Manatees - 2018 Edition Now CLOSED (Page 94)

Hey Manatees! 

Congrats to all of  our IMCHOO'ers! Dealing with the change in the race and making it through a hot day - you are all so amazing! 

So, on another note, i am having a bit of a pickle. I just was hoping you could provide some of the 'what worked for me' - which may only apply to a few of you since i am asking about being the supportive spouse while your SO trains for IM.  My DH is super excited and wants to sign up for IMMT next year. He is not super great about prioritizing training - he doesn't plan all that well, and he often misses workouts in general. He's not the most consistent and hasn't done any real training in two years. He's done two IM's before - both before kids. I don't want to tell him no, he can't do it (though i wish he would do a HIM instead which has discounted for a few reasons). 

I am worried that family will suffer, that, selfishly, i will (do more family stuff and not get to train for events i want to do). So, fellow manatees if you have a spouse who has trained for IM and you did not. What did you do to manage? To stay on the same page? To not let their training take over your life? We have kids so it's seems like it would be extra stressful. 

I am fine with taking some of the slack so he can do it but just past experience makes me worried that it will be A LOT of slack. Plus, he travels a few times a year for work. Often a two week trip to China and then a week in Europe and a week in Vegas. 

What can you tell me, Manatees in all your wisdom.

Thanks for the summation of Waterman's.  Very last minute a friend asked me if I wanted to race it this year and I said no because of my knee issues, I guess I didn't think about doing the aquabike.  So few races offer that option that I didn't consider they might (and didn't look).  I totally could've managed that!  Anyway, congratulations!!

Gorgeous scenery, Karen!

I gotta say how proud I am of our racing manatees this past weekend, all of them!  It was very fun following the Chatt folks all day Sunday (after a day of stalking IMMD friends Saturday) and was exciting to see you all finish.  Lisa, I would totally count your finish as legit, eff those 13 minutes.  Sounds like Jim and Laura had good races, too!  Former-yet-always-a-Manatee Sean secured a Kona spot in his race!

Thanks all! I will update the group soon. Right now, I am still trying to get unburied at work!

I enjoyed seeing Lisa and Randee and eating (and drinking) with Ann-Marie. Poor Ann-Marie probably thinks I'm a stalker! I ran into her a bunch of times because our hotels were so close.

TJ, thanks for posting that map! I neglected to ask what others were wearing on the bike beforehand so I didn't know what jerseys I should be looking for!

Waterman's peeps, I'm glad to hear that the race venue was so good and that you had a nice time!

Adam, sorry to hear about IM NC. I think that AtomicMan was a great choice though. I did that a few years ago (2015?) and enjoyed it. Gotta like a race with a hill called WannaCry. =:-o

x2!

haha, it was funny how many times we ran into each other...hmm, maybe you were stalking me

Love this advice, and second it! 

I've decided for my final Ironman that I think I'm going to be coached. I was for my 2nd, and it was so comforting knowing that the expert would take care of the guess work and work around last minute travel or fatigue. 

How are the CHOO-ers feeling this week? I am pretty much back to feeling OK... still stiff in the mornings and tired, but physically feeling OK.

I have asked him to, actually. Someone who will develop a plan for him based on his real life. Yes, it costs more but it may build in the accountability that would help him get more done and make it work in our life. He seemed to find that weird. Yes, i was complaining about the registration fee but wanted him to get coach ... hahahaha, the registration fee complaint is more about spending the $ if he's not really going to do it or not have a great day because he didn't put in enough work. Anyway, it's an on-going discussion. I felt like a dream killer last night. 

This is great advise.

Awwww. That is no fun. But looking at the realities of all that training and stress is important.

QUOTE]Originally posted by lisac957

Love this advice, and second it! 

I've decided for my final Ironman that I think I'm going to be coached. I was for my 2nd, and it was so comforting knowing that the expert would take care of the guess work and work around last minute travel or fatigue. 

How are the CHOO-ers feeling this week? I am pretty much back to feeling OK... still stiff in the mornings and tired, but physically feeling OK.

I’m good! Almost got up early to swim today, but then remembered I didn’t want to.

on a different note, I wrote my RR last night, went to save it and something went screwy with BT and everything went away. Guess I’ll get around to it again later!

Take this with a grain of salt, We have no kids (other than Zoe) and I'm the athlete so...

