Some motivation tips to take that step out the door and training!

Think Positive
The feeling of lethargy sometimes is all in the mind and there are ways of beating it. It would always be easier not to bother going out, but imagine what it feels like when you are out and when you get back, there must be a huge sense of satisfaction. Go with that feeling and once you are out it is easy. Even when you are tired – try it. I find that fresh air can change everything and sometimes when I have felt knackered and gone out I have a great training session.

Go Round in Circles
Make your training rides/runs loops. If they are out and back routes, it is too easy to turn back, and a circuit is less boring.
 

Variety is the Spice of Life
Routes can however get boring so try the other way around or plan something different. Don’t get too obsessed with times. Aim at doing a certain route and try and finish, but don’t be destroyed if you don’t or can’t, it’s not the end of the world.

Cross Train
The beauty of adventure racing is that if you don’t feel like a run then you can ride or work on your core training.

Good Gear
If you are comfortable, i.e. you are wearing the right clothing and riding a bike that works, then you are more likely to use them. Gear is expensive but it usually lasts a long time, so if it is looked after then it is more than likely worth it.
Watch out though, you could get bogged down with the ALL THE GEAR AND NO IDEA SYNDROME and you will find yourself justifying the time spent sorting it all out and not training. There’s no point in having it and not using it.

Go Whatever the Weather
Try and go out what ever the weather, it’s character building! Just wear suitable clothing. Wear too much to start with if you think it will help you get out of the door, you can always take it off.

Make the Most of it
Try and make your efforts of getting out really worth it, try hard without killing yourself. The more you do the easier it gets.

Mix it Up
Try and keep interested and do a duathlon type session, i.e. a ride followed immediately by a run. Your front door can be the transition area where you change your shoes. Don’t go inside if you think you might not be disciplined enough to come back out again.

Don’t Go it Alone
Go out with others as well as on your own. This is a real motivation factor, just set a time and a place, maybe even advertise it in your area. You would be surprised by the number of people taking part in Adventure races and looking for a training partner!

Get organised!
Make it easy to find kit and make sure it is washed. It will annoy you when you can’t find something, or if you do not have your favourite base layer clean.

Plan Ahead
Organise your race entries and calendar well in advance. Receiving race information in the really motivates you and gets you excited. 

Just Enjoy Yourself
Enjoy what you do and feel good about doing it. Think about whether you are getting a lot out of your training and if not ask why not. Also consider everything else in life, if you are happy with that or not this could affect your attitude to training.

Don’t get down about anything there really is little point - things will sort themselves out.

By Siobhan Bennett