Slow and steady is the way to get back into training. Do not fall into the temptation of trying to do what you used to do before, that very often cuases frustration and may lead to injuries. A good steady build up is the way to do it. Only you can motivate yourself enough to actually go and training, I spent last October, November and most of December curled up on my settee taking large amount of pain killer due to a very serious back problem, I cound not even walk at the time. I am now back training admittedly not in the weights room (yet) but I am back. The first workout after a lay off is always the worst but you will soon discover the joy of training again. Good luck and as the ad says JUST DO IT! take care John Murphy

motivation is a very complex issue. Every person is different, and first things first you must determine the reasons why YOU want to train. Then maybe go through a goal setting system, with short, medium and long term goals.

Make sure the goals are realistic, otherwise this can have a negative effect.

If you still have a contact in your local club go there and join up. The coachs will/should be able to help with a program to reintroduce you to training. If you want to run as a personal goal, then you need to set yourself realistic goals over a short period. Trying to achieve the level you had before you stopped for your exams to early may deter you from carrying on. By setting realistic goals early and achieving them will give you the motivation to carry on and increase your program to enable you to build and gradually improve your fitness and level of performance. It is a fact that if people don't feel a change or see a change in performance it reduces the drive and willingness to continue. That is why realistic goals must be set. Each individual has a different level of performance, so decide what level you want to achieve and build your program to enable you to measure your performance, (times, distance etc) and try to better those.

Good luck.

Ruggerman