Breakdown...

1. Use the training logs - if you log your goals and training, you'll get some feedback on how you're doing.

2. Challenge yourself - "If I can train 20 days this month, I'll buy that new HRM/bike seat/tri-suit that I've been wanting".

3. Change your routine - add more weight training, run/bike on a new route, hook up with a tri-club or other swim/run/biking group.

4. Challenge a friend here - make a friendly wager about increasing run speed or distance, or something like that.

5. Or, just flat out ask for a verbal kick in the pants here.  We'd be glad to help!

I, too am sorry to hear about your situation.  But, as with any problem, realizing you've got one and being ready to change is the most important step.

If I were you, I'd look up some footraces in your area...5k's, 10k's, etc.  Treat these as organized training sessions even though they're still "races".  They will motivate you to train (as they do me) and will give you a barometer as to where you stand with respect to conditioning and speed.

Forget yesterday and everything you did or did not do in the past.  Start today and follow Joe's advice.  And I'll help with step five---get out there walk, run, do something NOW!!!

And I want to see that race report in twelve weeks...GO, what are you waiting for, GO, GO, GO!

March, for me, is the toughest month - I lost my week 2 weeks ago.  I traditionally shut down in March due to the northern winter, lack of sunshine, competing priorities, etc.  It's just really hard - not quite base season, but also not quite race season.  Two things I try to do to help are:

1.  Get out of town!  Even if it's a long weekend, go recharge someplace fun (or sunny & warm).  3-4 days with yourself and a tall, cool one in Key West or Miami or Mexico is perfect, and energizing - you'll be amazed at how you feel coming back, and

2.  If you can't get out of town, motivate...use BT, post goals (like Joe said), and always remember...every workout you log in March is likely a workout that someone, somewhere, in your age group isn't getting done.  And that's who you're gonna pass looking fresh while their jaw hangs slack.  This is a GOOD image to keep in mind, helps me a LOT.

Best of luck, I hope you give March a run for its money...

Well, first, don't worry so much. This sport isn't what keeps you fed and clothed. You're doing it for yourself and because you like to. It shouldn't be a huge source of stress.

I'd say take a week off of your training plan completely, but don't just sit there. Be active every single day, but do whatever it is that sounds like the most fun! Hike... take a ride, but leave the bike computer at home..... skip rope....go for a run somewhere really interesting... whatever.  Don't train, PLAY! Just take some time to remember why you like this sport!

I think sometimes we get into this overly adult mindset and everything becomes so serious. I think we're just a bunch of overgrown kids playing outside. :-)

You have non- motivational Cabin Fever!!! I see you are in WISCONSIN! All I can say is that once the weather starts to lift, you should feel such a surge in your motivation, you won't know what to do with yourself!

I've found myself going stir crazy lately... and I KNOW it's weather related. All this cold/snow/slush/freezing temps... makes it impossible to ride a bike outside... miserable to run without a Polar Parka (Not Polar HRM!) and certainly it's impossible to swim outside right now. Even if you swim INSIDE your hair will freeze into little icicles on your walk thru the parking lot, back to your car.

So, yes... I can see where you'd hit a motivational slump... BUT think about this:

1) Soon it will be WARM outside and you're going to be able to bike and run and swim in the glory of the (cancer inducing) sunshine! We Midwesterners LIVE for summers...  and we don't get enough sun, so when March rolls around we're pretty much entirely stir crazy!

2) Your race is approaching...! WWWWEEEEEE HHHAAAAWWW!! What fun! Start running/working out and make yourself accountable to a 12 week program! Use the LOGS! We will encourage you!

3) I'm not sure what I was going to say for #3... In my manic attempt to motivate/sympathize/empathize with you... I've lost my train of thought... (?) Probably due to lack of sunshine. Definitely.

Good Luck!

Whacko   Whizzer