Lack of motivation

[Fifelad]

It’s June, but it’s cold and it’s windy. On a day off and literally couldn’t get the energy and motivation to head out. I stood like a fart in a trance deciding to go out or not without even having a route in mind. Usual life and work balance getting in the way. A very busy physical job, shift work and having to maintain my elderly fathers huge garden hasn’t helped matters. I have no cycling trips planned this year which has definitely a motivational driver in the past. Not going to beat myself up though, I’m sure the Mo Jo will return. Anyone else feeling flat ?

 

[ColinJ]

Most of the time I am just hopping on the bike to do 30-60 minutes. The 3-a-week challenge is getting me out when otherwise I wouldn't bother, and I try to do more when conditions are more pleasant. Definitely a mojo-free zone currently though!

I have a horrible feeling that this summer is not going to get much better than this. I have been wrong before (twice! ) and hopefully I am wrong again this time.

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

I really struggle cycling for it's own sake - having been in the past mostly cycling for it's utility. It's quite different 'going for a bike ride' rather than 'I need to go to work' or 'I need to pick up a thing' when cycling is default mode of transport. Now with working from home, I'm cycling to maintain/improve fitness and that's harder to prioritised and make time for. Especially in situation where there's an elderly parental unit to look after and loads of jobs that need doing around the house.

I find using a Garmin watch and participating in the various monthly goals helps to a degree.

 

[Jody]

Anyone else feeling flat ?

I've only managed a few hundred miles since coming off in a bike park last year, coupled with the crap weather and general lack of motivation when I eventually started healing enough to get back out.

The mojo ebbs and flows so I'm sure it will return at some point.

Good luck finding yours @Fifelad

 

[CAESAR AVGVSTVS]

I don’t think I get the choice to go cycling or not🤷‍♂️
Three years ago I slowly walked into a life of depression, no idea where that came from as there was no reason to be depressed. The depression got to a stage where I was not thinking straight as I was using alcohol to try and fix it. Sadly the alcohol only worked for the first 30 minutes before the depression kicked in with mental aggression (to myself). I was in a very dark place and no one could help. I knew I needed help but wasn’t prepared to take tablets as I didn’t want to rely on them.
Just over two years ago I decided to stop the alcohol and go out riding instead of drinking. It took a good 8 months or more before I lost my interest in alcohol. The depression disappeared within three months. As for my health, I lost around 18kg and now very fit for my age (59 yrs)
Recently had a little set back with my shoulder giving up on me. That’s now had surgery so another four months getting that sorted.
Not stopped cycling as I purchased a smart trainer that I ride no handed, it works a treat 😀
So I guess I’m saying whether you can be bothered or not to go cycling, just make time and do it, it’s great for your fitness and more importantly your mind ❤️

 

[Fifelad]

I don’t think I get the choice to go cycling or not🤷‍♂️
Three years ago I slowly walked into a life of depression, no idea where that came from as there was no reason to be depressed. The depression got to a stage where I was not thinking straight as I was using alcohol to try and fix it. Sadly the alcohol only worked for the first 30 minutes before the depression kicked in with mental aggression (to myself). I was in a very dark place and no one could help. I knew I needed help but wasn’t prepared to take tablets as I didn’t want to rely on them.
Just over two years ago I decided to stop the alcohol and go out riding instead of drinking. It took a good 8 months or more before I lost my interest in alcohol. The depression disappeared within three months. As for my health, I lost around 18kg and now very fit for my age (59 yrs)
Recently had a little set back with my shoulder giving up on me. That’s now had surgery so another four months getting that sorted.
Not stopped cycling as I purchased a smart trainer that I ride no handed, it works a treat 😀
So I guess I’m saying whether you can be bothered or not to go cycling, just make time and do it, it’s great for your fitness and more importantly your mind ❤️

Well done on dealing with your issues, those must of been tough times.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Anyone else feeling flat ?

I had some time recently, enforced time off being outside due to an injury. I am just grateful to still be able to get out on the bike or walking. It brings me joy and pleasure in a simple way.

 

[CAESAR AVGVSTVS]

Well done on dealing with your issues, those must of been tough times.

