So in my last post we started with why I am competing in Triathlon races, but how do I find the time to practice/train for all three sub-events?
When I initially started training last summer, I simply printed off a training plan from the internet and tried my best to stick with it. However, with my girls both being school age and having their own activities, I had to frequently modify or skip workouts (especially pool workouts). This, my training wasn’t ”complete”.
As a result, in my first race, while I was able to finish the event - it was one of the hardest things I have done. I tried to kick start the training again this winter. Now living in New England means pretty much all winter training happens indoors, and while that seems easier on the surface, I found it hard to stick to the schedule I had printed out.
In the Spring, aside from almost daily rain storms this year, I found myself traveling for work (giving me another excuse to not fully commit to the schedule). I was finding that I was trying so hard to stick to the printed schedule that I didn’t ask if it actually worked for my schedule.
I started to explore other options out there and found some helpful YouTube channels that better explained the types of training needed and how much (more on this to come). But I realized I needed to make a schedule that fit my life, so I don’t have to feel I was choosing between my family and training.
The “secret” for me is to complete most of my practice/training early in the morning and I have since built out my training plan with a fair amount of flexibility. Equally as important is to build a support system for yourself (if you don't already have one), as it really does take a village when you are a working mom.
I recognize that I am incredibly lucky that my husband also competes in triathlons, so he understands the training (and time) needed. We work together to make sure the girls still come first and have their activities covered. But it’s about finding little times in your schedule (for example my husband will bike to soccer games in town while I drive the girls - so he gets his training in, but still sees the games) or going for a quick run at lunch (which also breaks up the work day).
I will shortly know if my updated training plan is working or not (or if my lack of training while on vacation last week impacted my overall fitness).
- Working Mom Triathlete
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