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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: gunwharfman on 12:57:21, 11/03/19

Title: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:57:21, 11/03/19
As I get older I notice that I have to find ways to keep me motivated to go out on some days, or even to go on a hike. The thought and pleasure of a hike is in my head, I even do the planning, but sometimes I wobble and start to look for excuses as to why I should cancel. My excuse usually is my view about the travelling time involved, the thought of driving on a packed motorway like the M6, going to Penrith on a train, even worse on a coach, sitting in an airport or killing time on a ferry often depresses my enthusiasm to go.

I have overcome this by doing a 'deal' with my wife, if I waver, she gets stroppy with me or 'pushes' me out of the door in some other way. I will also sometimes get a Skype call from my son as well. Its always worked so far.

When at home, I have said for years that I must get out and about every single day! Again, my wife helps me to do this if I get into falter mode thinking. The most likely days for me to 'make an excuse' are Thursday's and Sunday's. Wednesday's and Saturday's are my evenings at the pub!

I've recently given myself a project, which I'm really enjoying, to record all of my off road running routes on my Wikiloc app. I've done 9  so far, 3 to go! That gets me out of the house without any trouble at all.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: FTSTTLB on 13:11:17, 11/03/19
Yes, I do. And it's silly because I feel much better after a (short) walk instead of just being a couch potato or sitting behind a computer or smartphone too long.

Did went for a long walk yesterday though, even though the weather was rather horrible
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: pleb on 16:20:20, 11/03/19
Depends on the weather.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: GnP on 17:27:29, 11/03/19
I love to plan a walk and I`m lucky I can usually choose a day with good weather. I have noticed that as I have gotten older my energy levels drop from mid afternoon, so I get up early & start early.
The problem I find is the same as you gun, in that, it is the travelling for the walks that puts me off as it tires me a tad before even starting..I love the Beacons and Wales in general but driving there can be a couple of hours & even though I enjoy most walks. I start getting sleepy on my return home..with four hours total driving time for the day.Of late I often plan walks closer to home because of this, & must say many have been great, but I do miss planning walks in the hillson those days before walking.. :-\
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Maggot on 12:02:53, 12/03/19
No, it's my 'me time' (well me and the Beagle).


I am ok with motivation to go out riding or walking.  Going to work can be an issue sometimes!
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: BuzyG on 19:20:26, 12/03/19
Not much. One of lifesl fresh air brigade.  Rather be outside in a storm, than stuck at my desk.  MrsG takes more persuading.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: fernman on 19:37:21, 12/03/19
It's a sign of old age, or it could be depression, when you start to lose interest or motivation for the hobbies and pastimes that used to fill your time.

A problem of mine has always been that I can have too much of something, then I lose interest in it, particularly if I have "peaked" at it, and my remedy has been to deliberately hold myself back from reaching that peak, leaving some things still to be done.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: BuzyG on 20:17:34, 12/03/19
It's a sign of old age, or it could be depression, when you start to lose interest or motivation for the hobbies and pastimes that used to fill your time.

A problem of mine has always been that I can have too much of something, then I lose interest in it, particularly if I have "peaked" at it, and my remedy has been to deliberately hold myself back from reaching that peak, leaving some things still to be done.


Your last point is very well made.  I always try to make sure I have a goal, a reason for being out.  Be it X hundred meters of accent. Or simply tor bagging or practicing a particular skill in unusually bad weather. It all adds to the day and adds variation.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: gunwharfman on 21:53:13, 12/03/19
I accept it could be my age, not depression in my case though, I've never experienced that before. I've thought it could be something to do with routine, knowing in advance what its going to be like, the novelty of travel (on trains, jets, cars and coaches) has worn off, now its a chore for me.

