Time is on my Side
By Scott Poteet

For most of us we struggle daily with the challenges of balancing work, family, chores and of course training. Day in and day out we are faced with trying to cram 9 pounds of crap into a 6 pound bag. Even before the daily grind begins we work feverishly to schedule each and every minute.

“OK, if I get up at 4:30am I can start my coffee by 4:35am and be on the toilet by 4:38am. That will give me 22 minutes to get rid of dinner, eat breakfast and get on the trainer…”.

However, plans never happen without distractions. When was the last time you actually got through the day and accomplished everything you set out to get done without a hiccup? We are challenged with roadblocks all the time; inconvenient phone calls (www.donotcall.gov), idle chit chat at work about “American Idol” (ah…umm...it’s my wife who watches it...yeah…that’s it!) and that moron in the left lane only going 10 MPH over the speed limit. The following is a list of some of the things I do in order to prepare the best I can for the next Ironman and make a gallant effort not to get fired nor divorced anytime soon…

1. Sleep -Early to bed, early to rise. If getting to bed is tough, prep it with a shower and some light stretching. As you lie in bed focus on your breathing. Read an article from the latest Inside Triathlon

2. Daily To Do lists -Make a list the night prior of everything you need do the next day. Prioritize the list and don’t come home until the top items are accomplished. Carry over unaccomplished tasks to the next days list.

3. Prepare for tomorrow -Make your lunch for the next day to prevent early morning scramble. Lay out your workout clothes. Prep the Latte machine.

4. Workout in the morning -Workouts that are scheduled in the morning are more than likely to get done. Start your day refreshed and relaxed knowing at least you got one workout done.

5. Carry workout gear in your car -I fill feed bags (received as goody bags at races) with running/swim gear and leave them in my car for easy access.

6. Workout on the way to work -Leave clothes at work the night prior so you can bike/run to work in the morning. Find around about route with less traffic to get desired durations.

7. Involve the family -Invest in a resistance trainer/treadmill (being there for your family and getting a quality workout is a win-win situation). Encourage your spouse to take part in your “other” passion (some may disagree with me on this one so consider all possible outcomes).

8. Plan for the weekend workout -First, ask her/him what they would like to do this weekend. Then plan your long ride/run around that activity asking for a little flexibility if necessary.

9. Weekend chores -Get your weekend chores done after your immediate recovery shake but before you shower and settle down for lunch. If you need to run errands make it apart of the workout.

10. Eat frequently -Eating smaller more frequent meals prevents overeating and that bloated feeling. Keeps the glycogen stores stocked to prevent lack in motivation.

It’s all about attitude. If there is something you want to accomplish it’s about committing to that passion and seeing it through. Excuses are for the weak. If triathlons were easy Joe from accounting would be putting his spare tire to the test on the weekends. It’s all about having a plan. Each and every time you accomplish a small task or goal throughout the day, it breeds confidence and success. Good luck and remember that anything is possible.