With Ironman Wales an example of a race scheduled for mid September it can pose a real challenge for competitors who have spent all year juggling family life with a tough multi-discipline training regime. You are faced with the prospect of the kids being off in August and the long planned family break for two weeks landing smack in the middle of your final training set. Ouch. Divorce beckons if you don’t play your cards right and equally well spent time here can shave precious time off your race. So what do you need to consider when planning that dream holiday? This week we have an article on how you need to consider combining triathlon training with a family holiday.
Taking a break
Two weeks out of action, no way it is time to get scientific…first things to consider is location for your break and some quality research into your surroundings. Most locations offer decent running so make sure you pack your running gear, if flying and space is a premium wear your running shoes for the flight and sacrifice that look for a slightly geeky combo but save the weight in your case and any complaints. You only have limited windows of running time on holiday for sure but a few early rises or rainy lunches skipped and you can get in a couple of quality running sessions in per week.
Swimming on hols
Swimming needn’t be given the cold shoulder while away with most of us heading for a beach resort of some flavour. Granted taking your favourite open water wetsuit in your case might not be a viable option but don’t discount it if your loading up the car for the journey. Something that size can be readily found a home under a seat or in a quiet corner of the boot. A pair of goggles can be all you need in reality if heading to warmer climes as skin tight jammers aren’t essential you can still put in some water time in a pair of boardies using that extra drag factor to intensify the workout.
Bike miles are more of a toughie. Packing up your TT into a case for that EasyJet flight to Majorca is unlikely to be a winner but taking a coastal break in the car maybe its not such an impossibility? For flight bound jaunts a ride may still be an option if you can find a local bike hire company and negotiate a couple of half day blasts to get to know your temporary steed in some new locations. Failing that many a full on cheese all-inclusive hotel has a gym somewhere in the vicinity with an unloved exercise bike available for use. Stuck in a sweaty gym with no windows while in some foreign hotel isn’t exactly living the dream but if you need to maintain your training plan it at least means you can create a pain cave while away in your hols.
Ultimately where there is a will there is a way. You can still put in a set each week without ruining your family holiday if you want it enough.
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