So after my great success at a meet in July, where I made a bunch of new PBs, I kind of took a break for a little bit (two weeks), then I resolved to get back into it. But then my mother drew me down south for a family reunion and I was away for a week. Then I came back home, hit the water for a few days, and thought I needed another break. Right when I was ready to come back to the pool, I got drawn back south to babysit my nephew and pregnant sister-in-law, who was contracting, since her husband, my brother, is in residency right now, and my mother was going off to NY on business. That left just me, since school hasn't started and my blogging job can be done on a laptop.
The extended babysitting trip was cut short, however, when my dad had a small stroke and I flew back home with my brother. That was at the end of last month. My dad's alright now, it was just a warning shot- it was good that it happened when it did because he got to learn a lot about his health that he wouldn't have otherwise, and it would've been worse down the road.
Ever since, I've not been on a plateau or anything, but I've been in a bog, you know what I mean? Missing every other practice, sometimes two or three days in a row.
ITT, I would appreciate if you all tell me to get my ass into gear. I think I'm being lazy. I thought it just lack of motivation, but it's not. The laziness is the root cause.
Throw all your worst insults at me, please.
OK get your ass in gear,but don't cop out or beat yourself up by labeling yourself lazy.As I tell my patients "lazy is an insult pretending to be an explanation."It has no explanatory value as the thinking is all circular.Why didn't I do it,because I was lazy,how do I know I'm lazy,because I didn't do it.
In your case you have had one crises after another which has to have been emotionally draining.Cut yourself some slack and plan to ease back in.
I find that I tend to avoid things, especially optional things, that I don't enjoy. I assume that swimming is an optional activity for you. So make your workouts fun.
Here is a complete list of all the insults that have ever successfully motivated me:
I workout first thing in the morning before I can come up with any excuses not to train! I always remember how great I feel after a workout and how terrible when I don't do it, too.
JUMPY INTO THE WATER!:applaud::applaud:
Laziness will fly away as soon as you feel the lovely touch of water while swimming… :cheerleader:than the need for active movements at least 3 days a week will come:D
It's totally fine to take a break from your normal routine every now and then. I'm a firm believer that family should always come first and it looks like you spent a great deal of time helping various family members in need of support.
You should be proud of yourself for putting others needs before your own.
You'll get back on the fitness track in no time if that's what you want to do.
I go through days where I dont want to practice. But then I think about if I really got my wish. I mean it would be nice for a week or two. But I know that I would really miss it. It really boils down to why you swim. Once you figure that out it is much easier to be motivated on lazy days.
And then do some self talk and get your butt in the pool :). Having a coach or someone to swim with to push you on those off days helps but only you can decide if it is worth it.
Break the process down into smaller, manageable bites: When the alarm goes off, I tell myself to get up and go into the bathroom. Then once I am up I always say to myself, well, I am up now I might as well head to the pool. Once I get out the door I say to myself, when I get to the pool if I am still not feeling it I will just not get in. Then once I get in if I am still not feeling it, I tell myself I will just do part of the workout. But usually by then I do the entire practice. See? I have tricked myself into swimming! And even if I only do part of the practice its better than none. Its easier if I am going to swim with my team as I look forward to seeing my teammates. Right now the pool is closed for yearly maintenance so I am swimming at the club pool on my own, which is lonely and boring but better than nothing. So try and make a manageable goal of getting to the pool and swimming part of a workout.
