I've spent the past few weeks building up my resolve to really start training seriously towards Patriot/Rev3, and I've been making some progress. I even got on the bike last night when I was really just wanting to be lazy.
One of the things that has been a real motivator for me lately is the work being put in by my teammates. Twenty-five of my fellow Wheelworks-ers have been participating in the National Competition Challenge, an annual off-season training event held by USA Triathlon. Basically, it lets you log your teams miles spent doing swim, bike, or run training from December 1 to March 1. The winning team in each division wins prizes, and we all get the challenge that comes from having a goal.
We've fared pretty well, remaining in the top 5-7 teams for each of the month-long swimming and biking sessions, and we've kicked it up a notch for February. As of this morning, we're 2nd in the nation for Division III teams for the final month-long session. We've got a lot of big runners in our group, and they're really kicking butt. We're actually 2nd in both run miles and overall miles, so our team has been getting it done across all 3 fronts.
That good news got me on the rollers last night. I could only muster 2 miles, but that's better than 0 miles. It's a high intensity workout, and I get super hot and tired pretty fast. Part of me thinks I'm being a wuss about how little I ride the rollers, the other part of me realizes most people don't use them because of how much more work it requires to be on them.
Here's the part where I ask you what is motivating you to train? I'd love more ideas on sources of motivation and strength of will.
Notes:
- I'm having a private conversation with a person who is anorexic. We are comparing notes a bit about how we feel about food. One thing I've noticed so far is that while she HATES to feel full, I love it, and the feelings about food seem to be the biggest part of each of our battles with unhealthy eating.
- It's bitterly cold here, and it's causing all sorts of havok in regards to being able to train outside.
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Wow, some of these motivators are going to sound very cliche, but multiple things motivate me at different times and different levels.
ReplyDelete1. Life is short, sometimes too short. We are only on this earth for a set period of time, no second chances, no do-overs. Live life.
2. No guarantee of health. My own health issues occasionally pop up, and I realize I won't be able to do some of my favorite activities forever. At the moment I am greatly worried that in my favorite sport, hockey, I may have played my last game due to knee issues.
3. Somewhat related to #3 and #1: seeing how health, or lack of it, limits and hurts and takes loved ones. Obesity. Cancer. Inactivity. Poor food choices. Arthritis. Heart disease. Diabetes. Watching people you love suffer with these issues is difficult. Dad struggles to walk, has pain daily. Lost my Mom to heart issues this summer (she was only 68). I want to do what I can to prevent these issues for myself.
To end this on a lighter note:
4. I love how exercising and being active makes me feel both physically and mentally.
Anonymous -
ReplyDeleteThat sucks about the hockey. I haven't played in 2 years now, and I miss it terribly. I have given up on the idea of playing in Boston, though taking a learn to play hockey class again seems like a possibility still.
I agree with all of your thoughts on motivation, and they're all great.
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I didn't know. You have my condolences.