Maintaining Motivation
This time of year it can sometimes be tough to maintain motivation with the triathlon season still months away for many. No one is immune to fluctuations in motivation, and don't beat yourself up for feeling this way certain days. As an example, Jan Frodeno, 2x Ironman World Champion and one of the best triathletes in the world, just posted on social media that he took a ski trip to help clear his mind and help him re-motivate as he prepares for his race season. It happens to everyone, the key is knowing how to approach these days and how to get back on track when you feel this way. Here are a few tips to help you stay focused and motivated throughout the last couple months of the winter season:
1. Review your 2019 goals and WHY you continue to push your limits each day.
An added bonus is to post these goals somewhere you can easily see. Review them daily and adjust your daily routine to reflect the steps it will take to reach these goals.
2. If you are able, take a brief warm weather trip.
This is a great way to reset your mind and prepare your body for the final push before the triathlon season begins. And it is always nice to experience a taste of warmer weather prior to spring time!
3. Change up your routine.
Do you feel like you are in a rut? A slight change in your training regimen might help. Share this feedback with your coach and figure out what schedule modifications may work best for you and your goals.
4. Make sure your life style is providing you with the platform to perform.
Have you become lax on your daily routine? Have you been getting less sleep or eating poor quality processed foods? Both of these can result is a loss of motivation and a decreased ability to properly adapt to your training. Make sure you are shooting for at LEAST 7-8 hrs of sleep per night and eating a plethora of high quality carbs, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.
4. Check your Vitamin D levels at your next doctor visit
Although this isn't a life style modification low Vitamin D can have implications on how you feel and your mood. Throughout the winter months many of us are stuck inside which doesn't allow us to get the vitamin D our bodies require. Symptoms of low Vitamin D levels can vary, but a few can include fatigue, suppressed immune function, and depression.