When You Just Don't Want To

January 22, 2009 -

Today I had no motivation to work out even though I had planned on it. I was feeling tired, a little sick, and still had that pinched nerve in my neck...I know...call the waaaambulance. Then, I got to work and there was all this work lameness going on which, also killed my motivation. So the best thing I could think of was, rather than go the gym, which I had no motivation for anyway....go for a nice big beer.

Then....my trusty friend Marcus (whom I work with) decided not to fall prey to my lack of motivation and was bound for the gym with or without me. Never wanting to be that lonely sad guy at the end of the bar, I decided I would go work through it.

So I went to the gym and ended up having a great swim. Considering I am traveling the next couple days where workouts always are in jeopardy, it ended up being a great thing. It's great to have motivated friends on days like today.

Day 22 Training Log - So I reluctantly hopped in the pool and cranked out a mile. I started with a 600 yard warm-up. (300 free, 200 pull, 100 kick). Then I went to 400 free, rest, 500 free, rest, and 250 free....stop. I still have a ruthless amount of work to do on my technique and in simply building up my stamina in the pool, but...today.....on a day when I didn't want to do it....I got back to that mile mark after just my third swim back in the pool.

Post Script - I have a feeling Ironman training is going to be a continual process of making those kind of decisions. Pushing yourself when you don't feel like it. Like Barack said in his inaugural address...we have to pick ourselves up....dust ourselves off.... and begin to do an Ironman......or at least it was something like that.