I have yet to train for a single minute this year. Granted a little of it is due to getting sick right after New Years, but that can’t account for my complete inactivity. Every time I’ve got free time and I could go work out I pick up my new guitar instead. The interest is there - there are several races coming up really soon that I’d like to do but I haven’t trained for 11 days now. I tend to have this problem after a break, even if it’s a short one. A two day break becomes a week long one, a week-long break becomes three, etc…I just can’t get started again. This is a recurring problem for me and keeps me from having any kind of consistency in my training over long periods and causes me to miss tons of races I want to do because I feel like I’m not fit.
I had a full January planned until recently. I’ve already missed one race I wanted to do; the state Cross race is this weekend and that’s probably out now as well. Next weekend I wanted to do a bike race and a du. The following week a 1/2 mary. All are probably out of the question now cause I feel like a lazy lump.
Anyone else w/ these issues or any advice? I have to teach a spin class in a few hours so I’m hoping that brings me out of my funk.
Damn…Can’t say that I’ve been there. Sounds like it sucks.
I hate seeing “goose eggs” in my daily totals column. That is one thing that motivates me. More than 2 days off and I’m really feeling like I’m cheating myself.
Nope. I’ve been able to hit every workout so far. A marathon looming in about 9 weeks has me busy. Closest I’ve come to slacking off is getting sucked into the Nintendo Wii we got the kids for Christmas. That thing is more addicting than crack.
As I said, suck it up and go train. If it’s cold and dark you can go swim in the nice, indoor pool. The water might be cold but the air’s warm.
Or, do what I do. Get up to train early enough that you can be back at the house when my boyfriend wakes up (though sometimes he gets up to swim with me)
edit, to answer your original question, I’ve had no trouble training through the holidays but now may need a break because I feel kind of “flat” all the time.
I have to give Dev huge props here for his “100 Runs” challenge. If it weren’t for that I doubt I would be doing the work I am right now. I had a few setbacks (injuries/flu, etc) that would have kept me off the road had it not been for the 100 day challenge. As a result of the challenge I have over 40 runs under my belt since December 1 and even with the little setbacks I’ve been able to maintain training consistency and moderation.
I sometimes have the same issue. When it happen, I just figure that mentally I not ready to get back into to training so why force it. Enjoy your new guitar for a bit. Maybe pick a race in the future that you really want to do, and a date you need to start training, enjoy other things till that day arrives. You may just need the break. You have the interest and desire but something mentally is holding you back.
Trick for me is to have goals! This can either be early races, the USAT team winter challenge, or just the
self motivation I seem to have too much of. Also the social network. I really enjoy doing my Masters workouts
each morning. Get to see lots of great folks I have met. And now since so many want to kick my butt, do I roll
over and play dead, or fight?
Hey, if you’d rather play your new guitar, nothing wrong with that.
On the flip side, perhaps signing up for an early season 10K might put a near term goal on things to force you out the door? Half the battle is getting out…once you start, the workout is easy.
I forced myself finally to do 6am spin class 3 times a week as a start.After the first few good works outs its easy to get back into a regular routine.
Well I maybe wrong bout the whole thing because John Melloncamp said “forget all about that macho shit and learn how to play guitar”
We have to represent. As long as you are in the game, there will be lulls. But… you should recalibrate your goals and motivations and challenge yourself. I know how you feel but I had a down year last year and I truly regret it. The racing and training HARD with friends is so much fun.
Yeah I feel you. I have been out of it for far longer than I planned. I had a serious leg injury last year and though I’m recovering slowly, I’m cleared to workout. Other than rehab I haven’t managed more than a couple of runs on the treadmill in several months. Factor in a heavy work travel schedule, and the dang PS3 I started playing when I was relegated to couch duty with my leg propped up for 2 months… I have pretty much been been giving the gym free money.
I have found the longer I’m away from working out the harder it is to find motivation to hit the gym and do the things that I would normally do. But when I work out consistently I’m pretty much balls out and won’t take a first look at the krispy kremes. As a matter of fact I’m driving down the coast this weekend for a little work and relaxation. I’m packing the bike and running shoes to bang out a few plus I just signed up for a very early shorty race to keep myself accountable.
Like others have chimed in, you just have to suck it up then spit em’ out.
Sign up for a sooner race…or plan a “challenge” day with a buddy…or just make a date with a workout partner …who want to be the loser that cancels?!? Did you say you have a new girlfriend?? Get her to train with you; what a positive activity for a couple!!
(though sometimes he gets up to swim with me)