Lost my motivation



I seem to have lost my motivation and it has hidden very well this time! Time to send out the search party and safely return it to me quickly!
I thought vacation was the solution to fixing the winter blahs but it has only worsened it this year. I am returning from 90 degrees and sunny runs outside all week to discover bitter cold at home. We are now on day 6 of sub 0 weather with wind chills in the -30s! This is not fun running weather and there is no way I am outside. I think I have already run on the treadmill more in the past month than I have in the past year. I've had enough, I can't deal with another run staring at a wall or mindless TV. This winter has been tough especially when comparing to the lack of snow and higher temps last year that resulted in only 1 day of bad running that I can remember.

This motivational loss is not great timing considering this is Marathon training week 1, I actually got so frustrated to the point of getting off the treadmill yesterday and doing yoga instead. Who is this girl and what happened to the runner?!

Somehow lack of work has made my schedule even crazier not making running the easiest either, is this how the life of a stay at home mom is? I am learning that I need better planning and scheduling to make this all work.

Now to find that motivation for yet another treadmill run since it is -7F outside not counting the wind. I need to work on my playlist to help too, Any good song ideas?

What are your keys to motivation in tough times?

Comments

  1. Vicky CookJanuary 24, 2013 at 8:27 AM

    I'm no help here, i find my 3 kids and my NEED for time to myself is motivation enough, I look forward to each and every session. Yes, no help at all here :( I'm also only 2 years back running so am probably very much in the honeymoon stage?
    I'm sorry you have 'winter blues', Scotland is like that, long winters with short days and cold miserable conditions for months on end. I think lack of sunlight is a huge factor in peoples generally more deflated moods around those winter months. Maybe get yourself one of those lamps that give you the same benefits as sunshine, the vitamin D might help elevate your mood and therefore motivation? Failing all of that go with Nike 'Just Do It'.

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:21 PM

      I loved the treadmill when I was a new mom, but now had enough. I think after a week of sun I need my Vit D again :)

      Delete
  2. Katie :)January 24, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    i'm having the same, yet opposite, motivation problem. After training for and getting through Goofy and having no races in my future (I just didn't know how I'd feel as this pregnancy progressed), I feel blah. I need to pick something to train towards. (the Tackle the Miles definitely, and then something for after that!) I can't imagine running on a dreadmill all winter long though - but we see our fair share of thunderstorms all summer that sometimes mean long runs done inside too, to avoid getting struck by lightning. Do you have something nice to look at while you are on the treadmill? like pretty pictures or motivating signs or a tv at the very least to help encourage you? i put the posters my family makes cheering for me and some little motivational sayings on the wall in my line of vision to keep me going when i want to give up!

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:23 PM

      I love the poster idea :) need to find some for my home treadmill. TV sometimes doesn't cut it.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    I am told that I am an odd duck (quack quack) but I LOVE LOVE LOVE my treadie!! Today I have 5 miles to do, and I too am a weeny when the temps get below 0! So how I get started after stretching is to set the incline at 6.0 and the speed at 4.0. I put on two songs: Eye on It by Toby Mac, and Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 (the remix will do also). Get pumping, clapping and get that 'tude that your goal is in sight and achievable!!! Rock it out ladies <3 After that, incline goes down to 1.5, speed is set to 6.3 and I am on cruise all the way home. 5 minutes of walking to cool down and shower time!! I'm so pumped just talking about it, I'm going right now!!

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:24 PM

      I need some of your energy, I think I channeled you today and was successful :)

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2013 at 2:12 AM

      You did awesome!! Rock on Jen!

      Delete
  4. cherelliJanuary 24, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    just cross-train your legs for a few days, no running - cycling, aqua-jog mixed with swim laps or kickboard, hot yoga - and ease up on yourself and expectations...relax, distract yourself from your 13 in 13 project for just a little bit and the enjoyment will come back...oh and whilst i hate tm running generally too, I am the same as SJO above - intervals (speed or grade) and great music are definitely endorphin producers for me, I must have workout variety (hopefully after this baby I can use this notion to enjoy some home tm workouts)...just let it be okay for a week.

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:25 PM

      Me swim?? I know I should and say I will, maybe that is what I need to break things up a bit.

      Delete
  5. BarbJanuary 24, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    I'm struggling with getting my runs in this week. My sinus infection still hasn't completely cleared up. Plus, it's been really cold for our area. My basement were the treadmill is located is also cold. I don't have a working cd player so only a radio to listen to. Yup, I'm feeling it, too.

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:26 PM

      Same here, cold isolated treadmill and home but so nice to have during naps

      Delete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2013 at 8:38 PM

    Here is the play list from one of the Spinning class I taught today.
    Axel F vs Usher 3:27
    In My Head 3:19 Jason Derulo
    International Love (feat. Chris Brown) 3:47 Pitbull
    Firework 3:48 Katy Perry
    I Cry 3:44 Flo Rida
    Gotta Get Thru This (D'n'D Radio Edit) 2:41 Daniel Bedingfield
    Flirtin' With Disaster 5:00 Molly Hatchet
    Janie's Got a Gun 5:31 Aerosmith
    Mozart: Ala Turka (Remix) 5:20 Little Ludwig Van
    Sandstorm 7:28 Darude
    Sweet Emotion 5:10 Aerosmith
    Don't You Worry Child (Radio Edit) [feat. John Martin] 3:33 Swedish House Mafia
    Back In Time (From "Men In Black III") 3:26
    Don't Stop the Party (feat. TJR) 3:26 Pitbull
    Black Betty 3:58 Ram Jam The
    My Life Would Suck Without You 3:32 Kelly Clarkson
    Ice Ice baby 4:25 Vanilla Ice
    It Happens 3:01 Sugarland
    We Like to Party! 3:43 Vengaboys
    I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) 2:58 Pitbull
    Please Don't Leave Me 3:41 Pink
    Send Me On My Way 4:56 Rusted Root
    No Air 4:24 Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:26 PM

      Thanks! :)
      I thought I was one of the few who had Sandstorm on my iPod!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2013 at 7:17 AM

      There are many of us out there :)

      Delete
  7. DanielleJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:01 PM

    I posted a fun treadmill workout that I did the other day that involved lots of intervals and music - it made the time go by really fast! It may help you out a little bit and make it easier running inside :) Check it out at www.trufflesntreadmills.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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