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Triathlon and training = Obsessive?
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 2009-08-18 10:53 PM |
Elite  3683      Whispering Pines, North Carolina |  Subject: Triathlon and training = Obsessive?As a member of Facebook, I (and a few friends) post our workouts so that we can see what we're doing and can offer encouragement/support when workouts (and races) are great and/or not so great...not everyone (gasp) uses BT for this purpose (double gasp)! anyways, i was asked how I had time for family with all my workouts... I know I don't have to explain/justify myself to anyone, but i responded...i guess ppl don't realize the commitment that we (as triathletes and athletes) have made and are making so that we can lead healthier/better lifestyles for the benefit of our SOs and children and ourselves... A year ago, I was the posterchild for anti-healthy a year later, a case could be made for the opposite... Anyways, here's how it went: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Names have been altered to protect the innocent Ronnie Hicks swam during lunch and rode 40 miles after work. 2 hours ago · Comment · Like / Unlike MW... MW... d@mn, easy does it.. There is always a tomorrow. Nike needs to sponser you. about an hour ago · Delete KAJ... KAJ... Ron, when do you have time for your wife and kids? Just curious... about an hour ago · Delete Ronnie Hicks Ronnie Hicks Fair question... Here's my answer: I mostly workout in the mornings and during lunch. I normally don't W/O in the evenings. Monday through Friday, I am up by 0430 (maybe 0500) so that I can workout before work (0630). During lunch, I workout and then eat my lunch while writing code, answering emails, and returning calls. On Saturday, I wake up at 0530 and am out the door by 0630 for a 1-1.5 hour ride. Sundays, I usually don't workout. On weekends, my kids and wife do not wake up until 0800-0830. I'm home before they notice I'm gone.... My half Ironman is 5 weeks away. This past weekend, my wife and I agreed that I needed at least one long ride a week until then. So, either Tuesday or Wednesday (from now until end of September), I will ride 40-80 miles after work, depending on when I can get out of the office. I make every effort to not let my training affect family life. I'd give up training in a heartbeat if I felt it was interfering with family time. It's all about efficiency... 20 minutes ago · Delete KAJ... KAJ... I didn't mean to upset you. I just know that I only work part time and with my kids schedule, mine and my husband's I hardly have time to get to the gym for an hour to an hour and a half about 3 times a week. Guess you are just more motivated then me. But then I couldn't get up at 0430 when I, half the time don't get to bed until after 11. 11 minutes ago · Delete KAJ... KAJ... Sorry  11 minutes ago · Delete Ronnie Hicks Ronnie Hicks no worries...i'm not upset. just wanted to let you know how i do it...i made the commitment to lead a healthier lifestyle and be a great father/hubby at the same time... it's not easy, but it's doable... 9 minutes ago · Delete KAJ... KAJ... Yes, well for some. I wish you nothing but the best and I think it is awesome what you are doing. I was just worried that you were over doing it, as a friend not as someone that is judging you... 7 minutes ago · Delete Ronnie Hicks Ronnie Hicks here's a quote I like: "OBSESSIVE" – a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated 4 minutes ago · Delete ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It seems (to me) that other ppl look at us and see obsessive/compulsive behavior just because we workout 4 or 5 days a week...what's so wrong/bad about that? I'd rather do that than watch TV or smoke a cig or play a computer game... Anyways... anyone care to discuss? Edited by tri_d00d 2009-08-18 11:11 PM |
| 2009-08-18 11:11 PM in reply to: #2357275 |
Master 2404 Redlands, CA | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? I used to post my workouts, then I had to add my boss, and the first weekend he commented at work about all my social stuff, and that was pretty much the end of my facebooking. |
| 2009-08-18 11:43 PM in reply to: #2357275 |
Master 1690 Metro NY Area | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? That is why people use BT logs. We are all in the same boat. |
| 2009-08-19 12:32 AM in reply to: #2357297 |
Elite 3471 Evergreen, CO | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? losta - 2009-08-18 10:43 PM That is why people use BT logs. We are all in the same boat. Yep. Training stays on BT. Otherwise all I get are responses re: why they can't fit it all in (like this is about them?) and I know they could if they wanted -- not a lot of training, just some. And I really don't want to hear the excuses because I already know them and it's hard enough to fight off my own brain and my own excuses. |
