Tonight, on my way home from the pool, I got to thinking about how I came to to start working out again and how much time I now spend training. Over the last 5 weeks I have been training 8 or 9 hours a week. I am not used to that and it is a bit of a burden for me. I worry a lot about training taking time away from my family. When I initially started working out I realized that getting in shape made me a better father. I had more energy, I was calmer, I felt more creative in my parenting, and I felt like a good role model for my two boys. Getting in shape is one thing. I could tell myself I had to get in shape for them. But as my mileage increases with 10 more weeks to the marathon and two Olympic distance triathlons in August I feel like I stepped over the line. It doesn't feel like all this is for them anymore. It is pretty much for me. In defense of myself I try my best to balance training and family. I work out in the morning in time to get showered and have breakfast on the table at the regular time. At night I workout after putting the kids to bed sacrificing a little sleep. I have done alright up until now, but as I said my mileage is increasing and I can barely complete my workouts as is. Yeah, I probably bit off more than I can chew. I will get through it and maybe be a little wiser. I can't believe that I have been telling myself how much easier it is to train for just a single marathon. The added triathlon training is fun, but killing me. Strange saying that since all this was to make me healthier.
Well my situation is different, but I've been thinking about the same things a little bit. Anyway, in my opinion, what you are doing is a lot better for yourself and them than not doing anything, but of course balance is the best. Additionally, you are right in the heart of your training. There will be an off season, to offer more balance back in the other direction. Not sure if that helps, just throwing that out there.
johnnyk8 says:
168 hrs in a week
10 hrs training
40 hrs working (minimum) in my case this week 60+
50 hrs sleeping (better be with 10 hours of training)
That leaves 68 hours of time for the family and other stuff.
It seems like a lot but really it leaves very little when you factor in cutting the grass, grocery shopping, actually driving to work and preparing, blah blah blah.
I cannot agree with you more bud. I know that I have not participated in in competition but I would like to think that I a more than familiar with the amout of time training for one takes away from the family.
Its actaully a Quadathlon not a Triathlon once you factor in "LIFE". There is a selfish stage in tri training. And I think you have been introduced to it.
The fact that you are considering this and wrote a post shows that you know what's right.
I find myself doing and feeling much the same way. I really cherish my family time and it is much more concnetrated with goodness as I am really taking advantage of the time. I also am more mellow and patient with those around me so that's a good thing.
As soon as it stops becoming fun or it effects others it's time to re-evaluate and adjust.
Bottom line - I am right there with you bud.
cheerios019 says:
It is VERY difficult to workout when you have a family. I don't care what anybody says. I've had several people tell me that you "just make time" for it. I'm an only parent with a 6 yr old son. I live 11 hrs away from my closest family member. I work full time. I was once an avid & athletic soccer player but soon real life hit. The 60 hrs I spent at school did not leave any way for me to "make" time to work out unless I never wanted to see my child (which would leave my mother, the babysitter, very unhappy). I'm just starting to get back into the swing of running - mostly because my son is spending some time with his grandparents. I'm very worried about how I'll manage when the weather changes & the school year starts again. I can't wake up early & run before he gets out of bed because he'd be home alone. Often, I don't get out of work early enough to get a run in before he needs to be picked up from daycare. I'm thinking about joining a gym for the cold season, but will their kid watch program be open when I need it and even more important, will it be safe? Plus, I live in NY...the days are excruciatingly short. It's exhausting enough to work all day & take care of my son. I get a few short hours a day to spend with him, do I really want to have him spend those with other people while I'm working out? It seems silly to worry about this now, but I feel that I need some sort of plan of attack in place before I nonchalantly give up on working out.
As an aside, I think it's important for kids to see their parents do something they enjoy, especially if it's a healthy thing. It seems like kids these days aren't really willing to work for anything. What better life lesson can there be than watching a parent make a goal and work their butt off (literally) to achieve that goal?
Sorry for the rambling. First post I've made since finding this site. Just struck a chord.
johnnyk8 says:
This is the main reason I have been adding equipment to the basement. A treadmill, stationary bike and a set of kettle bells goes a long way.
Especially when you can use them while the little jasper is in bed and you cannot leave the house. The cardio stuff is for my wife because she stays home while I run or bike and go to work for that matter.
