No motivation to push myself
Discussion
I"m struggling to motivate myself to push hard on my commute at the moment. My fitness isn't where I would like due to a combination of a 6 month old baby and a nasty virus over the summer and I know I'm not going to get it back until next summer. Also I've been commuting now for almost 4 years now and unless I get perfect weather conditions I don't stand a chance of getting close to a PR on Strava. All this means I can't summon up the motivation to work hard on my ride in.
Anyone else ever had this and how did you get over it?
Anyone else ever had this and how did you get over it?
Forget about it, it's harder to get pbs in the winter anyway. If you've been going the same way for 4 years then you will have had every available favourable condition such as tailwinds, lights falling green at the perfect moment, maybe a bit of a tow...
Try doing something different. Try a Boris Bike, or a mountain bike. Look for a totally daft route into work. I commute over the South Downs some days, my current project is a route to get 750 m of climbing in, without a repeat. I got sidetracked this morning by the beautiful sunrise.
I started running every day in October; I just wanted to do a minimum of a mile. I think it's helped my cycling as I seem to have more ability to push myself for longer.
Try doing something different. Try a Boris Bike, or a mountain bike. Look for a totally daft route into work. I commute over the South Downs some days, my current project is a route to get 750 m of climbing in, without a repeat. I got sidetracked this morning by the beautiful sunrise.
I started running every day in October; I just wanted to do a minimum of a mile. I think it's helped my cycling as I seem to have more ability to push myself for longer.
F* it. Who cares?? Times aren't important. It's a commute. Enjoy it for what it is. The best experience I had this year on a bike was a tour of Bavaria on a hired bike. It was a ride to work type bike so very steady. My mate is less fit but we just trundled about having good food and a few beers. I've had more challenging days out, but that's not the point.
Have a think about what you want and why, then set out to enjoy it.
Have a think about what you want and why, then set out to enjoy it.
smn159 said:
Find some mates and book a cycling trip. I'm off to Tenerife in January to cycle up Mt Teide. 11 of us going and I know that I need to put in the training if I am to stand a chance of not being last...
That would be nice but three young children means that isn't an option. It sounds great though! battered said:
F* it. Who cares?? Times aren't important. It's a commute. Enjoy it for what it is. The best experience I had this year on a bike was a tour of Bavaria on a hired bike. It was a ride to work type bike so very steady. My mate is less fit but we just trundled about having good food and a few beers. I've had more challenging days out, but that's not the point.
Have a think about what you want and why, then set out to enjoy it.
True and I do still prefer riding in than driving in. Have a think about what you want and why, then set out to enjoy it.
That tour sounds like fun.
I think I need to get out a bit earlier and vary the route.
I think I'm in the same boat in terms of having all the favourable conditions go in my favour - I've been doing essentially the same route for almost 10 years.
However, I switched to a Brompton this time last year, so I've been really trying to beat any PB's set on any of my other bikes.
The others include two full size Dahon folding bikes. Surprisingly easy to beat the times - even average times for the whole journey rather than just sections. But once or twice I got up early and rode my road bike. So so of those section times are hard to beat, but not impossible.
Instead, I've concentrated on increasing the distance or varying the route. Or, as said above, slowing down and enjoying the ride a bit more.
If you have enough bits where you don't need to stop for lights or junctions, you could add a little bit of interval training - pedal absolutely flat out for 20 seconds, relax for 20 seconds x 6. Then pedal normally for a minute, then repeat.
However, I switched to a Brompton this time last year, so I've been really trying to beat any PB's set on any of my other bikes.
The others include two full size Dahon folding bikes. Surprisingly easy to beat the times - even average times for the whole journey rather than just sections. But once or twice I got up early and rode my road bike. So so of those section times are hard to beat, but not impossible.
Instead, I've concentrated on increasing the distance or varying the route. Or, as said above, slowing down and enjoying the ride a bit more.
If you have enough bits where you don't need to stop for lights or junctions, you could add a little bit of interval training - pedal absolutely flat out for 20 seconds, relax for 20 seconds x 6. Then pedal normally for a minute, then repeat.
I'd echo okgo's suggestion, if you can, as this may help.
For me the motivation in winter is based on three things:
For me the motivation in winter is based on three things:
- Knowing that the winter miles make summer smiles. I've seen the results for years in cycling and rowing. It works, and a couple of days of lighter pedaling 'cos you can't be arsed is better than getting the bus or a lift.
- Heart rate. (Can't afford a powermeter.)
- Beating a properly attired and equipped carbon roadie rider up a Cat 4 (Strava) hill, on a lumpy mountainbike, in commuting gear, with pink overshoes is deeply satisfying. It can happen any day, and will only be possible if I train. (Also fun on a Brompton.)
TwistingMyMelon said:
MTFU less whingeing more pedaling
<banter> but there is some truth in it, just get out there and ride, or find something else you enjoy doing, life is too short
Oh I still enjoy the ride I just haven't been pushing. Average speed is well down on where it should/i would like it to be.<banter> but there is some truth in it, just get out there and ride, or find something else you enjoy doing, life is too short
Edited by TwistingMyMelon on Friday 28th October 11:07
GarryDK said:
I know the feeling, same thing has happened to me. I am several 100 miles down on last year, since my son was born last September I have struggled for motivation. Tried changing/adapting routes, new bike etc but hasnt really helped.
It is hard when you have a baby. Lack of sleep is a killer for me and part of the reason why I came down so badly with a virus was that I was pushing myself too hard on my bike while suffering from sleep deprivation. I got a cold that should have lasted a week or so but instead I ended up being off the bike for a month and needing a course of antibiotics as it had developed into a bacterial infection.okgo said:
Devil2575 said:
Oh I still enjoy the ride I just haven't been pushing. Average speed is well down on where it should/i would like it to be.
Hence powermeter.I couldn't give a flying s
t about average speed, average power is the metric that means something.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff