To prefer solo hobbies/ activities rather than in a big group

[Chloeblue]

My hobbies are hiking and running. After joining clubs in both, I know now I prefer to do both alone. I found the constant chatter in the hiking club to be a distraction from the beautiful scenery. Anyone else feel the same?

Definitely! I like individual outdoor sport/ exercise or swimming.
The headspace is so valuable.

I much prefer doing things on my own!
After working in a busy (and noisy!) classroom all day, I long for my own company, no inane chatter and not making small talk.
I mainly go spinning and running first thing in the morning, it energises me and gives me a clear head but more importantly I don’t need to make conversation with anyone!
Just to say though, I do things with family/friends too and it’s nice to walk and chat with them, but solo exercise recharges my batteries more.

I think there's too much focus on teams/ groupwork/ socialising in life in general to the point its seen as a character flaw.
I think its a strength to be able to enjoy one's own company at times, and to guard those times of solitude.

Yes I've always loved solitary hobbies. Running, crafts etc. I'm not competitive or good at team sports and like to do things alone at my own pace.

I'm the same. Would prefer pretty much any activity alone, unless watching TV or socialising (where the sole focus is just that, socialising).

Yes! That's the reason I run. To be alone.

Yes I feel the same. It's why I've always enjoyed running as it's something you can do on your own. I love my own company.

FindingMeno.
I agree... team sports/ activities aren't for everyone.

Totally. I ride. I do not want company on my ride thanks v much!

Yep, same here, all my hobbies can be done on my own. I love having the ability just to think and concentrate on what I'm doing instead of feeling under pressure to make conversation.

That's not to say that there aren't social opportunities, as there are group events too, but it's good to be able to take it or leave it.

Couldn't agree more. I hate walking with other people, having to adapt your pace to suit others and all the chit chat. I want to just walk and breathe, listen to the birds, clear my head.

My other hobby is painting. There is nothing better than coming in from a lovely walk, setting up my paints, making a cup of tea, putting some relaxing music on, dog curled up in his bed, lighting a few candles. It's absolute bliss to me and I try to do it as often as possible.

I love both. I enjoy both running on my own and with friends. I like an even mixture. The same with walking. As you have said when you're on your own you only have to do what you want and not have to negotiate with others, but during lockdown I did miss the company and even running the same routes as I had for 15 months became fun again when a friend joined me on occasion.

Yes, I don't mind walking with a friend occasionally but not 20 people, as there was when I tried the club.

Definitely! I learned to run in a group but found the social size annoying. Once I finishes the beginner group I tried running with the advanced group but didn't enjoy it at all. Much prefer running alone and ideally at 6am

I've never hiked in a group but I'd hate that to, with DH or one other person or my DDs great but I wouldn't with more then that

All my other hobbies are solo activities but I'm a definite introvert and going out for a meal twice a month with friends is enough for me

Absolutely. I go on a group hiking weekend once a year, which is enough chat.

My other hobby is swimming. In lido season I’ll often stop to have coffee the other regulars afterwards but obviously it’s not compulsory.

@Footprintsinthegrass, fellow introvert here also. Good to hear I'm not alone!

I've just started doing couch 2 5k and our work has recently moved back from WFH to back in the office full time and honestly as much as I feel its killing me the run after work is a life saver at the moment. I'm an introvert to and 8 hours of inane chatter is my limit.

To only issue I have is I've just started running on the treadmill at the gym because of the darker nights and I find the loud music and people milling about really distracting, more so than I thought I would.