When I'm at the start of a hike I have no problems at all.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Dovegirl on 21:58:04, 12/03/19
I don't lack the motivation to get out and about as I love being out there. I agree though that the travel logistics of getting to walks are sometimes a bit off-putting but I feel that if I start thinking it's too much of an effort I'll be on a downward spiral.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Dread on 09:26:57, 13/03/19
I don't drive so a walk for me usually involves poring over train and bus timetables. I'm a couple of steps removed from a trainspotter but i do love train travel especially on the smaller lines. The getting there is all part of it to me. I recently went walking in Upper Wharfdale which involved a bus to Leeds, train to Skipton, bus to Grassington then a bus to Buckden. I spent as much time getting there and back as i did on the hills but to me this is all part of the adventure. The little bus to Buckden is an amazing trip. I really love the Sheffield to Edale line, it always puts me a great mood of expectation. Sitting back chomping on the sandwich which was supposed to be my lunch,watching the Peak District roll by is pure motivation.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Ralph on 10:08:43, 13/03/19
Dread, I totally understand what you say about the Hope Valley line. I've travelled this for 40+ years and still get a buzz as I approach Grindleford on my way to Edale, glad someone else gets it.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: fernman on 10:50:24, 13/03/19
I accept it could be my age, not depression in my case though, I've never experienced that before. I've thought it could be something to do with routine, knowing in advance what its going to be like, the novelty of travel (on trains, jets, cars and coaches) has worn off, now its a chore for me.

When I'm at the start of a hike I have no problems at all.

I'd say that is definitely an age thing. Speaking personally, in my ordinary everyday life I'm always full of interest in everything I see around me - weather, trees, birds, plants, cars, buildings, but most of all, people, I'm a dedicated people-watcher.
But since having had early retirement forced on me I've been doing these things for a few years now, and lately I'm finding that my walks to the shops or short outings on local transport are becoming just a same-old routine with less to look forward to, I've done them so many times before.

Though I'm the same as you on walks, GWM. Last week I set off from a car park for a 7.25 miles walk on a bright but cold day with a spring in my step!
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Dread on 11:15:11, 15/03/19
Dread, I totally understand what you say about the Hope Valley line. I've travelled this for 40+ years and still get a buzz as I approach Grindleford on my way to Edale, glad someone else gets it.


I am now sat on that very train on my way to Hope. In a nice piece of irony a thread about low motivation has motivated me to end my winter hibernation, stretch my legs and hit the peaks. Going to walk Win Hill and around Ladybower. It's a bit blowy but the sun is shining. Thanks to another walkingforum thread i picked up a Marmot Precip (on offer for £30 in the JD Sports clearance sale) so I'm hoping it rains. Just a bit.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: sussamb on 16:19:14, 15/03/19
Good price for a Precip  O0
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Jac on 17:17:39, 15/03/19
In answer to the op YES - that's why I'm still pootling about on this flippin machine instead of striding out into the world --- gggrr
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: ninthace on 18:11:40, 15/03/19
After spending 3 weeks enjoying an antipodean summer and having now returned to a solid week of wind and rain, getting the motivation to go out in this weather is a problem, even the shopping trips require a major effort.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: BuzyG on 18:45:30, 15/03/19
After spending 3 weeks enjoying an antipodean summer and having now returned to a solid week of wind and rain, getting the motivation to go out in this weather is a problem, even the shopping trips require a major effort.
Welcome back.  ;)
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: jontea on 20:02:18, 21/03/19
My motivation is thinking back to my hospital bed and recovery last year, and making on while I'm fit and well.


I never know when my Crohn’s Disease will return (its called a flare) or the side effects from the drugs I take (no jokes please)  ::)
So a flare would stop me in my tracks, it sounds really corny but I appreciate life so much more now, and try not to take hiking for granted, getting out there whenever I'm free  :)


Okay sick bowl at the ready  :buck2:



Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Innominate Man on 09:15:33, 22/03/19
My motivation is thinking back to my hospital bed and recovery last year, and making on while I'm fit and well.


I have an odd outlook (according to Mrs I) - in that what can be perceived as a negative, I will see as a positive.
JT's being a perfect example, where his condition could/should be seen as detrimental - compared to those folk without such a condition. But, JT turns that situation into a positive by seizing every opportunity and cherishes his adventure time, whereas others squander those moments because they don't have something to motivate them to get out & about.
And I appreciate it is easy to say this from the viewpoint of not having something such as Crohn's disease, but you have the advantage over the 'ditherers'.



Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: jontea on 07:24:38, 23/03/19
I appreciate it is easy to say this from the viewpoint of not having something such as Crohn's disease, but you have the advantage over the 'ditherers'.


