The problem I have is not the actual training part, but rather the motivation to actually get on my bike. Im comfortable in my kit and on the bike I can't get enough. I just need that push to start getting ready for the ride, to wake up early. Its easy to get the drive when there's a big race coming up, so its easy for me to be consistant in my training because everyone's training and I wouldn't wanna fall behind or get dropped on the weekend ride. Im just looking for that thing that i need that would make me jump up and start riding instead of thinking up reasons why I don't have to. I started a blog where I listed some of the stuff I could think of, but I still haven't found "the thing" that would give me drive and push me to be better. If anyone's interested, my blog is at cycleright.wordpress.com. Why are we not cycling like we should. I have some cool training tips on there that have worked for me in the past. Any advice would be appreciated

Hi there. I'll give it a go. Just heading out for a ride soon myself (waiting for the rains to stop). Will check out your blog later if I get a chance.

I've been coaching cyclists and Ironman Triathletes for almost 20 years now and have helped people prepare for thousands of events. I always prefer to think in terms of inspiration rather than motivation. WHY are are you riding. You love it and that's great but why are you riding. Assuming a few things that you aren't riding too much, you aren't bored of your routes, and you do have things to train for (events either in the short or long term) then here's how I would go about it.

Inspiration is like the pull, motivation is like the push. No one wants to be pushed to doing something, so you resist. However, if you can think of it in terms of what you want out of it, why it's going to benefit you and why you want it then you'll be more likely to hop on the wheels.

I know I get bored of just riding if I don't have wattage on my bike. I LOVE to ride with a watt readout though as it gives me immediate feedback on what I'm doing. It brings another element into the ride whereby I can focus on working at a specific level, work harder or in some cases work easier. Now, understand I'm a bit different. I can sit on my bike for 6-6.5 hours on a trainer inside and ride specifically to prepare for a race so my brain may work a bit differently than some. However I know riding outside with the watt meter is infinitely more enjoyable.

Hope that gets you thinking about a few things. s

Everyone's different but avoiding getting beaten up in the next race or getting dropped like third period french on the next group ride are enough motivation for me

Do you ride alone or with groups?

Welcome Benchley - I must have missed your introduction and previous posts. There are quite a few of us triathletes (or wannabes in my case) ranging from sprint veterans to Olympic length to HIM and a few have done full IMs.