Snytjie Posted October 16, 2013 Posted October 16, 2013 So it seems from the IM 70.3 2014 thread that we all have to find some creative ways to make these things work and that this balancing is probably the greatest hurdle to overcome. We've had threads with great general advice on triathlon. Now share some of the solution that helps you balance training, work and family life. Two that I find very helpful: I try to convert as much "dead" travel time into training time. I work from home, but have to travel to CT and the airport quite often. I make a point of having my wife (who works in town) drop me off some distance out of town and I then run in. Last two times I ran from Llandudno to the Foreshore which is 18km. I get my clothes etc from her at work, take a shower at Virgin and then take the bus to the airport. I'll soon start to work more in the city, and plan to mix up running, biking and train riding to go there rather than sitting behind a steering wheel. The other is more specific, but still applies. I make a point of negotiating flexi-time at work. It took some time and hard work to accomplish as it is a trust and precedent- creating issue. But now I have some flexibility in starting and finishing hours which makes it easier to go for a two hour session in the middle of the day if there are no pressing issues at work. Ostrich, breaker and Denny Menchov 3
Red Zone Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 Fortunately I work for my self so taking time off during the day isn't a problem. The problem is when I train too much and work too little then there is no money to pay for the bottomless pit that is race entries, nutrition, coaching and equipment. The only solution that seems to work consistently is to wake up a stupid o-clock and hit the road. On the weekends I also get dropped off on the way home and run the rest of the way which helps. You need an understanding family and you need to be 100% committed when you come home from training to get involved with the family, no little naps or time out from being too stuffed from training.
Garfield2010 Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 Well make it count when you do get out. I don't follow any program as it will be impossible. Therefore if I do get time and go for a 5km run and feel good I will push 15km if possible... Also I try and enter as many races as I can (cycle and run). This forces me to find time to train and the race in itself is training. Also most wife's and children tend to sleep on Saturday mornings at 04AM so I use these 4 hours to my advantage. Yes the day do get long come Saturday evening but that's the way its got to be... Also when you are really pressed for time on weekends and need to run, go and run at 11h30AM. In the heat of the day you get a better work out in less time.... Finally have realistic goals. Everyone's situation is different. Just cuz I wanna do a 11 hour IM it does not mean I will. I will adjust my goals as the season unfolds............... Snytjie 1
Skubarra Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 Snytjie - I'm very impressed with the creative ways you find to fit in more training in your schedule My comment is more in general - From my perspective I think it is virtually impossible to really balance all 3 if you are serious about cycling (which involves long hours) and training for something like the Ironman or Epic. Especially if you have a young family (toddlers don't really buy into the quality over quantity time idea) they have to make huge sacrifices & your work also suffers if you are tired from long early morning training rides. Red Zone & Garfield alluded to it, but its not only the time you are out training, but also the fact that you are pretty much stuffed for the rest of the day after a long & hard training session. I have a few friends who are under the impression they are getting the balance right, but if you speak to their wifes & colleagues you hear a different story! I've had to scale down on my cycling dreams (Epic on hold for now), at least until the children are older! Funny Carp, Denny Menchov and Snytjie 3
V12man Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 I train EARLY mornings and lunchtimes where possible - then keep the weekend for the family... Families generally don't get it... although my daughter asked me last night if she could join me doing the Epic next year.. and she is 6.... she is going to have to wait a bit I fear... it will be really good to do one with her... Denny Menchov, S Ribic, Snytjie and 3 others 6
Nofearnofun Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 I am not training for IM altho it is on the list of goals, I have not set foot in the gym for weeks now! I dont even have a family either if I did I would probably die! I am trying to balance a day job which should start at 8am and end at 4:30pm but due to work load starts at 7am and ends at 7pm. I also have my own part time "Draughting service" which keeps me busy from when I get home until 2 maybe 3am (for the last few weeks). I also work saturdays and try keen Sundays open for "me" time which I need to share between my girlfriend, my bike and mates. I have put on 5kgs due to this routine! I am a firm believer in "making" time for training which is usually during a lunch break (which doesnt happen anymore) and before work in the mornings but as I am already living on 3 maybe 4 hours sleep a night there is no way training in the morning is going to happen either Something has to give before my jeans do!
