Do I need a running partner?

[Villains_Rock]

I will be training for my first marathon and I have absolutely nobody to train with. I have never been a real social person (shy is the word I'm looking for), so it's difficult for me to run with a group. I have one friend who runs for fitness and the one time I got her out on the road with me she had to stop and walk after one mile when I was looking to do eight!! Anyhow..I have read that it helps to have somebody to train with and ultimately run the actual race with, but alas I am at a loss. How many of you go it alone? Do you find that it's was easy to strike up conversation with other lonely runners on the course?

Or maybe my question should be asking is...is anybody else from Cleveland signed up for the marathon and looking for a running buddy?

 

[joan4mickey]

I trained for the Minnie on my own. This was the first real run I did. My DH runs with me a couple times a week now.

I tend to be shy and I march to my own beat. I am goal oriented so keeping up with my training wasn't a problem. I came to this board for encouragement, but I was also getting a lot from my family too.

Good luck with your training.

 

[twoWDWfools]

I train on my own with of course help from everyone here. DH runs and I walk so we can't do distance together and all the groups around here are runners - walkers need not apply.

I'm also goal oriented and found my posting my training schedule at home and checking work outs off each day I was able to stay on track.

Good luck!

 

[getnthinr]

Like Liz and Joan, I train alone primarily. My family is very athletic, but they love swimming (and I don't). I live in a rural area, with the closest running group a good hour's drive away -- and truthfully, even their slowest pace group is too fast for me, as a walker.

I tend to pick a training plan and write each day's mileage on a calendar on the fridge -- That way the entire family knows what I'm planning to do. Like Liz, I find marking off the workouts as I do them very motivational.

In the mid-80's for about a year, I had a walking buddy at my pace, and I loved meeting her daily at lunch and walking together. Since then, I've had no luck finding anyone who was 1) willing to walk as far as I need to, 2) willing to walk at the pace I do, and 3) willing to walk regularly. Now I am hooked on the convenience and the spontaneity of my treadmill workouts -- no travel, no schedule coordination, and no weather worries. Yes, sometimes it's a bit boring, but I tend to think in terms of the next race and that typically helps me get/stay motivated.

I wouldn't worry too much about being lonely on race day. There are so many people and so many distractions, I find I typically don't have too many opportunities to feel lonely during a Disney race.

In the end, I think only you know whether or not you need a buddy. If making a promise to another "physical being" -- as opposed to all your potential virtual training buddies here -- is important to you, then check with local running clubs, the area Y, or charity organizations like Team in Training, or Train to End Stroke, etc. for groups in your area. Having a buddy is really important to some folks -- and there's nothing wrong with that choice! If you just need accountability and encouragement, I have found the WISHers fill the bill quite nicely.

Good luck!

 

[curiouser]

I am no where near up to marathon training but there are a few other Cleveland-area WISHers who are up to mary level here! If you are group run shy, maybe your local running shop will let you post up a sign asking if there's anyone else out there who wants to train?

 

[hoosmi]

I trained for the Goofy by myself (pushing a 2 year old in a stroller doesn't count as company in my opinion!)

Towards the end, my mom or daughter joined me a few times on their bikes. It was nice, but kind of annoying since I was used to deciding on exactly when and where I was going!

I kept to a schedule and put every run I did on my calendar (in green ink). I worried that I wouldn't keep myself motivated, but between wanting to see the days filled up and reporting in here it wasn't much of a problem.

Having trained alone made the races really fun!!

Jen in GA

 

[amykab]

I am new to running and pretty much trained on my own for the Minnie 5k and 15k this year. For me it works out ok and I don't mind it. I find alot of motivation in my music and I love to compete against myself for PR's. it's hard to convince anyone I know to do more than a couple miles. They thought I was nuts for attempting a 15K! but now they think it is the coolest thing ever!

I had been lurking mostly and posting a little on these boards prior to the minnie but I was way too shy to introduce myself to anyone at the race. I am really looking forward now to meeting WISH'ers at the next race! Even though I have only been on them a short time, they are very motivational and will keep you going!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hi there! The info given is good so far. I'm sure you'll be hearing from many other WISH Team members.

