General Discussion Triathlon Talk » No motivation after IM Rss Feed  
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2011-10-19 12:26 PM

Expert
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Golden, CO
Subject: No motivation after IM
Hello All - I competed in IMWI this year and did not finish due to nutrition/med issues.  My first IM and first real year of training.  I signed up again for next year but now have zero motivation to do anything..in fact I put on 10 lbs of the 40 I lost.  Anybody else have a let down like this?  I think it is possible that the job..financial stress..etc. took a back seat for a few months and now is just taking over.  Any thoughts on dealing with this lack of motivation would be appreciated.  Ugh.


2011-10-19 12:40 PM
in reply to: #3730119

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Elite
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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

Enjoy the down time.  You earned it. 

 

Put a start date to your base building on the calendar, or add a January/February marathon.

2011-10-19 12:59 PM
in reply to: #3730119

Veteran
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Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
Feeling the same kind of thing.  I always set the monday after Kona airs on TV as my time to get serious about training again.  Giving myself permission to relax in training is helpful when winding up for the next season.
2011-10-19 1:10 PM
in reply to: #3730119

Expert
821
500100100100
Golden, CO
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
If I were relaxing it would be fine.. I just find I am now not exercising and extremely stressed.  Maybe I just need to put some small races on the calendar..not a lot going on the net few months in Colorado but I guess I can try and find something.
2011-10-19 1:21 PM
in reply to: #3730220

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Expert
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Highlands Ranch, CO
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

jdbadger - 2011-10-19 12:10 PM If I were relaxing it would be fine.. I just find I am now not exercising and extremely stressed.  Maybe I just need to put some small races on the calendar..not a lot going on the net few months in Colorado but I guess I can try and find something.

Check out the winter distance series and the chilly cheeks series. Those might be of interest to you.

2011-10-19 2:13 PM
in reply to: #3730119

Veteran
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Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
Where in CO lots of good run clubs and masters swim programs when I was in boulder.  I heard good things about  denver and the springs  too.  Maybee joining up with them for some group workouts would give a good spark.


2011-10-19 3:25 PM
in reply to: #3730119

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Master
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Gurnee, IL
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

I hear ya.   While you have earned the time off, its time to get back on the horse.     Set new near term goals, new weight target.  weigh daily.    Find an indoor triathlon or two.     I agree  after such a huge event like IM-WI  everything else seems less exciting.    The thing is, this is not about one event.  its a lifestyle.      Just pack up your stuff and get back to the pool/gym/tready whatever and make sure to log it in BT.      I will follow up on you and support/harass/motivate you.    All I ask is that you do the same for me.     If you don't want to get back on your horse, then don't.      I've read your blog.     YOU know this is a lifestyle and is not just about IM      so c'mon  what do you say?      support me and I'll support you.  

Dave



Edited by oriolepwr 2011-10-19 3:37 PM
2011-10-19 3:38 PM
in reply to: #3730119

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Champion
19812
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MA
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

It's not uncommon and it takes awhile to heal mentally and body to get back at things. Figure out what motivates you and make that a focus. It is okay to take some off season unstructured time.

I know for me training for races helps focus my energy to get out the door and helps me keeping my weight in check.

Hang in there, figure out what brings you joy and go for it.

Reaching out here in BT is a good step in right direction.

2011-10-19 4:24 PM
in reply to: #3730119

Iron Donkey
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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

It's been discussed throughout BT, so you are not alone.

I have trained for and have completed IM WI '07 and '09, and both times have experienced some sort of "let down" feeling, or lack of motivation, or whatever.  It's natural.

Family support and BALANCE and helpful.  Also, instead of focusing on the negative, treat it like any other day and think of positive things.  The physical stress is tough enough alone, but the emotional stress and such also works on you.

You have to find that inner-strength to make the change first of not wanting to just eat and do nothing and loathe, etc.

Spend that family time together and enjoy life everyday, even when you start back up training!

Good luck!

2011-10-19 4:52 PM
in reply to: #3730598

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Expert
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CenTex
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

I finished Louisville in '10 and it took me until this week to actually reach a point where I was mentally committed to work out regularly.  Sure, I had good weeks of training but they were VERY sporadic.  I gained back all the weight that I lost + another 10-15#.  I went through a couple of bouts of minor depressive symptoms and, even though I registered a completed a few races, felt like I was adrift without a goal.

