As a running coach, I love running with my group of trainees on a regular basis. I fully embrace all the benefits of group running. However, assuming you’re taking the proper safety precautions, there are plenty of advantages to running solo, too.
If you’re not quite convinced that running by yourself is good for you or you just need some motivation to get out there on your own, check out all these amazing benefits of running alone.
1. You can get some much-needed alone time.
For some people, running may be the only time they are actually by themselves. Running alone can be a welcome escape from a hectic or stressful work or home environment. Being able to disconnect and not feel pressure to converse with colleagues, friends, or family members can be tremendously beneficial to your mental health.
Try to enjoy the opportunity to unplug and run without distractions. Take in all the beauty of the natural world around you.
2. You set the pace.
Running solo means that you get to make all the decisions: where to run, how far, how fast, or when you want to stop for water or to use the bathroom. You don’t have to worry about accommodating different training schedules, route preferences, or paces.
If you feel like you need a walk break, you can do it without feeling like you’re slowing anyone down. Not worrying about keeping up or slowing down to accommodate other runners can translate into a much more relaxing run.
3. You’ll build your resiliency and mental toughness.
When you’re having a bad run with a running group, you can lean on the group to pull you through. But when you’re running on your own, you need to dig deep and rely on yourself for inspiration.
While it can be painful pushing through rough patches on your own, you’ll reap the benefits. And they’ll carry over in areas beyond running. You’ll improve your mental toughness, learn how to face and overcome a challenge on your own, and become a stronger, more confident, resilient runner in the process.
4. It will prepare you for racing alone.
Although the running team I coach does long runs together, I always encourage my marathoners to do at least one long distance on their own. Doing so will help them be more mentally prepared for some lonely miles during the race.
Even if you plan to run an entire marathon with someone else, you never know if you may have to run the race alone at some point. It’s important to be mentally prepared for this possibility and feel confident knowing that you did at least one long run on your own.
5. You’re less likely to push yourself through an injury.
We’ve all been on a group run when we feel a twinge here or there, but want to push through it to stay with the group. When running alone, you’re more likely to listen to your body and determine whether an ache or pain is a warning sign of injury.
Cutting a run short and resting for a day or two may make the difference between running pain-free or being sidelined with a running injury for a couple of weeks.
6. You’ll become more disciplined.
Running buddies and groups can be excellent motivators, but doing some solo runs means that you’ll develop some more self-discipline. Setting a running schedule for yourself will undoubtedly have positive effects in other areas, too. You’ll find that your improved organizational skills and discipline will help you achieve other goals unrelated to running.
7. You’ll pay attention to your running.
When you’re distracted by a running buddy or running club members, you might not be paying close attention to your running form or surroundings, putting you more at risk for injury. If you’re running alone, you’re more likely to focus on your form and make small improvements to run safely and more efficiently.
You can listen to your breathing and see how it relates to the pace that you’re running. You’ll be able to recognize how your effort level and breathing translates to your performance. It’s a good way to test whether the pace you’re running with others is too fast, too slow, or just right for your fitness level.
More on Benefits of Running Alone
- Mental Tips for Long Runs
- Tips for Beating Boredom When Running
- Powerful Running Mantras
- How to Practice Mindfulness When Running
Running coach, avid runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.