| 2009-08-19 6:01 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
| New user 476 | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? I usually work out early in the morning or when my kids are at school. Then if I happen to get an evening work-out it includes the whole family. Wife and kids swim while I spin, swim, or hit the treadmill. As "obsessive" as training must be to accomplish the things we want to, there is time to get it done. Just like everything in life, if you organize and prioritize, there's plenty of time in life to get things done. |
| 2009-08-19 6:37 AM in reply to: #2357323 |
Master 1531 TORONTO | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? skarl - 2009-08-19 1:32 AM losta - 2009-08-18 10:43 PM That is why people use BT logs. We are all in the same boat. Yep. Training stays on BT. Otherwise all I get are responses re: why they can't fit it all in (like this is about them?) and I know they could if they wanted -- not a lot of training, just some. And I really don't want to hear the excuses because I already know them and it's hard enough to fight off my own brain and my own excuses. I don't tell anyone because when someone finds out they express concern over my health (too much exercise and you could seriously injure yourself didn't you know!) or I have to listen to their excuses -- and as Skarl pointed out -- I'm tired of hearing them - I used to use them!! |
| 2009-08-19 6:41 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Buttercup 14334 | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? Have you joined the group: CZ and Military Brats who LOVE PANAMA? Also, fan of PANAMA. Do your own thing. Your friend was trying to picture doing your activities within her schedule and priorities. Doesn't work for her. You don't really need to explain why that is. |
| 2009-08-19 6:49 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Extreme Veteran 887 Lake Placid, NY | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? I guess I'm lucky because although I get the "I wish I had half your energy" type comments, they're all meant in a positive way. Maybe it's because I don't have a family - none of that "How do you make time for the kids" crap. Plus my boyfriend trains WITH me most of the time - he totally kicks my butt on the bike. The only stress we have is him wanting to do the 90-mile canoe race again next year, which just doesn't leave time for any long-distance running or biking (which was my limiting factor at the tri on Monday). |
| 2009-08-19 6:52 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Veteran 1097 Elizabethtown, KY | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? I guess I don't get why you're actively posting your workouts on Facebook. To me, you're asking for whatever kind of attention you receive if you're posting that frequently about such mundane things (to MOST people). |
| 2009-08-19 7:18 AM in reply to: #2357454 |
| Alpharetta, Georgia | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? roch1009 - 2009-08-19 6:52 AM I guess I don't get why you're actively posting your workouts on Facebook. To me, you're asking for whatever kind of attention you receive if you're posting that frequently about such mundane things (to MOST people). Come on now. Why do you care what he posts on his facebook status? (You've never been to Twitter, huh.  )I'm like the other girl who only gets positive comments. If there was anything remotely negative I'd probably delete the comment. Don't need that kind of stuff in my life. I don't post every workout on FB; I rarely do status updates (once every few days is rare in the FB world). When I do post about training it's usually a milestone event or something I was very proud of. I have friends who DO post every workout - that's fine! Good for them. Read and move on, or "hide" their updates if it's JUST TO MUCH for my wall . But really, there is no need to question why they do something like that or imply their "mundane" details are pointless. |
| 2009-08-19 7:22 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Master 1286 Mt Pleasant, SC | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? Hello My wife seems to think so but I get up early to swim (sometimes), bike & run. Then when I get home from work I will walk down to the pool for a swim. This will change in abut 3 weeks when the neighborhood pools closes for the the season. THen my goal for the off season is to swim 2 days a week at the local recreation pool. My children are grown up and my youngest is a senior in college this fall so children schedule/homework conflicts are over for me. Ten years ago this would not have been possible so I look at it like I am doing this for myself after a lifetime of doing for everyone else. Kevin |
