Man, do you get some cheesy wolf art when you Google wolf running. (Also, one gnarly photo of a dog with an ear bloody and mangled [presumably by a wolf?])
Anyhoo, whether you run or not, I'm curious: do you exercise by yourself, in a pair, or with a group? If you prefer a group, but exercise alone, why is it?
If you prefer an exercise partner, what do you look for? Someone at your fitness level? A cheerleader (not literally, but OK, why not)? Someone with a personality similar to yours? Would you exercise with your best friend, or would you prefer someone more coach-like?
Dave's discovered he pushes himself more when he runs alone. He also said he's better able to focus on his form. When we ran Sunday, I picked up my pace a bit, so we were about 1/4 mile apart on a loop path. It was nice because we could still see each other (late night in a park, so safety is a consideration), but we could each "be in our own workout," as Dave puts it.
Last night, I ran alone at a nearby university. It was good, for all the reasons Dave's stated, but I did find myself watching the shrubbery for grabbers. :) Not running at night (likely) would solve that issue, but I'm getting my runs in when I can. I'm not sure if I prefer running alone to running with a partner. I've never run with a group before, but I imagine they tend to devolve into twos and threes anyway.
Thoughts?
[image via GatoDeRusia]
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Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Lone Wolf or Pack Runner?
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4 ate pie:
For me, part of it depends on the type of workout. For running, I'm very much a solitary runner. I run as much for my physical health as my mental health. My running time is my time to think and reflect and if I'm running with someone, I'll be thinking more about them than I will about myself. Am I running to fast for them? Am I going to slow? Should I suggest another 10 minutes or would that be too much? etc. I enjoy the shared energy of race day, but for most of my training, I'll do it on my own.
However, if it's a strength training or martial arts type of exercise, I kind of like to be in a class or workout with my husband. I find I pay more attention to doing it right and am more likely to make myself do a bit more and 'keep up' with the rest. I'm less likely to try to be considerate of the other person and more likely to be a bit competitive with them.
Mostly? Myself. Once a week I take a class. I'm about to start yoga as well which'll be in a class to start so I can figure out what the hell I'm doing.
At the gym I am a total loner. Don't talk to me - don't look at me in my oversized faded gym clothes. :)
Oh you also asked why. :) I had wine tonight - apologies. I like the class once a week. There is no slacking in a class - I have to keep up or else. Running - I like to do alone. I'm not fast - I don't like it. It's something I just do because I was walking so fast on the treadmill there was nowhere to go but run. I think the balance between solitary exercise and group exercise is a good idea. For reasons that would be much more coherent if it weren't for the wine. :)
Jenn - I do think about the other person a lot if I'm running with someone, and not always to our mutual benefit. It's too easy to slack off when you have a partner in crime. :)
Krissy - I'm interested to hear about your class-yoga experience. I use DVDs. It does get easier when you know the poses, because you aren't craning to see what the proper form is. Don't be intimidated by the bendy people! And YAY for wine!
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