Ever have one of those days when you know you need to get a good work out in, but you are just not up to it?

This happens more than I care to admit and I have learned a great trick, you have to “Burn the Boats”. Everyone is probably familiar with Hernando Cortez and his expeditions. In one of those expeditions he knew it was going to be rough so upon landing in the southern part of Mexico he burned the boats he and his crew came on as a way to ensure that he had full commitment and effort in conquering the land. He left his party one option push forward because there was no going back.

We all have those days when we know we need 60 minutes of cardio or even just 45 minutes would be great yet before we even start our bodies and minds are telling us no way. I cannot count how many times I have taken this feeling on to my elliptical and sure enough 25 minutes in to the workout my body, mind and will quit on me. I rationalize my way out of the work out with excuses such as I will hit it hard tomorrow, I have some more work upstairs in my office or often the smell of dinner is more than I can take.

I have learned when I have these feelings prior to a work out there is only one way to make sure I get the full 45 or 60 minutes in that I need. It is my Burn the Boat mountain bike ride and it is “Quit Proof” and actually very simple.

First you need to set a minimum time that you want to exercise and then map out a walk, jog, run or bike ride that will take you half the way out from your starting point (in half the time you are looking to workout). Then focus your energy on getting to that halfway destination and the rest of the workout takes care of itself.

You are stranded; you have no options other than to make your way back. You have in a sense burned the boats.

I have two bike rides that start from my house one that heads out 5 miles of mountains and valleys and the second is half of that, but both leave me out in the middle of no where with the only return through exercise. Plenty of times I get to this half waypoint and want to stop, quit and I am just worn out. The great thing is I can’t, I have no options other than to press on and get home.

Now some may say I could always just walk home. True, so I add this one other form of motivation. I typically take off on this ride with enough daylight to complete the ride at a fast pace. If it is a 90 minute ride I leave 90 minutes to dark, not sunset, but dark. Mountain biking in the dark is not fun so I am pushing hard to make it back while I can still see.

Others may say I can always just call my spouse or a friend to come get me. If pride won’t keep you from making that call then I suggest you leave the phone at home or at least prep those you might call with a “what ever I say or promise, DON’T come get me”.

Give it a shot; I know that it can add to your workout maybe even double it!

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