Training in Groups vs Training Alone (Page 2)

I also train alone, granted I've just started training for a tri.  It's easier to just train when I want to and not have to rely on anyone else.  I start a run with my girlfriend from time to time but we both go our separate ways after a mile or two due to our changes in pace and what we're training for.

I will also look into some local group rides through the bike shop, I used to ride with a club in college and always liked having other people there and felt it was good for pushing harder than you would on your own.

train with different groups all the time without any problem whatsoever... They only time that I try to train by myself is when I do speed work, or hard intervals.

Swimming ~ Group; masters 3x per week.  This has improved my swim tremendously, don't know what I would do without them!

Biking ~ Myself (and sometimes my husband); just not comfortable cycling in a group, this is my weakest event and I'm just more comfortable by myself.  Plus, most people I know are faster than me on the bike (probably should hook up with them someday!).

Running ~ Group; I've trained with a running group for 7 or 8 years now.  Love it!  I was a runner turned triathlete, so running is my favorite part.  I don't always train with them, but love the organized runs when possible.  Plus, this is a HUGE group, so many people in all paces ranging from 6:30 to 12:00 to run/walkers.

Swimming:  almost always alone.  I would benefit from a group, but it doesn't work with my 'schedule'.

Biking:  Occasionally with others, but mostly alone.  I like a good hard group ride, but rarely can find or organize them.

Running:  99.9% alone.  I've run a couple of times with one friend of mine, who runs about the same speed as I do.

I'm not sure what this means, but running is the one of the three that I'm least interested or willing to do with others.

Been mostly training alone - I'm always around people so it's a nice change.

When I train alone, I get to do what's best FOR ME versus what's best for the group. But I do a little on the weekends or close to race to train in with a group because Mental/Emotions are also an important aspect for competition. Group training helps with that. 

I think some of this speaks to whether an athlete's focus is internal or external. Athletes with an internal focus on training likely want to train alone, focusing on their own performance.

Sometimes athletes who have a difficult time with "intrinsic" motivation or self-motivation need the support of a group to remain consistent.

There is also an odd middle ground Ihave been a part of, and I consider optimal- especially for cycling. That is to find a small group of experienced riders who ride the same routes regularly and are stronger athletes than you. I was fortunate enough to have that back in Michigan where I rode with Pierre, Mike A., Frankie, Mario, Frank Senior, Michael R. Rabe. Within that group was 9 Tour de France finishes, numerous Olympics, national championships, coaching certifications, state championships and a host of other experiences. It wasn't a group, it was a cartel. When the rides went animated the training effect was... substantial. Most importantly, the rides were incredibly safe. I can't remember a crash or mishap in hundreds of rides. It was the absolute best training arrangement on the bike. I'd go to a race and generally have one of the very best bike splits.

Having gone on to (try) to ride in other groups I honestly find it... well, horrifying. Truly. I lost some vision when I had my stroke and riding with a bunch of people who (apparently) have had no formal instruction on how to ride in a group makes for a free-for-all. There is no understood ettiquette, no "food chain" and no apparent consensus on how a group should behave as an organism. In Michigan we had the benefit of strong cycling clubs with a (relatively) ancient history. When they were learning to ride the velodrome Pancho Via was still in charge of Arizona- so we don't have that history, that legacy. There is no Mike Walden, Michael R. Rabe or Frank Senior. There is no one, strong club with deep coaching cadre that "teaches" people how to ride. That is an integral component to making sure cyclists develop correctly within the cycling society.

On the occasions I swam with a group workout I did benefit a great deal. I had good coaching (The late Doug Stern and Sheila Toarmina) and my workouts were longer, harder and more focused. That was helpful.

Running, back in Michigan we had the Hanson's group. I only heard of them- I never ran with them. They were far, far too fast for me. I just plodded along on my own. I never got very good, when I was a kid I could do a stand alone 10K in 34:00+ and run a 36:00 off the bike. I couldn't touch that now unless I had a motorcycle.

In general I think the poll results bare out our tendency as endurance athletes to want to train alone.

I like to pool swim alone, but OWS with a group.

Short bike alone, long bike mostly with just my closest training partner, occasional group rides.

Prefer to run ALONE.

Interesting topic as I was trying to explain this to a friend that is an avid biker.  I think he thought I sounded a little elitist by saying I mostly prefer to be alone when I train.  It was hard to explain that part of the fun of training is mixing it up.  If I am out on the bike and see a road that looks interesting I might just decide to turn on it and see where it goes.  Same for road running or this most often occurs when I am on trail running.  In addition I find the solitude to be meditative in some regard and enjoy the time alone.

Having said that, I also do enjoy going out with a few others for Mountain Biking because I generally don't have any goals for the day when I go other than having fun and hanging out.

I train alone and in a group for both biking and swimming depending on the time of year and location.  I love the variety!

Running?  Always alone.  I actually dislike running with others.  Always have...I think it's my own insecurity about my ablities.