SwissVan Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 There is only 24 hrs in a day, which means sacrifices have to be made You: less sleep due to training at crazy hours, unhappy familyFamily life: Less you because your out running / cycling / swimming / working "all the time" Try include the family more into your training routine - There are lots of ways to exercise together. For example take the whole family to the pool or gym, if u got small kids get a baby jogger and push...If you race a lot take them with and get them involved in supporting. Learn to take power naps (< 30 minutes) - Especially on weekends after long or hard sessions / lunch time during the week. Plan ahead and take the occasional weekend off, no training only family stuff i.e. go away for the weekend or just go shopping etc....your body will appreciate the rest / sleep. Garfield2010 1
flat29 Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 (edited) A question. I train from 4 in the morning to 5:30 then take a whey shake for recovery. Now if I change my training to 20:00 - 21:30 can I still take the whey after that or will it just turn in to fat if I then go to sleep Edited October 17, 2013 by flat29
V12man Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 I have put on 5kgs due to this routine! Something has to give before my jeans do! The 5kg does not relate to the work routine... it relates to the EATING ROUTINE.... EAT LESS... drink more water... should work ok....
V12man Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 A question. I train from 4 in the morning to 5:30 then take a whey shake for recovery. Now if I change my training to 20:00 - 21:30 can I still take the whey after that or will it just turn in to fat if I then go to sleep Did you eat supper before training at 20:00? and how much? It should be ok to eat in either case, but not if you had a heavy evening meal... keep it light and you should be fine. flat29 1
Snytjie Posted October 17, 2013 Author Posted October 17, 2013 Try include the family more into your training routine - There are lots of ways to exercise together. For example take the whole family to the pool or gym, if u got small kids get a baby jogger and push...If you race a lot take them with and get them involved in supporting.
Nofearnofun Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 The 5kg does not relate to the work routine... it relates to the EATING ROUTINE.... EAT LESS... drink more water... should work ok.... I do agree with the eating routine as I now dont have time to cook like i was so steamed veggies for lunch and dinner has turned into a sandwhich and cooked food from the shops or Nando's. I do avoid the other fast food places like the pleague! Water, I drink minimum of 2l a day. The problem come in with coffee! While drawing I tend to have 3-5 cups an hour
V12man Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 I do agree with the eating routine as I now dont have time to cook like i was so steamed veggies for lunch and dinner has turned into a sandwhich and cooked food from the shops or Nando's. I do avoid the other fast food places like the pleague! Water, I drink minimum of 2l a day. The problem come in with coffee! While drawing I tend to have 3-5 cups an hour Chop the milk and sugar out of the coffee.... that chops calories hugely... Pants Boy 1
travisza Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 A question. I train from 4 in the morning to 5:30 then take a whey shake for recovery. Now if I change my training to 20:00 - 21:30 can I still take the whey after that or will it just turn in to fat if I then go to sleepThe whey protein will be absorbed into your body quickly. Doubt it'll just all "turn to fat" Im not a doctor or nutrionist, etc. but my gut feeling would be dont worry about it. Take the whey and help your body recover from training while you sleep
flat29 Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 Did you eat supper before training at 20:00? and how much? It should be ok to eat in either case, but not if you had a heavy evening meal... keep it light and you should be fine. normally eat at 18:00 and it will be fish or chicken with veg or salad
Nofearnofun Posted October 17, 2013 Posted October 17, 2013 Chop the milk and sugar out of the coffee.... that chops calories hugely... Already dont drink my coffee with sugar and I use minimal fat free milk. The milk is something I can not go without!
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