Some time back, Accelerade went on a major marketing campaign. They wanted to let endurance athletes know about their product as well as the benefits of using a drink with the 4:1 carb to protein ratio. Their campaign had several components, including product testing and the Accelerade Edge website.
Accelerade provided athletes around the country with supplies of Accelerade with the goal of gaining feedback and, hopefully, a bit of promotion. My experience with the product was excellent, with a few minor "foaming" issues related to the milk proteins. I do suggest anyone looking for a good recovery drink consider Accelerade. It also works well on the bike. I urge caution when using it on the run, due to the foaming. One note, though. Start with a small quantity and see how you like the texture of the drink. They taste great, but have an odd texture.
The other component of their campaign with which I have been active is the Accelerade Edge site. The site is set up with "articles" and "conversations," allowing people to voice quick questions or comments as well as longer pieces. A recent conversation on the site got me to thinking.
The comment was fairly short.
I feel like there is just nothing left to do or be excited about. I have climbed mountains, run ultras, adventure raced, ultra biked... you name it.
just cannot seem to get motivated to train or plan for a major goal
My reaction is that it is all a matter of perspective. Many people who have accomplished ultra distance events can find themselves facing the same dilemma. After completing a marathon, many feel there is nothing else to tackle. Some who complete an Ironman feel their triathlon lives are complete. Ultramarathoners who run the Western States 100 might think there is nowhere else to go.
Others realize the finish line isn't the end of the journey. It's simply the starting point for the next stage.
Counting Ironman, I've completed six marathons. That leaves hundreds I have yet to complete. I completed Ironman Louisville, and have dozens of options for other 140.6 mile races. And that completely disregards shorter events. There are 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons for running. There are sprint and Olympic distance triathlons to be raced. And there are longer events, too. Fifty and 100 mile ultramarathons, multi-day bike and triathlon events, adventure races, and any number of other options. Xterra races, cyclo-cross, and off-road races are available for the adventurous.
Unless someone has a VERY short list of desirable races, just completing that list will take long enough for new and exciting events to be added. As I see it, there is no way I can ever run out of options for training and racing.
If you find yourself in the same dilemma as the author of the Accelerade post, it is time to reexamine your purpose for training and racing. Or the training in general. Have you burned yourself out by overtraining or racing? Have you been racing for the wrong reasons? Is it time to mix things up, a bit?
Endurance athletes have a wide range of options available to them. If you find one thing fails to motivate you, look at other options or take some time off. If endurance sports is truly a part of your lifestyle, something will come along to provide new motivation.
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