| 2009-08-19 7:27 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Pro 4824 Houston | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? If people can post 'sitting on my butt eating doughnuts' we should be ok posting about our workouts! I completely understand where you are coming from. I am a Mom of 5 children ages 2-16, have a small internet business and I homeschool 2 of my children. Oh, and I'm a triathlete. Other Moms have no idea where I find the time. It recently came to my attention that I am alienating some of my Mama friends because of my training/racing. These are great women so they are happy for me but it also points out what they are not doing and it is a bit hard for them. I think at some point most of us thought like your friend and honestly I couldn't have done it when my now 7 and 5.5 year olds were toddlers but I can do it now! I'd be careful explaining too much because it sets you up for people to pick apart what you say/write. Maybe keep it simple like 'I get up at 0430 so I can get my training in' I think that would be plenty for most people since most people are still in bed. |
| 2009-08-19 7:50 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Extreme Veteran 543 South Orange | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? Thanks for posting this. I too have been struggling with how to find time. It looks like the wee horus of the morning might be best. Hard part is that my floors squeak and I am always afraid that the kids might wake up right after I am out the door, leaving my wife to deal with it. Ironman training will be tough with a 4 year old and a 2 year old. But I promised myself I would do one before the end of my 40th year, which sadly is next year. |
| 2009-08-19 8:12 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Expert 1118 , North Carolina | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? People tend to get "un-nerved" when others successfully commit to something for the better because it makes there own lack of commitment seem amplified. It's comforting for them to convince themsleves the YOU are the one with the problem, rather than have to admit their own shortcomings. It gives them permission to stay on their own unhealthy path. I wonder if the reason you are concerned with their comments is because you wonder if there is any truth to it? Don't feel guilty. It sounds to me that you have your priorities and commitments well balanced... and kudos to you! My coworkers are the same way.... Running so much is unhealthy! Walking is better than running! Triathletes are more susceptible to FLU!! (yes, I heard that one). My opinion is to share your workouts only with those who share your beliefs. You'll experience a lot more encouragement and a lot less guilt trips. Keep up the good work... The exact same thing happens to people who change their eating habits and lose weight. Suddenly they are considered obsessive about food, obsessive about weight, and where do they get the will power. Discussing my food choices is now off limits because I can't deal with the drama. The bottom line has to do with jealousy... Edited by maria40nc 2009-08-19 8:26 AM |
| 2009-08-19 8:53 AM in reply to: #2357477 |
Veteran 1097 Elizabethtown, KY | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? lisac957 - 2009-08-19 8:18 AM roch1009 - 2009-08-19 6:52 AM I guess I don't get why you're actively posting your workouts on Facebook. To me, you're asking for whatever kind of attention you receive if you're posting that frequently about such mundane things (to MOST people). Come on now. Why do you care what he posts on his facebook status? (You've never been to Twitter, huh. )I'm like the other girl who only gets positive comments. If there was anything remotely negative I'd probably delete the comment. Don't need that kind of stuff in my life. I don't post every workout on FB; I rarely do status updates (once every few days is rare in the FB world). When I do post about training it's usually a milestone event or something I was very proud of. I have friends who DO post every workout - that's fine! Good for them. Read and move on, or "hide" their updates if it's JUST TO MUCH for my wall . But really, there is no need to question why they do something like that or imply their "mundane" details are pointless.Lisa - did you read the word "actively" in my post? I'm not talking about the "Hey, I just became an Ironman" kinds of updates. I inferred from his post that he routinely updates FB with each day's workout. Most people in the world would consider that mundane. I would equate it, like another person said, to the "Hey I'm sitting on my butt eating donuts" kind of update. To me, the primary reason people post those kinds of high-frequency, low-value updates is because they are trying to garner attention. That's just my opinion. Feel free to disagree. Yes I know I can choose to hide content on FB. That's not the issue. I was questioning the motivation for those kinds of updates. And I think that it is a legitmate counterpoint to the OP's position. |
