The holiday season is here. It is probably the most difficult time of the year to focus on training because we just want to have fun, eat a lot, enjoy the holiday spirit, and the company of our family. When we do choose to train during the holidays, time appears to be at its bare minimum. There are hard core athletes who hope the holidays mean time off work and more opportunity to train. No one will argue the direct correlation between race results and the amount and quality of training. Hence we act like Pavlov’s dog when a day off work is near. Let’s not forget other important aspects influencing your results that may be founded more on theory than fact. While training can be measured and its results statistically correlated to your performance, the support of family is immeasurable. So how do you achieve work-life-train balance during year end holiday? How do you control the nervous crack-addicted-like itch to jump on your bike? Here are few suggestions to help balance training, family, and the holidays

Plan Ahead
Good triathletes plan ahead allowing them to budget time successfully and develop incredible time management skills. Plan and prioritize time with the family and holiday parties in much the same way you plan swim, bike, run, and strength training. Don’t forget to plan your sleep. Yes sleep. Don’t laugh. Attending a family gathering with toothpicks supporting your eyelids making it look like your awake is technically not attending and may result in post event wrath.

Ensure Healthy Emotional Bank Accounts
Triathlon is a selfish sport. Ensuring your love one’s emotional bank accounts are well stocked with your love facilitates periodic withdrawals (AKA training passes). Quality time with family increases your equity while spending time away from family reduces it. Too many withdrawals may introduce tension. A happy home equates to a focused workout because your mind is free of tension. It’s OK to be selfish for short periods of time if you’re willing and capable to be selfless at other times.

Be selective about where you compromise
Excelling in 3 sports takes at least 1.5 more time training than a single sport. Finding the time to train necessitates compromises elsewhere in your life. Consider skipping a business dinner to conduct a planned work out. Forgo a lunch with coworkers to do a lunchtime spin class. Conduct your workouts as early as possible (while family members are asleep) limiting time away while they’re awake. If your work location has a shower and is within a reasonable distance from work, consider riding. And lastly, try combining workouts. Shorten your long ride allowing time for a longer transition run.

Get family involved
Many events today include kids races. Most 5K & 10K runs also include a kids run. Sharing the wealth gives others in your family an appreciation for your passion increasing their tolerance of your absence during longer training days. And for those not so long training days bring family along. It’s funny how we’ll spend thousands of dollars on a bike but then become Scrooge with other expenses. Spend a little less of the bike and a little more on a jogging stroller. It will pay great dividends.

On a sheet of paper, create a triangle and label each side “self”, “work”, and “family”. Life is about balance between these three (amongst other things). The more you add to self, the longer the line becomes placing varying degrees of stress on the other two sides of the triangle. If the triangle is to remain connected, the other sides need to adjust.

While triathlon makes us want to become better athletes it should not define us. It teaches us balance, planning, enjoying life, dedication, goal setting, and so much more. Enjoy the ride and let me know how it goes. Best of luck and happy holidays.

Coach-Tony
www.coach-tony.com