So, you work full-time, you have a family, and you want to train for an endurance sport or other activity. It is no easy task to balance the three and dedicate as much time to each as you want.

              We are about a year and a half into our new healthy lifestyle habits and we are realizing how important it has been for our whole family to be involved. We thought through how we have all made changes and how it brings us closer as a family. How Tim works full-time and trains, all while still being able to have family time; he does this through including the kids and I in his training. Not every training session is a family first training session, but Tim does try to include the kids and I once or twice a week in his training process.  We want others to know that it is possible to lead a healthy lifestyle and to include your kids and/or spouse in your workouts and races! Triathlon is a demanding sport but in no way is an independent sport.

            We have put together a few tips to start, or maintain, an active family lifestyle. Not every family is the same, we realize that, so here are some general ideas to get you started.

6 Tips to have an Active Family Lifestyle:

1. Plan together. Communication is key to keep your family first while training. Talk with your spouse about schedules and training plans. Consider everyone’s schedules, including the kids.                                      

2. Set realistic goals. As a family what can you realistically do? If you have toddlers consider using a jogging stroller or a bike trailer. If you have older elementary aged kids maybe a trailer bike would be more suitable. Whatever activity you choose remember it is okay to push your kids, but take some breaks and pace yourselves.

3. Be flexible. It is too easy to set a training schedule and not involve your family...“today I am supposed to swim and tomorrow I have a long run” … but the family’s schedule does not fit that. Be flexible with your workout plan, you do not have to completely give it up just be willing to move a workout to a different day so you can involve your family.

4. Get creative. If you are unable to include your family in your workout, consider doing some yoga or strengthening exercises together. Tim likes to take our kids out for a run as his warm-up, he makes a loop that the boys can handle, drops them back at home, and then Tim heads off on his own for a while. Every little bit helps.                                                               

5. Meal plan and prep. Eating right is just as important as exercise. Research and seek out the recipes or plans that will work for your family. Work together to prepare meals and snacks. Our favorite is letting our boys help make smoothies and healthy energy balls!                                             

6. Train when they sleep. If you train while your family/children are asleep, you are at least able to focus on the them while everyone is awake. Be cautious, there is a tendency to prioritize your workouts over time with your spouse in these situations.

If you have ideas that have worked for your family comment below, mention your ideas on our Facebook page, or #familyfirsttri on Instagram. We look forward to hearing from you.