Actually training itself has been a method for dealing with varying issues for me.
I also have a countdown timer running on my PC to my 'A' race.

Just get out the door. Don't think about it, don't bargain with yourself, just put on your running shoes and get out the door. Getting out the door is the hardest part. Once you are sweating and your heart is pumping you'll be asking yourself how you even addressed the non-issue of lack of motivation. Oh, and definately put the Gladiator soundtrack on your mp3, if you run with music. That will motivate you. Also keep this in mind. With these personal problems you are having, would it be better to deal with them being fat and out of shape or in fighting shape?

Training is one of the best ways to cope with personal problems and for mental healh. Check out this post: http://www.trifuel.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7700

my motivation comes from looking around me at all of the unhappy, out-of-shape people around me and deciding that I need to have more respect for myself. Plus, training gets me out of the apt. and around other such motivated people. As for training w/ personal problems in my head I find that i ran faster and longer if i'm working off stress...

i'm stressed now because i haven't been able to work out lately.

i worked out tonight and i feel better.

I have a little note taped to my bathroom mirror that says, "How bad do I want it?" To remind myself during those times when I'm in a slump.

The days we have fitness we take for granted. When we have it, it's like being in love and the world is seen through rose-colored glasses. I know when I don't have it, I turn into a mental case and get all depressed, and the other life problems seem to compound and I become one big stress ball. You're tired, frustrated, brain-dead and feel a void where the motivation used to be. As the others were saying, get at least one person to be an accountability partner or even just an occaisional workout buddy. Someone who will help you get out the door. Then who cares if you cry or cuss or act like an idiot. That's not as pathetic as sitting at home crying and hitting your pillow and feeling sorry for yourself. Then think, "if I can do this, I can do anything." And then do it. Overcome the mental part and you're past the hard part.

I concur with what everyone has said about "getting out the door," etc, but I'm going to play devil's advocate and suggest that maybe you need a break - not necessarily sitting around, but maybe do something else besides triathlon training - do some Tai Chi, hit some tennis balls, hit a punching bag, go camping - it doesn't matter, as long as it refreshes your mind.

I'll venture to guess that whatever is happening in your personal life is more important than your upcoming triathlon, so if taking a break causes you to fall short of your goal, it still might be worth it if it enables you to sort things out in your personal life.

I personally don't train unless I feel like training. I certainly don't apply that logic to everything in life (I go to work even when I don't feel like it), but when it comes to this sport (or anything that's supposed to be fun), I try to do it on my own terms. Granted, that probably wouldn't work for everyone, but it's helped keep my motivation high.

bikini tacked to the wall next to my race receipt-- does it every time!:rolleyes:

Just watch this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHJErrp4eOw

Promise that you'll wanna go out for a bike ride :)

Mark.

Sometimes just gettin out and doing a 2 miler or just a little workout is enough to get motivated. Nothing about improving speed, getting in shape, just a tiny workout for its own sake.

Just so your not feeling lonely, i get in the same boat as you. Wish i had the endless motivation some folks on here have.