Well if you read this blog, then you know I battle motivation constantly. Ever since I did Ironman (have I told you about that?) things have been different. I still that the desire, but not the "physical want to" like before, so how do I motivate myself? Let me share...
Blog About it! Nothing motivates me more than to write on this blog about my workouts. This entire blog was designed to be an accountability piece for me long before I published it and thought anyone would read it. After writing a good blog piece, many time I realize that everything I say is keeping from getting out there is just an excuse (and that I can be a weenie sometimes), so talking it out on here will motivate me to get out there.
Shaving!!
I know, self explanatory right?
Yes, the unspoken part of triathlons. Sometimes...ok, a lot of times I will go ahead and shave to get me back in the right track of mind. (I don't think I have ever blogged about shaving before). Something about it makes me feel like an athlete, makes me feel fast and awesome. I will cut my hair short, shave my legs and body and then I am ready. Does it make me faster? Heck no, but I feeeeellll faster and that is the important thing!
and finally...
New Gear!
Who doesn't like new stuff? New shoes, new running shorts, new watch, anything, it doesn't matter! Luckily, I had a Sports Academy gift-card from Christmas and I went and got new compression sleeves and new goggles! I love swimming in new goggles! I like to go out and purchase motivation when I can. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it has to be something related to the sport.
So those are my "get out of a funk" tips. Tell me yours, what do you do to get yourself going again??
I understand what you're saying. I was fine until Ironman. I ran a few marathons and halfs after that but maybe 2-3, mostly trail races. I find it harder to get motivated to do something that no longer appears to be an insurmountable challenge. I often ask "why train and travel to do something that I've done time and time again?" Maybe that's the case for you, maybe not? I've got a bad left knee that I don't want to drop a small health care fortune on so for now I'll operate within my limits. I signed up for an Olympic later in the year. It's safe and looks super fun, you actually swim through a dolphin reserve.
ReplyDeleteAs for getting out of a funk, I would say find something that inspires you. Maybe not a race but a cause. This summer I'm putting together another World Vision fundraiser but I'm going to raise money through swimming and not running. I know you raised money for St. Jude awhile back. Anyway, my remedy would be to locate the inspiration and go from there.