Need to find energy!!!

[FreshNewbie]

I am training for my first upcoming century on Aug 27, unfortunately, I am able to get only one long ride on weekends. During weekdays I take 2 spinning classes and I try to get out for an hour outside at least once a week before work. Well for the past two weeks I didn't get out in the morning to bike. Every morning I set up an alarm and just never can find enough energy to get up at 5am. I know because of the tour i been going to sleep later than usual, but it just kills me that I cant get out. I then come to work and bite my elbows because i wish I did ride that morning. I am pretty close to 75% my last ride was 61 miles at B+ (18/20mph) pace.
So, the question is how to find motivation again? Thanks

[maillotpois]

For my training, I have a similar schedule as you do - I do long rides on the weekends, and then spin early in the morning twice a week. Sometimes I go through a week or so where it is VERY difficult for me to get up at 5 to go spin or ride early. Often this is after a very hard training weekend.

I know it is so hard to get up so early, but try getting to bed a little sooner, and just reminding yourself as the alarm goes off how much better you will feel if you do go ride. Once you get into a rhythm of getting up early for your ride, it does get easier. Remind yourself of that, too.

[Geonz]

Same here. I keep wanting to leave early for a longer commute (7 miles doesn't cut it) but... it just doesn't happen.
What has worked int he past is getting everything really, totally ready the n ight before, and sort of visualizing the getting out of bed process (imagining feeling tired and rising, zombie-like, to get as far as the bagel and tea) maybe even sleeping in what I was going to run in and having the tea already made. Right now the dwelling and laundry are in enough chaos that I haven't been able to do that - but I've got Fridays off so... I'll do it Monday and I dare you to, too No commitments for Tuesday - one day at a time and all that!

[FreshNewbie]

Wait Geonz, Monday of which week ( hmm is that the one thats coming in another two weeks ) Well, tomorrow is friday and I just have to get up! HAVE TO!

Maillotpois, I always have hard training on weekends, on saturday I usually do a long ride with my club, and sunday I go out and do 20 miles of hill repeats. So, I guess my lack of energy also has to do with me still being tired from my weekend. But I guess I will have to push myself a little more, in the end feels so much better when I get home after morning ride and know that I did it.

[Lenusik]

I have a pretty similar schedule. But I definitely try to go to bed by 9 am. I am not sure if it is possible for you, but maybe there is someone on the same path that you take in the morning. Perhaps you should introduce yourself and then it would be a reason for you to get up in the morning and see this person. I am not saying that you should find a cycling date but a riding body will help. Even if you just ride together for a mile or two and the rest is your own deal, it may give you enough reason to get up and go for a ride.

[FreshNewbie]

That would be a good idea, but in the morning I usually go out on a trail and there are barelly any cyclists there, mostly runners. Also, I live in not very popular place for cyclists, so in the morning I am a loner

[Geonz]

That would be this coming Monday... okay, I'll go out early tomorrow, too (if it means putting off tackling the living room for an hour, that's a good thign!) And... if I succeed in doing my 13 mile loop before 8:00 a.m., I'll have you to thank... it's not that I have to, I know I WANT to... as soon as I'm out the door I will know I'm doing the right thing and there will be more harmony in the universe (hear that, universe?!?!)
It's the perfect cycling date - I don't have to go as far or as fast as you do... we don't even have to be at the same place at the same time :=)

[FreshNewbie]

I will see you there !

[Lenusik]

Great! And then you will have to tell us how the ride went.!

[FreshNewbie]

Geonz!!! Thank you so muchhhhhhhh for our cycling date!!! I finally got out first time in two weeks. Ended up with close to 12 miles, got up nice and early and dragged my butt out of bed. How was your commute?

[Brandy]

My two keys to succesful morning rides are going to bed early and having a training partner who will be let down if I don't drag my butt to the meeting point! It's really been a trade-off because I enjoy staying up late and getting time to myself, but I'm finding that I like early morning rides even more!

Good luck on your century. My first one is quickly approaching...August 19th!

[FreshNewbie]

Good luck Brandy! You know when I registered for my century it seems so far away and now that I think about it days just flew by. Please let me know how your went, i am always curious about first centuries !