Hi, So here we are already in February 2010 and although the evenings here in the UK are starting to get lighter it's still a long way from light mornings.
So how can we keep ourselves motivated to get ourselves out of bed and into our kit to complete our morning training sessions.
No matter where you are in the world if you are anything like me sometimes it's very difficult to maintain that morning motivation.
So here are a few tips to keep you going even when the mornings do get warmer and lighter.
First of all let's have a quick look at how we might talk ourselves out of our morning training session.
· It's raining, cold and dark · I'm sure I'll make time later today · I didn't eat the right things last night · I'm too tired My training is to cycle to work and I can assure you there have been many times I have used the above.
So to make sure I keep going here are the things I do to negate the above and have found they really work.
I also used them when I was training for the marathon.
It's raining cold and dark.
The night before I pack up my saddle bag with my kit and food for the next day and lay my cycle kit out ready to get into.
The alarm goes off, after cursing a little bit and then making myself get up, I get dressed straight into my kit, drink half a pint of water, not always easy first thing but try it out and see how you do, grab a banana and the dog and head off out to take her for a walk.
By the time I get out the door to check out the weather it becomes too much of a bind to think about getting changed again so I know by the time I get back form walking the dog I will just get on my bike.
For some reason this seems to work as I have tricked my brain into accepting we are going to cycle to work.
I always find the hardest part of training actually getting changed and getting out.
Once I'm out I just tend to get on with it.
I've spoken to a few friends about this and they find the same and once it's done it is a great way to start the day.
I'm sure I'll make time for it later Oh you so know this is a lie.
Life will some how get in the way and the opportunity to train will pass you by.
Before you go to bed at night picture your day and include your training in that day.
It's almost like making a mental list, go through the things you are going to do and you'll find you will do them.
It's the same as writing a "to do" list at work, if it's on the list you know it will get done..
..
well most of the time any way.
I didn't eat the right things last night I can probably add to this "I wish I hadn't had that glass of wine".
We can always find excuses not to train but whether it's last nights curry still sitting quite heavily or the lack of carbs.
or protein if you have set out your training kit and mentally told yourself you will train this will help combat the excuses.
If you can eat pasta or a healthy meal the night before this will of course assist your weary body when you start training.
If you haven't and especially if you have consumed a tad too much alcohol then make sure you refuel before, during and after your training.
Sports drinks are great for this or even mix your own using a mixture of half fruit juice, half water and a pinch of salt.
Obviously if you are running 10 miles to work, you will need to look more carefully at your hydration and nutrition strategy.
I'm Too Tired Now some people are great in the mornings and some of us not so great, I'm in the not so great category.
Try using different words; it's been proven that the mind can affect how your body feels.
For example if you tell yourself you are tired the likelihood is you will feel tired.
This isn't a mind psychology article but it is worth thinking about.
Try changing the words you allow your mind too think.
If you say "I need more energy to achieve my workout" your mind is more likely to tell your body to send it more energy.
Couple this with eating say a banana and drinking some water and your energy levels will automatically improve.
I hope this has helped.
Wishing you every success Nicky
So how can we keep ourselves motivated to get ourselves out of bed and into our kit to complete our morning training sessions.
No matter where you are in the world if you are anything like me sometimes it's very difficult to maintain that morning motivation.
So here are a few tips to keep you going even when the mornings do get warmer and lighter.
First of all let's have a quick look at how we might talk ourselves out of our morning training session.
· It's raining, cold and dark · I'm sure I'll make time later today · I didn't eat the right things last night · I'm too tired My training is to cycle to work and I can assure you there have been many times I have used the above.
So to make sure I keep going here are the things I do to negate the above and have found they really work.
I also used them when I was training for the marathon.
It's raining cold and dark.
The night before I pack up my saddle bag with my kit and food for the next day and lay my cycle kit out ready to get into.
The alarm goes off, after cursing a little bit and then making myself get up, I get dressed straight into my kit, drink half a pint of water, not always easy first thing but try it out and see how you do, grab a banana and the dog and head off out to take her for a walk.
By the time I get out the door to check out the weather it becomes too much of a bind to think about getting changed again so I know by the time I get back form walking the dog I will just get on my bike.
For some reason this seems to work as I have tricked my brain into accepting we are going to cycle to work.
I always find the hardest part of training actually getting changed and getting out.
Once I'm out I just tend to get on with it.
I've spoken to a few friends about this and they find the same and once it's done it is a great way to start the day.
I'm sure I'll make time for it later Oh you so know this is a lie.
Life will some how get in the way and the opportunity to train will pass you by.
Before you go to bed at night picture your day and include your training in that day.
It's almost like making a mental list, go through the things you are going to do and you'll find you will do them.
It's the same as writing a "to do" list at work, if it's on the list you know it will get done..
..
well most of the time any way.
I didn't eat the right things last night I can probably add to this "I wish I hadn't had that glass of wine".
We can always find excuses not to train but whether it's last nights curry still sitting quite heavily or the lack of carbs.
or protein if you have set out your training kit and mentally told yourself you will train this will help combat the excuses.
If you can eat pasta or a healthy meal the night before this will of course assist your weary body when you start training.
If you haven't and especially if you have consumed a tad too much alcohol then make sure you refuel before, during and after your training.
Sports drinks are great for this or even mix your own using a mixture of half fruit juice, half water and a pinch of salt.
Obviously if you are running 10 miles to work, you will need to look more carefully at your hydration and nutrition strategy.
I'm Too Tired Now some people are great in the mornings and some of us not so great, I'm in the not so great category.
Try using different words; it's been proven that the mind can affect how your body feels.
For example if you tell yourself you are tired the likelihood is you will feel tired.
This isn't a mind psychology article but it is worth thinking about.
Try changing the words you allow your mind too think.
If you say "I need more energy to achieve my workout" your mind is more likely to tell your body to send it more energy.
Couple this with eating say a banana and drinking some water and your energy levels will automatically improve.
I hope this has helped.
Wishing you every success Nicky