23 Jun Triathlon Training With Kids? It’s Like Juggling Fire and Glitter…
Being a triathlete is hard. Being a triathlete with a family is like trying to train for Ironman while juggling flaming bowling pins and a toddler who just discovered glitter. Weekends are prime training time—but they’re also peak family bonding time, and your spouse might not be thrilled if you disappear for six hours wearing spandex and a heart-rate monitor.
Fear not! You can log your miles and be a family superstar. Here are some creative ways to balance triathlon training with family life:
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The Family Long Run Parade
Turn your long run into a family parade. Strap the baby into a jogging stroller, hand your older kid a scooter, and give your partner a latte and a promise of brunch later. Bonus points if you all wear matching headbands and play Eye of the Tiger from a Bluetooth speaker like it’s your personal family theme song.
Training benefit: Long, steady-state cardio.
Family benefit: You’re basically a moving playground.
Pro triathlete Bree Wee has done 18-mile long runs with her push stroller – so can you!
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Swim Time: Spa Day With Splashing
Book a family trip to the local pool. You do 2,000 meters of intervals while your kids reenact “Sharknado” in the shallow end. Occasionally emerge to cheer them on between sets. If your spouse asks when you’re joining them in the hot tub, say, “Right after I conquer this 100 IM like Phelps.”
Training benefit: Quality swim set.
Family benefit: Everyone leaves waterlogged and mildly chlorinated. Success.
Check out Sam Long’s swim session with his son Leonardo strapped to his chest
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Bike Trainer + Movie Night = Genius
Set your bike trainer up in the living room. Let your kids pick the movie (just mentally prepare for the 4th showing of Frozen II) and ride through the entire film. You’ll sweat. They’ll sing. Your spouse will wonder what strange hybrid of Tour de France and Disney+ you’ve created.
Training benefit: Zone 2 endurance with random sprints when Olaf gets attacked.
Family benefit: Togetherness, popcorn, and slight confusion.
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Brick Workouts & Playground Tag
Do a short bike ride, then head straight to the park for a run-while-chasing-your-kids session. You’ll sprint, dodge, squat, and maybe climb a jungle gym. It’s like CrossFit meets recess. Your spouse can sit on a bench and document the chaos for future therapy bills.
Training benefit: Brick workout with agility.
Family benefit: Tired kids = early bedtime.
Read Miranda Carfrae and Tim O’Donnell’s tip for training with kids
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Sunday “Adventure” Days
Disguise your training as an epic family adventure. Hike a trail (trail run for you), rent kayaks (secret arm workout), or go on a “bike picnic” (with hill repeats en route). Sell it like a family memory, not a disguised brick session.
Training benefit: Functional fitness and active recovery.
Family benefit: Instagram-worthy content and bribery material.
Bonus Pro Tips:
- Wake up early. You can knock out a 90-minute ride before the household wakes up. Sure, you’ll feel like a zombie by 2 p.m., but coffee exists.
- Include your spouse. Even just in planning. Ask, “How can I train this weekend and still earn brownie points?” and brace for the honest answer.
- Plan a recovery nap. Call it “snuggling time” and suddenly it’s adorable, not selfish.
In conclusion, triathlon training doesn’t have to mean abandoning your loved ones every Saturday morning. With a bit of creativity (and a strong tolerance for Moana on repeat), you can train like a beast and still be the MVP of family weekend fun.
Just remember: every mile you log with your toddler in a stroller counts double. Scientifically. Probably.
