This sentiment rings the truest on so many levels for the multisport and endurance athlete. One of my favorite quotes is “All things in moderation”, and I think few truer statements may have ever been spoken. The balance of all aspects of an individual’s life cannot only be paramount in the overall outcome of one’s happiness and success in life, but potentially (and probably) also for all of those around him.

So enough of that...how do you do it? How do you spend just the right amount of time on all of the things that you feel need to be at the “TOP” of your list?

You can’t, that’s the bottom line.

At the very best you can only do the best you can, and hope that those items on your list and the people that matter most will be satisfied.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying to throw in the towel and not even try, because I think that you can get very close, but it involves a very important step: prioritizing.

Now this is not a new concept to anyone out there (at least I hope not for your sake), but I think that as anyone embarks on integrating (notice I did not say ADDING) multisport into your life's already hectic and high demand schedule, you must be able to find the best way to do so.

One race a year? 25 events a year??
4 hours a week training? 34 hours a week training?
Swim, bike, run?
What works for you? What are the results you are looking for?

When you get to the end of the season or an event and you are standing up on that podium that you worked so hard for, what will be the cost? Did you sacrifice your job in the process? Your family? We all must keep in mind that without our support system, many of us would not even be considering some thing as challenging as a triathlon or other multisport event. Less than 4% of the entire population is willing to do what you are considering. Additionally, you will not succeed well at all without that continued support. I can also tell you from personal experience, that few personal accomplishments will ever match the joy and happiness felt from sharing that with your loved one(s) at the finish line of an event that you trained for with their support, love, and sacrifice. In contrast, if you train “in-spite” of your family, there can be fewer lonelier places then an empty finish line because you have left them out of the picture.

On the other side of the argument, what did you gain? Quality of life? Become a better person, a parent, or a spouse? You will have put yourself into a category that most of the entire planet will only hope to dream or attempt in their lifetimes.

Multisport is not just a sport or sports, it is a lifestyle choice and as such you must make the necessary changes so you can reap the benefits of this amazing life.

So decide what you want to do, how much time you can dedicate, and make it happen!

Piece of cake right? :)

As you lay out your goals, your program, etc, that will provide the compass direction for your multisport season, you should include the events in your life that may (should) have higher importance then athletic endeavors.

We all know that there are only so many hours in a day, and days in a year, but we must be able to balance those hours and days, so that we can feel the whole benefits of multisport, one that comes with happiness and sweat....and most importantly...balance.

We must work to sacrifice the things we can do without, and embrace those we must have.

Another quote, and this one is my favorite:

Begin with the end in mind.

Now let’s start training...:)

Coach Jess