Is 1 really the lonliest number?

You’ve seen them.  The gangs of runners on Saturday morning outside of Starbucks.  You’ve seen the postings in The Running Room for running groups.  You’ve seen the twosomes running/chatting on the opposite side of the street as you run along.

Then there’s me.  Alone.  The way I like it.

I’ve tried it with my husband, Brad, who took up running a few months after I did.  He likes to run with Mabel, our bloodhound.  Mabel does not like anyone to run ahead of her because she thinks it’s a race that she must win.  To prevent this, I have to run behind them.  My husband and I run at different paces.  I worry that I’ll run into them, so I have to slow down.  And when I fall behind, Mabel worries and looks back at me, slowing Brad down.

I am best when I can move in and out of focus on my body and what it’s doing.  For me, the stress of running comes in waves.  The first kilometer is stressful and I have to focus on my body and positive self-talk.  The next couple of kilometers I’m in a groove and can look up at my surroundings and let my mind wander.  Then I get tired, have to focus again and the cycle repeats.

Anything that distracts me from being able to manage this cycle is problematic for me, generally speaking.  This is why I don’t listen to music when I run.

There are exceptions to this rule, though.

If ever my daughter wants to run with me, the answer is always yes, for a number of reasons.  She’s a new runner, too.  If I’m there, she says she won’t quit early.  She can also run faster than I can, so it builds her confidence when she blasts away from me for a strong finish.  Happy to help!  Also, she’s leaving for university in September, so I’ll take every single moment I can with her.

The other exception was a particularly special one.  It was at the RBC Run for the Kids last September.  I was running my very first 5K race.  I was at 4.5K-ish when I saw three people appear ahead of me from around a corner.  It was my boss along with the captain of my team, Kit’s Krew, and another team member.

Of course, they knew that this was my first run.  They decided to “run me in” after they finished running the race.  It was so great.  I still smile when I think about it.  The support they gave me at the end of the run helped me finish strong and proud.

There are benefits to running alone, with a partner or in a group.  If you’re just getting started and aren’t sure what will motivate you best, start experimenting.  If you’re in a rut and are having a hard time getting up and going, maybe a friend can help.  Maybe test out a running club?

Give it a go!  See what happens.  Tell us what works for you.