Lone Wolf or Pack Member

I generally run alone, I enjoy the solitary pursuit.  I'm not particularly competitive, I'm not keen on comparing myself to others since I already lack self-esteem! I don't want to (or sometimes can't) chat as I run, I don't necessarily want to keep someone else's pace.  Running is a great form of exercise for us anti-social buggers.

That said, I can see the benefits of running with others.  I do like to run with my significant other as I tend to push myself that little bit more, I'm not sure why; a slight competitive streak, a need to show him that I'm capable, wanting to get to the end so we can have an alcoholic beverage, who knows.

I like to meet other runners when I'm out too: that breathless greeting, grimacing smile, mutual appreciation of the effort that we're putting in, that nod that says 'good job, keep it up.'

I also love being in that club of runners that welcomes everyone.  My cousin who is the same age as me and has run numerous ultramarathons gives me kudos on Strava for my crappy little runs and every time I see him he is encouraging and congratulates me.  It's the same with friends and acquaintances who are also runners; we talk running, swap stories and those numbers and statistics that I can't quite get my head around but try to act like I'm knowledgeable.  I've yet to meet anyone who rubbishes my attempts or makes me feel inferior.

I realised as I was stuck steadfastly in the 5km comfort zone and that I needed help to push myself.  I saw an event on Facebook just after Christmas last year for a group near me called Running Fit West Yorkshire who were running (no pun intended) a 'settee to 3k' course.  I messaged them and the lovely Paula who responded to my message recommended that their 5-10k course might be more suitable.  There was a 10k race involved.  How could I refuse? She assured me that I could do it, I'd never met her but I trusted her!

Having completed the course I'm reflecting on how I'm finding running with and communicating with other runners.  These are some of the benefits:

• I realised I'm not terrible at running.  When you have no one to compare yourself to, you don't know if you're any good.  Not that it matters as such as a runner is a runner no matter what their pace is.  It was just pleasantly surprising to know that I could keep up happily and with relative ease.
• Learning new techniques.  The tips I received from the course leaders on breathing and how to tackle hills have been invaluable but so have the post-run stretches and tips for race day.
• Encouragement.  We all love to hear how well we've done or just kind or reassuring words.  I love to hand them out to others too ;) There was so much of this mutual encouragement at the Meets and also via the Messenger group.  
• Peer pressure.  Sort of.  I didn't want to miss a week because it's a bit chilly and I didn't want to take a walking break just because I'm a bit tired.  I'm less inclined to do so if I'm part of a group.
• Camaraderie.  The day before the Wakefield 10k with the group I did a 5k race by myself.  I felt so lonely and a bit lost! The next day was so much nicer, just seeing friendly faces was a huge lift.  I was proud to be wearing the club t-shirt.  We've all signed up for the York 10k in August and agreed to try and run 10k together each month.  Everyone is so friendly and we all have the same goal.  

I'll continue to run by myself but I will also run with the group and enjoy the mutual support offered by the running community :)