How do you all keep motivated to swim even on tough days

I tried making swimming five days a week a must do, but some days I just struggle to find that motivation

I swim three times a week on M-W-F. On days when I’m unmotivated, I just go and do whatever feels right. A not-so-great day in the water is still better than a day where I regret not going.

Caelan said:
I swim three times a week on M-W-F. On days when I’m unmotivated, I just go and do whatever feels right. A not-so-great day in the water is still better than a day where I regret not going.

That’s totally true. Even in winter when mornings are freezing and the pool is barely warm, once I finish my first 100 free, it makes it all worth it. Even if I don’t finish my set or hit my times. If I stay home I could sleep in but my mood isn’t as good.

@Wynne
Today was a success for me. I did a warm-up, set my 500y PR, then did 8x25s with stroke count under 20, followed by several 100s with pull drills, and 4x50s at threshold pace. It felt great to swim about 1700 yards.

Caelan said:
I swim three times a week on M-W-F. On days when I’m unmotivated, I just go and do whatever feels right. A not-so-great day in the water is still better than a day where I regret not going.

I really appreciate what you said at the end! I’ll save that idea on my phone. Thanks.

Caelan said:
I swim three times a week on M-W-F. On days when I’m unmotivated, I just go and do whatever feels right. A not-so-great day in the water is still better than a day where I regret not going.

I feel the same way. You don’t always need to make solid technical progress in every swim.

Caelan said:
I swim three times a week on M-W-F. On days when I’m unmotivated, I just go and do whatever feels right. A not-so-great day in the water is still better than a day where I regret not going.

When I’m not feeling it, I add some kickboard sets. If I’m really low on motivation or just getting over a cold, I’ll walk in the lazy river. It always lifts my mood to be in the water.

I remind myself that I GET to swim. I’m healthy enough to do it, and who knows when that might change.

Nari said:
I remind myself that I GET to swim. I’m healthy enough to do it, and who knows when that might change.

That’s a bit sad but very true. I’ll keep this in mind. Thank you!

Nari said:
I remind myself that I GET to swim. I’m healthy enough to do it, and who knows when that might change.

That’s a really great perspective

Nari said:
I remind myself that I GET to swim. I’m healthy enough to do it, and who knows when that might change.

I really like this kind of motivation

I think about how awful I feel when I skip and how great I feel when I actually go. It works every single time.

Amani said:
I think about how awful I feel when I skip and how great I feel when I actually go. It works every single time.

I have the same mindset and also check myself in the mirror. Seeing my muscles go soft and my stomach get floppy when I make excuses instead of doing something I love is a big wake-up call.

@Sun
How often do you swim? I’m not feeling as toned as I want to be.

Amani said:
I think about how awful I feel when I skip and how great I feel when I actually go. It works every single time.

You are so right. That’s another good thought. Thanks a lot!

I have a little cry then go. I treat myself to sushi afterward.

Eliot said:
I have a little cry then go. I treat myself to sushi afterward.

I know I always feel better after swimming, but man, it’s tough to drag myself out of bed sometimes.

Eliot said:
I have a little cry then go. I treat myself to sushi afterward.

I just cry inside like a winner and then go.

I text a friend to come with me and then grab coffee or pastries after. Always works. If I can’t get anyone to join me, I still force myself to go. It’s funny how it works: once I leave my apartment and lock the door, there’s no turning back. Once I get on the bus, there’s just no turning back. Once I’m at the gym, I’m committed. Just one step at a time.

@Kit
That coffee stop at Starbucks is the first refuel I need.