The Benefits of Running with a Group
by Jennifer Marden
“With the wind at your back and good friends by your side.”
The days are getting longer and warm temperatures are near. Most of us are waking up from our hibernation and itching to get back outside. If you’re a runner like me, one of the best ways to get back out is to join a running group. You may not realize it but there are so many advantages of running with a group.
Let’s put safety first! Running in a group is much safer than solo for many reasons. While running on the street it is inevitable that a vehicle is going to pass you. Motorists are more likely to yield and give a pack of runners the right of way versus a single runner. If someone in the group gets injured or sick, there’s always someone there to help. Potential attackers are more likely to strike a lone runner than they are a group.
Joining a running group is also a great opportunity to meet new people. Individuals from all backgrounds are brought together by their passion for running. I’m sure at some point you have heard a story of someone meeting their spouse, significant other, or close friends through a running group. You’ll never know until you get out there!
With group running, you get motivation that you wouldn’t get if running on your own. No one wants to quit while doing a group run. Members of running clubs and teams root each other on during races and support one another through long runs. Having others going the distance with you will encourage you to push yourself further on your runs.
Overall running in a group will really improve your overall performance. Everyone thrives on a little healthy competition now and again. When you’re running with others who are encouraging you to run faster and harder, it’s easier to take it to the next level. Your runs will become more enjoyable and less of a task.
It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the sport or a marathon veteran, if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to train look into joining a local running club. Starting in April, Phys-Ed will be hosting a running club for runners of all levels. This running program will be led by Jennifer Marden. Jennifer is a Certified Personal Trainer an avid Road Racer. Her races include distances from a 5k to Full Marathons! An introductory meeting for the running program will be held on Tuesday April 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
Please sign up at the Front Desk for the April 3rd meeting. You can also email Jen at: jennifermarden@gmail.com. Check the University Programing calendar for more details.