Total Posts: 640
6.1 Years 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: 640
6.1 Years 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: 640
6.0 Years Ago

JC1.5

Total Posts: 640
6.0 Years 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