Not sure what the trigger was for me (probably weight related) but it clicked for me over last weekend and now I've started training again, albeit quite slowly.

My point is, as has already been said, this is a common issue.  I doubt it takes most as long as it took me but you'll know when you're ready again.

Good Luck!

2011-10-19 5:23 PM
in reply to: #3730119

Expert
821
500100100100
Golden, CO
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
Whoa George..hopefully I am back on the horse sooner than that. lol. Good job starting back up.  I guess I wills tart logging here. The coaches like me logging on training peaks..which I am not a fan of.  Thanks for the suggestions and comments.  I think the chilly cheek series is right up my alley so I will give it a try.


2011-10-20 12:00 AM
in reply to: #3730119

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Elite
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Alturas, California
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
Totally normal feelings after being in an Ironman.  Not completing is worse than completing, but still, your body, mind, spirit, all spent from the effort.  Take a good 1-2 months off 3 if you need and then come back refreshed.  Don't be hard on yourself, 10 pounds will come back off.  Learn from the first and hit the 2nd better.  Peace.
2011-10-20 3:46 AM
in reply to: #3731010

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Master
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Rural Ontario
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

This August's IMC was my first. I finished but wasn't pleased with my performance (took 2.5hrs longer than planned). My motivation suddenly dissipated - It was like a light switch went off. 

What is helped me was to take a month off and now I'm only doing what I enjoy (mid-distance running). No swimming at all - it was always a chore for me to go to the pool during IM training. And no cycling - I enjoy it but only if I can go for a 3hr+ ride and right now I'm not ready for such long commitments.

My motivation is slowly returning. I'm setting new goals for myself - to set a PB in 5km and 10km. By design they very different from my IM endurance goals

Also I'm taking the opportunity to do some running in new locations.

2011-10-20 1:31 PM
in reply to: #3730119

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Master
3205
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ann arbor, michigan
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
"I competed in IMWI this year and did not finish"

"This August's IMC was my first. I finished but wasn't pleased with my performance (took 2.5hrs longer than planned). My motivation suddenly dissipated - It was like a light switch went off."

I missed several of my goals this year, some by only a couple of minutes, but I am actually more motivated than ever to train. Whenever I miss a goal, I head home and start plotting out how I will NOT miss the goal a second time. For me, I sure am tired of getting passed by people on the bike. I plan on wearing out my trainer this winter to correct this problem (among others). I have a very ambitious list of 2012 goals and I can tell you that thinking about them has reduced my post IM let down to about zero. I also have long term (think years) triathlon goals that help me see past just the next race.

I guess I would start thinking about IMW 2012 and start visualizing what you want to do in this race; be it finish, break 14, break 12, break 10...... and then start planning how to get there.

Good luck in getting back into the groove.

Jason

2011-10-20 1:48 PM
in reply to: #3730119

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Colorado
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
I also competed in IMWI and did not finish due to an injury (was in a surgical boot and unlikely to finish anyway) and felt like I had no motivation...but as it turned out, I am just not motivated to swim or bike--and just starting up running again for the first time since August.  Anyway, I stopped in at my old karate school and am actually excited about training with them again.  I do plan to try IM Moo again in 2013, but for right now, I just feel like doing something different for awhile.  I just hope I don't get beat up too badly after skipping classes for almost 5 years Tongue out
2011-10-20 2:36 PM
in reply to: #3731990

Expert
821
500100100100
Golden, CO
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

AndriaLL - 2011-10-20 12:48 PM I also competed in IMWI and did not finish due to an injury (was in a surgical boot and unlikely to finish anyway) and felt like I had no motivation...but as it turned out, I am just not motivated to swim or bike--and just starting up running again for the first time since August.  Anyway, I stopped in at my old karate school and am actually excited about training with them again.  I do plan to try IM Moo again in 2013, but for right now, I just feel like doing something different for awhile.  I just hope I don't get beat up too badly after skipping classes for almost 5 years Tongue out

How is the foot?  I love your pic with the walking boot in front of the capitol.. makes me feel like I wussed out. lol.