| 2009-08-19 8:55 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Master 2235 Pacific Northwest | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? I was logging some workouts on a logging site, which then posts them to Facebook. I stopped doing that due to so much negative feedback. I agree that people feel threatened by knowing they could get out there and be healthy but are not choosing to do so. I used to also post stuff about workouts, mostly because I was proud of what I did that day...again, I got a ton of negative comments from people who are good friends. I found out that my sister-in-law even took me off her comment feed recently because she didn't want to see anything about triathon. So I am back to posting tri stuff here only, except for the occasional post about winning a race or something....and on Facebook I just post the usual stuff: "my salad is wilted" or "my kid pooped in the potty today" and that sort of thing. I am sort of disappointed in some of my friends and family for what they say online, even in jest, because they are taking the one thing that I do that is totally my own and belittling it. As a stay-at-home mom, I negotiate a lot to get my workouts in, and also don't see other adults very often...so facebook and BT are basically my connections to the outside world! Edited by Medusa_Ann 2009-08-19 8:57 AM |
| 2009-08-19 9:10 AM in reply to: #2357491 |
Veteran 125 West Hartford, CT | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? KeriKadi - 2009-08-19 7:27 AM If people can post 'sitting on my butt eating doughnuts' we should be ok posting about our workouts! I completely understand where you are coming from. I am a Mom of 5 children ages 2-16, have a small internet business and I homeschool 2 of my children. Oh, and I'm a triathlete. Other Moms have no idea where I find the time. It recently came to my attention that I am alienating some of my Mama friends because of my training/racing. These are great women so they are happy for me but it also points out what they are not doing and it is a bit hard for them. I think at some point most of us thought like your friend and honestly I couldn't have done it when my now 7 and 5.5 year olds were toddlers but I can do it now! I'd be careful explaining too much because it sets you up for people to pick apart what you say/write. Maybe keep it simple like 'I get up at 0430 so I can get my training in' I think that would be plenty for most people since most people are still in bed. Could not agree more. I have 3 kids ages, 1yrs, 3yrs and 4yrs old. No one knows how I do it. Its easy - I have the support of my family - that is how; with a supportive spouse and one good friend, you can conquer all. And really - your friend's "concern" seems more like jealousy than trying to look out for you - stick with us for your workouts - I posted on FB yesterday that I was wondering how I was going to get a swim in since I had a cold. I got responses like, "Rest - why swim" "Gross - swimming in lakes" blah blah blah. *rollseyes* and I still went for my swim  Triathlon = Obsessive, I think so. And because I only have ONE more week before I have to taper. So yes, I am obsessed with being at the best I can be at race day. If they need to call it an obsession. Well, then OK |
| 2009-08-19 9:16 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Master 2355 Houston, TX | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? Hell, you'll even see this from triathlete to triathlete. Just take a step back and look at the big picture every now and then to keep everything in check. |
| 2009-08-19 9:24 AM in reply to: #2357644 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? Medusa_Ann - 2009-08-19 8:55 AM I was logging some workouts on a logging site, which then posts them to Facebook. I stopped doing that due to so much negative feedback. I agree that people feel threatened by knowing they could get out there and be healthy but are not choosing to do so. I used to also post stuff about workouts, mostly because I was proud of what I did that day...again, I got a ton of negative comments from people who are good friends. I found out that my sister-in-law even took me off her comment feed recently because she didn't want to see anything about triathon. So I am back to posting tri stuff here only, except for the occasional post about winning a race or something....and on Facebook I just post the usual stuff: "my salad is wilted" or "my kid pooped in the potty today" and that sort of thing. I am sort of disappointed in some of my friends and family for what they say online, even in jest, because they are taking the one thing that I do that is totally my own and belittling it. As a stay-at-home mom, I negotiate a lot to get my workouts in, and also don't see other adults very often...so facebook and BT are basically my connections to the outside world! My logged training here on BT goes through Twitter and gets posted on Facebook. I've had nothing but positive comments about it, including the "I'm impressed" and "I get tired when I drive 20 miles" type comments. To me it's no worse putting that on FB than the type of mundane stuff you cite. |
