Warning: rambling, unfunny post ahead.
I don't know what is up with me lately.
A couple of weeks ago, I couldn't stomach the thought of swimming. All I wanted was to ride and run.
Suddenly, I can't stand the idea of riding my bike. In these last weeks, I have used every single excuse I've ever come up with to avoid a ride. It's raining, my stomach hurts, that saddle is uncomfortable, this bike bothers my knee, I have a flat, I'll have to ride alone, I don't want to go up the stupid hill outside my door, it's effin' cold, I hate the trainer.
I am driving myself crazy!
The pool seems really inviting now. (Not that I'm making it there much either. Ugh.)
The truth is, my time is very limited suddenly, on top of which I haven't been feeling all that well. With no time and little energy, I'm having a hard time prioritizing my workouts. There's no pressure right now (is there really ever?), no races coming up. It's just a matter of not losing everything I've worked hard to build this year.
Today I went to "take your mom to school day" at Willa's school. At one point, her teacher said to me, "I wish I did all those triathlons like you. I really want to lose the weight."
I was flattered she seemed to admire what I do. But I brushed it off with this response: "Oh, I've been such a slug lately. I've been blowing off my workouts left and right."
She went on to tell me how she has a long commute, she can't get out during the day, she simply has no time.
And then I realized. I am not a slug. Even squeezing in just 2:55 a week is more than most people can do. I don't have lots of natural athletic talent, and I'm not speedy fast, but compared to a lot of people I might as well be an Olympian.
I need to figure out a way to adjust my expectations, enjoy the workouts and little races I can make time for, and find new inspiration. Because, let me tell you, this down phase is not helping my motivation.
18 November 2008
Motivation Hiccup
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 of you had something to say:
Word. i do that ALL THE TIME. Its so hard to put it all in perspective some times.
Leah, it's NOVEMBER. Lots of us feel that way. It's natural and healthy for your body to want a break so you can rejuvenate. Otherwise you just bury yourself from season to season rather on building from season to season. Don't be so hard on yourself. I believe wine helps this situation...
Good post! Perspective is so weird and hard to get... I need to stop reading blogs of triathletes and start reading people who are training for their first 5k! But don't be afraid to just enjoy yourself...
Go ahead take a break if you need it. It is post season and now is time to enjoy the sports you like. Stick with what you like for few weeks and you will see when you start to miss the bike workouts. Also look for the bike trainer that may help you get through the winter months. I like my Fluid and Spinerval sessions quite a bit in the winter months.
Jan, Spinervals are great during the winter! I only have a few, but if I pop that disc in, a trainer ride flies by. Leah, let me know and we can work some in if you wish.
At the same time, like I mentioned with the pool... take the time away, don't stress about it or worry about coming up with reasons why... just give yourself a break. It is the off-season, so pick something you and enjoy, like the road races which are going great for you! Getting out of bed on Sunday was so incredibly worth it to see that huge smile on your face!
Another thought for anyone looking for some winter motivation: indoor triathlons. They're starting to pop up more and more. Here are 2 suggestions:
Lifetime Fitness which I believe has locations all over the U.S.
http://www.lifetimefitness.com/events/indoor-tri/
Tri to Help, which raises money for epilepsy research:
www.tritohelp.org
They were both low-key, but fun!
I think we hang around and talk to so many triathletes all the time about our workouts, etc., that when talk with "non-triathon people" it reminds us that we ARE doing alot.
Enjoy the offseason!! You're doing great :)
hey leah--
I'm hiccuping right there with you. And my workouts are paltry 30-minute strength training sessions. It's hard to undrive--is that a word?--when you're usually so driven, but I know it's best in the long run to take you foot off the gas pedal. (O.k., worst metaphor/sentence there ever.) For what it's worth, I think you inspired me to go to Amelia's Thanksgiving lunch tomorrow: gross cafeteria turkey, but good to show up.
Hey Leah, One idea to get you going--pretend you CAN'T workout(ie: an injury) and then see if it changes. Right now I am in a funk with my nutrition. I vowed off processed and sugar and excess bad "fat" but now more than ever its what I want because I "can't" have any. Also with the past knee injury--I wanted to run so bad and now that I CAN and am ABLE--I so don't want to anymore....
Good lord, I thought it was just me! It's been so hard to go running, that I put it off every day until an hour before the sun sets. And I have training goals to meet, but right now it doesn't seem to make a difference. I like Selene's take on it, time for some wine...
Julie
Hey Leah,
Yeah, I'm with everyone else. If you mentally need a break, take one. It will leave you that much more refreshed/motivated to start up again in the new year.
Post a Comment