Training Question

It all depends...

What do you want out of training?
What do they want out of training?
Are they stronger than you?
Are they weaker than you?

As for me, I have very specialized workouts that I want to follow and not be impacted by the goals of others.  Also, the few times I have brought friends with me on rides, I'm a much stronger cyclist, so I feel held back.  That's why I'm looking outside my regular friends for stronger cyclists to ride with.

However, if your friend would push you and or motivate you, it can't be bad.

ETA:  I probably do 99% of my workouts solo.


Edited by Aikidoman 2009-09-21 12:45 PM

i'm stronger in the swim and bike, about equal in the run (he may be a little stronger)

I train alone for the most part.  I will train with others for open water swim or maybe go for an easy run with my girlfriend once a week.  But for longer runs, bikes, and pool swims, I like to do it alone.  I like to set my own pace and I also see it as ME time.  I should also say that I've only trained for sprints and olys.  I imagine that I'll probably look for group rides when I get into IM distances.  Half IM I will still do on my own.

I train mostly alone, and I avoid situations that could turn in to long-term commitments to train regularly with a group.  I guess I'm a bit of a loner.  But I DO like to train with someone else occasionally, more for the company than the competition, though if we push each other a bit in a friendly way, that's fine.

But to address your question, it seems to me that whether it is 'easier' depends on you.  Do you sometimes have trouble doing your training?  Would it help you to get up at 5am to do that long run if you had to meet someone else?  Do you slack off during your intervals?  Would it help to have someone else there to 'keep you honest'?  Do you get bored while training?  Would it help to have some company?  I think that these are the sorts of question you should ask yourself.