| 2009-08-19 9:25 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Champion 10157 Alabama | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? Yeah, you people are all freaks! Running, biking, swimming all the time! Get a life! Go to the bar after work instead of the gym! Sit around for 3 or 4 hrs drinking beers and eating pretzels and talking about the "glory days". Instead of going for a 2 hour bike ride on Saturday morning, sleep late! Then get up and go to the lake with a 12-pack. Stay up late and watch the David Letterman with a big bowl of chips and some ice cream and quit going to bed at 10 pm so you can get up at 0500 hrs to to swimming! Good gosh! You feaks! ~Mike |
| 2009-08-19 9:26 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
Master 1651 Breckenridge, CO | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? tri_d00d - 2009-08-18 9:53 PM anyone care to discuss? I think that every person should ramp up their exercise to a minimum of 5 hours per week on average in order to truly be physically fit. (I know that very few agree with me and I don't care.) I think that investment of time (the equivalent of two movies a week) would pay off huge benefits in virtually every area of one's life, including how long they live and what they are able to do when elderly. (Ironman or wheelchair, their choice is NOW not then...) Using 5 hrs per week as a baseline, I think that "most" triathletes are just doing what I think should be the normal amout of exercise for a human. Those that go quite a bit farther than that (me) probably are "obsessive" (me) under reasonable defintions. But we all get to choose for ourselves how we spend our time. Some choose to sit in commuting traffic for two hours a day, I choose to sit on my bike. |
 2009-08-19 9:26 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
| Subject: ... This user's post has been ignored. |
| 2009-08-19 9:28 AM in reply to: #2357275 |
| Master 2355 Houston, TX | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? We were happy when my dad would give us a break from his bad jokes when he went to play Golf on Sundays. |
| 2009-08-19 9:28 AM in reply to: #2357739 |
| Master 2235 Pacific Northwest | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? the bear - 2009-08-19 7:24 AM Medusa_Ann - 2009-08-19 8:55 AM I was logging some workouts on a logging site, which then posts them to Facebook. I stopped doing that due to so much negative feedback. I agree that people feel threatened by knowing they could get out there and be healthy but are not choosing to do so. I used to also post stuff about workouts, mostly because I was proud of what I did that day...again, I got a ton of negative comments from people who are good friends. I found out that my sister-in-law even took me off her comment feed recently because she didn't want to see anything about triathon. So I am back to posting tri stuff here only, except for the occasional post about winning a race or something....and on Facebook I just post the usual stuff: "my salad is wilted" or "my kid pooped in the potty today" and that sort of thing. I am sort of disappointed in some of my friends and family for what they say online, even in jest, because they are taking the one thing that I do that is totally my own and belittling it. As a stay-at-home mom, I negotiate a lot to get my workouts in, and also don't see other adults very often...so facebook and BT are basically my connections to the outside world! My logged training here on BT goes through Twitter and gets posted on Facebook. I've had nothing but positive comments about it, including the "I'm impressed" and "I get tired when I drive 20 miles" type comments. To me it's no worse putting that on FB than the type of mundane stuff you cite. I need to spend less time online, in any case! I do get plenty of positive comments about training stuff, too....but the negative ones bug me the most. |
| 2009-08-19 9:29 AM in reply to: #2357744 |
| Master 1651 Breckenridge, CO | Subject: RE: Triathlon and training = Obsessive? PennState - 2009-08-19 8:26 AM I used to link my workouts to FB, but the usual comments put a stop to that. Personally I have distanced myself from FB anyway. It was nice to talk with old HS friends, but I got sick of explaining my life and training to people who I used to know. BT is my FB anyway Same here. I never really wrote about workouts on FB but talking with old HS friends quickly reminded me of why I moved away from my hometown. An interest-based social network is a much better fit for me. |
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