The hardest part about living in the mountains and racing mountain bikes is having to start training when there is still snow on the ground. The first race of the season is a little over a month away. It is that time of year where indoor bike trainer becomes another piece of furniture in our condo. Right now the most important thing is getting in some base miles, to build up my endurance. Do they still count as base miles even if your bike never moves?
I try to get my workouts done early in the morning because I am much more of a morning person than a night person. Also my workouts are a lot more productive before I work than when I am tired after. Some days it is easier to get up and get moving than others. And, it is easy for me to come up with excuses to NOT get out of bed.
- I didn’t sleep that great.
- I got up early yesterday.
- It isn’t as fun as riding a mountain bike outside.
- There are so many cute puppy videos to watch on Instagram.
- Etc.
And those are just a few! But then as I lay in bed coming up with all of the excuses I also think about all the benefits.
- It is a good start to my day.
- Makes me physically and mentally stronger for race season.
- AND, I always have a smile on my face after.
Last week I was having one of those mornings where I wasn’t feeling motivated to ride the trainer. I was complaining to Phil about not feeling like doing it when he asked me what I felt like doing instead. I replied that I wanted to go to the gym and lift weights instead. Although I wasn’t planning on lifting that day that is what I was motivated to do! Sometimes I get so caught up in my plan that it is hard for my mind to think of other options, and going to the gym was a great option! I quickly changed clothes since by that time I only had an hour before I needed to get ready for work. I jumped on my bike, headed to the gym and had a great power hour!
So next time you are making excuses, or not wanting to do a workout remember to push the excuses aside or find another fun workout to do!
So next time you are making excuses, or not wanting to do a workout remember to push the excuses aside or find another fun workout to do!