Nation on Trial Blog: Motivation is what you need (From Your Local Guardian)

Nation on Trial Blog: Motivation is what you need

3:08pm Friday 17th February 2012 in Sport

Motivation is what gets you started. Heart is what keeps you going, writes Stuart Amos.

That is what I read on Twitter while lying in bed at 7am debating whether to train before or after work.

Given it was pretty cold outside I rolled over and had another couple of minutes kip and vowed to make it to the gym later.

Men’s eight cox Phelan Hill reminds his crew of the sacrifices they are making to be on the London 2012 start line, as motivation.

My sacrifices have largely been sleep related and financial – with regards to early mornings and an increased food bill – but apart from that I’m not sure what I’ve missed.

I watched the Six Nations and Harlequins at the weekend, celebrated my birthday appropriately and enjoyed a massive Sunday lunch with friends.

OK, so I have worked out I have to chop a whopping 15 seconds off my best 500m time on the ergo and then put four of those together to get anywhere near the six minute, 10 second mark for 2,000m, but at least I’m feeling pretty good about myself.

The increased exercise has made me feel fitter, more alert, energetic, more productive and... hungry.

It is clear the benefits outweigh the ‘sacrifices’, but there are two more weeks to go until the big 2km test and clearly plenty more to be done.

This week seems to be full of ergo work, including 20 minutes at race pace, as well as some power swimming – a nice change.

The motivation is still there, the heart is still ticking and I don’t think I have that many social engagements in the calendar to derail my efforts.

Richmond-based men’s single sculler Alan Campbell recommends the close-your-eyes-and-hold-on approach to the final stretch of the test.

All the motivation I need.