Training for triathlon, specifically the IM, is a balancing act. I'm married with 3 kids and work full-time. There are 168 hours in a week. Managing each hour has become a science for me. I've found that I need to manage my time down to 15 minute increments. I have very little down time during the week. I'm usually up by 4 am to get my first workout of the day done before 6:30 am. I'm a teacher so my job allows me to workout in the early afternoon without interrupting anything my family does. My wife also works full-time so I need to do my fair share around the house. I'll cook and do the food shopping. When I get home in the afternoon, dinner needs to be started so we can eat when my wife gets home.
In order to work, have a family and train you need two important elements. First and foremost, you need to have a spouse that is unbelievably patient. My wife is an angel for tolerating this crazy lifestyle. Secondly, you need to make working out a priority. If that means you need to get up at 3:45 am to get a workout in, then do it. I promised my wife that I would never let training get in the way of family plans. I have woken up at ungodly hours just to get workouts in and still make a 9 am soccer game. I have always found ways to make it work. Training and racing are not worth it if it means forgetting your family. Time management is the key. My coach has my workouts done by time and not distance. It allows for simple planning and I know exactly when I'll be finished. Figure out your goals, come up with a schedule and stick to it. It is possible to train and race, have a family and work full-time. Let me know if you have any secrets that work for you.
thanks for your post. I am new to this and planning on IMAZ in 2013. My family comes first, but my question for you what do you do when the kids wake up in the middle of the night and your sleep is disrupted and feeling horrible at work out time?
ReplyDeleteThanks..
That's a great question and a tough predicament. I always focus on the goal of the workout. i.e. speed, power, pace, etc. I always start a workout and assess how I feel once I get warmed up. If I can't achieve the goal of the workout there have been instances where I realized I was wasting my time and cut the workout short. Most often the hardest part is getting started. Once I get going I'm able to accomplish the goal of the workout. Remember one thing, if you cut a workout short because you feel wiped out, you should try to go back to sleep. Your body needs rest.
ReplyDeleteI hope this helps you out. Let me know if I can help you out any other way.
Thanks for following my blog. This blog stuff is all new to me so I hope it gets better as the year progresses.