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But I Hate the Gym! - Gym-Free Fitness (Part 1 of 2)
"I know I should exercise," a good friend of mine was lamenting
to me late last week, "but I really hate going to gyms." I have
to admit, my initial response to this was incredulity - even in
my much heavier days (when I had a BMI of 35, very...
Fishing Fun For The Whole Family
Fishing as Family Activity
Many people love to go fishing, instead of playing tennis or
golf. Others make it their primary sport activity together with
their families and friends to relieve boredom and stress.
Surveys say that more than 50...
How To Get Discount Golf Fees
How To Get Discount Golf Fees Once considered a game for the elite, Golf is now no more restricted to them only. With many schemes and plans floating in the market the expensive game of the past is now within the reach of the masses. With many...
Virtual Casino Gambling
You might be wondering how virtual casino gambling started and how or why this virtual gambling phenomenon has grown so rapidly.
Take a quick look into history of gambling and you'll discover why virtual casino gambling was the next logical...
Yoga Teachers, Prepare for the New Year's Rush - Part 3
This is the last article of this series, and by now, you should
be getting some fresh ideas that will help you design a couple
of new Yoga classes in your studio.
Yoga on the Ball: This has been around for awhile, but it still
can add some...
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Why am I doing this; again?
All athletes train for various reasons. These reasons are what keep us going. It is important to regularly examine your motives and ambitions and to keep them close to you. Without an internal purpose to our training we are like old plow mules; slogging along because we always have. Without a purpose your enthusiasm to train and compete will eventually fade.
The first thing you must realize is that your motivations are unique and personal. You may train for social reasons, but not because your friend is making you. You may enjoy the support of your parents, but can not compete for them. This is one of the reasons children who are pushed too hard by the imposed ambitions of overzealous parents often lose interest in a sport. The child has lost the internal motivation to participate (fun) and generally does not stay involved long term. Make sure reasons you train are your reasons.
Secondly, define your reason. Be specific and write them down. Visualize the payoff of your training. If one of your reasons is fitness, visualize yourself as the fit and hardened individual you will become. Perhaps you have a specific personal goal in mind. Constantly remind yourself what that goal is, and how the work out you are performing now will get you there.
There are so many positive aspects to being an athlete beyond the physical benefits. I personally believe the characteristics of a successful athlete transfer to many areas of life outside the competitive arena. Characteristics such as discipline, overcoming adversity,
risk taking, personal sacrifice, sportsmanship, consistency, and hard work reinforce good character. These reasons may not be as concrete as winning a race, but I believe they will carry you farther.
If you are training mainly for the joy of competing, you may wake up one morning and realize that it is no longer fun for you. If that is the case, it is time to move on to something else, perhaps another sport, something new and interesting. This change in motivation is natural, and is not a result of deficient character, it is part of life.
Endurance athletes are unique animals. The training takes more hours than most sports, and is usually solitary. Successful training for endurance sports requires you to train through all seasons, terrible weather, and early mornings when you would rather be in bed. Even the pros make little money relative to other sports, and receive little recognition beyond the endurance sport community. If fame, fortune, and adoration are your motivators you are in the wrong sport. Endurance sports arguably require greater fortitude and discipline. Know what the payoff is for your efforts, and you will be a more motivated, successful, and happy athlete.
About the Author
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmichael Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.
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