Mindset = Motivation

Sunday, January 20, 2013 · Mike Davis

How’s your winter running going? I just finished two consecutive weeks of running 26 miles and coming out of recuperation I am pleased. For me the “15 in 13” challenge helps as I not only have a scheduled run day, but I also have to do something each day anyhow, so it may as well be running! Winter has its ups and downs, but instead of dwelling I find it easier just to attack it! The weather is not what it was a year ago but overall there have been some great run days. Motivation is not always flowing over for me, but on those days I am struggling, I tell myself just go run 3 miles and usually that 3 mile run turns into whatever my running plan calls for. It’s not that I trick myself because that tactic no longer works for me, instead some days I have to accept that running 6 miles isn’t necessary and that my training plan is a plan not a sentence. Each week I have goal for me that usually consist of running for a certain amount of time each run and strength training 3 days. My training plan is usually challenging and requires a considerable amount of discipline. Honestly my motivation is not always there as some days and even entire weeks can be difficult. As I get older and work with various clients I have learned a great deal what will help me be successful with myself and those I work with. I have a client that I have worked considerably with to improve her running and overall strength. Her improvement is nothing short of amazing and is a tribute to her discipline and desire. Over the past couple of months she has found it difficult to stick completely to her personal training plan due to work and some extent her motivation. The running portion of her training has been the most consistent but the strength training has been a challenge to adhere to. As her coach my job is to continuously push her to get it done no matter what. No, not really, my job is to help her to keep moving forward and not out of guilt or even accountability. A successful training plan requires me to consider the individual and such things as; available equipment, time constraints, goals and what fits their life style. From there I build a running plan and a strength training plan that I believe the client can successfully complete for a period of time. Note I said a period of time, because usually training plans only succeed for a period of time before they either get tiresome or my client has some different dynamics to deal with. What I do well is to monitor closely each weeks training and as I see trends I make changes that keep the client progressing. Usually a new client does quite well for the first few months, but then as I said, their dynamics change in some way. Those dynamics are such things as: work, personal life, goals, seasonal or even motivation. My job is to pay attention and more importantly listen. If I am doing my job I use that information to make changes to their training plan or change their mindset. Changing a client’s mindset doesn’t mean I lecture them about their goals or need for better discipline. While there may be times that might be necessary; most times the mindset that I am talking about is one of being okay with a different definition of a “good week of training”. When I provide a personal training plan whether it is for 5K training or marathon training, it’s a blueprint that is designed to be followed but ultimate success is based on the individual. If my client goes through some rough patches and workouts become guilt laden, the chances of success have now decreased considerably. More importantly; the chances that my client will continue beyond their goal event they are quite slim. It happens all the time, someone signs on to run a certain race, they join a training group or they hire someone like me, the accountability turns to guilt then right after the race; they pretty much stop running. Last week I responded to a client’s fears about her next 2 weeks being really difficult because of her travelling for work. Her fear is that she won’t get in many runs or strength training sessions. My response to her was this: “Don’t worry about what you don’t get in, but instead be happy for whatever you can do. If you only get a run or two in, be happy!” Her response back was one of appreciation as it took her self-imposed pressure off and she felt with that mindset she might actually get more workouts in. The mindset is really where the motivation comes from and sometimes it might need a kick in the butt, but other times it needs to relax. As a coach I try to make sure I understand which is needed. Success requires physical conditioning and an evolving mindset. A sustained life of maintaining a level of fitness requires both as well! Running for life is my mindset for both me and my runners, how we approach that makes a huge difference. Go have fun whether it’s a 60 minute workout or 15!