Running Alone vs. With a Partner

I was chatting with Lacy a little bit the other morning about how I rarely run by myself anymore, and it got me thinking. I started wondering if it was a conscious choice that I make daily to run with someone else or on my own, or if the only time I run alone is when no one else can go with me due to scheduling conflicts. And I am still not really sure. What I do know is that there are pros and cons to running alone and with a partner for me, and I thought I would share my list with you, and see what you think about additional benefits or drawbacks. 

Pros of Running Alone

• Time to think and clear my head, and blow off stress from the week.
• I can run my own pace, whether I'm taking it easy or pushing myself a little bit more that day.
• Easier to extend or cut mileage based on how I'm feeling. 
• I don't feel guilty or like I'm hindering someone else's training if I need to take a walk break.
• I can put on my music and grind through a hard workout, and just be in my own head. 

Pros of Running with a Partner

• Someone to hold you accountable to get out and put in the miles.
• If I want to walk up a hill, and my partner is still running, I don't want to get left behind. So I push through and run my butt up the hill.
• It can be safer to run with a partner, especially in the dark. I run with my Jack Russell Terrier, Sadie, so she helps me feel a little safer if I'm alone. 
• Getting out of bed at the butt-crack of dawn is easier if I know someone is waiting outside for me. 
• Talking while you run is a great way to boost the cardiovascular part of your run. Plus, a good conversation can really make the miles fly by.

Here's my verdict: I like both. It depends on the day, but sometimes I really just need to go out and run by myself. And other days, I really need someone there to help get me through the miles. 

What else do you like about running with a partner and running alone? Leave your pros and cons in the comments!