I have a full-time job, a husband and a dog that is spoiled rotten and can, for all intents and purposes, be counted as a child. I also coach several triathletes on an ongoing basis and one or two masters' swim practices each week. I also enjoy checking out the latest brewery or pub with our friends and having a drink a two. And oh yeah, I like to be competitive in the races.
I am not the fastest or most talented athlete, far from it. But I enjoy pushing myself and working hard. It can be tough to balance everything, but I've learned some strategies for remaining balanced over the years. It is certainly possible to achieve your athletic (or career) goals while maintaining a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle. Here are a few ideas for you to consider:
1. Evaluate your life. Are you willing to train 20 hours a week? Or do you think that's the magic number because Suzy Fastpants trains that much? Everyone has different limitations, and you have to know yours. Once you understand a realistic level of commitment you can put those blinders on and stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.
2. If it's not fun, don't do it. My father instilled this mantra into me as a young (highly competitive) child. It's one thing to be nervous before a race; it's an entirely different situation to constantly wonder why you are doing something you don't enjoy. Manage the distinction.
3. Make sure your family and close friends understand your goals and aspirations. They can really help to encourage you along the way and also slap you back to reality when you might be close to going cuckoo with the training and racing. Most likely your family won't be with you training, so don't forget about them.
4. Good gear can help, but remember you are the real machine behind everything. I like to remind myself this when I constantly lament to my husband, "I'm the only one on my rack with an aluminum bike!" My non-carbon bike, and I still do quite well, thank you very much.
5. Train with friends. This is key—find some people who you can meet up with to knock out that hard run, bike or swim. It will push you to go faster than if you were by yourself and the time will fly by.
6. Be creative with your scheduling. Workout at lunch if possible, and make sure you have some extra gear ready in case you are able to fit something in when you weren't expecting to. Don't worry, your co-workers will get used to those silly goggle marks around your eyes.
7. Rest. Too many people don't rest enough. Here's the simple formula: go hard when you're supposed to go hard, go easy when you're supposed to go easy and give your body enough recovery.
8. Don't always skip dessert. Cake is okay sometimes.
There are so many different ways to find fulfillment in triathlon. Every race provides various sets of challenges, and no race is the same—even the same race year to year. Set little goals for your training and racing along the way and enjoy the ability to be outside pushing your body with other like-minded people.
Feed your tri life: Sign up for a race.