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No Motivation

nicola	05 Aug 18:11
Joined: 09 Jul 2006 Posts: 17 Bike: My Profile	Hi Im Nicola. Im not your typical cyclist. To be honest Im not that enthusiastic. I know its good for me and when my partner finally manages to drag me out I do enjoy it. But I usually try to come up with an excuse as to why I can't go. Any suggestions as to how to motivate me? (Im sure my husband would be grateful for any help)

spokeslady	06 Aug 04:14
Joined: 29 Jul 2006 Posts: 14 Bike: My Profile	Hi Nicola, cycling is not for everyone, what is it you don't like? Is it too much effort? Is the bike set up comfortably for you? What do you like doing (other than cycling) and can you incorporate that into a cycle? I mean, if you like visiting friends, or going for a meal can you end your route doing something you enjoy? It sounds like you're cycling 'cos your partner likes it. I have lots of cycling friends whose partners don't, and their partners do the things they like doing while their other half is cycling. Don't feel pressured into doing something you don't like, that's not fair on either of you. Also it's very nice having other interests which allows you to develop and have great conversations later with your partner. Kind Regards
My Latest Route: Mar 2010 Ebury Way

spokeslady

06 Aug 04:14

Joined: 29 Jul 2006

Posts: 14

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Hi Nicola, cycling is not for everyone, what is it you don't like? Is it too much effort? Is the bike set up comfortably for you? What do you like doing (other than cycling) and can you incorporate that into a cycle? I mean, if you like visiting friends, or going for a meal can you end your route doing something you enjoy?

It sounds like you're cycling 'cos your partner likes it. I have lots of cycling friends whose partners don't, and their partners do the things they like doing while their other half is cycling. Don't feel pressured into doing something you don't like, that's not fair on either of you. Also it's very nice having other interests which allows you to develop and have great conversations later with your partner.
Kind Regards

My Latest Route: Mar 2010 Ebury Way

glasgowdan	06 Aug 05:28
Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 5 Bike: My Profile	I use the bike when I would otherwise use the car a lot of the time. My motivation is knowing that I am saving the release of tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. Then when I get a bit lethargic and have a sore head from staring at the computer screen I can get the knobbly tyres out and go get muddy. It is a release thing for me! Why not monitor your fitness very closely. Get a bike computer and tally your miles and try to ride about the same every week, then add ten miles after 6 weeks or so etc.
My Latest Route: Jul 2006 Arrochar - Arrochar

glasgowdan

06 Aug 05:28

Joined: 26 Jul 2006

Posts: 5

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I use the bike when I would otherwise use the car a lot of the time. My motivation is knowing that I am saving the release of tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.

Then when I get a bit lethargic and have a sore head from staring at the computer screen I can get the knobbly tyres out and go get muddy. It is a release thing for me!

Why not monitor your fitness very closely. Get a bike computer and tally your miles and try to ride about the same every week, then add ten miles after 6 weeks or so etc.

My Latest Route: Jul 2006 Arrochar - Arrochar

nicola	06 Aug 15:38
Joined: 09 Jul 2006 Posts: 17 Bike: My Profile	Thanks for the suggestions. I think the reason Im not that kean on cycling is a time thing. Its quite time consuming and I'd rather be shopping, at the cinema or with friends. My husband went cycling today while I was at work which meant when I got home we could spend vouchers in John Lewis and watch the new superman movie (which by the way we both quite enjoyed). I use to be quite athletic going for a run most nights, maybe ill try short cycles more often rather than the one off 15-20 mile killer that we usually do (killer for me that is). Trouble is I just dont know if a 30 minute cycle would really be all that satisfying. Hopefully Ill try and get back to you. Another problem, before I go. With finishing work late and therefore having a late dinner I worry about leaving time to let the food settle, but by the time ive done that its time for bed. Have any of you tried cycling on a full stomach?

nicola

06 Aug 15:38

Joined: 09 Jul 2006

Posts: 17

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Thanks for the suggestions.

I think the reason Im not that kean on cycling is a time thing. Its quite time consuming and I'd rather be shopping, at the cinema or with friends.

My husband went cycling today while I was at work which meant when I got home we could spend vouchers in John Lewis and watch the new superman movie (which by the way we both quite enjoyed).

I use to be quite athletic going for a run most nights, maybe ill try short cycles more often rather than the one off 15-20 mile killer that we usually do (killer for me that is). Trouble is I just dont know if a 30 minute cycle would really be all that satisfying. Hopefully Ill try and get back to you.

