Total Posts: 637
7.0 Months Ago

I am certainly NO expert in this area. But, I have learned a few things (mostly the hard way) that can help.

1. I have to remind myself constantly why I do this. (In fact this is a normal chant for me during the run.) What am I doing? Why am I here? What was I thinking? ;o)

2. This reason, or goal, needs to be communicated and discussed with others in our life as we can not expect to achieve goals unless we are on the same page.

3. Develop a model week that includes work, training and family time. When possible, it works great when I can plan my training while others are sleeping. However, I am finding it more difficult as miles are increasing, to operate on such little sleep. Share your calendar for training and events.

4. Plan more than just exercise based trips for the family. I am BAD at this one. Every where I go I want to ride, climb, hike, swim. My wife almost killed me for asking to drive back home 15 minutes to get my wetsuit as we were heading off for Easter vacation. :oD

5. Becoming more efficient and developing systems to get through the day are also key. I am currently stuggling with this one. I need to be very disciplined at work so that work doesn't also consume all my time. In my work, it can easily take over everything if I don't set boundries.

I also, like Greg, think it is great to have a motivating group of people that share common interests on FJ.

Any one else have suggestions???

JC1.5

Total Posts: 571
7.0 Months Ago

One thing that I have done is find something that my husband likes to do and then he will join me. I love to run and would do that all of the time, but I know that he prefers to ride bike. I will go for a bike ride with him just so we can do something together. This compromise has turned into us training for triathlons together.

I live about 2 miles from my Taekwondo school and will ride my bike there. My husband will meet me after I am done teaching and we will go for a 10 - 15 mile ride together before returning home for dinner. It allows me to get a good work-out with-out feeling like I am neglecting him.

I have found that if you are willing to slow your pace a bit until your significant other can keep up, you will both be much happier.

KEEP MOVING!!!!

Total Posts: 459
7.0 Months Ago

Why I don't consistently remind myself why I workout....as its for good health and longevity. If I feel good so should everyone around me..however, the problem comes when it comes time to be competitive. The idea of doing things with your significant other, like I do when biking, is great...however if you are trying to be competative that training time is not exactly a "productive" wourkout session. There lies the rub.

AN ABSOLUTE MUST - Your goal needs to be broadcast lout and clear and communicated and discussed with others in your life or you won't have the support, period, end of story. Jim, I have tried the no sleep model...works for while, but comes back to bite you.

I think that in part you need to work with those around you to make exercise a norm and part of the culture or you are destined to fail. I used to work 50-60 hours a week and all those around me were tired, overweight and not altogether happy. I believe that exercize is a must and chose not to work anywhere where that concept isn't generally accepted. When it comes to family...build the practice of getting out and being active and it will only grow over time. If you plan to race...then you have to find added workouts that provide race conditioning which is a real trick for most people.

Share your calendar for training and events!! Absolutely! Let other know why this is important to you and when you plan to dedicate time for you. In turn, be prepared to provide back to others.

Plan more than just exercise based trips for the family. (I don't want to even touch this one, ha).

5. Absolutely! Work can become all consuming. This is true whether it interferes with family, workouts, vacations or anything else. Big topical area.

6. Plan the work and work the plan, but be prepared for setbacks because giving up is not an option. Finding alternatives to your chosen path can be found if you work with yourself and others around you.

I would like to see this thread remain active over the course of the year as a source of ideas, inspiration and stories of success.

Good luck to all.

G

Total Posts: 202
7.0 Months Ago

Well I for one had a big come to jesus moment after I did IMFL last year...I so wanted to do another IM this year and almost signed up for 2008, BUT the time I had spent away from my home life was tremendous. So this year, I've decided on a few key races and not only triahtlons because let's face it, the swimming and biking and running are time consuming, doing only one isn't nearly as bad, the husband and dogs are all on-board. Having just a few key races does a couple things for me...one it gives me a focus and it gives me the opportunity to work hard towards specific time/speed goals but it also means that training is not all consuming because the races are spread out. I have to give props to my husband who doesn't mind taking a trip and letting me do a race while we're there...but other vacations I just go to enjoy, eat good food, drink good beer and get fat!! :) And when I feel like we need a little more togetherness time I tear down a wall or burst a pipe!! In the end I rationalize it this way, family, work and life some times gets in the way BUT we just accept that and move on...was that one run, bike or swim really that important, probably not. Happy training all! :)

Total Posts: 121
7.0 Months Ago

Great to have you back Greg!

Good post. We all have to take a breath sometimes and put things straight. Today I secretly wanted to join a group ride with the new tri team I joined out here, the reality is that T-ball season has started and nothing is more important than the little guy. It is a constant battle between my ever present desire to do more, get faster and fitter and race harder and the needs of my family. I do what I can when I can. Sometimes I get queer looks but I try not to infringe on family and work. Ultimately, I find I am somewhat better for the battle as time off or breaks when I can't train as hard as I want leaves me in great shape AND injury free. It supplies the breaks that I would otherwise (in my type A personality) would not afford myself.

Sit back, breath deep and enjoy the ride, whatever it may be!! Thanks for a great post.

Todd

Total Posts: 637
7.0 Months Ago

So - Last years 1/2 IM was planned at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. I told my wife how much fun it would be to have my family there, and after I am done, we would have time to ride the rides. BAD IDEA - I was in no condition to ride rides after the race. So, in the future, I will not plan on driving home after, but rather staying an extra day for family.

This year, I was hoping to do the Courage Classic. I am really bummed that I am not going, but this one got the absolutely NO. 8 days and 7 nights was non-negotiable. It came up at a party to my wife from another rider's wife - This killed it. So - I continue to need to work on communication.

JC1.5

Total Posts: 571
6.8 Months Ago

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Total Posts: 459
6.8 Months Ago

Must have missed that last post. Oh man...no on the courage classic huh? Yup, finding out from someone other than you that you are doing a race is definitely and deal breaker.

Communication, communication, communication. Oh boy, do we have a lot of lessons to learn!

It seems only to be the men doing the cyring here. Ladies any input?

Greg

Total Posts: 637
6.7 Months Ago

JC1.5

Total Posts: 571
6.7 Months Ago

Total Posts: 459
6.6 Months Ago

I expressed my desire to do my first IM in 2009 and got the nod. I'll be voluteering and IM Wisconsin this fall to obtain entry. This is a big deal...no small sacrifice to the family. Let's see if it holds.

Greg

Total Posts: 637
6.6 Months Ago

I was able to add another training combo idea. The kids are now signed up for swim team/lesson for an hour and 30 minutes 3 times a week. This gives me a chance to bring them, give my wife a break, and swim myself while they are in lessons. EXCELLENT!!!

This is added to the runs which I have combined with walking the dogs/and a kids bike ride. They ride slightly faster than I can run (expecially downhill), but I ask them to hold up if they get too far ahead.

JC1.5