Motivation 101

Motivation

It is really easy to be motivated when you are working towards something. I've realized this more than ever over the last year as I've started participating in formal race events (5K, half marathon, triathlon.)

I've exercised for pure pleasure for years...just exercising because I enjoyed it...which is a pretty darn good reason to workout.

Between 17-24 yrs old I weighted between 210lbs-215lbs. I wasn't significantly overweight...but wanted to drop weight for the sake of vanity.I started eating well and working out more intensely and brought my weight down to a range of 180-190lbs and have maintained that ever since.

The point is this, I've exercised for years and only for a brief period have I explored some form of deeper goal oriented training. Training for the half marathon this last year and the triathlon currently has helped me recapture a since of purpose and motivation that i haven't experienced since my 25-30lbs weight loss years ago. All areas of my fitness routine now have purpose...

Weight Lifting: to prevent me from getting injured, build lower body power and explosiveness and yes...still a little for the sake of vanity...although I don't like to admit that.

Swim: the weak spot in my training...may be the shortest part of a triathlon...but given that it's first could really defeat me mentally. Great cross training that takes stress off my joints that the running and cycling puts on. I'd be really tempted to quit swimming all together if it wasn't part of triathlon...man swimming is hard for me. I'm learning perseverance.

Bike: This is where I get to put my experience in strength training to use. Longest part of the race and best opportunity to make up time. Going fast on a road bike is a lot of fun!

Run: Most enjoyable part of my training aside from the weights. It's the last phase of the tri...so there is a lot of motivation to push. Again, going fast is fun.

Mental/Spiritual/Head Games: These take place in all four of the disciplines I train in. I get the opportunity to examine my character, my temptations, and my tendencies in the stressful situations that I put myself in. I learn about where I need God and where I fall short within my own strengths. Not in a cheesy sort of "I need God to go faster or perform better" sort of way...rather an "I need God to work on what goes on in my mind and in my heart when life gets tough. These character lessons, I hope, have helped me become a better man.

Food: It's so much easier to maintain healthier eating habits when your body is being put to the test a couple of times a week. If I get crazy and eat poorly Saturday night, my Sunday morning bike or run will be miserable and I may get left behind by my bike/run buddies. Not only will I not perform well...but I will likely be miserable for that 1.5-2 hours.