Lets face it, we have all had slumps.

We all experience slumps when it comes to fitness and life it self for that matter. You might be bogged down with work. Family obligations may have thrown off your routine. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt everyone has had mornings when motivation was lacking.

Having the occasional dip in motivation is not inherently a big problem. Trust me, I realize life happens and everyone gets busy at times.  However, if you don’t act quickly and respond to the slump you may end up digging yourself into a hole. One that will get deeper every day that passes without you taking action!

I wouldn’t wish a lack of motivation on anyone, but it happens to all of us mortals. Id like to think it even like David Goggin’s or Michael Phelps go through the occasional slump.

So, if you recently took a long vacation and are finding it hard to get back in the gym. If you just started a family and are looking to re-ignite your fitness routine to be a healthier example. Or if you’re like me and hit a wall after months of continuous training (formally known as burning out). Then rest assured, you are at the right place.

At the end of February,

I ran 100K at the Jackalope Jam, so I started March in recovery mode. I completely fell out of my strict running routine. Only went to the gym a handful of times. Ill be up front and throw my month out there…

March- Gym: 8 Days….Run: 2 Days (Total: 14 miles)

WOAH, what a slump when compared to the previous month. 

February- Gym: 12 Days…Run: 15 Days (Total: 165 miles)

There is no doubt I dug myself into a deep hole, but I was able to crawl out. So, I know you can too!

I find the driving force behind any significant change is, accountability. Without it I promise sooner, not later you will end up burning out or even worse failing to show up. It is the truly the crucible to success.

For months on end,

The Jackalope Jam was my accountability. It didn’t matter if it was pouring rain or sleeting during a training run. I knew I had to keep going because there are no weather promises on race day. It didn’t matter if I had to work late, as soon as I got off  I would go run, without even thinking about it. I had accountability because I knew exactly WHAT I was training for.

I wasn’t just training to train. And you shouldn’t either! It’s a dangerous game to play.

That bring me to my main tool for fighting slumps:  Put some skin in the game (sign up for something). Don’t just train to train.

It doesn’t matter what. Could be a local 5k, cycling race, obstacle course race, the possibilities are endless. I even saw a charity event last weekend where you could race up the stairs of the tallest skyscraper in Houston (I totally would have been there if I wouldn’t have had to work). I encourage you to sign up for something that scares you a little, maybe your first ½ or full marathon.

Some of you might respond with something along the lines of “well I am not ready to run that far yet” or “I don’t want to sign up just yet”. You’re missing the damn point! When you sign up and put your hard-earned money on a specific event you are greatly increasing the likelihood you will train and show up for the event.

“Put some skin in the game! Don’t just train to train”

Doesn’t matter how deep the hole is and it doesn’t matter how out of shape you think you are. Establishing accountability and putting skin in the game by signing up is hands down the fastest way to end a slump.  

Sure, there are other means of accountability. Work out partners, running apps, fitness groups, etc. Those are all great, but they are also heavily dependent on others. For example, how motivated are you going to be when your workout partner decides to sleep in? Not very.  But if you have signed up for a race and your partner bails, you will still show up to get after it because you have a reason to train!

What I signed up for…

Some of you might be wondering what I signed up for to get me out of my slump. Well I went a little over board. I signed up for my first sprint triathlon (as of today I don’t even have a bike and can hardly swim) and I also signed up for my first obstacle course race. The interesting part is…they are both on the same day! April 20^th. I should have just enough time to commute across town to both events, fingers crossed.

Overall,

When it comes to getting out of a slump, I really do believe creating a sense of accountability is the end all be all. After you sign up, feel free to tell your friends and family what you are training for. That will further increase your accountability and might even encourage others close to you to participate. Then the accountability will spread that much more!

If you have any questions about where to start or would just like some advice on a challenge feel free to email me at Huntchallenges@gmail.com. 

Bonus: Here are a few things I find to be helpful preventative measures to avoid the slump all together. 

• If you normally workout in a gym. Mix It up with an outdoor work out. Most public running tracks have pull up bars, etc.
• If you’re a runner. Mix up your route or run somewhere new altogether. I find this one incredibly helpful. Just google local trails, state and city parks are a good starting place.
• Sign up for a community intramural league. Softball, kickball and volleyball are a great way to stay in shape. They also will hold you accountable for the long term.
• Lastly, get creative and make up your own accountability challenges and share them with me!

Also be sure to check out the CHALLENGE LIST for more ideas!!