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Spring forward, Fall back - Motivation

[ posted by iain Wednesday, November 02, 2005 ] I am entering the winter in my worst condition for over five years. What started as a very promising year in the spring at the Giro turned into an average summer and an almost non-existent autumn of riding. Whilst new jobs, weddings and the usual seasonal bugs haven't given me loads of time to ride I have to admit I didn't motivate myself to get out at every opportunity.
So where do you look for motivation? The internet of course! I typed 'cycling motivation' into Google and here's what I found [cycling psychology]. In response to this here's how I am going to use the ideas for motivation.
Goals - I guess the first goal is to just get back in some form of shape. Here comes the Bridget Jones bit. I weigh 80 kilos at present, which for someone my height (6,3) is not too bad. However I am not all lean at the moment so I'm going to aim for 74 kilos as this is where I have felt best in the past. Eating better must also be a goal. I don't mean no cheese, no fat, no fun, just less snacks and less beer. With regards to performance goals, I do have some timed circuits I can measure myself on, but for the moment I'm just going to concentrate on getting out.
Group Training -I have ridden with a few clubs in the area and will definitely look to join up with some of the Sunday morning groups over the winter as well as other social rides
Regularity -This is an important one for me. If I'm not getting out regularly I find it too easy to slip into longer periods of inactivity. The commute to work should help and I will try to make it a little longer and more interesting to make the wet kit and cold showers a bit more bearable. Coupled with a few indoor trainer sessions this should be enough to keep me going between the weekend rides.
Location -Not a problem in the leafy 'burbs of Surrey, but I will make an effort to find new routes.
Racing -I need to find an event after the New Year to aim for. The Granfondo's in Italy look fantastic and I would love to go over there to take part. For the moment a good event in the South-East UK will have to do, any suggestions?
Books, videos, and magazines -Magazines and books are my favorites for inspiration, as well as cycling blogs and websites. I find Cycling Weekly better inspiration than the glossier Cycle Sport and Procycling, it's just more relevant. I've also got one excellent book by Edmund Burke, which may be a little serious for my standards but still provides an excellent all round guide for anyone thinking cycling further than the shops and back.
And the final piece of motivation, this blog. The more I ride, the more I write , or is it the other way around?

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