Ultrarunners tend to be independent and self-sufficient. These characteristics allow us to climb over mountains, blaze cold pathways before dawn and problem solve along hundreds of miles of trails. While these autonomous attributes are commendable, there are far-reaching benefits to creating and nourishing a running community. Each of us holds varying degrees of interest for integrating a social aspect into running, but arguably, there is no substitute for in-person human interactions.
Training programs that will net athletes the best physiological gains will be ones tailored to individual physical strengths and areas in need of improvement. These training systems may call for most sessions to be performed solo, allowing control of pace and honing individual needs. Running alone can absolutely contribute to many advantages toward performance, but integrating a trusted training partner or joining group runs on occasion can also propel you forward. If we’re being honest, every runner’s motivation wanes, and knowing a trail companion is expecting you at the trailhead can be the extra pull to get you there. Not only can friends be a motivation booster, running with others tends to pass the time more quickly. Immersed in discussion, it’s not uncommon to cruise over a familiar training route seemingly faster, simply due to the distraction that conversation can offer coupled with a desire to keep pace. This can be especially appealing during long runs or on an unfamiliar route. Trail friends can also act as a sounding board for all sorts of ideas and frustrations, and you can offer the same in exchange. While a professional therapist will always have a place when appropriate, training partners can provide a range of social, emotional and mental advantages.
Having trail partners can also help you stay on track with your training. For those with a tendency to push the pace when it’s more appropriate to maintain an aerobic effort, it’s a great time to designate a running partner that may have a little less fitness or speed. A running mate that keeps your pace in check could allow the recovery process to be a little less lonely. For those new to running more aggressive terrain, accompanying an experienced runner and observing when they shift from a run to a hike on steeper terrain and back to a run, can be a valuable lesson. An extensive running community can help keep your effort lighter when it’s time for an easy run, while veteran trail partners can help less experienced runners attain greater knowledge in fitness and skills. With a little planning, it’s possible to contribute to your own goals as well as those of your training partner(s).
The saying that there is safety in numbers is cliché. Many runners new to an area or those less familiar with trail running who simply feel safer not venturing out alone, may want to run with company. By no means is the goal to create insecurity for anyone who regularly runs alone, it’s perfectly acceptable to run by yourself, too. But having a companion can be a benefit if one of you were to incur an injury or needed to seek help for any reason. Having more than one eye for navigating off-trail sections can also improve the efficiency of a novel route. If you’re one of those who insists on having a trail partner at all times, more power to you. Keep building your options so that you’ll always have many peers to choose from.
The communal benefits of training with others goes beyond the scope of just safety and performance. Having several running buddies may allow parents to trade child-rearing responsibilities. Scheduling childcare trades with a friend who has young ones at home may create an option to run with a spouse/partner, or just run, period. Most parents will cite that they are better parents when they take time for themselves. Return the favor to a running partner if the opportunity arises. In addition to childcare, gear-sharing may be another advantage of having a diverse running community. Perhaps you are considering entering an event with steep grades. A running partner might be willing to loan you trekking poles for a few outings so that you can decide if you need your own. There are also many tricks to learn from others and watching these play out in real time can speed the learning process for athletes who are newer to the sport. If you’re well-versed in most things ultrarunning, you have a terrific opportunity to grow the sport and share your skills and knowledge with others.
If you’re going to run anyway, why not accomplish more by using some of your outings as a type of therapy, gain new insight into how you can become more efficient on the trails and build deeper relationships? Being outdoors alone can be a very gratifying experience, but so can sharing moments with a friend. Explore the balance that works best for your schedule, individual social needs and training. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with others who share the same love of trail and ultrarunning.
Building a Running Community: Part 2