This time the woman from Unterschwillach answers the question: traveling alone or with a group?
Ottenhofen – Whether I prefer to run alone or in a group, I can't really answer that blanket, because both are beautiful in themselves.
It's maybe a little bit like single-handed sailing and party steamers - on some days you like to throw yourself into the fray, and on other days you find strength in peace.
Maybe it is just individual who likes what, or it depends on the mood.
Let's look at the matter in detail:
Running in a group or with a running partner usually makes the lap fly by if you have an exciting topic to which both sides have a lot to contribute.
For runners, it's probably all about running.
Running equipment, route selection, the perfect pace ... whaaas, already back home ?!
Of course, it's best if your running partner is about the same speed.
On days when I don't feel so fit or when my desire to run is limited, I am happy to be accompanied and, in the end, proud to have pulled it off.
Tempo runs are fun together
Fast units or tempo runs are also much more fun in a group.
For me, this is the greatest advantage of a running group due to the group dynamics.
Fast runs make you faster, of course.
But they are also very mean, painful and not fun on their own.
In the group, however, we always pull it off, nobody wants to give up too quickly, and we clap each other at the end of a completed unit.
Pure endorphins!
Running alone can be balm for the soul, a moment to take a deep breath, to be clear about things.
It is my way of meditation.
I wouldn't want to miss these runs either.
This is where I get creative and the best ideas come to me.
Solo for music or your own thoughts
Sometimes I also listen to music or podcasts, and I find it exciting to find out what pace my body wants to run today.
If today I only feel slower and shorter, I don't have to disappoint anyone and can do what is good for me.
I'm also so flexible when it comes to choosing the time and route and don't have to go with anyone.
When I'm exhausted, I can take a break and so on.
When I was studying day and night for my state examination in October, running alone was sacred to me, and I was able to organize and sort my thoughts in peace.
Sometimes nice too!
If I had to choose one, it would be group running.
Fortunately, as nobody confronts me with this decision, I am happy to continue to have the opportunity to enjoy a run with myself from time to time.
The alternative is the dog
At the end, I would like to say briefly that running with four-legged friends is such a good in-between thing.
The dog adapts to your pace, you have emotional companionship on the hard, last few meters, he listens to your moaning calmly and still doesn't chatter your ear.
Another idea for those who are not sure what kind of runner they are.
I wish you all a lot of fun, and maybe we'll meet for a run and walk a bit together!
Your Marina Rappold
Tips from the expert:
Marina Rappold is the German U23 runner-up over 10,000 meters, won team gold in the half marathon and won the Munich New Year's Eve run and several times the Erdinger city run.
This year the 23-year-old from Unterschwillach wants to compete in the first marathon of her life.
Over the next few weeks, the prospective primary school teacher will give the readers of the local newspaper in random order tips and advice about running.