The Unthinkable Joy of Training Alone
As athletes, we are taught to value team and teamwork above all else. We train with a team or a partner, relying on the strength and motivation they provide to push us to greater heights. However, there is something to be said for the joy and value of training alone.
Training alone allows you to focus solely on your own goals and progress. Without any external distractions, you can set your own pace, adjust your training according to your needs, and push your limits. You don’t have to worry about whether your training partner is following you or holding you back – it’s up to you and your progress. In addition to this freedom, training alone helps to promote the idea of freedom and independence. When you train alone, you learn to trust yourself and your abilities. You learn to motivate and encourage yourself, and you will feel comfortable in your own skin.
I still remember my 6–7-hour indoor bike trainer rides and solo tempo runs at the track oval like it was yesterday. I read in an article about this triathlon World Champion who trained indoor for hours staring at just a dot on the wall and I did exactly that. He mentioned that that’s the key work out that made him a world champion.
Though I never had any significant podiums aside from races where there was only 3 of us in the age group, that workout made a mark in my so-called athletic life.
Simply put, it was so hard that I will never do it again. Hehe. But it made me realize how strong my mind was. Did it make me stronger on the bike? That can be debated. But did it make me better as an athlete? Absolutely.
This sense of independence can be especially useful in sports where individual performance is important, such as running, swimming, or our beloved triathlon. In these games, there is usually no one to rely on – only you and the clock. By training yourself, you can develop the strength and independence to perform at your best in these sports. Of course, there are also disadvantages to training alone. Likewise, it can be difficult to stay motivated and push your limits without the support of a team or partner. It can also be difficult for you to control yourself and stay disciplined, especially if you rely on others to control you.
To combat these challenges, it’s important to find ways to stay motivated and accountable when training alone. One way to do this is to set yourself specific goals and track your progress. You can also create a program or exercise plan to help you stay on track and use visualization or self-talk techniques to stay motivated and focused during your workouts. Another challenge of training alone is the lack of social interaction and support that comes with training as a group or partner. However, there are also ways to combat this. You can join a training group or online community to connect with other athletes who are also training alone or find a coach or mentor who can provide guidance and support as you work towards your goal.
The advantages of sole proprietorship far outweigh the disadvantages. Through training alone, you can focus on your personal growth and development, build mental strength and self-reliance, and achieve your goals at your own pace. It may take some getting used to, but once you’ve embraced the freedom and independence of solo training, you may find that it’s the key to unlocking your full potential as a coach rather than an athlete.
