how 2 prevent cycling becoming a chore during heavy training

evsy

Hey everyone

last few weeks i have upped my training for my first ever race today. finished in the bunch, and it was only my second time of riding in a group, so feeling rather pleased with myself.

anyway the last few weeks i have increased my training with the focus on today, but as i increased it i started to feel almost like it was a chore to keep pushing. i love cycling but during the last few weeks at times it almost felt like a chore.

is there a trick to stopping this? i dont have any more races lined up yet, so nothing to focus on and im worried i will fall back with fitness and strength because of this.

so basically, how do you stay motivated?

thanks

evsy

MountainMonster

With MTB, I used to watch ALOT of MTB movies which always got me motivated. Maybe watching some MTB movies would keep you motivated, of course if you have an interest in MTB.

Otherwise, maybe buy a small little thing every now and then for the bike, and see how it changes things. I do that, if I go a month or so without interest in riding I always buy a seat collar or something to make me want to ride.

MikeWW

Depends what level you are trying to compete at. Assuming its a hobby rain with like minded people and keep it fun. Also mix the sessions up a bit chaingangs, simulated crits, sprint work etc ...and don't forget some recovery time

Garz

Mix it up. One session do hill repeats, couple of heavier high tempo rides or TT's then a low paced recovery spin ride to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Kona21

Just keep thinking of going over the finish line with your arms up after a loan break 8)
Or get a training partner or go out with a club and do a lot of work on the front.
But if you dont like the training, dont race. You dont want to lose the pleasure of cycling.

alp078

Firstly, congrats on the race outcome. It sounds like you at least did as well as you hoped, if not better. Good job that man!

You don't mention it, but I wonder how you view the extra hours training now that you have completed the race and, as you say, with a result that pleased you?

I know from things that I have done in the past, away from cycling too, that having worked towards something and seen good results from the effort I have put in I am more motivated the next time around when I have to do the prep/training (and perhaps less interesting) part once more.

I can't help but expect that you feel better about the hard hours now that you have had a successful outcome and that you should feel more motivated to repeat them with your sights set on the next race. Maybe they will feel less of a chore as you have proven that you reaped the benefits?

I don't know, maybe I am going off in the wrong direction but I know that for me, in your situation, I would be keen to get into training mode again, with a view to the next race and some goals around what I want to improve and do better next time.

It sounds like you have shown yourself the value of the effort you put in, so now apply some visualisation and mental rehearsal during your training rides and really set yourself up well for the next and hopefully further improved performance.

Secteur

Watch some Lance Armstrong videos on YouTube, and then imagine you're him when on the bike (it works, even if you're slow - seriously!)

rogerthecat

Buy something new either for the bike or a bit of clothing / gloves works every time for me; needless to say I have quite a few pairs of gloves and bib shorts and Jackets and tops and............

vorsprung

Intervals and Fartlek help a little
Using different routes is good: this might be difficult in some areas however

Getting a training partner to ride with would probably help a lot, but I don't have anyone that lives near me that wants to train in the same way

Rich Hcp

Mix it up!

Best way, also try buying an MTB and get out on that.

Even though its not what you are training for the change will do you good