At the beginning of the year, I set a few goals related to workouts, the main one being that I’d run a marathon sometime during the year. I track other goals like the number of times that I work out per month, but that doesnt really get much into the quality of the workout, or how much good I think it actually did. The marathon was 4 months ago now, and I essentially stopped training for it about 5 months ago because we bought a house. Stopping training was not really part of the marathon training plan, but it did happen. After that was the wedding, the honeymoon and still more housework. To make a long story short, I havent worked out with a regularity or intensity that I’ve been personally satisfied with since April, when I was marathon training. I’ve had a tough time getting motivated to go to the gym in the morning, and am making tons of excuses about why I should do something else instead of run in the afternoon.
The odd thing is though, that for the better part of the last 6 weeks, I’ve been working out a fairly regular amount (In addition to walking/biking to work and for most of my errands). Typically, I’ve been going to the gym 2-3 times per week, doing yoga 2x per week, and I’ve been running in the afternoons. Even with all of that, I cant help but think that I’m not doing enough working out enough. I’m not unhealthy or over weight. I pass all of the routine tests and check ups that I have to go to for my health insurance to keep premiums low, but still, I’m not satisfied.
I’ve been trying to figure out why for the last few weeks, but the best that I can settle on is that I dont have a goal to focus on (H has suggested that she feels the same way). Since there’s no goal, I’ve got nothing to work toward. I’ve got nothing that is going to pry me out of bed in the morning like my “be in shape for the wedding” goal that I had. I got married, so now it’s time to totally let myself go (kidding). I finished my marathon (barely) so now I cant use that as motivation to get me off of the couch before (or after) dinner. Of course, there’s the goal that served as the driver for the aforementioned goals, which is to stay healthy throughout life. Unfortunately, that goal seems so, so far off. I wont really start reaping the benefits of that for at least 10 years, if not more. Though the marathon was 6 months away when I decided that I’d enter and train for it, I could at least see the day on a 12 month calendar! Things that are very far into the future seem to be very difficult for me to take action on, as evidenced by me leaving more than 1k on the table over the last 18 months.
To this end, it looks like I’m going to need to find a new goal to make sure that I can drag my carcass out of bed in the morning and hit the gym. The thing is, I’m not exactly sure what I’d like to do in this arena. I did the warrior dash last year with a friend and had a great time, so something like that may come into play. I did a triathlon last year as well. Even though I had was I considered to be a relatively crappy race that I was not satisfied with it was still fun. The race was one of the “sprint” tris, so perhaps a longer version could be fun, but that would almost require a bike more equipped for the race (and that has not been involved in a few crashes). I think that would be something that would make sure that I did better (and probably enjoy the race more), but I’m not sure I’m ready to spend the money.
As I sit here and write this, I’m continuing to fight the urge to put this off. The temperatures are dropping outside, which will make running more difficult for me (I hate running inside). There arent that many events in wyoming in the winter, which would require travel, and obviously raise the cost. The holidays are coming up, and I am not good at working out while I’m on the road. As of now, I’m still looking and hopefully I can impulsively pull the trigger on a race of some sort sometime soon. Here are a few I’m considering at this point:
- Spartan Race: I’m seriously considering this, and it will most likely be the one I end up signing up for. It is an expensive race, but I think it would be a lot of fun. I’ve even duped a college buddy into signing up as well!
Unfortunately, that’s all for right now. Many of the races are in 2013 (what a great reason to put off working out!) and dont have dates finalized quite yet. Unfortunate for sure, but its what I’ve got to deal with.
Readers: do you ever have issues with motivation like this? What have you used to overcome them?
I’ve had “Come up with a fitness goal for myself” on my to-do list for a month. I have a similar problem to you – I find it so hard to motivate myself when I’m not working towards a real goal. Good luck with yours!
Thanks kerry, Hopefully I’ll be able to find and commit to something soon. This wallowing around is no fun!
I don’t have any time to go work out anymore. The kid sucks up all of my time. The only chance I get to work out is when we go to the park. I’ll do push ups, jumping jacks, etc… while he’s running around. I need to keep an eye on him so I couldn’t really do a lot of working out. He’s a moving target.
I always have issues with getting motivated to work out. To be honest I haven’t found a way to overcome my lack of motivation. I’m hoping that will change when I sign up this winter for a Tough Mudder event in 2013. I’ve seen the Spartan Race and also want to do that one but not until after the TM.
I get a cheerleader to help me out when I’m feeling sluggish. Usually a friend who is great at whatever I’m trying to get motivated to do.
All the time! I stopped listening to myself and just get up and do it. I can talk myself out of anything. My wife and I walk after dinner every night, but stopped when it was too hot. We want to restart, but we have been busy. It is just an excuse and I know it. You article reminded me and we are starting tonight.