Others have said mentioned several of these

• Shared calendar. I have a training calendar in Google that I share with Kevin. I also write my evening workouts on the menu for the week so he knows when I'm likely to be MIA.
• Consistent training evenings, for example, Tuesdays and Thursdays are for cycling. That way I can head home, take care of Zoe and ride and Kevin can bring his mtb to work and ride (the trails are near his office)
• One day a week of eat on your own. We call it Fend For Self (FFS is what we put on the menu for the week). That might be a Thursday brick where there is no way that I am going to ride my bike for 90 minutes and then run and then make dinner.
• I have tried to encourage Kevin to go mountain biking (in the actual mountains) on weekends during peak training. It's a lot less stressful for me if I don't feel like I have a long ride with a time crunch. Maybe you could plan weekend trips for yourself?
• Morning training. If he did morning workouts, would that "hide" them from the family? Would that simplify things for you?

Originally posted by mtnbikerchk

Originally posted by jmkizer

Originally posted by juniperjen

Hey Manatees! 

Congrats to all of  our IMCHOO'ers! Dealing with the change in the race and making it through a hot day - you are all so amazing! 

So, on another note, i am having a bit of a pickle. I just was hoping you could provide some of the 'what worked for me' - which may only apply to a few of you since i am asking about being the supportive spouse while your SO trains for IM.  My DH is super excited and wants to sign up for IMMT next year. He is not super great about prioritizing training - he doesn't plan all that well, and he often misses workouts in general. He's not the most consistent and hasn't done any real training in two years. He's done two IM's before - both before kids. I don't want to tell him no, he can't do it (though i wish he would do a HIM instead which has discounted for a few reasons). 

I am worried that family will suffer, that, selfishly, i will (do more family stuff and not get to train for events i want to do). So, fellow manatees if you have a spouse who has trained for IM and you did not. What did you do to manage? To stay on the same page? To not let their training take over your life? We have kids so it's seems like it would be extra stressful. 

I am fine with taking some of the slack so he can do it but just past experience makes me worried that it will be A LOT of slack. Plus, he travels a few times a year for work. Often a two week trip to China and then a week in Europe and a week in Vegas. 

What can you tell me, Manatees in all your wisdom.

Take this with a grain of salt, We have no kids (other than Zoe) and I'm the athlete so...

Others have said mentioned several of these

• Shared calendar. I have a training calendar in Google that I share with Kevin. I also write my evening workouts on the menu for the week so he knows when I'm likely to be MIA.
• Consistent training evenings, for example, Tuesdays and Thursdays are for cycling. That way I can head home, take care of Zoe and ride and Kevin can bring his mtb to work and ride (the trails are near his office)
• One day a week of eat on your own. We call it Fend For Self (FFS is what we put on the menu for the week). That might be a Thursday brick where there is no way that I am going to ride my bike for 90 minutes and then run and then make dinner.
• I have tried to encourage Kevin to go mountain biking (in the actual mountains) on weekends during peak training. It's a lot less stressful for me if I don't feel like I have a long ride with a time crunch. Maybe you could plan weekend trips for yourself?
• Morning training. If he did morning workouts, would that "hide" them from the family? Would that simplify things for you?

I always try not to give advice on these things because like you, my kid is a 4 legged one that we can just throw in the kennel at any time - but you're advice is spot on - organization and scheduling is key. We stagger our schedules (and have the flexibility to do so) and I end up going home before work and after swim or run and he comes home earlier after work and then goes back out for his PM workouts. Dinners are usually EASY and we grill a lot. And I know people even more organized than me that actually cook ahead. That's just 1 step too much :D And if you don't have one, get an instant pot! Crazy easy for 1 pot meals you can literally throw in and walk away until done. It's like a crock pot but way faster. Chicken chili is my favorite. but back on task - how old are your kids? Can you get them involved with Dad's training? Maybe have them set up run aid stations or put their bikes on a cheapo trainer next to dad......Just some ideas. Oh and let me know if he does register and I'll see you guys at MT! edited to add: I actually feel pretty good. I think I'm starting to eat normally again - for a few days I was really hungry but couldn't eat a lot. I think it was the heat. Same thing happened in 2015.

Please share your favorite Instant Pot recipes :-D (this goes for all of you IP owners out there!)

Originally posted by jmkizer

Originally posted by mtnbikerchk

Originally posted by jmkizer

Originally posted by juniperjen

Hey Manatees! 

