Trail running is always exciting. There’s so much nature to absorb, but one thing you’ve got to figure out is if you want to do this alone.
You can go out into the wilderness on your own and enjoy the solitude, but you could also go in a group. There are benefits for each, but there are several disadvantages, and it’s important to know both before making a decision.
Running on Your Own
The following are some things to consider to figure out if this is the type of running for you.
The Pros
One good thing about running on your own is that you’re not tied to anyone’s schedule. You don’t have to worry about Johnny or Jenny coming late or not answering their phones. You get to go at your own pace, and if you want to be late, then you can be.
The other benefit of running on your own is that you get to run at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Running in a group means you have to keep up with everyone else, and that could be challenging. Some folks could even injure themselves trying to keep up with better runners, and that’s no fun.
Being alone means you can find peace because no one’s talking around you. It’s just you, nature, and your own thoughts. Sometimes, the only free time you have during the day is when you run. Maybe you need a little rest and quiet, which will be difficult to get if you’re in a group.
The Cons
Being alone means you’re going to be alone. If you happen to get lonely easily, then running alone is going to make things worse. This is worse if you don’t have too many friends in real life.
Running on your own could also put you in danger. If you have an accident while you’re running and no one is around, there’s no one to call for help. Having a few buddies running along with you means you’ll get help sooner or later, and that gives you peace of mind.
A disadvantage of running alone is that no one is there to pressure you to move faster or to push a little more. If you join runners who are at your level, these folks can help motivate you. If you’re alone, you won’t have anyone motivating you to move a bit more.
Running With a Group
Running with a group has its set of pros and cons you should know about. The following are a few examples of each that should help you make a decision:
The Pros
Running in a group means you might get to make friends. This was implied earlier, but it can be a great thing. Everyone in this group wants what you want, fitness and health. You’ve got a lot in common, and that could make you feel less lonely.
Being in a group means you’re secure. Trails can be relatively lonely, which is great, but they can also be scary, especially if you encounter animals or potentially dangerous strangers. If you’re in a group, you’ll feel more protected from those types of dangers.
You’re going to feel accountable in a group. Skipping a run won’t look great if you’re in a group. If you’re alone, you can easily skip a run, and no one will judge you, which could hurt your fitness goals. If you’re accountable, then you might reach those goals, and that’s great.
The Cons
People can sometimes clash, and that could happen in your group. Maybe some people are great but others aren’t for some reason. Sometimes, bad attitudes or personalities clash, and that won’t be fun for anyone.
Those who run with a group could also experience anxiety. If you don’t respond well to the pressure of expectation, missing the mark, slowing down your group, or disappointing people, you might want to avoid a group run. Messing up won’t be helpful to your mental health.
Running with a group of people can feel a little crowded. All those people around take up a lot of space, and that isn’t great for some people. If you don’t love the feeling you get when you’re running or walking next to others, then being in a group won’t be good for you.
Now, you have the pros and cons of trail running on your own versus a group. Hopefully, you can make the right decision.
