Fellow STers,
In 1-2 sentences, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received to get through “dead spots” in your training–the times you’re totally unmotivated to finish training for a race, season, etc. I’m curious to hear what people have heard/used in the past with success (aside from the typical HTFU–no matter how true it usually is).
Feeling unmotivated is often a sign you need rest (or calories). But if it’s just “not caring” then either (a) focus on having fun; or (b) focus on not embarrassing yourself.
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Recently I heard someone say “just enjoy some exercise and don’t train” which I thought was perfect for a low period.
I would rest up and take some time out but not completely
Bottom line is if you don;t enjoy it, it is pointless doing it
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I wrote my goals for this season on a piece of paper and taped it to my front door. Sounds kind of cheesy but it does the trick when I don’t have any desire to get into a cold pool, or have to get on the trainer for 90+ minutes.
Ditch the schedule, ditch the alarm clock, ditch the power metr, and HRM, grab the mtb and go fall off in the bush… Better if your mates are there to see it… Have a Laff and get back to whatever it was that got you into the whole scene… Have a beer… Get pissed embRqss yourself…
And if you reach a point when your itchy to get back to tri then turn it on again… Just try and make it fun…
If the itch doesn’t return, who cares, if your not a pro it doesn’t matter… But one go at watching a race after a few months off will likely have you thinking “I wish I was racing and not watching”
Good luck…
Ps if that fails get a new bike… New bike syndrome is a powerful motivator…
For me, I just know that I might feel like total crap right now but next week I could feel super fast. Over the years, I just know there are “dead spots” in my training and just to keep going knowing tomorrow will be better.
The whole point of training is to feel like crap so on race day you feel awesome and go fast, IMHO.
Variety in life and training --* “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…”* Change-up your routine, see new/old friends and training buddies, explore complimentary activities. Don’t worry about losing anything or fret about fitness changes - it all comes backs, especially with renewed enthusiasm.
Write down your goals. I’ve even taped things to my bike when I’m on the trainer or the treadmill if I’m on there (tough winter in Pennsylvania). I do this with food too. Write a note on the fridge or pantry. When your willpower is low, it helps you remember the thoughts you had when it was higher.
Mix it up, change keeps the mind and soul satisfied and I find keeps the motivation up thru those less inspired times. Hot yoga does it for me- some cardio, lots of good stretching and some challenge as well.
If your training feels circular and getting you no where, try an elliptical shaped training plan. This is supposed to increase performance and eliminate the dreaded dead spot. However, some have said it is difficult to shift from one to the other.
I typically go 3 weeks on, 1 week off (light/active recovery @ reduced duration/frequency/intensity).
Lulls are easier to manage and less demotivating when you schedule them.