Is There Any Hope?
Boycie
Posts: 189
in General Chat
This is a question aimed at all the triathletes out there with a family. I had my first child just before Christmas, a beautiful daughter whom I adore. However, training since has come to an abrupt halt. I haven't swum since before Christmas, cycled once and ran about five times this year. It doesn't help that I have two jobs and am currently writing up an MSc thesis; but to those that have families how do you find the time to train?
All my goals for the year have been cancelled and I could do with reassurance that one day I will train again.
All my goals for the year have been cancelled and I could do with reassurance that one day I will train again.
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Comments
I do less than the "right" amount of training due to work and family stuff.
The biggest issue to cope with is the knowledge that I am inevitably going to be slower in my races than I could be if I trained more. Therefore I'm looking to do my OD race this year in under three hours rather than say under 2.45.
Training is early mornings, lunchtime at work and evenings mostly, when I can.
Don't stress over training.
Fitness is easier to recover than it is to get in the first place.
Again, stopping completely will probably be bad for you mentally: it is important to do a something just to stop you going mad/feeling frustrated, and then resentful (which is probably why you've posted).
Every so often take a bit of personal time (there will be enough pressures that you will need that) to have an easy run, a bike ride or whatever. If you get the opportunity to, in lieu of using the car (e.g. commuting, going to the shops), try to bike/run. In a few months your little girl will be old enough to go to a baby swimming class...
If you can't get to run, then just taking your girl on a walk will be good for both of you.
Talk it over with your partner! the fitter/happier the are, the nicer and more capable of supporting your family you will be.
Remember that from the outside, there is a lot to envy in your situation - you're in work, you doing something very rewarding personally, and professionally, with your MSc, and you have a wonderful new baby daughter!
don't fear. I have 2 young boys and a 3rd due in august. I am doing lanzarote ironman in August. As well as having a very understanding wife i have managed to sort of balance life work, training. the only thing that seems to have gone out the window is seeing my friends as they are less interested than i thought they would be in talking nutrtition and training strategies, and i normally am in bed by 9pm. The only thing i would say is that to make all this happen you have to get up very very very early in the mornings.
He did his full paternal duties with both the newborn and a feisty 2 year old and he continued his 10-12 hours per week training programme, the secret was plan, plan & plan. He did not waste a minutes' training, he went out ultra early and he also had a plan B and a plan C. It worked he did the IM (in just over 9 hours) and family life was not impinged upon. This guy is an Olypian so he knows about sacrifice, about time management and he knows how to train effectively.
The only part of the plan that did not happen was that the family did not accompany him to the event instead that honour was left to your truley