How do I Find the Time to Train for Triathlons?

An article by Debi Hazelden    2 Comments

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Training for a triathlon requires us to fit training for swimming, cycling and running into each week. Enough training to help you improve. The question is: How do I fit this into my already hectic life?

So you already have a full time job and other commitments; Seeing friends, working, overtime, studying, renovating, running errands, going out for drinks, going out for dinner, spending time with your partner, gardening, cleaning, kids, the list goes on. The trick is to fit in training around these every day things and not feel overloaded.

I Don’t Have Time – What will you Sacrifice?

Something has to be sacrificed when you start training for triathlon. For me I have lost an hour or 2 of sleep in the morning as I now swim. And also an hour or 2 of relaxing in the evening as I bike or run. Just make sure your sleep isn’t sacrificed. Sleep is very important, especially when you are training.

Not only do you need to sacrifice a few of the wordly pleasures (like watching tv) but you will also need to learn how to juggle things in less time. My partner Scott and I both train after work. We end up having a late dinner as we cook after training. I’d say we might be best to start making meals in the slow cooker and getting them ready the evening before. It can get to 9pm or later and we are only just sitting down to dinner after rushing around since 5:30am.

There will be more time than you realise that you can use for training.

• Extra time when you usually watch tv or read.
• You could get dinner ready to go into the oven then take off for a run and get your partner to keep an eye on it.
• Squeeze in a quick workout in the morning while everyone is still asleep
• Workout at lunch time
• Bikeon wind trainers in the Winter when it gets dark too early to train
• Go for a run with a friend and use it as a catch up
• Take your dogs with you on your run

But I Need to Spend Time with My Partner

Training while having a partner is something you need to consider. You’ll need to work in with partners time also. Suddenly starting to train while your partner isn’t can cause a bit of stress on the relationship. Your partner can feel angry that you are spending so much time training. If this sport is really important you’ll need to express this to your partner so they understand. Maybe they could even join you in a few training sessions a week?

I’m pretty lucky here as Scott is training for Ironman races so we are both training morning and night. Although this makes it hard for cooking dinner and doing other errands, it’s great as we both support each other and understand the hours we need to spend training.

I’m Far too Busy

You can’t sit around waiting for things to calm down. For life to calm down. When would that ever happen? Things can always come up and interupt a training program. You could skive off every day of training by saying something came up.

Maybe the real problem is that your training program isn’t interesting enough. Mix up your training and make it fun. Change it up, if you have trouble doing this get a personal trainer or coach to write you a program. You’ve got to make it interesting so you can stick to it.

I’m too Tired – Exercise Increases Energy Levels

Lots of people are stressed from work. They work a long day, come home and want to put their feet up and relax. They think they don’t have enough energy for exercise. It’s actually the opposite, if they came home and exercised they’d have more energy. Exercise increases energy levels. You might even start doing the house work after your workout!

Choose an Event

If you chose an event you’d like to do then you’ll be more motivated to train and fit it into your schedule. Choosing an event with a friend is even better! You can train together and motivate each other.

Just Make Time!

In the end you just need to make the time. Squeeze in a swim in the morning before work. A quick run at lunch time or a bike before dinner. I see mothers biking with their wee kids on the back of their bikes. Fathers kayaking with their kids while the mother swims next to the kayak. Dads out running with the kids on bikes next to them.

You just need to decide if you want to exercise enough to put the effort into fitting it into your daily life.