I'm an overweight 52 year old man who has made a somewhat miraculous return to swimming. I've been swimming 4 to 6 times a week for about 12 weeks now. My workouts began with 9 x 50's the first week and have progressed to about 1800 yards in about 50 minutes (typically 2x450's, 200 kick with fins, 5x100's free, pull or paddles, and 4x 50's). I had a swim buddy but he finally decided that he just hated getting in the pool so he quit on me. So I found a small group of Masters swimmers at my club who swim early morning at 5:15 AM and I joined them this week because I find it very difficult to stay motivated swimming solo.
When I showed up this morning no one was there, so I jumped in and started swimming. I had ZERO MOJO, didn't want to be there, the voice in my head was screaming quit, quit already. I felt tired and lazy and barely managed to finish a sloppy 1500 yards. I've felt this way in the pool before and I think it's how my buddy felt and why he quit. Does anyone have suggestions as to how to fight this feeling some days and how to stay motivated and determined everyday you go to swim? I mean it's 5:00 AM and you're already there, why not just bust it out and finish your workout. Thanks for listening to my personal appeal for help.
Here's a person's story of how the MoJo can spread to and from other members of your family and friends important to you. Doesn't matter if you are swimming or whatever, but if you don't want to be raising couch potatos: www.usatriathlon.org/.../family-fringe-benefits-061912.aspx
Sojerz thanks so much for sharing that! In a non-athletic venue, it reminds me of when I went back for my doctorate (as an ARNP) - there was one woman at work who was indignant about my "Bragging" about going back to school - but interestingly enough, now four more of my old co-workers have also gone back to get their advanced nursing degrees too. One of my boys told me that he loved seeing me study, because it made him feel like he had more in common with me (he's a tennis player).
My mojo goes right out the door when the water is too hot, and frequently when I have to swim solo. I used to joke that if there wasn't anyone to swim with, I would just do an 800 and go home. Only it wasn't a joke! I've gotten better & more disciplined now - and that GTD genie certainly helps, like Bobinator says!
You'll need to pick up the pace to achieve your goal this year! (brother)
Another thing that helps me when I have to swim solo is to use toys. I allow myself to put on fins, and play with my snorkel. Sometimes I see how many times I can lap the slow poke a few lanes down (or try and avoid getting lapped by the ex-Olympian swimmer a few lanes down!). When it's too hot though - I really am lucky to just do an 800 before I get out and call it quits. We all have these days & fortunately, after a while, we get our mojo back. :)
Here's a person's story of how the MoJo can spread to and from other members of your family and friends important to you. Doesn't matter if you are swimming or whatever, but if you don't want to be raising couch potatos: www.usatriathlon.org/.../family-fringe-benefits-061912.aspx
Sojerz thanks so much for sharing that! In a non-athletic venue, it reminds me of when I went back for my doctorate (as an ARNP) - there was one woman at work who was indignant about my "Bragging" about going back to school - but interestingly enough, now four more of my old co-workers have also gone back to get their advanced nursing degrees too. One of my boys told me that he loved seeing me study, because it made him feel like he had more in common with me (he's a tennis player).
My mojo goes right out the door when the water is too hot, and frequently when I have to swim solo. I used to joke that if there wasn't anyone to swim with, I would just do an 800 and go home. Only it wasn't a joke! I've gotten better & more disciplined now - and that GTD genie certainly helps, like Bobinator says!
You'll need to pick up the pace to achieve your goal this year! (brother)
Another thing that helps me when I have to swim solo is to use toys. I allow myself to put on fins, and play with my snorkel. Sometimes I see how many times I can lap the slow poke a few lanes down (or try and avoid getting lapped by the ex-Olympian swimmer a few lanes down!). When it's too hot though - I really am lucky to just do an 800 before I get out and call it quits. We all have these days & fortunately, after a while, we get our mojo back. :)
