Lacking Motivation
Discussion
I'm sorry if this is comes across as attention seeking or desperate, I know a number of people who struggle at this time of year to turn the pedals so hopefully this can help others too.
I'm depressed, I've been like this on and off since my teens, but it normally sticks around for a couple of weeks at the most. During those times I can't look at myself let alone bare the idea of talking to other people. It's been like this since August and I'm done, exhausted and feeling worse each day.
I managed 3000 miles up to the summer. I did the Paris - Roubaix sportive (long), a 300 mile charity ride and a weeklong trip to the Alps with some friends, who I've not seen since.
What makes this more ridiculous is I have no reason to feel like this.
So there we are, I've put on almost 10kg since the summer, not ridden with the club once and I need to get back out to stop feeling sorry for myself.
I have several bikes in the garage, where do I even start to get back on track?
I'm depressed, I've been like this on and off since my teens, but it normally sticks around for a couple of weeks at the most. During those times I can't look at myself let alone bare the idea of talking to other people. It's been like this since August and I'm done, exhausted and feeling worse each day.
I managed 3000 miles up to the summer. I did the Paris - Roubaix sportive (long), a 300 mile charity ride and a weeklong trip to the Alps with some friends, who I've not seen since.
What makes this more ridiculous is I have no reason to feel like this.
So there we are, I've put on almost 10kg since the summer, not ridden with the club once and I need to get back out to stop feeling sorry for myself.
I have several bikes in the garage, where do I even start to get back on track?
Edited by Spyder5 on Friday 9th December 18:19
Sorry I can't help with your depression but this is an answer I gave to someone else who was suffering from lack of motivation and not riding his bike.
When I'm unmotivated and the weather is crap here in Scotland I just think of all the hard work/effort I've put into getting where I am. I know if I don't go for a cycle for a week or two I will loose that 'edge' I have built up over the past few months and it will take me forever to get back to where I am at the present time. The temperature the past couple of weeks here have been down to as low as 20°F (-6°C) so not exactly inviting but I'm determined this year not to let things slip and hopefully keep a reasonable level of fitness for next spring.
The last three days the temperature has rocketed up to 55°F (12°C) and it's now raining which makes cycling even less inviting than in the frost. I never went out Tuesday but decided to do a 22 mile ride Wednesday between showers and 20 miles today to run some errands. I wasn't looking forward to it, but once out I felt good and by the time I returned home I felt great. Now that I've been fed & watered I feel awesome and happy with myself, yet I know if I hadn't went out yesterday or today I would now be feeling miserable and annoyed at myself for not making the effort.
Hope you get your mojo back soon, there's nothing better for mind, body and soul than a bicycle ride to blow the cobwebs away
When I'm unmotivated and the weather is crap here in Scotland I just think of all the hard work/effort I've put into getting where I am. I know if I don't go for a cycle for a week or two I will loose that 'edge' I have built up over the past few months and it will take me forever to get back to where I am at the present time. The temperature the past couple of weeks here have been down to as low as 20°F (-6°C) so not exactly inviting but I'm determined this year not to let things slip and hopefully keep a reasonable level of fitness for next spring.
The last three days the temperature has rocketed up to 55°F (12°C) and it's now raining which makes cycling even less inviting than in the frost. I never went out Tuesday but decided to do a 22 mile ride Wednesday between showers and 20 miles today to run some errands. I wasn't looking forward to it, but once out I felt good and by the time I returned home I felt great. Now that I've been fed & watered I feel awesome and happy with myself, yet I know if I hadn't went out yesterday or today I would now be feeling miserable and annoyed at myself for not making the effort.
Hope you get your mojo back soon, there's nothing better for mind, body and soul than a bicycle ride to blow the cobwebs away
Sorry to hear what you are going through, I went through a period last winter of not getting my bike out for months, but I got back into it with a couple of mates for motivation, and its been a great feeling getting back into shape. I realise you are going through more than I have, do you talk to your cycling mates about how you are feeling? I'm sure we could arrange a group PH ride in your area, if you would like?
I fell out of the habit of riding regularly when I had a crash, then it got too dark and cold to ride the 30 miles to work (not every day or always there and back, but a couple of times week as a treat). Weekend rides became few and far between with life getting in the way and others not so enthusiastic either.
I got a bit more tubby again and realised that having some riding built into my routine was really valuable so I started thinking about how I could make use of the light there was and committed to buying a sacrificial 2nd hand clunker that hopefully no thief would find attractive and I could keep overnight at a station part way along my route to work. Over the last week or two I've ridden 10 miles each way to work every day I could (which is all but 3 legs when it didn't make sense logistically meaning I'd be leaving the bike in the wilderness over the weekend). I've hopefully made a dent in the timber I'd laid down and feeling a lot better about myself.
