Up until two weeks ago, I was a freelance web developer. Emphasis on the free. I had lots of free time to go out for three hour bike rides and 2 hour runs. However, college tuition is looming less than 1 year away, so my days of having lots of liesure time are over.
I took a job as a teacher at the local high school teaching web design. OMG, teaching is not an easy profession!? I sure didn’t realize what I was getting into.? I love the kids.? It’s just too much work in the evenings doing stuff like grading and lesson plans.
Now I am faced with the challenge of trying to squeeze workouts in whenever I can. And I don’t want to neglect my children in the process. I am learning to become much more efficient with my time. I also haven’t had any time to post to my blog 🙁
So…here’s what I’ve done:
I’ve given up my physioball core workout. I hate that I can’t do it anymore, but it seemed like the least valuable piece of my regime. I’ve been trying to remember to do crunches every day instead.
I’ve given up one swim per week. I just can’t do 3x workouts any more. And when I do go swimming, I jump right in and start. No more lingering by the poolside delaying getting into the cold water.
I’ve been having to do 2 of 3 bike workouts in the evenings at home on my trainer. It’s boring and I really miss riding outdoors. I’ve been watching some training videos on Computer repair. One of my classes is computer repair…my skills are rusty in that department. Again, maximizing the use of my time.
As much as I enjoy my students…I can’t wait until summer so I can focus on my true love again – triathlon!
Also, you might be interested in my Triathlon Checklist. I find it useful for remembering everything I need for race day.
Carol,
I know how you feel. Between working, family and other interests I sometimes wonder when I have time to workout. One of the things that has really helped me is to focus on a specific tri distance (namely, sprints) since I just don’t have the time for longer training times. I also have really focused in on the quality of my workouts versus the quantity. Total Immersion has really helped me see the light on this (even though I am not a great swimmer yet, at least it is not a liability anymore; and swimming out at Jordan Lake will definitely help!) Before, I would just mindlessly put in mile after mile, now I plan out speed and endurance workouts, as well as weight lifting and days off. Days off may be the most important, in my mind. Your body doesn’t grow/improve unless it can recover. I once heard the biggest difference between pro triathletes and amateurs is that pros take time off. Helps them reconnect with friends and family and most importantly, lets there body recover.
Just some thoughts on balancing. Great site. Good luck at Pinehurst.