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Help with Motivation

mrudy331mrudy331
in General Training Discussions

Okay EN team mates, need your help.  Have got the training blues.  Specifically, just having a problem with motivation in getting out the door.  I finished the 20 week outseason plan on March 4.  I did really well with the plan and saw some incredible improvements.  Then came the time for the 2 week mental reset.  During this time, I seemed to have picked up a funk, because my motivation has lacked quite a bit.

 

This week I started the regular Ironman training plan to build up to IMCDA in June.  I did a 15K run-run event on Sunday, which I did really well, then on Monday I did the first swim workout for the ironman plan.  That was pretty good, too, but ever since I haven't had any motivation to go train.  Yesterday I had to travel for work so I couldn't do the Swim and run, but today, I have blown off the cycle and brick run.

 

I have to admit, the weather has sucked around here (Vancouver, Washington).  First full day of spring and itis about 40 degrees out and raining.  Tired of being stuck indoors on the trainer and tired of running in the rain.  I am even sick of going to/fro the car for swims at the community pool. 

 

I am excited for IMCDA to come, but for now, I don't feel like doing much.  Any ideas?  Can anyone offer a pep-talk?  Thanks everyone.

Mike

Comments

  • NortonNorton
    For many athletes, a lack of motivation is a sure tell of lingering fatigue and/or metabolic depletion. Rest, light intensity activity, low stress, and good nutrition will right the ship quickly.
  • WisemanWiseman
    Mike,
    I usually veer off the rails when I don't have a daily schedule of what needs to be accomplished. I think we're all pretty goal oriented in here, that way. Try sticking to the plan so that you have daily, short term goals to focus on....and remember, we'll be getting in that cold ass water before you know it.
    Good luck.
    Bill
  • dotcatlindotcatlin
    This just happened to me. I ended up taking 2 days off and was refreshed by the 3rd. I agree with Bill, sometimes you need a break, and sometimes it comes at weird times--like when you basically just finished transition from OS. Why need more time? Well, I guess we just do!
    Good luck!! Stay hydrated! I find I get super tired and grumpy when I'm dehydrated.
  • rtagherrtagher
    First, be proud of your outseason - 20 weeks is a long time.

    Then see how you feel in another week.

    Hang in there.

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    Do you favorite outdoor ride on Saturday - the sun will be shining then, and you can reflect on how you've come in the past 3 years. 

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    William makes a good point about having a daily plan. However, it's also worth making a point of not running your plan into a wall. In other words, don't be too focused on sticking to the plan that you lose sight of the larger picture and the experience. After all, this whole tri thing is supposed to be fun, right?

    Sometimes my motivation takes a hit when I see a 60 min run in my training plan, and I don't really feel like going for a full 60 min. When that happens, I'll just to the main set and cut the rest of the extra volume. If it gets really bad, I'll pass on the MS altogether and just get in a run. Personally, I think one only has so much willpower to spend and it's important not to overspend in terms of mental cost. It's always okay to take a day or two off and recharge your mental toughness! image
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    x2 what bill russell said...sounds like some lingering fatigue! I suggest you look at your week and identify two things:

    1 - the most critical workouts (3x bike, 1x long run) and make the rest optional. Get those 4 sessions in.
    2 - set a default easy-to-do workout that you can get in if you aren't supposed to have an off day. I like a 45 minute run with my headphones; enough to keep my fitness up and short enough to work at home, the office, etc.

    Keep this up until you are feeling more into it!
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner

     Agree.   Similar here.   Rest.    Plenty of time in the 12 weeks to idaho to build it up.   

  • Brenda RossBrenda Ross

    I find that training with others has helped me keep my motivation high. R there ny other athletes in your hood that you could organize some rides and runs with?Local tri club?



    I also start to watch the races that are streaming on Ironmanlive and read and re-read my triathlon mags. Youtube has some great vids of Crowie etc.. that outlines their training days. All that gets me excited and last but not least, I remind myself that if I do not do this workout my race is gonna hurt much more than it needs to. I tell myself to get dressed and get going and if after 15 minutes I feel like I need to shut it down because it just is not a happening, then at least I gave it a shot. 

    And don't forget - you have the team to motivate, so do a call out on the dashboard and you should receive some mojo within seconds.



    Hope things turn around for you soon.

  • ezellrhezellrh
    A slight variation on the above advice. Assign yourself the plan of doing exactly ZERO workouts til the 12 week plan starts (a little less than a week from now). While you spend the week resting and recovering, take Brenda's advice and watch all the racing you can. By the end of this week, you'll be be climbing the walls ready to get back at it (and you'll be rested to boot).
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Make sure fatigue is not the issue...that's always a killer to motivation. Then figure out what your ONE thing is now (don't wait until race week) and start thinking about that one thing every day when you get up.
  • mrudy331mrudy331
    Thank you everyone! As I told Coach P before, the Hause is what has brought me back to EN for my 2nd Ironman. Thank you team mates!

    I am the kind of guy that when I set out to attain a goal, I focus on that goal, devote all of my energy towards it and then set out to achieve it. While a 2 week mental reset works for most people, I think that caused my tailspin. Or, maybe, I just didn't enter it the way I should have. During the 2 weeks, I focused on other parts of my life and then got wrapped up into other things. Then coming back to Ironman training, I really wasn't in a good spot to devote the necessary energy towards it because I was still dealing with life's issues from the 2 week mental reset. I don't think it was bodily fatigue, I think it was an exercise of mental focus.

    Anyway, I am all better now. I enjoyed an awesome run and bike today. I did 43 miles on my 'hill' route and was 1 mph faster than the best I had ever done (which was 2 years ago leading up to IMCDA '10). So, that is great. I feel great, my head is screwed on straight and I am ready to get back to training with my heart and head in the game!

    Later folks!
  • NortonNorton
    Hey Mike,

    Thanks for checking back in with the good news; now go get 'em!
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