I think that everybody who runs or bikes has been invited to go for a run or a ride with somebody else. There is also the frequent experience of somebody asking to tag along. We react differently and have varying considerations when responding to such requests.
I’m going to start with cons, so I can finish on a high note.
Con #1: scheduling
Somebody really enthusiastic may come over and insist that you two go for a run together. But what if they want to run at night and you are more of a morning person? How about a location that doesn’t work for you? I have special dislike for groups, since they are so inflexible! If it’s just one-on-one, you may be able to discuss it and come up with a mutually satisfying arrangements. Groups? Not so easy. They tend to be attached to specific time and place.
Con #2: interference with specific training plan
You may have some very specific work to do on your workout and your wannabe buddy may not be into it. Example: intervals. Your wannabe buddy probably was thinking of going several miles and chatting. You can’t do that when doing intervals! I also doubt you have matching paces for that. They may also have a very different distance in mind. You need a long run of 16 miles and they think 6 miles is an excessively long distance? Try reconciling that!
Con #3: different speed
Let’s face it: we all move at different speeds. Some of us go faster and some go slower. It can be frustrating for both parties in this workout. The slower person is exhausted and can’t keep up, while the faster person keeps waiting and getting frustrated, since it’s not much of a workout for them.
Con #4: having company
Some people like company when they exercise. I’m more of the other kind:
That’s quite a list of cons, isn’t it? There are some pros though.
Pro #1: having company
It’s basically mirror of con #4: sometimes you may want to have company, either for companionship:
Or safety:
Pro #2: staying accountable
We all have times when we want to bail on training. It’s human and when you have to train for many months before seeing payoff, you will have days when the motivation is just not there. I have this blog to keep me accountable, but sometimes it’s easier when it’s your training buddies. It may be easier to just show up than try to come up with a good excuse or face the shame of saying ‘I just didn’t feel like it’.
Pro #3: somebody to push you
This is the flip side of con #3. Sometimes you need to push your boundaries, whether it goes for distance or speed. A more experienced, fitter buddy may be just what you need to push you to be a bit better than what you’d do to yourself.
So alone, with a buddy or with a group? Honestly, it depends on your personal preferences and ability to find a good match. It’s also not going to be the same for each workout. I am the type that strongly prefers exercising on my own, but I will occasionally call on a friend who pushes me to bike faster. I think you need to decide for yourself what’s right for you. Always remember: this working out thing is supposed to be fun!