Triathlon is a matter of family

If you’re thinking about starting to compete in triathlons, it’s important for you to understand that the fatigue of your workouts won’t be your only issue.

Triathlon is an intense consuming sport, and being such, you have to take into consideration the different aspects of your life that might have to be less prioritised, including that of your family.

With that in mind, I’m going to give you some tips that will help you approach preparing for a triathlon in the most serene way.

#1 Everything has a price
Triathlon is a very expensive sport. While in swimming your budget has to cover the cost of your swim-suit and some equipment, in triathlon you have to buy a bike, shoes, running shoes, on top of all the things you need for swimming. Make sure that you have the economical resources to invest in good equipment without it weighing on your family!

#2 Your diet matters
When you start to work-out seriously and constantly, it will become fundamental to combine your workouts with a correct diet: this could mean a change in lifestyle and habits which don’t always match the needs of your family members. Make sure that your partner accepts the novelties which will allow them to give you the necessary support. That means not only at the dinner table but also supporting the fact that you won’t always be sitting there with them during meal time.

#3 Sports holidays…but not always
When you work out in a serious way you will soon want to compete. Having the next competition in mind, won’t allow you to relax during your holidays. Competitions will allow you to visit places you wouldn’t get to see otherwise, like new holiday destinations, which can easily be transformed into places where you can get an extra workout. Before suggesting it to the family, make sure it’s a good destination for everybody and that you’re not forcing something upon them just in order not to have to give up an extra workout during your holidays.

As an ex-fiancé of a triathlete, I know very well what it means to have a partner who goes missing for several hours a day, trying to obtain goals that aren’t always realistic. I believe that like in many other areas, the key to making it work is finding equilibrium.

And remember that in order to dedicate yourself to your sport in a serene way it’s important that your environment is equally as calm. Don’t ever forget to speak to your family members, who, once they’ve understood the importance of your passion, will support you and make you even more motivated and therefore unstoppable!