When I started running, I did it as a stress-reliever and believed that running was better alone. I made excuses as to why I wouldn't ever want to run with a group--"I'll never be able to keep up," "I won't make any friends," or "running alone is better for clearing your mind." I came across a Facebook ad for a local running group and something tugged at my heart to sign up. The thought of being able to safely run a 5k with biweekly training overcame the thought of having to be with a group and so I joined. That decision was one of the best choices I've made.

Running with a group holds you accountable.

I have pulled out so many couch-to-5k plans and told myself that I would stick to them, but then I end up pulling out excuses. Running groups check up on you and genuinely want you to be there each session -- so that you're not cheating yourself! It's easy to turn off the alarm or skip a run if there's no one waiting for you. When you're part of a group, it's much easier to stick with the schedule.

You have someone to celebrate your successes with, who has seen your growth first-hand.

There's nothing better than being able to celebrate each other's accomplishments. When a friend is able to run for a minute longer, or finishes their first race it's great to get to be there fist-pumping them and cheering them on. It's even better when you're in a running group and have seen their growth from day one. It's nice to be able to celebrate your accomplishments with a group who has truly seen how hard you've worked to get where you're at now.

But they'll also be there when you're fighting sickness or an injury and have to sit out for a while.

It's easy to feel bummed out when you have to stop running for a while, or you may even not pick back up on running. When you've been running with a group, it is comforting that those people are still lifting you up when you have to sit out for a while and they're the first to encourage you to hop back in when you're ready. As part of a running group, it's nice to have support when you get back to running and may be set back a few weeks.

Running groups "embrace the suck" together on tough runs.

Some days you have to run in the heat, up a couple of really large hills, or you ate too much for lunch and are just feeling sluggish. There's an incredible joy that comes in running with a group when can all laugh about how tough the run is and celebrate with each other at the end laid out on the floor. If it wasn't for my running group, I would have stopped halfway through those tough runs and called it a day. "Embracing the suck" is better together.

You will end up challenging yourself more.

When you're part of a running group, you'll see yourself running faster, harder, and longer distances then you would by yourself. The group encourages you to give it your best, and also allows you to challenge yourself to keep up with someone in front of you. I've seen a lot more change in myself running with a group than by myself.

And most of all, you will be a part of one of the most supportive, loving communities. The running community is filled with incredible people who all support each other's abilities. We are never trying to be better than each other, but always just bringing our best. There's a special joy that comes with being a part of the running community and having a tribe to call your running buds, it returns the love.