The Benefits of Group Running at He's Fit

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The benefits of group running

Posted October 10, 2007 at 09:00 AM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: In The News, His Fitness, Cardio Training, His Health, Mental Health, Physical Health, Lifestyle Health

group running To some, running can seem like a solitary activity. And for certain individuals, this statement certainly rings true. Some athletes love nothing more than to savor the peace, quiet, and relaxation that accompany their solo runs. For others, running is the perfect opportunity to have great conversations and make unforgettable new friends.

Running in pairs or groups is an activity long recognized for its benefits. Besides the obvious safety issues that running with others addresses, group running has also been known to have both performance-related and personal advantages. For starters, you have your own personal cheering squad to keep you motivated and working hard. When you are surrounded by people who are encouraging you to run faster and harder, and supporting you when you feel as though you can’t go on, it suddenly becomes easier to push yourself to that next level.

But running in groups does more than just make you a stronger athlete - it also provides you with invaluable chances to meet new people and form strong bonds with ones you already know. The great thing about running is that it blurs boundaries previously set in society. Thanks to running clubs, public tracks, and marathon events, people of all backgrounds can put aside what makes them different and come together for the same purpose. Typical social barriers such as age, race, and gender can be overlooked in favor of recognizing and appreciating the athlete that lives inside others.

It should also be understood that running in packs can become an intimate activity. Though you’re red in the face with sweat dripping down your back while you try to push yourself that extra mile, you’re in the company of others in the exact same position. The frustrations and joys you experience while running are ones that only other runners can understand - because they have been through them too. The best way to form bonds with others is to see them at their best and their worst - a spectrum of dispositions that avid runners face regularly.

Gina Kolata, a reporter for The New York Times, recently recounted her personal experience with running in groups. Her story demonstrates the ability for people of all types to form unique relationships around this one activity they have in common. Click here to read more: [The New York Times]

If you’re interested in learning more about such running groups, the links listed below should provide you with a solid starting point.

Research sources and for more information: [Running.Meetup.com], [RunningNetwork.com], [Road Runners Club of America]; [picture]