Can you make it a regular thing?
Alternatively, are there any local pedal powered ph'ers to you? Why not organise a bit of a ride out, that'd likely be a good kick start to get out.
I got a bit more tubby again and realised that having some riding built into my routine was really valuable so I started thinking about how I could make use of the light there was and committed to buying a sacrificial 2nd hand clunker that hopefully no thief would find attractive and I could keep overnight at a station part way along my route to work. Over the last week or two I've ridden 10 miles each way to work every day I could (which is all but 3 legs when it didn't make sense logistically meaning I'd be leaving the bike in the wilderness over the weekend). I've hopefully made a dent in the timber I'd laid down and feeling a lot better about myself.
Can you make it a regular thing?
Alternatively, are there any local pedal powered ph'ers to you? Why not organise a bit of a ride out, that'd likely be a good kick start to get out.
Goal, goals, and goals. First one - pick a decent day and ride out, nice and easy, perhaps a cafe ride. 2nd one - A weeks aim - Can you hit an achievable and sustainable amount of hours/miles,doesn't have to be many as you can build on it. 3rd one - only after hitting number two, pick a long term target such as a sportive etc and get it booked.
Good Luck
Good Luck
TSCfree said:
Goal, goals, and goals. First one - pick a decent day and ride out, nice and easy, perhaps a cafe ride. 2nd one - A weeks aim - Can you hit an achievable and sustainable amount of hours/miles,doesn't have to be many as you can build on it. 3rd one - only after hitting number two, pick a long term target such as a sportive etc and get it booked.
Good Luck
Reading this back made my think it's probably not what you wanted to hear, goals and all that.Good Luck
Last year I decided not to have any goals and treat cycling as just exercise and ride for fun. The funny think was....I actually found it more enjoyable. You don't have to smash yourself every time you get on a bike. I rode more and got reasonably fit. That fitness has continued into the winter being built on and it's looking good for next year being race fit....for a goal
My point being to actually 'do something, with purpose' even if the purpose is to ride well within yourself and enjoy the scenery or enjoy the coffee/cake at the cafe.
Edited by TSCfree on Saturday 10th December 09:52
OP, I can fully understand how you feel, it happens to me and has done so for about the last 10 years. At the moment, i'm somewhere above the trough but know thats its just a matter of time when I get that low feeling again.
On occasions when i've had zero motivation, and just felt like doing nothing, the best thing i've done is to kit up and get out, no matter how long or short the ride is. Sometimes we can affix too many goals to our cycling, particularly with the likes of Strava. Like its been mentioned above, just get out and enjoy it. After a long lay off, the first 5 miles can be the hardest. Break through that, pick a nice route and just see how it lifts you.
On occasions when i've had zero motivation, and just felt like doing nothing, the best thing i've done is to kit up and get out, no matter how long or short the ride is. Sometimes we can affix too many goals to our cycling, particularly with the likes of Strava. Like its been mentioned above, just get out and enjoy it. After a long lay off, the first 5 miles can be the hardest. Break through that, pick a nice route and just see how it lifts you.
I've had a very similar problem. Lack of motivation caused by depression. The depression was caused by my current job (I'm never working in automotive engineering again) and just killed all motivation and enthusiasm for the things I love doing, mountain biking and rock climbing.
Although I knew I'd have a great day if I got out on the bike I just couldn't bring myself to actually do it and had no idea why.
Fortunately a bit of help from a decent doctor has helped me get past the worst and on my way back to loving riding and climbing again although I've put on a s
t ton of weight in the over the last year.
Now my biggest problem is my bulk. Once that's gone, I'll be back to shredding the trails on my bike and scaring the living crap out of myself on some huge alpine cliff faces.
Have you tried a change in your sport to get the love for cycling back? You could give mountain biking a bash, it's much less serious than road cycling and all about having fun with mates. As a bonus, there's no traffic in the forest to make you angry.
Although I knew I'd have a great day if I got out on the bike I just couldn't bring myself to actually do it and had no idea why.
Fortunately a bit of help from a decent doctor has helped me get past the worst and on my way back to loving riding and climbing again although I've put on a s
t ton of weight in the over the last year. Now my biggest problem is my bulk. Once that's gone, I'll be back to shredding the trails on my bike and scaring the living crap out of myself on some huge alpine cliff faces.
Have you tried a change in your sport to get the love for cycling back? You could give mountain biking a bash, it's much less serious than road cycling and all about having fun with mates. As a bonus, there's no traffic in the forest to make you angry.
Firstly, thank you for your kind words. I had a day in the car yesterday and a lot of time to dwell on what I'd written and I was a bit embarrassed because I've only ever told my wife about my problems. Thankfully, it seems I'm not alone.