Congrats to all of  our IMCHOO'ers! Dealing with the change in the race and making it through a hot day - you are all so amazing! 

So, on another note, i am having a bit of a pickle. I just was hoping you could provide some of the 'what worked for me' - which may only apply to a few of you since i am asking about being the supportive spouse while your SO trains for IM.  My DH is super excited and wants to sign up for IMMT next year. He is not super great about prioritizing training - he doesn't plan all that well, and he often misses workouts in general. He's not the most consistent and hasn't done any real training in two years. He's done two IM's before - both before kids. I don't want to tell him no, he can't do it (though i wish he would do a HIM instead which has discounted for a few reasons). 

I am worried that family will suffer, that, selfishly, i will (do more family stuff and not get to train for events i want to do). So, fellow manatees if you have a spouse who has trained for IM and you did not. What did you do to manage? To stay on the same page? To not let their training take over your life? We have kids so it's seems like it would be extra stressful. 

I am fine with taking some of the slack so he can do it but just past experience makes me worried that it will be A LOT of slack. Plus, he travels a few times a year for work. Often a two week trip to China and then a week in Europe and a week in Vegas. 

What can you tell me, Manatees in all your wisdom.

Take this with a grain of salt, We have no kids (other than Zoe) and I'm the athlete so...

Others have said mentioned several of these

• Shared calendar. I have a training calendar in Google that I share with Kevin. I also write my evening workouts on the menu for the week so he knows when I'm likely to be MIA.
• Consistent training evenings, for example, Tuesdays and Thursdays are for cycling. That way I can head home, take care of Zoe and ride and Kevin can bring his mtb to work and ride (the trails are near his office)
• One day a week of eat on your own. We call it Fend For Self (FFS is what we put on the menu for the week). That might be a Thursday brick where there is no way that I am going to ride my bike for 90 minutes and then run and then make dinner.
• I have tried to encourage Kevin to go mountain biking (in the actual mountains) on weekends during peak training. It's a lot less stressful for me if I don't feel like I have a long ride with a time crunch. Maybe you could plan weekend trips for yourself?
• Morning training. If he did morning workouts, would that "hide" them from the family? Would that simplify things for you?

I always try not to give advice on these things because like you, my kid is a 4 legged one that we can just throw in the kennel at any time - but you're advice is spot on - organization and scheduling is key. We stagger our schedules (and have the flexibility to do so) and I end up going home before work and after swim or run and he comes home earlier after work and then goes back out for his PM workouts. Dinners are usually EASY and we grill a lot. And I know people even more organized than me that actually cook ahead. That's just 1 step too much :D And if you don't have one, get an instant pot! Crazy easy for 1 pot meals you can literally throw in and walk away until done. It's like a crock pot but way faster. Chicken chili is my favorite. but back on task - how old are your kids? Can you get them involved with Dad's training? Maybe have them set up run aid stations or put their bikes on a cheapo trainer next to dad......Just some ideas. Oh and let me know if he does register and I'll see you guys at MT! edited to add: I actually feel pretty good. I think I'm starting to eat normally again - for a few days I was really hungry but couldn't eat a lot. I think it was the heat. Same thing happened in 2015.

Please share your favorite Instant Pot recipes :-D (this goes for all of you IP owners out there!)

IP recipe for Salt potatoes: https://thisoldgal.com/pressure-cooker-syracuse-salt-potatoes/ 

Sorry I don't have any tried and true meal IP recipes, I'm hoping you guys have some!  I've made some sort of chicken breasts that were out of this world, not sure where the recipe got to.

Originally posted by jmkizer

Originally posted by mtnbikerchk

Originally posted by jmkizer

Originally posted by juniperjen

Hey Manatees! 

Congrats to all of  our IMCHOO'ers! Dealing with the change in the race and making it through a hot day - you are all so amazing! 

So, on another note, i am having a bit of a pickle. I just was hoping you could provide some of the 'what worked for me' - which may only apply to a few of you since i am asking about being the supportive spouse while your SO trains for IM.  My DH is super excited and wants to sign up for IMMT next year. He is not super great about prioritizing training - he doesn't plan all that well, and he often misses workouts in general. He's not the most consistent and hasn't done any real training in two years. He's done two IM's before - both before kids. I don't want to tell him no, he can't do it (though i wish he would do a HIM instead which has discounted for a few reasons). 

