10 steps to prepare a Marathon: step 3 Picking the right program: training in a group

Tip 2: Training in a group

Now that’s a big dilemma.

On one’s hand you enjoy running with other people in a dynamic group and enjoyable atmosphere. And it is very exciting and motivating.

It’s a great experience, and to be honest, running alone can be boring sometimes, not to mention the fact that it can be difficult to be motivated when time comes to go for a run.

On the other hand, if you run in a group you want to make sure they target the same goal and training pace than you.

If you worth 3h40 in a marathon and run with 5h goal people, you might not be challenged to improve your performances.

Conversely, your basic runs and your overall training might be too fast and you will toe the line totally wasted and fatigued, unable to improve your PR or even finish your race.

So you want to make sure you will train with the right group at the right pace, with a training fitted to your goal and your level of performance.

Next problem is that running in a group looks more like following a generic program since this training log is not set for your personal goals and skills.

In the end it is a cheap and good mental way to improve yourself provided that you find the right group and the right training fitted to your goals, schedule and training speeds.

(Next article: Custom programs)