10 Things to Keep You Motivated While Isolating

April 1, 2020

It hasn't hit the entire U.S. yet, but those on the east and west coasts are two weeks into social distancing, and in Virginia there’s a stay at home order in effect until June 10th. Now that most cycling events are cancelled for the spring and early summer, how do you keep motivated to maintain or build your bike fitness? Here are nine different ways to battle boredom and keep your fitness.

Plan Trips. Planning epic trips and rides with your friends is a great way to look forward to something exciting. Start researching amazing gravel rides, bikepacking trips and overnight MTB tripshttps://www.mtbproject.com. Here are a few great locations to consider: Susquehanna and Seven Points Campgrounds, home of the legendary Dirt Rag Dirtfest PA and some amazing trails.
Set Goals. Pick a few small things to tackle over the next few months so you're in top fitness when group rides are back. Measure your Functional Threshold Power and set a goal to increase it by 10% over the next month. Lose 5 lbs and you’ll be at the top of that 6 mile climb 30 seconds faster than you were last time. Check out the math here
Get an Online Coach. Coaches will help you structure your time and give you discipline when it can be hard to muster it yourself. A coach can give you options from riding your trainer to limited outdoor solo riding. There are also virtual training plan packages available. You can find a USA Cycling certified coach here. If you’re a USA Cycling member, you are eligible for a free one-hour coaching consultation.
Virtual Groups Rides/Races. For those with smart trainers and experience with TrainerRoad or Zwift, you already know the enjoyment of a virtual group ride. It’s fun! Riding a trainer is also a more efficient workout; there are no rest periods because you’re pedaling the entire time. Need more info on which smart trainer? Check out this article. I’m a big fan of the Wahoo Kickr, but they aren’t cheap. It’s a top performer and it’s convenient to remove your rear wheel and connect your bike, and you don't wear out your tires. A smart trainer tied to interactive software helps to get through tough times with a fun indoor cycling outlet when you can't go outside.
Treat yourself. Waiting to get that new kit or component upgrade? Go ahead and splurge, it will refresh your motivation to get out there and push yourself. There are lots of bargains available now, and the added bonus is helping businesses stay afloat during this tough time. Lights and Motion, Wolftooth Components, and several others have had great sales lately.
Motivational Videos. Jump on the trainer and put one of these motivational videos on to get you through an otherwise boring hour on the trainer. Or if local rules allow, watch the video and then get on your bike and get some PRs or KOMs! Here are a few options to get you started: Cycling motivation for indoor training, Alberto Contador's Brutal Attack on Alpe d'Huez, Bicycle Dreams about the Race Across America, and then there’s always Breaking Away.
Crosstrain. Sometimes the best thing to do is change things up by trying new and different workouts. You could try running, kickboxing, or yoga!
Try on your Work Clothes. After a few weeks of working from home in sweatpants and in close proximity to the refrigerator, it might motivate you ― or frighten you ― to try on your work clothes and see if they still fit. Counseling is available. So is your trainer! We’re all trying to avoid the “Quarantine 15”
Take a Break. Sometimes the best way to get faster is a period of rest, off the bike. It allows your body to fully recover, clears your head, and allows you to go harder when you get back on the bike. You’ll also be more focused on achieving those goals you set for yourself.
Compete with your friends. If you're able to get out and ride solo, pick a segment each week on Strava, set up some rules to keep people honest, and try to best each other each week for bragging rights. It’s a great way to keep things lively. Be safe!