Triathlon Training with a Busy Schedule

Training for any sport can be time consuming, and that is magnified for triathlon with 3 different sports to train for.  Fitting your training in around your personal life can be tricky, but not impossible.  We’ve got a few tips on how to get the most out of your busy schedule and fit in the training you require.

​Early Morning Training

• Let’s you get some training in before the day really starts
• You may end up having to work late unexpectedly and have to cancel/cut short a session in the evening
• Higher chance of being tired after work impacting the quality of your sessions

Use your commutes

• Commuting can be dead time so if possible double it up as a training session
• If your office allows you can run or cycle in, home, or both ways (or even swim – there’s a man in Munich who regularly swims 2km to work down the Isar River)

Early morning cycle commute to work through Richmond Park

Use your lunch break

• If you are able to take time away from your desk at lunch then it is perfect for short, high-intensity sessions
• You’ll come back to your desk feeling revitalised for the afternoon ahead

Planning ahead

• Getting yourself a training plan will ensure you utilise all your time in the most effective way
  • Prioritise the key sessions and schedule these in for the times of the week you’re always available
• Prepare your kit and food ahead of time so when you’re time constrained later on everything is ready to go

​Training indoors

• When the daylight hours diminish and the weather takes a turn for the worst then the ability to train indoors becomes your friend
• There are plenty of indoor training options available: swimming, turbo trainer, spin and other fitness classes, treadmill, strength & conditioning work in the gym

Don’t try to play catch up later in the week

• If you miss a session then you miss a session.  Don’t force yourself to over train at the end of the week trying to squeeze in your original plans as well as anything you missed earlier in the week.

Train with the family

• You could find ways to double up your training whilst still spending time with your family
• Your partner/children could cycle alongside you on a long training run to give you some company and carry some food/drink for you
• Take them to the pool – often pools are split for lane swimmers and recreational swimmers.  They can get some social swimming in while you get in your session
• If you have small children you could even look at getting a bike carriage/seat and take them out on your ride with you

Gillian cycled alongside Michelle, Graham & Gregg whilst they ran laps around Battersea Park

Don’t forget that there is more to life than training.  Don’t sacrifice your job, family and happiness just because you think you absolutely must get that intervals session in.

Our coaches take your personal commitments into consideration when planning your training plans to ensure you still have a work/training/family life balance.  To get your own personalised training plan then fill in the contact form on our website or email info@youcansport.co.ukinfo@youcansport.co.uk and we will get everything started.