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Post by jen on Dec 8, 2010 10:45:46 GMT -5
Hi all... I'm just sorta taking a poll and looking for advice... It seems lately my motivation some days is non-existent and other days it's high. I want to sleep a lot! And thus have trouble getting up in the morning to workout...then by evening I am usually ready to call it a day! This just feels unusual for me but I'm just wondering if it's since I've been in the sport now a couple years that "honeymoon phase" is over.... Plus right now my life is in limbo and I'm all over the place with what to do which I think is creating a big stressor! And, I have no race(s) set for 2011 because I don't know what I'm doing! The other thing is I've had some issues running and trying to get that figured out which is another frustration as I feel my run strength has gone down the tubes! I'm sure that's not completely the case but that's how it feels. I know there's a wealth of information that you all have as well as experience so I'd love to hear what you have to say! Thanks!
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Post by chuckm on Dec 8, 2010 10:52:36 GMT -5
It's December in Cleveland. The feeling will most likely pass, but if you still feel the same way in April or May then it may be time to reevaluate what you're looking for in the sport.
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Post by jimdehner on Dec 8, 2010 11:10:07 GMT -5
Hi - been through the blahs myself a couple of times - the first when i was running marathons then more recently as a triathlete - in each case like you i was in a state of limbo - at least for me - the way out was to make a commitment to race - putting a date on the calendar and building a workout schedule around that date was the motivation i needed -
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Post by philjolliff on Dec 8, 2010 13:53:22 GMT -5
Changing jobs/life issues can definitely mean a HUGE reduction in your training motivation. Your mind is way too busy thinking of other things. A scheduled race always helps a little, but I have a feeling sorting out what is going to happen in your life will be a bigger factor. It sure was a big deal for me - training/triathlons just naturally become less important as you struggle to make big life choices.
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Post by kabaker13 on Dec 8, 2010 14:51:51 GMT -5
Sounds like a combination of seasonal affective factors and life stressors. Even if what is going on in your life is positive, it still causes stress and therefor affects how you react. You are describing a lot of similar things to what I go through with seasonal issues. In the morning it's cold and I'd rather sleep (I get up and go anyway) but at night after work when it's dark, my brain is sure that it's bed-time! Doing any evening training becomes tricky for me motivation-wise at this time of year. Perhaps just going out and doing something fun instead of strict training would help. When's the last time you went ice skating? : )
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Post by Aussie Rob on Dec 8, 2010 18:49:48 GMT -5
Don't "train" for a while.
Buy a mountain bike, go xc skiing, run when you feel like it. You've been up with it for a couple of years now....pretty full on. Maybe you just need a light year? I was like you last winter, didn't train much at all, and wasn't in shape really in the spring, but elected to do fun stuff and race myself into shape.
After a "recovery year" as I'm calling it now, I'm motivated again to hit it hard and come out firing in the spring.
I'm still relatively new to all of this as well, and I'm discovering things ebb and flow. Just roll with it, and remember that it's supposed to be fun.
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Post by MarkD on Dec 8, 2010 22:12:38 GMT -5
I gotta agree with Jim - having been a completely worthless and overweight for 4 months, I was in no mood to do this stuff. It took registering for Triple T to get me planning - then a little 'ole 5K to get fired up... The time off did a world of good. Now the energy is back, but, its gonna a be a slow, calculated build... No injuries allowed ! Sign up for the 70.3 in Colorado (Lori's doin' it). Then build a plan that starts after the holiday's. That'll get ya goin' !!
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Post by watchman on Dec 8, 2010 22:52:01 GMT -5
Jen You described me since the Half Ironman in Sept. Add to it a calf injury 4 days before turkey trot and pneumonia last week. I have not taken a break for 3 years but I have been for 2 weeks. I will continue for another 2 weeks.
I swam 2 days ago and noticed a desire and strength I have not had in 2 months. I am thinking that all the talk of taking a month or so off is good. I am putting together a plan for full distance in Sept. I can tell the fire is coming back.just plan on the full distance and Jan 1 start training. My guess is the fire will return. See you at the rev 3 finish.
mike
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