It is April already. Some of us have been training quite consistently since our season break from last year. By now, you have done over 3 serious month of base training, and with the weather still cold and gray, you might be feeling a little worn out and down. But you are not alone, as most people have a hard time training now for a race that is usually 6 months away.

All athletes train for various reasons. These reasons are what keep us going. It is important to regularly examine your motives and ambitions and to keep them close to you. Without an internal purpose to our training we are like old plow mules; slogging along because we always have. Without a purpose your enthusiasm to train and compete will eventually fade.

Motivation is something athletes are always seeking, but can be elusive to obtain. Motivation can put a lesser skilled athlete on the podium standing over his more gifted and talented peers. It is the life blood of training. Simply put motivation is how much an individual wants to achieve a goal, but sources of motivation can be as varied as athletes.

There is a trend out there in triathlon these days. And I for one am the newest devotee. It seems to have rolled through quietly but is really gathering speed amongst old and young, tall and short. It's training and racing from your 'happy spot'.

One of the most talked about aspects of Ironman or triathlon training is the mental side of the coin. They say you find your real character during an Ironman race or have a chance to visit all those places in your head that don't always have a chance to be seen in everyday life. You know who you are when you finish an Ironman. Or any triathlon for that matter.

In March of 2002, I completed my 4th Ironman Triathlon in New Zealand. I've never been so unhappy in my entire life. I didn't like where I was living back in the US, didn't like the person I'd become, didn't like training anymore and felt as if I was not allowed to have these emotions because I was trying to be a role model for the athletes and team I was coaching.