[Il Prodigio]

Maybe it is time to try something else. Going to the gym can be so boring and monotonous. Try training in another way. Go to the park and do hill sprints. buy a 50 lb bag of sand and do fireman carry runs. Try yoga. Try mountain Biking. Krav Maga. I realize it is tough since you work, but maybe you just need some variation.

I go in spurts of time where I like going to the gym, and then there are times where I just can't stand to set foot in there.

[LaoTzu]

Now I don't feel so bad for not having gone to the gym for a couple weeks...

I started weight training instead of pure cardio, and I do have the urge to get to the gym more often. I agree with the thoughts on mixing it up.

I found that an energy drink was helpful for other times I didn't feel like going.
I also found that even though I felt crappy on my way to the gym; within 10 minutes of beginning, I had a lot of energy back, and felt pretty good.

[Mogura]

I thought about this a little last night. I'm not a sudden energy burst type of person--I've always been like that for as long as I've known. But when it comes to going the distance at a steady, sustainable pace--this is where I excel. So, I might get my ass thrashed in a 500-m dash, but if you need me to walk 30-40 km in a day, I'm your man.

Interestingly, I don't lose weight or slim down when I do "burst" activities in comparison with distance activities. I'm sure there's a reasonable physiological explanation for this. But since I'm no expert in exercise physiology, I cannot say what it is.

The only thing about the "slow burn" activities (opposite the "sudden burst" activities)--they require time and mental stimulation. Since I've only got one hour at the gym, I don't really know how I can make this work.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions thus far. I never really put much thought into my diet/exercise routine beyond just showing up and doing something/just eating something with energy. This has been a great learning exercise (no pun intended)...