I love running because it is my time to be alone. It is my "therapy" time. I had a running partner a few years ago when we were training for a relay race, but she moved across the country. What would the benefits be to have a running partner or a group?
Commitment. I've been guilty a few weekends of not getting out of bed for my long run. The only person I am hurting or disappointing is myself. If I had a running partner meeting me somewhere I wouldn't let that person down. (and I wouldn't be late)
Motivation. Having someone with similar interests helping you during those tough spots is a definite benefit. Can you imagine you are at mile 6 of an 11 mile run and you say I've had it. (happened last week to me, I was alone and QUIT, so embarrassing) Your partner would help you finish.
Improving your speeds/distance. Finding a partner with a bit more experience than you can help you improve your performance. Finding a running group in your area is a great way to meet people of all different levels of running fitness and experience.
Safety. Running by yourself can be a safety concern especially if you are running when it is dark out. I used to run in college by myself sometimes at night. I look back at this and think, "What was I thinking??". I was in a bad area of town and was a young woman. I chalk it up to growing up in a rural area where the only things watching you on your run are the cows. Today, I won't run at night by myself though it is one of my favorite times to run. A partner would solve that problem.
There are online running communities such as www.findrunningpartners.com or www.runningonline.com if you are having difficulty finding a running partner.
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