Solitude or Group Runs?

There's a time for both running alone and for group runs - here we look at the positives & negatives of both...

For those that are new to running, sometimes running in a group is the best way to get started.

Pros
1) Other people can provide motivation that you cannot find within yourself.
2) Accountability to show up and run with others keeps you on task - much harder to just decide not to lace up those running shoes!
3) People who have been running for longer than you usually provide great advice!
4) Runners are fun people!!!  Get out there and get to know some of these awesome people!!!

Cons
1) Group runs can be intimidating.  Don't be scared, they usually have multiple pace groups.  No one's out there to win, they just want to have fun.
2) You usually have to drive to wherever the group run starts - this adds additional time to your workout, which you may or may not have.

If you're having a hard time finding a group to run with, checkout your local "meet-up" groups or a local running store.

However, for me, part of the beauty of running is that I can find complete solitude.  It's just me and Mother Nature.

Pros
1) You don't have to worry about keeping a specific pace and you can run based on how you feel.
2) Sometimes you don't feel like talking while you run.  I know that if I run by myself, it gives me a chance to just clear my mind.  In a way it is my form of active meditation.
3) You aren't on anyone else's timeline.  You can run right out of the front door and turn around whenever you feel like it.

Cons
1) Safety - if you run in an unknown area or you're running in a sketchy part of town, running alone is not a safe option!
2) Unless you are really dedicated, sometimes it's easy to convince yourself that it's too cold, you don't have enough time, you'll run longer tomorrow, etc.


Are you a lone runner or do you like to join the pack?  

With or Without an iPod

There is a great debate among runners as to whether you should or should not run with an iPod.  Let’s look at the argument from both sides:

Pros

• A good beat gets you motivated.
• Music can be a welcomed distraction from negative thoughts that tell you it’s time to quit.
• Great tunes make the time pass by faster for long runs that seem to never end. 
• Your running partner has an especially irritating breathing pattern or loud footfall, you can block it out with tunes (if I run with any of you readers...I promise, I'm NOT talking about you).

Cons

• If you have headphones on, you cannot hear what is going on around you, which presents a safety  issue (there are a lot of distracted drivers out there and people who wish to do innocent people harm).
• If your favorite song is distracting you, there is potential for your good, strong running form to turn into slumped shoulders and cross body arm swinging.
• A lot of races ban runners from wearing headphones during the race.  If you train with headphones and then find out you can’t run with music on race day, it can do a number on your PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)!!!
• Sometimes the music moves you to break out your latest sweet moves from Dance Dance Revolution, and let's be honest, that's not going to get you a PR in your next race.

I would say that on at least 25% of my runs, I definitely have my iPod with me.  After reading several articles about running with music though, I’ve had a change of heart.  I try to hit the road/trail with just my thoughts and the scenery around me for entertainment. 

Which side are you on?