Expecting a Child soon. - Triathlon Week

Tri-808 · 02-03-2005, 11:43 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this website and this is my first post. I am a 36 yr old age group triathlete who enjoys the triathlon lifestyle. My wife and I have been trying for a child for a number of years with no success. In the meantime I've enjoyed racing at various half and full Ironman events. A short time ago, my wife gave me the exciting news that she's pregnant. I was instantly filled with joy and happiness, then a bit of worry crept in. I know that having a child will be a life changing and rewarding experience and that many sacrifices will be made. I just wanted some of you "triathlete parents" to shed some light on how the next few years will be for me. How much training time will I have in the coming years? When can I expect to be able to have enough time to train for another Ironman race? Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Tri-808

fittotri · 02-03-2005, 04:54 PM

First, don't worry. You will adjust accordingly. I have a 4, 2, and my wife gave me the news yesterday about our third. I haven't done an IM but would love to, so I am envious. I do mainly sprints but am planning a couple intermediate distances this year. Training keeps me healthy and probably will extend my life. I want to be there for my children. I joined the Y because they have child care and a great pool. Jogging stroller doesn't embarrass me, did 5 miles today with my 2 year old. Go to spin class at the Y at 5:30am. Record TV on my digital recorder and watch my favorites when it is convienent. Have a little workout room in my house, can be heard lifting at 11pm or 6am. When you don't get enough sleep and miss a workout or two don't stress it, just get back in the routine when you can. It makes me smile when I get a workout in and the kids and wife are happy. Just a couple of the things I do to stay fit.Take care.

Tri-808 · 02-03-2005, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fittotri

First, don't worry. You will adjust accordingly. I have a 4, 2, and my wife gave me the news yesterday about our third. I haven't done an IM but would love to, so I am envious. I do mainly sprints but am planning a couple intermediate distances this year. Training keeps me healthy and probably will extend my life. I want to be there for my children. I joined the Y because they have child care and a great pool. Jogging stroller doesn't embarrass me, did 5 miles today with my 2 year old. Go to spin class at the Y at 5:30am. Record TV on my digital recorder and watch my favorites when it is convienent. Have a little workout room in my house, can be heard lifting at 11pm or 6am. When you don't get enough sleep and miss a workout or two don't stress it, just get back in the routine when you can. It makes me smile when I get a workout in and the kids and wife are happy. Just a couple of the things I do to stay fit.Take care.

hey congratulations right back to you! Like you, I will probably be fitting in my training whenever and wherever possible, and I am actuallly looking foward to one day running w/ the jogging stroller. It seems that you have a pretty balance between family and triathlon, and that is something I will strive to achieve. Reading your post gives me confidence that it can be done. Good luck to you with your upcoming intermediate distance races, I hope you enjoy them. Let me know if you need any advice on training for the longer distance races, I'm not an expert, but maybe i could help.

Spike10 · 02-04-2005, 11:11 AM

Congratulations on the family addition, take it from an old pro, I have three daughters 20, 17, and 13, you will probably find that your training will be that one spot that will clear your head and keep you on track for being a great father. Yes you will miss workouts and feel like you are letting yourself down or feel like a couch potato once in a while, but the sparkle in the eyes of your child will make these feeling melt away, just take it as it comes and work out like I do, at all wierd hours of the day. If an old guy like me can do it so can you. I look forward to getting to Kona and finishing!!
I hope to see you there some day, and good luck with the little one!

Tri-808 · 02-04-2005, 12:27 PM

Spike,
Thanks for the very positive message. It sure helps me keep things in perspective. I too hope to race in Kona one day. Maybe one day I'll cross the line on Ali'i Drive with my wife and child!!!