I am worried that family will suffer, that, selfishly, i will (do more family stuff and not get to train for events i want to do). So, fellow manatees if you have a spouse who has trained for IM and you did not. What did you do to manage? To stay on the same page? To not let their training take over your life? We have kids so it's seems like it would be extra stressful. 

I am fine with taking some of the slack so he can do it but just past experience makes me worried that it will be A LOT of slack. Plus, he travels a few times a year for work. Often a two week trip to China and then a week in Europe and a week in Vegas. 

What can you tell me, Manatees in all your wisdom.

Take this with a grain of salt, We have no kids (other than Zoe) and I'm the athlete so...

Others have said mentioned several of these

• Shared calendar. I have a training calendar in Google that I share with Kevin. I also write my evening workouts on the menu for the week so he knows when I'm likely to be MIA.
• Consistent training evenings, for example, Tuesdays and Thursdays are for cycling. That way I can head home, take care of Zoe and ride and Kevin can bring his mtb to work and ride (the trails are near his office)
• One day a week of eat on your own. We call it Fend For Self (FFS is what we put on the menu for the week). That might be a Thursday brick where there is no way that I am going to ride my bike for 90 minutes and then run and then make dinner.
• I have tried to encourage Kevin to go mountain biking (in the actual mountains) on weekends during peak training. It's a lot less stressful for me if I don't feel like I have a long ride with a time crunch. Maybe you could plan weekend trips for yourself?
• Morning training. If he did morning workouts, would that "hide" them from the family? Would that simplify things for you?

I always try not to give advice on these things because like you, my kid is a 4 legged one that we can just throw in the kennel at any time - but you're advice is spot on - organization and scheduling is key. We stagger our schedules (and have the flexibility to do so) and I end up going home before work and after swim or run and he comes home earlier after work and then goes back out for his PM workouts. Dinners are usually EASY and we grill a lot. And I know people even more organized than me that actually cook ahead. That's just 1 step too much :D And if you don't have one, get an instant pot! Crazy easy for 1 pot meals you can literally throw in and walk away until done. It's like a crock pot but way faster. Chicken chili is my favorite. but back on task - how old are your kids? Can you get them involved with Dad's training? Maybe have them set up run aid stations or put their bikes on a cheapo trainer next to dad......Just some ideas. Oh and let me know if he does register and I'll see you guys at MT! edited to add: I actually feel pretty good. I think I'm starting to eat normally again - for a few days I was really hungry but couldn't eat a lot. I think it was the heat. Same thing happened in 2015.

Please share your favorite Instant Pot recipes :-D (this goes for all of you IP owners out there!)

I don't have favorite recipes per se, but I love that I can put in frozen chicken and it cooks in about 30 minutes .

• Instant Pot Lemon Pepper Salmon
• Instant Pot Individual Steel Cut Oats (I like regular overnight oats as well, both are handy for on-the-go mornings)
• Pressure Cooker New York Cheesecake (OK, so this is not really training food...)
• Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

I'm looking for a good burrito bowl recipe. Tasty and not too bad for you ;-)

It's been a while since we had young ones in the house, so I (like others) feel a bit underqualified. Also, no IM training, so there is that as well. It sounds like you want to see him succeed, but are concerned at what cost. I do believe the key to healthy relationships is communication, and this is no different. Lay it all out there, your concerns, his desire to race, your support of him racing well, etc. I like Janyne's calendar idea and I really like the coach idea as ways to help him. And if it helps him, it helps you as well. And hopefully, you can work through a compromise so that when you are ready for your BIG race, it is his turn to "take up some slack".

Jumping on the Instant Pot/prepped food discussion. We always have some pulled chicken in the house. TW will drop a chicken or some chicken breasts in the IP and soon enough we are shredding it up. It all goes into a container in the fridge and is ready at a moments notice. Want chicken salad, quesadillas, BBQ chicken sandwich, etc?  It is ready in a couple of minutes. We can also take a couple of hours on a Sunday night and have a ton of stuff for the entire week of lunches (I take it to work with me) and dinners. Soups, pulled pork, meatballs, casseroles, etc. are easy and ready to go. A meatloaf just came out of the freezer this week, so dinner at work is taken care of for me tonight. Jen may need to do more volume of this, what with more members of the household, but it is something we've been doing since the girls were playing soccer, or softball or later with band, theater, and ROTC.