible schedule! When I worked for a global bank, I sometimes had meetings with Singapore very early in the morning and calls with Stamford (!) in the US in the evening. Which meant I could take a long lunch and go for a run!
Usually, I did these runs alone – and I enjoyed being alone, too. It felt so good to have some space to think.
Darlene S. Cardillo says
I am not by preference a solo runner. In fact I’m a lousy solo runner. That being said there are many times that I have to run alone. I’m not flexible based on my schedule. Working from home has made me less flexible.
Kimberly Hatting says
I like both running solo and with a group or with a friend. There are benefits to both, and both can serve different purposes whether you’re training or just enjoying the sport of running. A huge advantage to running solo, though, is building that mental toughness and discipline, which are valuable tools in the arsenal come race day 😉
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I totally agree with all of this, Kim! I have very, very often run alone in groups. Yes, I’ve run with friends both faster and slower but you have to take care of yourself — running too fast might feel good (and maybe not, LOL!), but it can definitely lead to injury too.
Wendy says
I am a solo runner. I love the time to myself., where I can get lost in my head and solve life’s problems, lol. I also like being able to focus on the task of the run–working on pacing or hitting my goals. I have run with others, but those are definitely for fun.
kookyrunner says
That’s one of the best things about running solo. The alone time to be with my thoughts and really ‘work things out’ in my head has helped me mentally with so many races, especially marathons.
San says
Yes, I really enjoy running solo because of the flexible schedule. I usually stick to the same running days, but when I run varies.
Also, I like the treadmill. I don’t have access to one anymore (ever since my gym closed), but I used to use the treadmill a lot pre-Covid!
kookyrunner says
I find that having flexibility is key, especially since working from home!
Deborah Brooks says
I do not prefer to run solo but I have had to do it lots over the last year. It does allow me to focus on my form more and go at my own time schedule.
kookyrunner says
I definitely tend to focus on my form more when running solo as well.
Black Knight says
I agree with you about the benefits.
I am a solo runner also because I am retired so I can run when and where I want.
The treadmill is my last last last option!
kookyrunner says
I am looking forward to when I can retire and have more flexibility with my schedule!
Zenaida Arroyo says
As much as I enjoy running outside, I do wish I had a treadmill – a Peloton treadmill will be even better!!
kookyrunner says
I get less bored when I run outside but I like the convenience of running on a treadmill.
Jenny says
I’m a solo runner and also don’t mind the treadmill! I don’t own a treadmill, but went through a phase where I did my speedwork once a week on the treadmill at the gym. And I once did an 18 mile long run on the treadmill (training for a marathon and it was thunderstorms all morning on my long run day) but I don’t plan to repeat that, ha ha.
kookyrunner says
wow 18 miles? The lonest I have done on a treadmill was 14 miles and that was rough!
Michelle D. says
While I do enjoy runs with others, I love my solo runs! It’s my time to clear my head and blow off stress. And, I agree that long solo runs really do help you to build mental toughness. I also enjoy the flexibility of just heading out the door when it works best for me .
kookyrunner says
Totally agree! I always use my solo runs as my “me time” before the craziness of the work day.