Thank you, they were tough times, until I decided to do something about it ❤️

 

[Slick]

It’s June, but it’s cold and it’s windy. On a day off and literally couldn’t get the energy and motivation to head out. I stood like a fart in a trance deciding to go out or not without even having a route in mind. Usual life and work balance getting in the way. A very busy physical job, shift work and having to maintain my elderly fathers huge garden hasn’t helped matters. I have no cycling trips planned this year which has definitely a motivational driver in the past. Not going to beat myself up though, I’m sure the Mo Jo will return. Anyone else feeling flat ?

Its not been a great year for me so far due to a variety of reasons.

I did get in a wee tour of the Netherlands a few weeks ago, and a quite brilliant sportive right on your doorstep just yesterday that I'm hoping is the springboard for my year.

I think it happens to us all from time to time, I usually just ride out the storm until something rouses me from my slumber, good luck.

 

[Fifelad]

Well, I face palmed myself a few times and eventually went out this afternoon for an easy 25 miles. Feel a bit better now.

 

[mustang1]

I used to have flat times once a year, usually February and lasted 1-2 weeks. Then I went to 3 weeks.

This year is different. I have an e-bike which makes things so easy, no need for a shower at the other end, no need to change clothes, no sweat. But I really miss riding a normal bike. I don't use it as much because I just wanted to get to work, do work, then get home asap.

I've started walking more. Get the headphones on, and umbrella if required, some music or a podcast.

I also don't like riding on the road as much as I used to. That could be because car drivers are in more of a hurry than usual, or, it could be because I much prefer being in the forest, amongst the trees rather than yet more concrete and bricks and traffic noise.

Whatever the reason is, I haven't been riding much this year and my mileage is way down. But I don't mind it. I've re-evaluated what I want from cycling - I don't want to ride more than 1 or 2 hours whereas before I used to crave wanting to go on long rides.

I think long rides will be in my future again, but just not now. I've put on weight and need to slowly get that off - that damn convenient e-bike doesn't help!

The less riding has given me the chance for walking (very relaxing and great stress reliever), weight training (needed it) and yoga (need that too).

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I don’t think I get the choice to go cycling or not🤷‍♂️
Three years ago I slowly walked into a life of depression, no idea where that came from as there was no reason to be depressed. The depression got to a stage where I was not thinking straight as I was using alcohol to try and fix it. Sadly the alcohol only worked for the first 30 minutes before the depression kicked in with mental aggression (to myself). I was in a very dark place and no one could help. I knew I needed help but wasn’t prepared to take tablets as I didn’t want to rely on them.
Just over two years ago I decided to stop the alcohol and go out riding instead of drinking. It took a good 8 months or more before I lost my interest in alcohol. The depression disappeared within three months. As for my health, I lost around 18kg and now very fit for my age (59 yrs)
Recently had a little set back with my shoulder giving up on me. That’s now had surgery so another four months getting that sorted.
Not stopped cycling as I purchased a smart trainer that I ride no handed, it works a treat 😀
So I guess I’m saying whether you can be bothered or not to go cycling, just make time and do it, it’s great for your fitness and more importantly your mind ❤️

Good stuff! Well done to quitting the booze.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Finding it hard to get out on the bike this year. The on/off and mainly off nature of the weather is a real dampener to my enthusiasm.

Mid-year excercise review:

Cycling: so-so. Need to do much more.

Walking: On and off. Weather doing my head in.

Mountain hikes. Poor. Weather related. Only 4 to date this year.

Treadmill: Excellent & on-target.

Turbo trainer: Ditto.

Multi-gym: Ditto.

Weight & BMI spot-on and holding steady.

 

[tyred]

I think it comes and goes. Ever since my accident a few years ago, I've found there have been times I'm really motivated and other times I can't be bothered. Even in the past few days, I've had differing motivational levels - I rode sixty odd miles in pouring rain on Sunday and enjoyed it despite the weather, whereas today, I had planned to do my usual loop after work but procrastinated and then the moment passed and I can't be bothered now.

I do generally do a four mile brisk walk before breakfast every day so always get some exercise.

 

[Slick]

I think it comes and goes. Ever since my accident a few years ago, I've found there have been times I'm really motivated and other times I can't be bothered. Even in the past few days, I've had differing motivational levels - I rode sixty odd miles in pouring rain on Sunday and enjoyed it despite the weather, whereas today, I had planned to do my usual loop after work but procrastinated and then the moment passed and I can't be bothered now.

I do generally do a four mile brisk walk before breakfast every day so always get some exercise.

I can be a bit like that, not an issue if I'm up and at them, but procrastinate at all, and the notion soon wears off.