Motivation

[Huggis]

I'm in a similar position Tank..and have been several times in the past. I know categorically that getting out for even the shortest spin will do me good but for some reason I don't! Just have no get up and go!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Do you have errands to run? can you do them on the bike? running a few errands might be just whats needed to get you started.

 

[dr snuggles]

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.

Just float about on the bike, stopping for a coffee or calling in on family or friends. I struggled last year with similar motivation issues and this year my philosophy has changed. There's little café's all over the place and they're always worth a visit rather than daunting yourself with something you don't really want to do in the first place.

 

[Sandra6]

I've recently been diagnosed with depression, and lack of motivation is a big part of it.
I ride my bike most days to get to work or the shops and it definitely helps, but I can't get myself out on a longer ride. I'm blaming the weather, but, yes, it's not really that.
Some times the whole effort of getting dressed, getting out the bike, figuring out a route etc, can be what puts you off.
As others have said, just grab the bike and head to the shop or the post box, and you never know how far you might go.

 

[ColinJ]

I found myself feeling down and making excuses not to ride today but then thought of this thread and made myself go out. By the time I had been riding for 10 minutes I got into it and was glad to have made the effort.

I had planned a 30+ mile route but changed my mind when I saw that I was riding up into a huge bank of fog. There have been fatal accidents in fog at Blackstone Edge so I decided not to risk it, u-turned and headed back the way that I'd come. I still got 22 miles in and felt much more relaxed afterwards.

 

[Spinney]

I have to say that this thread helped me to get out on my first ride of the year as well. Had a cold over Xmas that knocked me out, but today I picked a flat route and managed about 15 miles. Didn't feel on top form, but getting out in the air was good, even if it was damp and drizzly.
Hope the OP made it out...

 

[MarkF]

I don't really cycle Dec/Jan/Feb unless it's an unusually nice day. The cold is an excuse to stop cycling for me, and one I grab eagerly. Tbh I am bone idle, but come spring and I will be enthused with excitement & anticipation of the months of cycling about to start . Its good to have a break IMO.

 

[Slick]

I don't really cycle Dec/Jan/Feb unless it's an unusually nice day. The cold is an excuse to stop cycling for me, and one I grab eagerly. Tbh I am bone idle, but come spring and I will be enthused with excitement & anticipation of the months of cycling about to start . Its good to have a break IMO.

Thats a great attitude. Have a break and don't beat yourself up about it. Difficult, if it's not in your makeup, but good advice all the same.

 

[ColinJ]

I don't really cycle Dec/Jan/Feb unless it's an unusually nice day. The cold is an excuse to stop cycling for me, and one I grab eagerly. Tbh I am bone idle, but come spring and I will be enthused with excitement & anticipation of the months of cycling about to start . Its good to have a break IMO.

I pile weight on and lose most of my fitness when I do that. Last year I cut right back in the winter ...

Winter 2015/2016: Dec - 93 miles; Jan - 47 miles; Feb - 145 miles.

I didn't regain all of my lost fitness until about August. I didn't want to make that mistake again this winter, so ...

Winter 2016/2017: Dec - 529 miles!

 

[MarkF]

I pile weight on and lose most of my fitness when I do that. Last year I cut right back in the winter ...

Winter 2015/2016: Dec - 93 miles; Jan - 47 miles; Feb - 145 miles.

I didn't regain all of my lost fitness until about August. I didn't want to make that mistake again this winter, so ...

Winter 2016/2017: Dec - 529 miles!

I take a 3 month gym membership out, at £69 it is great value, cycling and watching TV, my sort of winter cycling. In my work I walk 8-10 miles each day so it'd be pretty hard for me to pile on weight.

 

[screenman]

Sometimes I lack motivation, sometimes I am lazy, sometimes this old body is just tired. Trying to decide which one it is can be a problem, the first two are easier to overcome than the last one.

 

[ColinJ]

I take a 3 month gym membership out, at £69 it is great value, cycling and watching TV, my sort of winter cycling.

That'll do it!

In my work I walk 8-10 miles each day so it'd be pretty hard for me to pile on weight.

When I was at university I used to walk about that distance every weekday and the weight just fell off me. I am 6' 1" tall and look thin when I get down to 12 stone (I am currently quite a bit above that) - I finished university weighing only 10 stone 10 lbs, my chest looking like a xylophone, the way my ribs stuck out!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

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.

@Tank63

I've been off my bike for 6 months following illness which in turn resulted in depression.

Lot's of people will, with good intention, tell you to get out and just do a short ride etc.

As you (presumably) and I know, it is just not that simple when life feels like a bitch. I 100% disconnected with all the core strands of my life apart from my relationship with my wife. And try as I might I just could not get out on my bike - when you are feeling like your world is caving in a bike ride is pretty inconsequential.

Eventually I decided to let nature take its course rather than impose non-achievable target dates/distances etc on myself and I feel that I am almost ready to hook up with my 'old life' again.

That's my experience anyway and I fully appreciate that others may see things differently.

Good luck beating the dreaded 'D' word and getting back on your bike when you are ready.