Motivation

[Tank63]

Anyone suffer from lack of motivation?
I suffer from depression and one of the worst parts is my lack of motivation. I'm on medication and it was due to my testosterone levels dropping that caused the depression which I'm now getting treated for. Haven't been out on my bike for weeks now which isn't helping my mood but just thinking about getting out for a ride at the moment is like asking me to run a marathon. I'm hoping that my motivation will come back as it's a shoot illness and just want to be better.

 

[screenman]

Go out for a 15 minute ride, no more, this will tick a box for a starter. Too often people think I must do an hour, 20 miles etc. From small acorns and all that stuff, I have often been in the same canoe.

 

[ianrauk]

As what @screenman said. You don't have to go out on a major expedition or even get all the bike gear on. Just a pootle to a local park or similar to get your brain into thinking that bike riding is good.

 

[ColinJ]

Go out for a 15 minute ride, no more, this will tick a box for a starter. Too often people think I must do an hour, 20 miles etc. From small acorns and all that stuff, I have often been in the same canoe.

I mentioned going out for a 10 minute ride yesterday. I was surprised by how much better it made me feel. I nearly extended the ride but I didn't want to get sweaty because I was wearing my 'civvies'. (I only nipped out to pick up a copy of the Metro so I could do the cryptic crossword.)

 

[Mrs M]

Yep, just a "wee toddle" will leave you wanting more
Best wishes x

 

[ChrisEyles]

Don't bother putting on any cycling clobber (even better if you've got non SPD pedals), make the prep and barrier to getting the bike out the door and on the road as little as possible, pick a nice day if possible and most importantly don't turn it into a big thing or beat yourself up about not getting out. Depression sucks

When my motivation deserts me I ditch the road bike and either go for a "smelling the roses" slow ride on my roadster or mess around in the mud on my MTB. Going out (even if only for ten minutes) and trying to get a nice photo can also be good, and (this won't work for everyone!) I also enjoy seeing how many different species of birds I can spot on a ride.

 

[Mrs M]

Don't bother putting on any cycling clobber (even better if you've got non SPD pedals), make the prep and barrier to getting the bike out the door and on the road as little as possible, pick a nice day if possible and most importantly don't turn it into a big thing or beat yourself up about not getting out. Depression sucks

When my motivation deserts me I ditch the road bike and either go for a "smelling the roses" slow ride on my roadster or mess around in the mud on my MTB. Going out (even if only for ten minutes) and trying to get a nice photo can also be good, and (this won't work for everyone!) I also enjoy seeing how many different species of birds I can spot on a ride.

Me too
No footering about with the "special clothes" and road shoes.
Just grab the Pashley, helmet, gloves and away.
Love toddling around (not very fast) and taking pics, great!

 

[vickster]

Do you have a mate you can ride with. Perhaps go for a coffee/cake/beer/whatever?

 

[Hugh Manatee]

I don't know how old you are, maybe around the same as me? Anyway, I am into the mid 40s and last year my motivation died off completely and hasn't been seen since! This for me is down to a few reasons one of which I'm thinking is that I have hit the age where just going riding to get fitter was the only reason I needed.

Trying to beat my previous time or that smug little arse on his TT bike on my Garmin just isn't enough any more. I'm never going to race again so what's the point? I probably haven't ridden properly since September. Yes, I go out with my daughter as she pedals her way slowly to her D of E targets but, even with my current levels of unfitness, this is no challenge.

But, I have a plan. I am going to go for the odd night ride. Even familiar routes seem strange and new. A new set of wildlife to see and hear. Get some decent lights and give that a go maybe?

My plan for 2017 revolves around a couple of books and my lifelong love of reading.

I got on a whim, Arthur Mee's The King's England. I actually only have the Shropshire book which is part of a set. In time I will find the Staffordshire edition as well. The book lists all the little villages as well as the larger towns. Each has a write up usually centred on the church, famous people and any other historical buildings or legends.

I will have a particular village as a target on each ride and once I have got there via the most scenic route I can find, I'll try to find the objects and buildings mentioned in the book.

If I am allowed the indulgence, I may well post my progress on a thread on here along with photos and quotes from the book.

Cycling is something I have always come back to. Sometimes some of us just need a plan. I think it is important not to beat yourself up about it. If you enjoyed it in the past, chances are you will again soon.

Good luck.

 

[gavroche]

I am always demotivated to ride in winter because of the weather but the motivation always comes back in the spring. Maybe you are the same so be patient and dream of all those lovely outings waiting for you in a few week's time.

 

[roadrash]

@Hugh Manatee
If I am allowed the indulgence, I may well post my progress on a thread on here along with photos and quotes from the book.

I for one would like to read such a thread

 

[Tank63]

Thanks for the encouragement guys.
Hugh Manatee I also would like to read your thread.
Will set the alarm and go for a ride tomorrow not matter what the weather is.
This is a great forum and wish you all well.

 

[Spinney]

Even if you only get out for 10 minutes in the rain - you will have got out for 10 minutes! (if you see what I mean). Breaking the duck is the key. Good luck.

 

[tallliman]

Getting out is often the hard bit. Often setting a silly reason to ride helps me when I'm not feeling good. I'm not a great photographer but even riding somewhere near home to take a pic of something can help get me out.

 

[Saluki]

I have tasked myself with just riding for 30 minutes. Not fussed about miles, speed or anything. Just go for a little pootle and then come back again. No pressure to do anything but watch the scenery roll by. I stop and look at birds, boats, interesting cloud shapes and all sorts. I have even got off and walked.
I suffer with depression and find just the riding along helps lift my mood, even to the end of the road and back.