Bad habit of not finishing what I start

[shellabree]

I have a horrible track record of keeping with exercise. I start off all gung-ho, but then somewhere between 3-6 months later, I just fall off.

Although I haven't read the entire thread, I'm sure you've already received a bunch of wonderful and motivational ideas. I'm not sure if the one that I'm going to give you is somewhere in there already... apologies if it is.

I think many of us have a problem with motivation. In my experience, more people have this issue, than not.

I was a very active child and teen with swim team and cheerleading, but I totally slacked off from ALL exercise in my 20s.

At age 31, I found running first... and then triathlon.

The SINGLE thing that keeps me motivated to get out there and put in my workouts is that I have discovered that I LOVE to RACE! So for the last 1.5 years my motivation to get out there and swim/bike/run is because I know that I am scheduled to race on X date, the entry fee has been paid and there may be a spot on the podium waiting for me.

If I didn't have the race at the end of the tunnel, I wouldn't be out there... that's just the way it is with me. So, basically I train to race; as opposed to racing to train (for the love of exercise). Make sense? This may work for you as well.

Interestingly enough, somewhere amidst all of the "training to race" stuff; I really fell in love with long, slow distance training. Anytime I can take in a bike ride without getting out of HR zones 1-2 or do an easy long run and bird watch at the same time, I'm in heaven! So... you can still have your zen time with all of this "training to race", but you also still have the fire under your butt b/c you know that there is a "deadline" looming.

Good luck to you!!!

[indysteel]

I've had trouble over the years staying motivated to exercise, but cycling has been the exception. So long as the weather is halfway decent, I'm usually pretty eager to ride. Perhaps cycling will be your exception, too. It helps to share it with your family and friends. I have a large group of cycling buddies and some or all of us ride most weekday evenings. My BF also rides and while he's not as gung ho as I am, we definitely keep each other on track.

As others have mentioned, event rides, tours and the like are great motivators. Space them throughout the season and you'll generally have something that you're "training" for.

Having a bike that fits you well and the right gear for every season helps. So does having some tried and true routes that are easy and safe to get to. Keep your bike(s) in good working order, too, so that it's always ready to go.

Good luck and have fun.