Last year I booked the Roubaix to force myself to keep going over the winter and it worked. Whilst I was one of the last finishers, it led me in to a great summer and I enjoyed the Alps more than I can describe - I look back on the videos I took now and can't believe I was there!
I think the suggestion of a short term goal, like getting off my arse and just going for a no pressure spin is fantastic. I was thinking about the summer, but knowing I wouldn't be fit enough to do what I wanted was stopping me from trying. The guys I went to the Alps with are planning a trip to Ventoux and I think that can be my long term goal, but I need to get up and out first so I can actually enjoy it.
Once I've done a few local spins, does anyone have any suggestions for a ride early next year? Something off road will be OK and it can be anywhere (within reason!).
I'm hoping to work from home on Tuesday and I might see if I can take the MTB for an hour - I'll post some pics!!
Thanks again
Last year I booked the Roubaix to force myself to keep going over the winter and it worked. Whilst I was one of the last finishers, it led me in to a great summer and I enjoyed the Alps more than I can describe - I look back on the videos I took now and can't believe I was there!
I think the suggestion of a short term goal, like getting off my arse and just going for a no pressure spin is fantastic. I was thinking about the summer, but knowing I wouldn't be fit enough to do what I wanted was stopping me from trying. The guys I went to the Alps with are planning a trip to Ventoux and I think that can be my long term goal, but I need to get up and out first so I can actually enjoy it.
Once I've done a few local spins, does anyone have any suggestions for a ride early next year? Something off road will be OK and it can be anywhere (within reason!).
I'm hoping to work from home on Tuesday and I might see if I can take the MTB for an hour - I'll post some pics!!
Thanks again
How about a non competitive mountain bike xc event? I do Heaven of the South in Gloucestershire every May. It's certainly not my usual technical type riding but it's very sociable and very non serious (this year was started by someone shouting "now f#ck off" through a traffic cone). It's a fairly hard going 75km and you're rewarded with a cider at the top of the last climb.
Enduro races are great fun as well. A nice mix of cruising between stages with your mates and then two or three minutes of absolute, all or nothing, flat out technical riding.
Enduro races are great fun as well. A nice mix of cruising between stages with your mates and then two or three minutes of absolute, all or nothing, flat out technical riding.
Spyder5 said:
Firstly, thank you for your kind words. I had a day in the car yesterday and a lot of time to dwell on what I'd written and I was a bit embarrassed because I've only ever told my wife about my problems. Thankfully, it seems I'm not alone.
Last year I booked the Roubaix to force myself to keep going over the winter and it worked. Whilst I was one of the last finishers, it led me in to a great summer and I enjoyed the Alps more than I can describe - I look back on the videos I took now and can't believe I was there!
I think the suggestion of a short term goal, like getting off my arse and just going for a no pressure spin is fantastic. I was thinking about the summer, but knowing I wouldn't be fit enough to do what I wanted was stopping me from trying. The guys I went to the Alps with are planning a trip to Ventoux and I think that can be my long term goal, but I need to get up and out first so I can actually enjoy it.
Once I've done a few local spins, does anyone have any suggestions for a ride early next year? Something off road will be OK and it can be anywhere (within reason!).
I'm hoping to work from home on Tuesday and I might see if I can take the MTB for an hour - I'll post some pics!!
Thanks again
Roughly where are you located? Wiggle and Evans are obvious places to look for sportive events, and stuff usually starts around March. A few years ago, I did an early Spring sportive which was a great winter target to aim for, last year I went away at the end of April for a couple of days to the lakes with a few guys and that too was a good marker. Unfortunately I didnt plan any further targets so my riding has been hit and miss this year. Its easy to say I want to do x, y and z next year but with a family and not being particularly selfish, it becomes difficult to fit time around family time. Last year I booked the Roubaix to force myself to keep going over the winter and it worked. Whilst I was one of the last finishers, it led me in to a great summer and I enjoyed the Alps more than I can describe - I look back on the videos I took now and can't believe I was there!
I think the suggestion of a short term goal, like getting off my arse and just going for a no pressure spin is fantastic. I was thinking about the summer, but knowing I wouldn't be fit enough to do what I wanted was stopping me from trying. The guys I went to the Alps with are planning a trip to Ventoux and I think that can be my long term goal, but I need to get up and out first so I can actually enjoy it.
Once I've done a few local spins, does anyone have any suggestions for a ride early next year? Something off road will be OK and it can be anywhere (within reason!).
I'm hoping to work from home on Tuesday and I might see if I can take the MTB for an hour - I'll post some pics!!
Thanks again
I need a target myself for next year, whether it be a sportive or a short trip away, just to aim at through the dark nights.
