Finding motivation...HELP!

[User42542]

Hi Guys,
Posted on here a little while ago, took up cycling in January, and managed to work my way up to 30-40 mile rides.

I entered my first sportive, which is due to take place in October, and is 56 miles.
Problem I have is, I had a pretty bad ankle sprain playing football with my 6 year old in mid-May, which put me out of action for a few weeks. Since then, I have been struggling to find the motivation to get back riding and find the time.

Does anyone in here get out for a ride before work? ie. 5-6am, im thinking that is going to be my best time to go, but having set numerous alarms, I find it too easy to snooze!

I know i need to just stop being lazy and get a grip, but any tips for motivation would be greatly appreciated....

 

[Mo1959]

Hi Guys,
Posted on here a little while ago, took up cycling in January, and managed to work my way up to 30-40 mile rides.

I entered my first sportive, which is due to take place in October, and is 56 miles.
Problem I have is, I had a pretty bad ankle sprain playing football with my 6 year old in mid-May, which put me out of action for a few weeks. Since then, I have been struggling to find the motivation to get back riding and find the time.

Does anyone in here get out for a ride before work? ie. 5-6am, im thinking that is going to be my best time to go, but having set numerous alarms, I find it too easy to snooze!

I know i need to just stop being lazy and get a grip, but any tips for motivation would be greatly appreciated....

You could hire me as your personal trainer. I am out every day around 5am. Lol.

It does just become habit once you get used to it. Set your gear out ready, jump out of bed and get dressed, quick coffee and off you go.

 

[ianrauk]

Is there any chance you can cycle commute?

 

[User42542]

Commuting would be appx 18 mile each way, so not impossible in time, but I have quite a strict childcare window, which requires drop-offs and pick-ups at certain times. School holidays could be a good idea.

What kind of mileage do you do at 5am? Does it make a difference having not eaten etc?

 

[Mo1959]

Commuting would be appx 18 mile each way, so not impossible in time, but I have quite a strict childcare window, which requires drop-offs and pick-ups at certain times. School holidays could be a good idea.

What kind of mileage do you do at 5am? Does it make a difference having not eaten etc?

Varies. Anything from just over 20 like this morning, but have done up to 50. If I know I am definitely going to do more that 40 or a particularly hilly ride, I might have brekkie first.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

If you can't get out, stick the bike on a Turbo Trainer.

You've just gotta get some miles in.

How about Lunch time??

 

[Supersuperleeds]

5 in the morning is a great time to be out on the bike especially at this time of year as it is light and the roads are very quiet.

 

[ianrauk]

Commuting would be appx 18 mile each way, so not impossible in time, but I have quite a strict childcare window, which requires drop-offs and pick-ups at certain times. School holidays could be a good idea.

What kind of mileage do you do at 5am? Does it make a difference having not eaten etc?

20 miles every morning on a bowl of cereal and a cuppa tea.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

20 miles every morning on a bowl of cereal and a cuppa tea.

Two slices of toast for me, I've ditched the cup of tea as it guarantees I need to have at least one if not two pee breaks

 

[User42542]

Thanks guys - I think I might just need to get a grip and get up at 5 and get out, im sure it will be lovely once im used to it.

I do have a turbo, but find it the most tedious thing in the world!

Right,...5am starts next week! Wish me luck!

 

[Milkfloat]

Try it just once - you may love it an not want to stop. I love my early morning rides.

 

[User42542]

Will certainly give it a whirl!

Will keep you all posted,

 

[Hugh Manatee]

If you fancy a change of scenery (maybe) head over to Codsall and you can come with me. You'll probably have to wait for me though!

 

[Big Dave laaa]

The secret to getting up early I've found from years of shift work is this; set your alarm for the time you want to get up (obviously duur) go to sleep thinking that you need to be up at that time. You will usually wake before the alarm I find but even if you don't and this is the biggy, you have to get up right away. Not even one snooze or you'll talk yourself out of it. Also if your partner doesn't mind, sleep with a window open and the curtains partly open to let the dawn chorus and early sun wake you.

 

[iamRayRay]

Try to find someone else that is cycling that early near you.

Nothing gets me up early like knowing I'll be going cycling - I get positively excited, never struggled with getting up in the mornings though (after teenage years)