Running is both a solo and social sport

When I first started running for my enjoyment, it was very much a solo endeavour.

I was a shift worker for a long time, which excluded me from participating regularly in group sports or clubs. Running was always something I did solo. It was time for me to be alone; aside from the odd friendly smile from a passing runner, I was otherwise alone.

Then, I ran the Melbourne Marathon in 2019, and things changed dramatically. I returned from Melbourne on such a high, buzzing from the big city marathon experience. I linked up on social media with other runners I met on the day and am still in contact with them. When I returned from that event, my psychologist asked me how I thought I could get more of this feeling. More excitement, joy, and enthusiasm. I told him I had thought briefly about joining a running group or club. “Yes!” he said, “that is exactly what you need to do”. I hesitated. “Maybe at the end of the semester, or perhaps at the start of next year, I’ll think about it.” “No.” he insisted, “No, I mean now. Do it now”.

Finding running buddies

So I did. I went home, logged in and searched for running groups in Perth. A free, social running group called “Running Buddies Perth” popped up. I joined the group and then agreed to attend a planned long run that coming Sunday. I had just run the Melbourne marathon, so I was (or should have been) in recovery mode. I woke on Sunday morning feeling dread, not wanting to go anywhere. Let alone to a group run with many people I had never met.

But I realised my psychologist gave me good advice I should learn to follow more often. I laced up my shoes reluctantly, telling myself to go this once. Just go and see what it’s like. If you hate it and everyone is mean, then run away, head back to your car, and go home and forget about it.

I went, meeting the group at Lake Monger for a 19km chatty run, far more than I had intended one week after a marathon. But I had such a great time. I met a bunch of friendly and welcoming people. We chatted away the whole time (so much so that another girl and I almost stood on a snake as we were obliviously engaged in conversation!)

That was the first time I truly experienced the joy of social running. Running buddies have regular social runs meeting at various times and locations around Perth. From there, another group evolved, nicknamed the Troublemakers Running Group. This group started organically, meeting on Thursday evenings at a nominated restaurant. From there, we go for a chatty, easy run and return to the restaurant for dinner. Our Troublemakers Foodie runs take us to new and exciting places to eat all over Perth. The group attendees vary depending on who is available, with no obligation and no expectation. Some walk, some run, some join for dinner. They are always fun and delicious, combining our love of running with eating, drinking, and socialising with like-minded friends.

The friendships I have made in the Perth running community remain one of the most positive aspects about running for me.

What about solo runs?

I still thoroughly enjoy my solo runs. Running remains one of the fundamental aspects of my therapy; it allows me time to think, enjoy solitude, and help clear my brain of the constant noise and chatter that is part of having ADHD.

Returning from injury and having to stick to walking/running for a bit of a while has meant there are not so many buddies to join me. Still, you only need one other person who might also be returning from injury or illness, and there you have company and the ingredients required for a social run.

My husband has generously, albeit reluctantly, joined me at least once weekly for my walks/runs and regularly comes with me to the gym for our strength and conditioning sessions.

Are there benefits to both solo and social running?

Yes! I think one of the unique and appealing characteristics of running is that it offers opportunity for both solitude and social engagement. Training on your own encourages you to develop discipline; it helps to build your determination and mental toughness, particularly during hard sessions or long runs. Training with others keeps you accountable, and social runs are fun and an excellent way to spend a morning with friends, followed by coffee and chats. I know many of my running friends would agree too that kilometers seem to tick by much quicker on social runs than they do when running alone!

Running is both a solo and a social sport, unlike many other sports that require teammates or that can only be undertaken individually. There is an excellent and developing field of research into the psychological benefits of sport and exercise from a social identity theoretical perspective. If you are an academic or scientific research nut like me, you can delve into the evidence that explores the group processes, benefits, contributions and importance of social groups and social identity in this outstanding book.

So, whether it’s a chatty run with just one other buddy for company, some solo time to embrace solitude and let your mind wander, or a chatty group run followed by coffee, breakfast, or drinks and dinner afterwards, running is the ultimate activity to satisfy our human need for connection.