Time Management: The Hidden Triathlon Discipline

author : TriForrestTri

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In order to maintain the rest of our life, we also have to become skilled at time management. Here are a few suggestions for getting workouts in when you can.

After hanging out with triathletes, becoming one myself, and then later becoming addicted to the sport, I’ve discovered that there are actually 4 disciplines in triathlon. Obviously, to become a better triathlete we have to work on our swimming, biking and running. But to maintain the rest of our life, we also have to become skilled at time management. I’m still trying to get the hang of it (just ask my wife), but I have learned a few things and thought I might share them.

Have a plan

Using a training plan not only makes your workouts more effective, it helps you to determine what you’re going to do on a given day. Rather than waking up in the morning and waffling back and forth about your workout that day, you can look at your training plan and know exactly what you’re going to do. It also provides motivation for lazy folks (that’s me) and restraint for those who have a tendency for overtraining.

Develop a routine

This can get pretty detailed and the more detailed it is, the better. I’ve found that picking out my clothes for work and having my gym bag packed the night before is a huge help here. Depending on when you do your workouts, you can roll out of bed get a shower, get dressed and grab your gym bag without ever having a single thought in your head. It’s really nice to just let your normal routine take over when you’ve stumbled out of bed at “o-dark-thirty.” A good routine will not only save you time, it will ensure that you remember goggles for swim, shorts for your run and a helmet for your bike ride. I’ve even heard of a guy who would sleep in his running clothes so when he got up, he’d pull on his shoes on and head out the door with no hesitation.

Always keep spare gear in the car

Spare gear keeps you flexible and allows you to seize a workout opportunity at almost any given time. It’s also kind of cool to pop open the trunk of your car to see a sports store any time you want. If you’re limited on space, a good run kit (spare pair of running shoes, shorts, socks, and some toiletries) can go with you just about anywhere. Although you can’t really go for a swim just anywhere (you do have to have sufficient amounts of water), a small swim kit (bathing suit, goggles & towel) is great to keep in the car too. With these two “kits” on hand, a workout can happen almost anywhere, anytime.

Some creative suggestions

Use your bike as transportation by commuting to work, riding to the gym, or running errands. If you go somewhere with your spouse, try running from time to time instead of driving. For a speed workout, take your bike with you when you go grocery shopping with your significant other…then race home. Enjoy a picnic at the beach with the family and do an open water swim while you’re there.

Have fun

While you might be the ultra competitive type, don’t lose sight of the fact this whole triathlon thing is supposed to be fun. You already have one job and having a hobby should not seem like a second one, so if you can't squeeze a workout into you're schedule it's not the end of the world. It just means you'll be better rested for your next workout.

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date: June 6, 2006