Another problem, before I go. With finishing work late and therefore having a late dinner I worry about leaving time to let the food settle, but by the time ive done that its time for bed. Have any of you tried cycling on a full stomach?

Taz	04 Jul 10:43
Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 1 Bike:	I have exactly the same problem with my girlfriend....I think half the problem is that some blokes are quite competitive and make girls feel like they're always chasing and that makes them enjoy it less. Get your other half to do shorter, easier rides (say to a local pub or). Start off with only a few miles and build it up. You'll soon get to enjoy it. You shouldn't do it just because you think it's good for you - it's supposed to be fun more than anything else.

Taz

04 Jul 10:43

Joined: 04 Jul 2007

Posts: 1

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I have exactly the same problem with my girlfriend....I think half the problem is that some blokes are quite competitive and make girls feel like they're always chasing and that makes them enjoy it less. Get your other half to do shorter, easier rides (say to a local pub or). Start off with only a few miles and build it up. You'll soon get to enjoy it.

You shouldn't do it just because you think it's good for you - it's supposed to be fun more than anything else.

adam	06 Jul 12:07
Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 11 Bike: My Profile	its it an age thing maybe ( ha ha )

sandy	28 Jul 03:43
Joined: 28 Jul 2008 Posts: 3 Bike:	Hi Nicola, Just joined 20mins ago. I have lost a lot of weight recently, say 60p/c of my target so use the cycling,primarily, to achieve the next 40p/c.. My wife is a bookworm,but would love to cycle, so we bought 2 new bikes yesterday. this is now a spur for her to take lessons, and carry on her diet. I agree with fellow members, in that, if you try to include one of your interests / goals in the cycling, e.g. picnic, visiting castles,shopping-charity shops, fishing, visit a freind/town etc,etc,etc....its endless. In other words ,think of it as a healthy asset, rather than a chore. Try to plan ahead, rather than drop of a hat .You will fit more of your interests in ,i.e. change of MINDSET. If someone had said to me 6 months , no ,make that 2 months ago, I will be riding a bike and enjoying it because of the benifits and spin offs[pardon the pun[, I WOULD HAVE LAUGHED MY HEAD OFF. Take it easy to start,build things up AT YOUR PACE. Take care ,Sandy.

sandy

28 Jul 03:43

Joined: 28 Jul 2008

Posts: 3

Bike:

Hi Nicola, Just joined 20mins ago. I have lost a lot of weight recently, say 60p/c of my target so use the cycling,primarily, to achieve the next 40p/c..
My wife is a bookworm,but would love to cycle, so we bought 2 new bikes yesterday. this is now a spur for her to take lessons, and carry on her diet.
I agree with fellow members, in that, if you try to include one of your interests / goals in the cycling, e.g. picnic, visiting castles,shopping-charity shops, fishing, visit a freind/town etc,etc,etc....its endless. In other words ,think of it as a healthy asset, rather than a chore.
Try to plan ahead, rather than drop of a hat .You will fit more of your interests in ,i.e. change of MINDSET.
If someone had said to me 6 months , no ,make that 2 months ago, I will be riding a bike and enjoying it because of the benifits and spin offs[pardon the pun[, I WOULD HAVE LAUGHED MY HEAD OFF.
Take it easy to start,build things up AT YOUR PACE.
Take care ,Sandy.

chopper666	12 Aug 14:18
Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 12 Bike: My Profile	mind over matter, get in the right mind set - once your out the door you may not enjoy the first ten minute but once you have warmed up you'll be sweet!
My Latest Route: Sep 2008 Derby - Mickleover - Sutton on the Hill Loop

Cycling Dude	29 Apr 16:39
Joined: 29 Apr 2009 Posts: 38 Bike: My Profile	Nic, you need to set yourself a target, if thats speed, distance, or maybe both! Play a game with yourself, make it fun set a distance and after an hour, say to yourself, 'am gonna beat that' which will work you harder and will give u a work out, live in Sunderland? email me robthesnake@hotmail.co.uk
My Latest Route: Jun 2009 Silkworth and Herrington Circular

