Sweat it Out Together
Studies that have shown that the behaviour of others can strongly influence our own behaviour. We tend to adopt the behaviours, attitudes, lifestyle and habits of those who surround us. That’s why you should surround yourself with the people you want be like, those that inspire you and build you up to be a better person.
One of the best training tips I can give is to find a crew or even one awesome friend/teammate/significant other to work out with. Not only will you find more dedication, motivation and influence, you might just inspire others, find new levels within yourself that you never thought possible and achieve those big goals you’d only dreamed about.
Whether it’s a group class, a walk in the woods, an indoor spin or Zwift workout, one of the best-kept “secrets” is working out with, and supporting, others in their endeavours. As a professional athlete, I find myself at training camps a few times a year, when I’m totally immersed in training with a few like-minded individuals for an intense few weeks. I find those experiences extremely motivating. But that type of intensity is not required (or even necessarily desired) for ongoing motivation and fulfillment. That’s why I decided to branch out and reach the community by founding IRACELIKEAGIRL – a women’s endurance community and team.
It all started in 2016. I was going through a big transition
in life that included a divorce and an injury. I felt hurt and lonely most of the time, and I had little motivation to even get on a bike, much less get in shape to race. I was sitting alone with my sidekick Zoe (the cutest little Yorkie you’ve ever seen) looking at the beautiful landscape in Boulder, Colo. one day when I realized I had to make a change. I needed to reconnect with my sense of purpose and belonging in this world.
That is where the idea for IRACELIKEAGIRL was born. I knew I wanted to create something bigger than just racing as a pro in the triathlon world. I wanted to help others become the best version of themselves and, frankly, I needed to connect myself to something more significant. Our online community now includes more than 200 members worldwide. I’ve made some great friends and have been able to connect with an amazing group of women that not only support each other, but inspire each other, too.
Seeing members of our team achieve their goals, fight through mental barriers, push themselves in races and inspire each other with their efforts is exciting. When I’m out racing, now, I’m not just out there for myself, I’m racing for our team. Through my training and racing, I know I’m reaching at least one person. That one person is likely reaching another. It’s the “butterfly effect” in full force. There’s a bond created online that can be as strong as the one in the real world. When I wear something that says IRACELIKEAGIRL I’m part of something – a group of women redefining to the world what it means to race like one.
This community is now an integral part of who I am as a person: an athlete, a coach, a friend and a supporter. It has truly changed how I view triathlon. So, in light of all that, what are the benefits of training with a group? Here are a two:
1 There’s a commitment and accountability when you work out with others. You can’t drop out without being noticed. Skipping workouts becomes a hard thing to do when people are depending on you to be there.
2 Finding “partners in crime” makes you push harder. Have you ever gone to an indoor time trial or FTP test? Doing a 20-minute all-out effort on a trainer is hard enough, but I am able to push myself much harder in a group effort. Have you ridden with Zwift? It’s the same idea. The online indoor cycling platform is an opportunity to ride with people around the world! I find myself going hard for the next round, pushing up the hills, searching for a new jersey. It’s highly motivating and really taps into my inner competitiveness.
For a least a few workouts a week, choosing a group setting, meeting a friend or waking up your significant other for that morning run may help you get to new levels in 2019. Mental barriers that may be holding you back will be overcome as you find yourself challenged more, and you’ll no doubt enjoy the positive energy and motivation you’ll get working with a group of people who are all working toward a goal.
Pro triathlete Angela Naeth finished eighth at the 2018 Ironman World Championship. You can find more information about her and her club at iracelikeagirl.com