Monday, June 27, 2011

Training Alone

Happy Monday!!!!

I just finished reading a blog "do-you-train-alone", where the question was asked if you like to train alone. When I saw the question, my first response is no.  I would much rather train in a group.  Someone to push you, conversation, competition, and camaraderie.  There is almost nothing better than accomplishing a PR and having someone there to high five or to celebrate with.

But then I remember my training schedule.  Is it realistic to expect anyone else to keep such a crazy schedule.  My workouts are totally dependent upon my work schedule and the weather.  My first workout of the day recently have been at 5:00 AM.  P90X.  Yippee. Lots of fun.  But I think when this programmed 12 weeks are over, swimming or running at this time will definitely be doable.  For cycling, I am still a little scared of riding this early.

I think that the best place for me to have a partner will be in swimming.  Swimming makes me feel like a total loser.  But I think with a partner I will not dread going and may be motivated to continue beyond my current frustration threshold.

The same blog also asked about hydration.  This is another area of total weakness for me.  I am not a big fan of running with a handheld or a belt.  I have actually tried a handheld and it never felt comfortable.  As far as a belt, I am too vain for that.  Maybe once I start longer runs, I will have to face this issue and address it more seriously.  But for now I will try to hydrate before and after.  I am sure I will regret this strategy, but sometimes that is the best teacher for us vain runners.

4 comments:

  1. Unfortunately, best results practically require training alone and not just because of the crazy schedule. Training alone allows you to target the CORRECT pace FOR YOU for a given workout. Sure, sometimes it's good to train with those who are faster than us to give us that extra push ..... but only if the workout calls for that kind of effort! Also, training alone prepares us mentally for the challenges that we must face on race day. Keep experimenting with the hydration, I'm sure you'll find the right balance. Keep it up!

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  2. I don't know what I would do without my Nathan Hydration belt on those days I have to run in the evening. You does lose some of that feeling of running free but being able to sip on something when it's hot, makes a huge difference on the mental game. Yeah I was vain too but got tired of hand holding a bottle. Overall I feel I need the hydration due to sweating so much. So when's the next race?

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  3. I would LOVE to train with people but we live soo far from any group that all my training is done alone.

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  4. I would much much rather train with someone. Especially swimming. It just seems so lonely to just hop in the pool with nothing.

    Good luck with hydration. I hate a belt and handheld as well. I typically try hiding my water along my route.

    -Jen

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