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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Spring is in the air and as you adjust to more sunlight and warmer temperatures, perhaps you are craving more outdoor movement? Try joining a running club! Discover your local neighborhood in a new way and meet fellow exercise enthusiasts as physical movement with others turns out to offer a ton of benefits. Jesse Funk, a seasoned triathlon competitor and founder of Solpi, a cosmetics company developed specifically for athletes, admits that the idea might be a bit intimidating. “When we’re thinking about joining a running club, we’re maybe a little apprehensive, right?” he asks, “Maybe you, like me, get a little anxious about meeting new people. But the first thing you should know is that pretty much anytime I met any group of endurance people, regardless of ability level, from amateurs just starting out, all the way to world class bros, everybody’s super friendly.” Plus joining a running club offers multiple advantages besides uncovering a new way to spend time in your ‘hood.

5 Benefits of Running in a Group

1. Time savings

Ever skip a workout, only to realize you’ve skipped four in a row and haven’t exercised since last week? “It’s much tougher to get the time in by yourself than if you have a scheduled time in with a group, like at school,” Funk says. “But as most of us do, we get older, we leave school, we no longer have the sometimes very useful confines of that atmosphere, and it can be hard to schedule with this person and that person.” Thus, the perks of a running club, which requires you to schedule the time into your routine. How many times have you skipped a workout so you could be social instead? Why not get the best of both worlds and integrate your exercise time with some socialization? Research indicates that participating in group workouts and exercise programs is often associated with increased exercise frequency and adherence, as well as improved physical and mental health outcomes, especially regarding social connectedness, motivation, and combating depression.

2. Socialization

Yep, it’s true that group exercise fosters socialization, a sense of community and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, all while enhancing physical activity and promoting mental well-being. “Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you benefit from being around other people,” Funk says. “That social aspect has so many benefits for you because it’s an outlet to have friends. There are so many studies talking about casual friendships, even if they’re not these deep, meaningful relationships that we crave, just having casual friendships can help improve our mood, improve our lives through having basic connection, and running is one way to do that.” Make time to meet up with your running pals and you may find you run more often than when you run alone.

3. Accountability

Group exercise programs often promote better adherence to exercise routines and goals, in part because of accountability – which is the act of taking responsibility for your own fitness efforts and staying committed to your workout routines. However, consistently showing up for workouts, pushing yourself to the best of your ability and making choices that align with your fitness objectives isn’t a cake walk and can easily be derailed when done solo. In a group setting, these objectives may be achieved with less effort and in addition, you may see an extension of your own accountability that involves supporting your peers and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels motivated to succeed. “It’s something that makes things easier when we’re having a tough time and maybe we’re tired,” Funk adds. “You show up at the club, you start talking [and] the run goes a little bit faster. The time doesn’t seem to drag on quite as much as when we’re in our own heads for the entire run.”

4. Healthy competition

You may think the way you run will not change if you run with others. “We think, ‘running is an individual sport, right?’ You know, I’m basically putting my feet in front of me,” Funk adds. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 55% of runners in the U.S. said they preferred solo runs, while only a mere 14% favored running in groups. But what many runners may not realize is that healthy competition with others creates a subtle yet powerful force which can improve your running performance. Why? Because when you run with a group, you’ll be surrounded by individuals of varying skill levels, experiences, paces, and goals. This diversity becomes a catalyst for progress as you subconsciously challenge yourself to keep up with faster runners or maintain a consistent pace alongside your pals. So, though you may not be racing against others per se, you are pushing towards both individual as well as collective excellence.

5. Pacing

Seeing others run at a specific pace can make it easier to maintain a consistent effort and avoid setting a pace that is too fast or too slow. “There are physical benefits in terms of wind resistance and breaking the wind [to pacing],” Funk explains, “But it’s more mental because there’s a lot of mental energy that we have to expend to sit at a particular pacing point. When we aren’t expanding that, meaning we’re sitting behind somebody and letting them do the pacing and kind of letting our brain go a little more on autopilot – that’s energy that we can conserve mentally for later on.” In other words, allowing other runners in the group to determine the pace can take away the worry and stress of pacing perfectly, allowing you to focus on the run itself. You can also learn from experienced runners in the group, gaining insights into pacing strategies and race tactics. What’s most important, however, is that you listen to your own body and don’t hesitate to adjust your pace if the group's pace is not challenging enough or is pushing you too hard.

Ready to find a running group nearby?

“Somebody has a running club in your area, I guarantee it,” Funk confirms. “Check them out, see when they meet or check local running stores. Sometimes they even get together for runs. There are going to be a lot of resources at these kinds of venues for you to find a group that fits well with your schedule.” Time to lace up those sneakers for a two-in-one activity that is good for both your physical and mental health. And remember, the only bad run is the one that didn't happen![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="183457" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1743118676712{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/nuun-sport-hydration-single-tube"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="183456" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1743118691981{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/bobs-red-mill-whey-protein-powder"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="183423" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1743118712731{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/wilde-gluten-free-protein-chips-himalayan-pink-salt-chicken"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]