How To Train Without a Partner
Training alone can seem like a daunting task. Theres no one to rely on, you are your own accountability partner. Asking yourself some questions to find comfort and understanding can be helpful and allow you to train and run on your own.
Finding your motivation
First and foremost, You are badass.
Second of all, I actually dislike running. What I love about training is the opportunities it gives me to do cool events that I normally would not be able to do.
For example: training for my first Ironman gave me the opportunity to run a 24hr running event, a multi day bike race.
Sometimes training gives us opportunities to meet other people who are doing the same or similar events. What a great way to learn what their nutrition is, how their training is going, what they like to do to recover from training.
Speaking of recovery, scheduling in at least 1-2 rest days for physical and mental breaks is crucial. This gives you the free time needed to take your much needed break.
My main motivation for training without a partner is my schedule. I have limited windows that I can do training and still get the sleep I need to recover. Another motivation is that I want to finish the event without injury, and to do that, I need to train smart.
Set Small, achievable goals
Preparing for your event is a long-term goal. There is plenty of time to do things other than training. Setting smaller, more achievable goals is important especially since you won’t be depending on anyone else.
You can run a certain distance by a particular date, work up to a distance within a set time, or running for a certain number of days in a week.
Another great option would be to stick to getting enough sleep, eating and hydrating well for a certain amount of time. Committing to a different event might also work.
Other tips
Finding a local running club that you can join once a week could be a great option to keep your training going during the week. Showing off your hard work while socializing!
Remember,
You are a bad ass mother effer. This shit is hard, but I believe in you.