Yes, I can see where you're coming from IM. It's like most things in life, its only when you think you might lose something or someone, you appreciate it or them more.  ;)
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 18:05:34, 23/03/19
I’ve had a number of different injuries and that can be an obstacle to getting started again. I’m easily managing 10,000 steps a day around the office and village, including lots of stairs. Going further afield is more of a concern, since I don’t really know how to take things slowly and am probably not going to learn now.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: BuzyG on 23:32:12, 23/03/19
I’ve had a number of different injuries and that can be an obstacle to getting started again. I’m easily managing 10,000 steps a day around the office and village, including lots of stairs. Going further afield is more of a concern, since I don’t really know how to take things slowly and am probably not going to learn now.


What type of injury?  I had a pulled muscle in my back that took 16 months to sort.  I never knew when it might go and like you struggled to gauge how hard I could push it.  Once I worked out the route cause of the pain. Which was actually in my groin not my back, I used to park as close as I could to the only mountain in these parts and walk straight up then back and fore in close proximity, never traveling more than A few miles from the car.  As soon as I felt the muscle start to fatigue, I headed straight down to the car. Boring at times, took a bit of disipline, but it was worth it.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 00:00:18, 24/03/19

What type of injury?  I had a pulled muscle in my back that took 16 months to sort.  I never knew when it might go and like you struggled to gauge how hard I could push it.  Once I worked out the route cause of the pain. Which was actually in my groin not my back, I used to park as close as I could to the only mountain in these parts and walk straight up then back and fore in close proximity, never traveling more than A few miles from the car.  As soon as I felt the muscle start to fatigue, I headed straight down to the car. Boring at times, took a bit of disipline, but it was worth it.


I had insertion tendonitis from trying too much too soon as I tried to build up my fitness.  This was followed by several months of severe back pain. I damaged some discs 25+ years ago and every so often they like to remind me that they are still there. Now my right knee has become painful. Again I have had knee pain in the past, but not for many years. I suspect that favouring an injured site is putting pressure elsewhere, which then triggers a different pain. I started last year with the intention of getting fit enough for an attempt on the Welsh 3000s later this year. This has now been postponed until 2020, as I haven’t managed any serious walking since last June. I have been building up my distance during the working day at the office and taking in multiple flights of stairs every day, but this is slow going and boring. I want to be walking in the hills, but know I need to be careful that I don’t trigger another setback.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: BuzyG on 07:21:08, 24/03/19

I had insertion tendonitis from trying too much too soon as I tried to build up my fitness.  This was followed by several months of severe back pain. I damaged some discs 25+ years ago and every so often they like to remind me that they are still there. Now my right knee has become painful. Again I have had knee pain in the past, but not for many years. I suspect that favouring an injured site is putting pressure elsewhere, which then triggers a different pain. I started last year with the intention of getting fit enough for an attempt on the Welsh 3000s later this year. This has now been postponed until 2020, as I haven’t managed any serious walking since last June. I have been building up my distance during the working day at the office and taking in multiple flights of stairs every day, but this is slow going and boring. I want to be walking in the hills, but know I need to be careful that I don’t trigger another setback.
I set my main goal for last year as the Scottish 4000s.  Had to cancel quit early on when I realised there was no way I could train hard enough , on, the injury, to get in shape.  Hoping to do that next year now.  Two years on and assuming something else doesn't go ping.

Keep at it and be sure to rest properly between training.  That was another lesson learned with this recent injury.  I can't simply train every day to get fit, like I did when I was young.  Need to rest properly between extended efforts. 

For sure you will get there.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 07:37:21, 24/03/19
I set my main goal for last year as the Scottish 4000s.  Had to cancel quit early on when I realised there was no way I could train hard enough , on, the injury, to get in shape.  Hoping to do that next year now.  Two years on and assuming something else doesn't go ping.

Keep at it and be sure to rest properly between training.  That was another lesson learned with this recent injury.  I can't simply train every day to get fit, like I did when I was young.  Need to rest properly between extended efforts. 

For sure you will get there.


