On Rails

I've been training for a duathlon which is Oct. 2 and I'm losing my drive. I just don't want to run anymore. I've become addicted to the bike and thats all I want to do. How do I get back on form? I think a large part of it is that the cycling season is coming to an end here in Wisconsin.

SandySwimmer

I used to feel that way about 3 weeks before (and sometimes within 3 weeks after) when I used to run marathons. It's possible you are experiencing overtraining, When you work towards a goal and have kept to a strict training schedule and then you are close to achieving it (or have achieved it), the mind can rebel.

My advice for myself was usually to be kind to myself - to take two days off, to see a movie or go to a museum, or schedule a massage, to do something fun and non-related to the training. Also, if you need motivation to get out and run, think in terms of looking ahead to winter. For example, go out an run on a cross-country ski trail as a way to "investigate" the trail for winter. So running isn't the main purpose of the run. Or, run to the zoo or to a coffee shop . . . where there is a reward at the end.

Sandy

bbattle

Think of all the chicks that dig runners.

Blackberry

They way I dealt with it is I quit running in competitions. Now I jog three miles two or three times a week with a buddy of mine and spend the rest of my aerobic time on the bike, which I enjoy much more.

konageezer

Forget running. Running is dull. I used to run.

Stop this duathlon thing. Monathlon is for you.

webist

You could always just run the race without caring whether or not you win or what time you finish.

sjjone

I quit running too. Why run a marathon when you can ride a crit or road race...no comparision adrenaline wise.

late

Take a day or two off and then go hike up a mountain.
You'll find the answer on the mountain.

edzo

motivational tool

it really works. over time without you really noticing it

brain bullet

plug in the 'athlete affirmations'

and it plain works. not kidding.

https://www.in-the-e-zone.com/abundance/brain-bullet.htm


it looks like hype but I swear it is not.
I am already more motivated at work and
for riding and other aspects of my life.


all you do it run the program, and use your pc
normally. whether you use the pc for 1/2 hour a day
or 8 hours....progress will be made depending on
what you want to 'motivate for'

yonderboy

Try doing other things like trail running or aqua jogging. Ultimate frisbee is a good way to break up the monotony. Enter one of those fun-run events.

yespatterns

What are the duathlon distances? October is a long ways away, and if its only sprint distances, you can get away from running until it's time to start training up per your respective program. Personally (and many people will disagree with this), I run short bricks (8-10 mi. bike/4-6 mi. run) a few times a week to get used to the discomfort and as part of my foot race training. Maybe a shorter version of these bricks would do for now, that way you get used to it, and have a chance to loosley practice transitions without overdoing it?

alison_in_oh

Um, guys, this is an ancient thread that was miraculously resurrected. It's referring to an event in October 2005.