Group Training = AWESOME

Up until this point almost all the training I have done has been on my own, except for a few runs every now and then with my running buddy Chris. Now while there are definitely some advantages to training on your own it also comes with its own disadvantages.

It is definitely nice to be on your own schedule and go whenever it works for you without having to schedule around others.You also don't have to worry about being held back by people that aren't to your talent level, and you also don't have to worry about holding people back that are way past your talent level. But when you are by yourself it is a lot tougher mentally to keep pushing through the lows you go through on days you just aren't feeling it. Its a lot easier to talk yourself into cutting your training short if things are feeling too hard that day. It is definitely a bigger mental challenge on your own.

The triathlon shop I go to here in San Antonio is in one word AWESOME! The Tri-Sition Area has taken care of me from day one. They aren't just looking at trying to get you to spend money with them, but are looking to help you become a better triathlete. I have seen for a while now they offer FREE training groups several times a week. They do runs on Wed nights, and bike rides on Thurs nights. And then on Saturday morning they do Triathlon training groups out at Boerne lake which includes an open water swim, bike ride and run.

Now I have always wanted to try and make it out to join them on Saturday mornings but conflicting schedules have prevented me from being able to. Finally last week it worked out that I would be able to make it out. I had a pretty big training week last week so come Saturday I just wanted to get in a open water swim but not do any biking or running. Needless to say after I was done with the swim I was regretting not bringing my bike with me. It was AWESOME training with people with the same lifestyle. They have been through the same highs and lows you have been through. Been through the plateaus, and reached new personal records. There was definitely an instant feeling of camaraderie among everyone.

Needless to say this morning I didn't make the same mistake as I did last week. I loaded up my bike at 6am along with my swim and run gear and headed out to the lake raring to go. Once again the workout was awesome! Nothing crazy as far as distances. 1 mile open water swim 17 mile hill country bike ride and a short 1.5 mile run to shake out the legs, but it was FUN. Yes I said FUN!. I have always had fun with most of my training, but group training definitely takes it to a whole other level.

Now most people probably won't and even can't understand what I am talking about, and that is understandable. I never understood it either until I was on the inside instead of looking in from the outside. But after being on the inside, I don't ever want to leave. In fact all I keep asking myself right now, is it next Saturday morning yet.....