I will keep at it. Like you, I need to learn how to pace my recovery and building up fitness. I think I will walk alone to start with. I had been walking after work with some colleagues mid-week as well as going out by myself at the weekend. One of them is super fit, cycling 20+ miles each way to and from work and running in ultra marathons, even though he is in his 50s. That training regime was obviously too much too soon.


All the best for your Scottish 4000s attempt. I live only a few miles from the Caingorms National Park, so most of them are on my door step.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:22:09, 24/03/19

BuzyG and Bigfoot_Mike


Just a quick question - have you tried using walking poles?
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: BuzyG on 10:20:17, 24/03/19
Not given poles much thought.  I enjoy having my hands free.  I am one of those who regularly adjusts my layers on the move.  Many of our walking group do use them.  I think mostly to protect knees.  One thing I have noted is that they are handy when rock hopping across streams.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 10:43:41, 24/03/19
Not given poles much thought.  I enjoy having my hands free.  I am one of those who regularly adjusts my layers on the move.  Many of our walking group do use them.  I think mostly to protect knees.  One thing I have noted is that they are handy when rock hopping across streams.


They're very good if you suffer with knee issues or balance from tight muscle groups.  I've used them (managed to snap a set, too, when poles arrested a fall which otherwise would have been pretty bad for me).  If you have a rucksack which can 'stow' them with some side compression strap that's even better.  A lot of mountaineers have also started to use reinforced aluminium poles for ascents due to the speed increases, too.  To adjust layers, just stick them in the ground and get on with your business to adjust layers.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 11:40:51, 24/03/19
BuzyG and Bigfoot_Mike


Just a quick question - have you tried using walking poles?


I bought some poles last year and found them a benefit. I just tried too much too soon and reactivated an old injury.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: GnP on 11:43:31, 24/03/19
I found that this article changed the way I look at injuries and fitness...https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rest-days_n_5085261
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: ninthace on 19:54:57, 24/03/19
The bad weather, a severe dose of jet lag and other committments over the last 3 weeks have made it all too easy to find an excuse not to get out walking.  However, another overseas trip in June means we have to get back into the groove and regain some degree of fitness before we hit the Austrian Alps in June.  The maps/apps have come out today to find another stretch of Dartmoor that needs exploring this Tuesday.  I have been looking at New Bridge or West of Holne as possible areas to expand our knowledge of the southern part of the moor.  Hopefully, that will get us back into the habit and regain some of our mileage, which has fallen way behind target.  We are normally out 2 to 3 times a week and cabin fever can be a real issue if we don't get out but oddly, this time neither of us seems to have missed it at all.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: gunwharfman on 19:32:19, 26/03/19
Very easy to get out today, the weather was glorious! Parked my car at the top of Portsdown Hill by the side of the burger van, changed into my running gear and tried a new variant to one of my runs. Loads of white blossom everywhere.  Loads of motor bikes as well, all older men today, who just seem to drive there from somewhere else to have a burger? When I returned to my car about an hour later a complete set of new bikers had arrived, all eating burgers as well! The burger van does good business I think every day, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. There's another one about half a mile away, dozens and dozens of bikes can turn up there!
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: ninthace on 20:01:39, 26/03/19
Ditto - broke our 3 week duck with a glorious loop from Venford Reservoir on Dartmoor.  Ten tenths blue, great visibility, new route, light breeze; what's not to like?  Mind you - felt it afterwards.  Got 2 more loops planned in the same area.
Title: Re: Do you have to sometimes motivate yourself to get out and about?
Post by: BuzyG on 22:40:59, 26/03/19
Ditto - broke our 3 week duck with a glorious loop from Venford Reservoir on Dartmoor.  Ten tenths blue, great visibility, new route, light breeze; what's not to like?  Mind you - felt it afterwards.  Got 2 more loops planned in the same area.

Nice little water fall close to the car park at Venford. Dam.  Steep up and back but only 1/2 a mile. 

Good loop around to Dartmeet too.  The stepping stones are probably doable at the moment. 

The old rifle range the other side of the lake is well worth a butty stop, though the route over that way is a bit plain. 

There is also the leat which passes right through that area and is fun follow along the valley.

Enjoy your stay.