bloomp	04 May 09:08
Joined: 14 Apr 2010 Posts: 69 Bike: My Profile	Hi Nicola, I have just started cycling again after xx yrs of abstinence lol. The way i have motivated myself to go out is using the route planner. I set up routes for 30 min, 1hr, 1.5 hr & 2hr or so using flat roads and recorded my time. I set other routes in the same area but a bit more undulating and adventurous but about the same length & timed my actuals. I've created routes as add-ons to my current routes so if I am feeling fit, I can go further but . . I always end up home. I added a fun off road route (park and cycle track) for Sunday afternoon & such. The key point is, they are all circular, start = end so there is a point of no return - the motivation gained by being over half way is tremendous. Do your route to be easier 2nd leg (more downhill if there is one) to start and then when you have more energy and time, do it the other way for a better work out. My first route was http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Breightmet_to_Tottington_Circular-Cycle-Route-4566.html and my last posted route after 6 weeks of doing what I've just described was http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Breightmet_to_Lee_Quarry_and_Bacup_Circular-Cycle-Route-4613.html and I feel great ! Go for it steady but make yourself go out even when you are not keen - I find I get keen once I'm out! Good luck !! Paul
My Latest Route: Sep 2010 Middlesborough to Thorpe Thewles Circuit

bloomp

04 May 09:08

Joined: 14 Apr 2010

Posts: 69

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My Profile

Hi Nicola,
I have just started cycling again after xx yrs of abstinence lol.
The way i have motivated myself to go out is using the route planner.
I set up routes for 30 min, 1hr, 1.5 hr & 2hr or so using flat roads and recorded my time.
I set other routes in the same area but a bit more undulating and adventurous but about the same length & timed my actuals.
I've created routes as add-ons to my current routes so if I am feeling fit, I can go further but . . I always end up home.
I added a fun off road route (park and cycle track) for Sunday afternoon & such.
The key point is, they are all circular, start = end so there is a point of no return - the motivation gained by being over half way is tremendous.
Do your route to be easier 2nd leg (more downhill if there is one) to start and then when you have more energy and time, do it the other way for a better work out.
My first route was

http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Breightmet_to_Tottington_Circular-Cycle-Route-4566.html
and my last posted route after 6 weeks of doing what I've just described was

http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Breightmet_to_Lee_Quarry_and_Bacup_Circular-Cycle-Route-4613.html
and I feel great !
Go for it steady but make yourself go out even when you are not keen - I find I get keen once I'm out!
Good luck !!
Paul

My Latest Route: Sep 2010 Middlesborough to Thorpe Thewles Circuit

splits	02 Jul 03:08
Joined: 02 Jul 2010 Posts: 12 Bike: My Profile	I found the best motivation is to commute to work and back, it saves me Â£30 a week in fares, it also helps counteract my unhealthy habits like smoking and eating too many cakes. You could always get your man to drop you 20 miles from home with your bike and no money ;-)

dudley	03 Jul 03:23
Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 498 Bike: My Profile	we're off to a bbq today. 35 miles away. i'm cycling, and the family are taking a long a change of clothes for me. nice day, if a little windy! ride home dependent on consumption of raw meat and alcohol (i'll be in the car...!)
My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Forth Estuary Circular

krazykayaker	03 Jul 16:01
Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 112 Bike: My Profile	Thats the sort of thing i'd do Dudley!! I never ride home though!!!
My Latest Route: Jan 2010 Corley Circular via Fillongley and Ash Green

dudley	04 Jul 05:14
Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 498 Bike: My Profile	rocket speed yesterday. 25mph tail wind all the way - car on the way home. perfect!
My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Forth Estuary Circular

sallyann	04 Jul 14:50
Joined: 29 Jun 2010 Posts: 38 Bike: My Profile	I used to cycle with my husband a few years ago but to be honest it wasn't always enjoyable, one trip on Dartmoor and i thought i was going to be air lifted out! But recently i've started cycling again with a couple of girlfriends, lovely routes, always a nice cafe (my husband would never stop for a coffee and cake!) And we all love it!

frank the manc	06 Aug 03:30
Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Posts: 4 Bike:	If you don't want to do it don't do it, its supposed to be about enjoyment isn't it? so either go on your own or with someone you like going out with (matching abilities and interest) and go somewhere nice.ie PUB,picinic and the PUB a nice country PUB or a trip into the city using the canal or cycle path, and go to the PUB, basically go to the pub...... hope this helps. and all riding is good riding

frank the manc

06 Aug 03:30

Joined: 25 Sep 2009

Posts: 4

Bike:

If you don't want to do it don't do it, its supposed to be about enjoyment isn't it? so either go on your own or with someone you like going out with (matching abilities and interest) and go somewhere nice.ie PUB,picinic and the PUB a nice country PUB or a trip into the city using the canal or cycle path, and go to the PUB, basically go to the pub...... hope this helps. and all riding is good riding

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