Fighting motivation

Don1 · 11-03-2008 11:36am #1

I know I won't be able to get a quick fix to this, but what do you guys do on a Saturday when you just can't be bothered going up a mountain?

I am not putting enough effort in and am still weak going uphill. I know all I can do to change that is to get out there, but me being crap is putting me off!

Any advice? I know once I get the fitness up I'll enjoy it more and then be motivated.........

PeadarofAodh · 11-03-2008 12:01pm

Make a motivational songlist to listen to, always does the trick for me!

tunney · 11-03-2008 12:35pm

Htfu

E@gle. · 11-03-2008 12:38pm

are you cycling alone?? best motivation is to cycle with at least one other person. it will increase your average speed as well

Ghost Rider · 11-03-2008 12:38pm

Maybe try to get fit more gradually? Having to climb a mountain can feel... well, like you've got a mountain to climb!

Caroline_ie · 11-03-2008 12:44pm

I was never the best climber ... but I just follow the bunch, take my time, ... and usually after I bitch about not putting enough effort into it...

Chips Lovell · 11-03-2008 12:44pm

Having riding partners helps a lot. Even if you aren't riding with them every time, you've still got the motivation there to go out on train on your own to make sure you aren't the one holding everyone up. If you've got no one to ride with, join a club.

Don1 · 11-03-2008 12:49pm

Thanks all. Usually go out with one or two others. Wary of using headphones while biking. Awareness etc.
Also have had a few big offs across rocks and into water, so don't fancy risking the ipod!

May just suck it up and put in the effort into fitness on flat land for a while. Then back to the forest tracks!

beans · 11-03-2008 12:56pm

Just some thoughts

Don't try to hit the hills until you've been in the saddle for ~45 mins, build up a nice natural happy from the endorphins?

Don't get put off if you find yourself spinning the lowest gear you have - I know I did the first few times I tried the roads over Sally Gap. I'd much rather spin in a low gear than grind my joints

ba · 11-03-2008 1:35pm

join a club.
surround yourself with other cyclists
watch the paris-nice + other televised races
roll up to some of the open races every sunday to watch, check cyclingireland for more info.