What have you given up for Triathlon, and regretted? (Page 2)

Me too!

The things I gave up would scare most people half to death. A couple of them very nearly killed me.

Triathlon keeps me (relatively) in line.

I don't feel like I *need* triathlon any more to stay clean, but It most certainly played an integral role in getting me to this point.

<<----- See that avatar

yeah, well I don't fly my hang glider or paraglider much at all any more, and it was what defined me.  There's only so much time.  Do I miss it?  heck yeah.  But perhaps after 20 years, and I'm still alive, I should count my blessings and sell the equipment.  But I just can't bring myself to do that.  I just can't come to grips with not being in the sky ever again.

OK, this thread took a WAY different tack than I was intending or expecting.  I guess I should be more specific when I post a question.  My "mistake," though the thread has been very interesting to read.  In retrospect, I see that the title of the thread definitely implies a deeper meaning than I intended.

What I meant to ask is, what have you given up as a means of improving your performance that, as it turned out, had less performance benefit than what you had hoped, and thus left you feeling that you might revert to your older ways? 

Scott

I gave up rest days, and replaced them with active recovery days.

Not sure whether it will help, hurt, do nothing. I just like training and don't like taking a day off unless it is absolutely necessary (e.g., injury).

Though that questions about what you would do with an extra 20 hours is an interesting one the reality is most wouldn't actively use it the way they say they will. Okay, I am being critical and harsh and making judgements but honestly, I look around at all the people who say they are 'so busy' but their nights are spent at home parked in front of the tv.  If asked the question they say they would spend more time with their kids or try X activity.  Everyone is entitled to down time but I just hate that people see a hobby like tri as selfish. It really comes down to how you prioritize.

The NYT about the tri widow was more of a case of a guy who had checked out of his family, imho and was using tri and swimming the English Channel as convenient excuses.  I am sure that there are lots of folks on here who would say that they spend their time with their families/friends/SO's more productively (ie quality time) because of their training and the fact that the time is valuable and shouldn't be wasted. 

though I do agree that long-distance tri is likely to take family time away no matter what just because of the time investment. For everyone there's a balance that works for them. 

I know if given 20 hours extra in a week I'd waste more than I care to admit.  And since starting training it gives my life a lot more purpose in the hours around work.  It's easy to float through the routine of commuting, work, chores, dinner with the family, rinse, repeat

As for the OP. I haven't given up anything in particular thinking it would give me an advantage in training. Though i did give up yoga for a while because I just didn't have time.  I do find it helpful for my body and miss it when its gone.

My FS MTB hasn't seen me in the saddle for 2 yrs now.

'Course the local trail being torn up & now completely flooded has something to do with that.