The problem was that I was focused on performance based goals (achieving a time that was competitive with prior race performances) and the kind of training I "should" be doing: more frequent, more structured. When that wasn't happening, I began to worry, and get down on myself. Fortunately, I have an angel who reminded me that I do this stuff for fun - and that is so important. Here are my "new" motivation tips:
- Have fun. Whatever you're doing, make sure it's fun for you. This is your free time, you're not going to spend it on self-torture.
- Anything is better than nothing. Maybe a 7k tempo run is what would be prescribed for this juncture in time - but you can't. Not enough time, not enough energy, whatever... but 3k pushing the jogging stroller is still going to put strength in those legs that wouldn't be there otherwise.
So that's it: unless you're overtraining (no danger of that here!),
exercise makes you an alchemist: you are turning time into strength.
P.S. If you figure out how to turn fat into time, please contact me... we're going to be rich!