You are probably much faster than I am. A while back I tried hooking up with some folks who were using the Towpath which is where I do my training. I paid a membership and still put in the majority of steps alone on those Saturday mornings. There was the comfort of having others in the Saturday group keeping an eye out for me though and I was motivated to getting out of bed those a.m.s to put in those steps with the group. I'm currently looking into a group of gals who are training in this area on Saturdays and group up with no fee involved. I have not started since my schedule has not meshed yet, but I hope to try them on for size soon.

Otherwise, the Fleet Feet in Northfield is organizing a beginners 5k group and also a half training group. You might try there.

The biggest thing I can advise you is to train with the WISH Team. Virtual training is fantastic. I have remained motivated and committed to reporting and reading the reports of others here. This is a wonderful and friendly support group. Join in and you will be amazed. We all do this together and are never alone here.

 

[chimera]

Yep, I train by myself too. I'm too slow for most running clubs and I just don't have the motivation to drive somewhere to run. I mean, I live 15 min from the beach and still haven't gone there for a run yet

Anyway, you have all of us here to train with. And when it gets closer to marathon time, you can likely find a pace buddy to virtually train with as well as have someone to do the marathon with. I have been fortunate to have Jen running with me the last 3 races and it definitely makes the time go by faster (and the BMZ more bearable )!

 

[wfloyd]

I have trained for 3 marathons by myself. Finding someone who goes at my pace and intervals is generally hard to do. I guess I have learned how to pass the time by myself because I don't think about it.

Bill

 

[windwalker]

On race day when you wear that WISH shirt we tend to find each other. There were so many WISHers on the course that we were pretty much with someone the whole race. We don't always stay together but go from group to group. We were always catching up to someone.

I have Erica to train with 2 days a week but the rest of the week we are own our own. The iPod helps.

Walking Panda

 

[Villains_Rock]

I am no where near up to marathon training but there are a few other Cleveland-area WISHers who are up to mary level here! If you are group run shy, maybe your local running shop will let you post up a sign asking if there's anyone else out there who wants to train?

That's a good idea..I wonder if Second Sole has a board. Glad to see another Clevelander on here. I also was at the last Race for the Taste!

TigerLily - Another Clevelander!! I remember you and wfloyd from a year ago when I was on here a bit more (before all of the team split ups)!!

Dave - Always good advice! I'm sure I'll see you guys there!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I trained for the Minnie by myself. I didn't know any runners then and mostly because I was running on a TM I did post lots of my questions on the board and all of the WISH'ers have been really helpful and supportive. I also talked a lot with my chiropractor and he helped me with a running schedule and mostly to keep things on track.

For the upcoming Disney marathon, I'm working with a PT and running with my fiance. I'm thinking of joining a running club/group but I'm also really shy so I have a tough time with that too.

 

[Honeibee]

I have trained for 3 marathons by myself. Finding someone who goes at my pace and intervals is generally hard to do. I guess I have learned how to pass the time by myself because I don't think about it.

Bill

I guess that time spent with the police officers doesn't count, eh?

 

[ArelysAdriana]

I'm currently training by myself because none of my friends like to run. I'm also a bit shy and running is my stress reliever, so some days it is better that I don't have a running buddy.

My ipod is my training buddy. I loaded it up with podcasts and various comedians' cds to make it feel like someone is talking to me (wow, that sounds kind of lame when written down )

 

[wfloyd]

I guess that time spent with the police officers doesn't count, eh?

They are usually running after me, not with me. Although they also cheat and use cars.

Bill

 

[Big Vic]

I guess that time spent with the police officers doesn't count, eh?

 

[Villains_Rock]

I actually remember that cops story...good stuff

 

[wfloyd]

I actually remember that cops story...good stuff

There was a part two in January as well when I was running out of town...

 

[Villains_Rock]

Oh no! I missed it!