An independent runner...- needs no one to urge her to run
- has no problem running solo
- is comfortable with solitude
- finds motivation within
- does not measure successes against others
- makes her own decisions
- is comfortable traveling to races alone
- determines what works and sticks with it
- cherishes a few close friendships
- RUNS HER OWN RACE
I AM...an independent runner!
Do you thrive with others around or prefer to go solo?
Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers. It's fun!
I prefer to run in a group, but don't very often because of my slow pace (can't find someone running said pace).
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I'm an epic failure on the comparison thing.
I've found it difficult to find someone close enough in pace for it to work well. I also don't want to drive somewhere to run, preferring to stay in my neighborhood. We have so much info available that it's hard not to compare!
DeleteYou know me, I like to run alone! Even my long training runs...
ReplyDeleteOh, yes! We were either separated at birth, or perhaps you're my long lost cousin.
DeleteI thought that a lot of runners would be able to relate to being independent! Love your red, white, and blue theme. I couldn't resist either!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up!
I think by nature all runners are independent to an extent. It's a solo sport...unless you do a relay!
DeleteAhh this is interesting. When I first started running, all my runs were solo except for the odd weekend or two very occasionally when Christine and I could train together. Now, I am part of a running group and absolutely love the company of others. Of course there are times when I need to run solo, and those are enjoyable too.
ReplyDeleteI would be open to running with people if the logistics were easier. But, I run so early before work and I certainly don't want to drive anywhere for a meet-up, so it's just easier solo -- and I'm very comfortable with it after all this time.
DeleteI'm doing better about running with others but I do like to by on my own! I love, LOVE - RUNS HER OWN RACE! We all need to strive to do this! It is our time, our race even in the middle of 10,000 people it all boils down to just YOU! :)
ReplyDeleteI run so early during the week that it's impossible, even if I could find someone around the same pace. I think that's why I enjoy races so much. I get to socialize with my running friends. I'm going to try to do some of my really long weekend training runs with a neighborhood friend.
DeleteI am an independent runner for sure! This year I'm trying to branch out and joined a running club, but I much prefer to go alone!
ReplyDeleteI'm a member of a running club but they rarely hold group runs. If they do it's a Thursday evening. I'm just not an evening runner, especially right now.
DeleteI actually prefer to be an independent runner.
ReplyDeleteGIRL POWER!
It's definitely easier. No meet ups...just out the door.
DeleteI think it would help during really long runs this summer! I may run with a neighbor some. She's training for a late fall marathon.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem being an independent runner too! -M
ReplyDeleteThat seems to be the majority answer!
DeleteI'm definitely an independent runner as well. Loved running on a college team and my teammates, but boy did I cherish those days where we had practice on our own too! I'm pretty good at running my own race and not getting carried away with the paces of others, but I still struggle with the whole comparison thing sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI think with all the social media available, it's easy to get caught in the comparison game.
DeleteI tend to be more independent - I mostly just roll out the door and run.
ReplyDeleteExactly. I don't want to go anywhere to run.
DeleteI prefer running solo, but I also love when my running buddy and I get together about once a week. In a race, sometimes it helps push me when I am around others, but it also doesn't bother me if it's a smaller race and I find myself on my own without any spectators or anyone around.
ReplyDeleteYes, in a race it certainly does help me push too. If I don't have anyone to compete with, I find myself holding back.
DeleteI think I fit all of these - even though I do like running with friends too.
ReplyDeleteI love visiting with my friends at a race, but I don't run with them.
DeleteI think that I started out as an independent runner but am now also a social runner. I enjoy both but if I want to do my best I prefer to run solo.
ReplyDeleteI can understand that. I think that is why I've always enjoyed races. I get to enjoy the social component.
DeleteThis is me to a tee as well. I just love that alone, decompression time.
ReplyDeleteNothing better.
DeleteYep yep! I go it alone! Even on the rare occasion that I do meet up with a friend for a run, we don't really run "together." We may start off together but then she (who runs faster than I) will pull ahead and loop back or pick up a side street that I don't take so that I pull ahead and then she catches up... so we're always closeby and talk to each other in passing. It's fun because you feel like you're running with someone without running WITH someone.
ReplyDeleteI've done the looping thing a few times with a friend. You are right...you really don't run together, but we always went for coffee or breakfast after and that was fun.
DeleteI am typically a solo run, but will run with my old roommate (same pace, push each other). I think I've gotten use to running with her, I find its been tough going out on my long runs alone!
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice on really long runs to have a distraction for at least part of it. But, I honestly don't know anyone. My best running buddy (and closest to my pace) is having knee problems.
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