The hardest part of training is walking out of the door …
So make it easy for yourself to do - enjoy it, get into a routine and be comfortable.

If you do not enjoy it there’s little point. Training is a bad word it sounds as if you are MADE to do it or there is some extrinsic (other) motivational factor, for example it looks good to a friend or partner.

I believe that adventure racers compete because they enjoy it - it certainly isn’t for the money! This is an intrinsic motivation. I find psychology very interesting and I don’t think I will ever understand it but we shouldn’t ignore it and do need to take account of it in training and these are some of the techniques I use.

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 …… ‘now I am out I may as well finish’. 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.

Go Slowly Up and Down
Always put hills into your training. You can still ‘train’ your cardio vascular system when your legs are too knackered to train fast on the flat. (Bad advice maybe!) If you try and train FAST you will just feel sluggish and slow, but on a hill and at a slower pace you won’t feel so negative. I sometimes go out on a fast walk rather than a slow run if you know what I mean, but I am pleased to be out.

Regular Checkups
Always try and have an aim or some routes planned (sad but familiarity can be better). It can make you feel more comfortable and balanced, as you know how you should feel and when and how far to go etc.