"How do you do it?!"

I am asked all the time by friends, family and co-workers: How do you do it? How do you find time to swim, bike, and run and be a good parent?

Let’s face it, it can be difficult, but so is competing in a triathlon. I think that is why most of us love it. It’s a challenge.

So how do we make it work?...
I train early mornings often times when my love ones are sleeping. Yes, this often times involves 3am swim sets at the local 24 Hour Fitness. I find this the most realistic way for me to train and not take time from my son and/or my Fiancé. Trust me its a bit of work to sneak out of the house without waking up a 6 year old. Tip towing down the stairs and rolling the car out of the driveway starting it up down the street. The lengths I go to scurry out with out a peep! All that work to go jump in to a cold ass pool that reeks of chlorine! But hey, it's what you have to do to be great. Train to endure!

Most of you know I hold down a full-time job at a Software Company while building up my Personal Training Business (my true passion). My "real job" allows me a chance to get out each day around noon for a run and/or bike session. Nothing like a 10 mile run at lunch. Screw lunch let's run, bike, swim!

Weekends: Allow me time for long 4-5 hour rides Saturday and 1-3 hour runs on Sunday. I've really made a point to try and involve my son and Brittany in my shorter runs. Ty will follow along side of me on his bike while Brit leads the way. (I bet my 6 year old can ride harder than yours!)

It has taken me some time to get used to the distractions, but over all I love it! Parents get your kids involved, set examples for them. As I like to say: Pass on your passions!

Without the support of my closest family I would not be able to pursue my passions. Triathlon takes up so much time not to mention cost a shit ton of money. Family members of a triathlete sacrifice the most, so I constantly remind myself to let them know how much they are appreciated.