2011-10-20 4:00 PM
in reply to: #3730119

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Pro
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Parker, CO
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
Like others have said...it's pretty normal to lack motivation after an IM.  I wouldn't sweat it right now...enjoy the time off.  With planning on IMWI again next year I wouldn't take too much time off though.  Others have mentioned maybe look for doing a race.  For some that works but for me if I have a bad race it can actually be a demotivator.  Just something to consider.  When I get in a funk, and we all do, I'll seek out other people to run with.  Get out and run just to run and have some easy conversation with people.  I notice you live in Golden.  There are several very nice trails in the area.  Get out and do some easy trail runs or hikes...especially before the weather gets bad!
2011-10-25 12:04 AM
in reply to: #3732281

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Veteran
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Heber City, UT/San Carlos, Mexico
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

How about some more moderate intermediate goals?

Ride a century
Do a half or full marathon
Knock out an Olympic length or two
Something a bit more on the "fun" level than just maxing out on a loooong training plan?

Something smaller and more manageable that you can build some completion and success on rather than just going for the mightiest of them all, all over again...

2011-10-25 12:07 AM
in reply to: #3732281

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Veteran
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Heber City, UT/San Carlos, Mexico
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
Deleting a duplicate... whoops!


Edited by gwbuild 2011-10-25 12:08 AM
2011-10-25 11:51 AM
in reply to: #3730119

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Veteran
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Skokie, IL
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
You should be proud of how far you have come. I just looked at your blog and am impressed. I know how it feels to DNF in a race and I know I would have been devastated to DNF at my first IM (in WI last month), but you have unfinished business. Finish taking your time off, you deserve it and then plan and execute your winter program. If you had the discipline and drive to come to where you are, you will find that inner fire soon enough.

Edited by McLuvin 2011-10-25 11:52 AM
2011-11-06 5:35 PM
in reply to: #3737458

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Extreme Veteran
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Bainbridge Island, Washington
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
OMG I am so with you on this! I did IM CdA on 6/26 and took a full month off COMPLETELY. Then the last 3 months have been very sporadic. After watching the video feed from IM FL yesterday, I am finally getting things on the calendar for next year. I think signing up for something will give me the kick in the I need to get rid of the 13 lbs I have gained! Good grief lol Oh well, it is what it is!


2011-11-09 12:00 PM
in reply to: #3730119

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Expert
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WA
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM

Lots of great advice here!  Get a race on your calendar and get at it!!  Wink

Good luck!

2011-11-10 7:48 AM
in reply to: #3730119

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Master
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...at home in The ATL
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
What works for me is to have another "big" race, goal, or challenge already lined up ahead of time. This helps me to look ahead and "through" my race to the next one. I have found it good for me to have something else to look forward to, especially if it requires a different kind of training protocol or set of goals. For instance, I raced my IM this year with the goal of pacing the bike conservatively and negative splitting the marathon. I nailed it. But I also already had a 1/2 IM lined up 8 weeks later in which the plan was to ride the bike on the edge and not really worry about blowing up. It worked out just fine. But more importantly it seemed that having the second race with different goals/approaches really helped me nail the IM and come out motivated (liberated?) to attack the next one. I just keep leap-frogging forward through my race schedule.
2011-11-14 4:53 PM
in reply to: #3730119

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Expert
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Leicester
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
Seems it is quite common! Similar story here when being over an hour longer than my goal at IMWI 2011 also.

Over the last 2 weeks, I looked back at this season and tried to pick my best all round performance and shoot to better it (at the same race) next year.
Also, my wife was sick of me being down and negative so she signed me up for Leadman 250.

You can get it back, take some people up on their offers of help and reciprocal motivation!
2011-11-15 8:26 AM
in reply to: #3730119

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Extreme Veteran
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The Center of My Universe
Subject: RE: No motivation after IM
I'm sorta feeling similar after IMFL. What now? I went for a great trail run Saturday and that was fun. A friend told me about a great 4 hourrun trail hike so I am going to do that. I set some goals to increase bike speed over the off season and I hope that will keep me focused. It's been weird going from structured to "it doesn't really matter" training but it's somewhat liberating too. Check into local running clubs too. That might help you focus.
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