Spyder5 said:
...Once I've done a few local spins, does anyone have any suggestions for a ride early next year? Something off road will be OK and it can be anywhere (within reason!)...
Battle On The Beach, Pembrey Country Park, South Wales???https://www.battleonthebeach.co.uk/entry/
I paid £40 for a weekend entry last year. Had a cruddy race, chain snapped at the start of lap 2 (of 3), so no hope of a result (no hope of a result without the mechanical if I'm honest). But it was £40 for a weekend of camping, a night-time MTB 'Time Trial' and a full day-time race on the Sunday. The 2017 race will be on the last weekend in March,and entries open in 20 days (New Year's Eve I think). Last year the weather was very kind, and camping was no issue whatsoever. Harsh weather might have me thinking twice, but it's a 'proper' camping and caravanning site with parking, decent showers, and a cafe on site. I had good neighbours on the campsite, and really enjoyed the weekend. Arrive early and there's a great coastal path to explore too. A proper "make a weekend of it" weekend and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes riding bikes...
...Strava stuff from the weekend:
Sunday 'long' race... https://www.strava.com/activities/523249294
Saturday night 'short' time trial... https://www.strava.com/activities/523241009
Saturday morning sighting lap and general exploring... https://www.strava.com/activities/523229117
I'm going to start working on the wife for a pass for that weekend just as soon as Christmas is out of the way, as I really want to have another go at this, hopefully without the mechanical issues and nearly missing the start of the time trial this time. Sells out quick though, so be online when entries go 'live'.
Spyder5 said:
I'm sorry if this is comes across as attention seeking or desperate, I know a number of people who struggle at this time of year to turn the pedals so hopefully this can help others too.
I'm depressed, I've been like this on and off since my teens, but it normally sticks around for a couple of weeks at the most. During those times I can't look at myself let alone bare the idea of talking to other people. It's been like this since August and I'm done, exhausted and feeling worse each day.
I managed 3000 miles up to the summer. I did the Paris - Roubaix sportive (long), a 300 mile charity ride and a weeklong trip to the Alps with some friends, who I've not seen since.
What makes this more ridiculous is I have no reason to feel like this.
So there we are, I've put on almost 10kg since the summer, not ridden with the club once and I need to get back out to stop feeling sorry for myself.
I have several bikes in the garage, where do I even start to get back on track?
I sympathise, I'm in the same boat - picked up a knee injury early in the year, hacked off with work, mild depression, weight gain and no fitness motivation. Slightest little issue is enough of an excuse for me to not do a ride or go to the gym I'm depressed, I've been like this on and off since my teens, but it normally sticks around for a couple of weeks at the most. During those times I can't look at myself let alone bare the idea of talking to other people. It's been like this since August and I'm done, exhausted and feeling worse each day.
I managed 3000 miles up to the summer. I did the Paris - Roubaix sportive (long), a 300 mile charity ride and a weeklong trip to the Alps with some friends, who I've not seen since.
What makes this more ridiculous is I have no reason to feel like this.
So there we are, I've put on almost 10kg since the summer, not ridden with the club once and I need to get back out to stop feeling sorry for myself.
I have several bikes in the garage, where do I even start to get back on track?
Edited by Spyder5 on Friday 9th December 18:19
Supposed to be going to Coed-Y-Brenin back end of Jan with some mates and already trying to find an excuse not to go
astroarcadia said:
Go for your favourite ride without your Garmin.
Look up at the scenery, listen to the wheels spin and feel the wind on your face.
Low expectation is key, just spin.
I had a knee op back in September and getting back on my bike took 6 weeks or so. I found the above advice is sound, start slowly with low expectations and you'll get back in to it. The hardest part is actually getting changed and leaving the house; once you've done this you're over the biggest hurdle. Good luck Look up at the scenery, listen to the wheels spin and feel the wind on your face.
Low expectation is key, just spin.
I guess it will just click. I stopped in May with a kidney stone and have been very idle since. For me I think it will be easier not harder over winter and into the New Year as I will not have so many distractions and will be on the wagon for 3 months again. I tried MTB'ing but fell off a lot and was st. The races were terrifying to be frank, unlike road racing you cant just rely on your legs to drag you around a course.
Best bet is to get back to where you can enjoy rather than worrying about what a. what anyone else thinks and b. where you think you should be. If it's not fun, you need to look at why and stop putting pressure on yourself for metrics, that's all BS unless you race.
t. The races were terrifying to be frank, unlike road racing you cant just rely on your legs to drag you around a course. Best bet is to get back to where you can enjoy rather than worrying about what a. what anyone else thinks and b. where you think you should be. If it's not fun, you need to look at why and stop putting pressure on yourself for metrics, that's all BS unless you race.
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