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Motivation and focus

I had a double workout today, Strength and Endurance.

After dropping the kids off at school I headed off the the gym for a strength workout.  Before the hitting the weights I did 30 min easy spin on the stationary bike.  The only thing I really like about these bikes is that they have a watts indicator.   I can’t afford a power meter (yet),  so I like being able to see wattage.  On an easy spin, I was cranking 240w with a HR of 120-125.  I don’t know if this is good or not since I haven’t been doing any power tests.

Later in the afternoon I did 1.5hr in zone 2 with cadence around 90-95 rpm.

It’s interesting how it’s so much harder to do a zone 2 workout on the trainer than it is to do on the road.  For example:  I can ride the Peak to Peak in zone 2 for hours.  I’ve already done it 5 or 6 times this year.  But on the trainer after 1 hr I’m ready to get off.    I probably could have gone at least another 30 minutes, but I had to get back to work, the job hunt.

How do I do it?  For one, set a goal.  The goal must be realistic,  more then 2hrs on the trainer will lead to burnout fast.  I don’t recommend it.  I’m also motivated.  I have many things to motivate me.  Find what motivates you.

  • Staying fit.  I have some lofty goals this season.  I want to minize the lose of fitness I gained last year.  I’ll be posting these soon.
  • I like to eat.  I need to make sure that I don’t put on anymore weight this season.  I weigh 182lbs right now, and I’d like to be between 170 and 175 by end of June.  I know it’s possible to get my goal weight, but not if I keep eating and not exercising.
  • Exercise just makes me feel good.  I don’t feel right if I don’t get a good workout in.  I need to do something, easy or hard.

How do I stay focused on the trainer? I use the TV to get my mind off of the pain and discomfort.   We have Netflix and our satellite TV service has a couple of good commercial free movie channels.   I find anything that will keep my focused for the time I have planned.

This works for me, but it may not work for you.  If you’d like help getting motivated and staying focused ont he trainer contact me.

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