Training as a triathlete involves logistics, logistics, logistics.
I’m good at logistics. I can handle a lot of logistics. This is a LOT of logistics. Sometimes I love the challenge of figuring out how to work my schedule and make sure I’ve got everything I need for the various components of my day. Other times, (especially when I forget something or things can’t work out as planned), I get frustrated with the logistics….especially because I’m supposed to be good at logistics!
Examples…
Run inside or out? Pack 2 different sets of clothes to provide options? Or decide ahead of time and just go with it?
If I’m going to run outside, then I should swim after so I’m not out with wet hair.
Remember underwear. (Have failed at this twice!)
Remember all the shoes needed! Cycling shoes; shoes to wear to the cycling studio – these could be my running shoes or my strength training shoes, if I’m planning to do either of those; and shoes to wear for the day!
I’m doing a tri in Texas and when we go on vacation to Hilton Head this summer, I have a BIG training schedule with a 5.5 hour bike ride. So…how am I going to have a bike for both of these. Shipping my bike is a risk. Renting is tricky. It’s tough to figure out – not being a bike expert – how to get as close as I can to the same material, type and size! I made arrangements to rent a bike in Texas. I’ll bring my seat (with post) and pedals to help get the best fit. (That shouldn’t send me over the suitcase weight limit! Ha!) And I figure it’s only 12 miles, so I can make anything “close” work well. Still gotta figure out what I’m renting in South Carolina. My Coach says that if I rent aluminum (my bike is carbon fiber) that I’ll get a really good workout. So, maybe I should just do that. Yet, is that going to be too uncomfortable for the long ride? Don’t know how much of a difference it’ll make…
After planning an early morning long swim, I eventually decided to NOT swim for an hour before an on-site client day because I figured I’d likely have “goggle eyes.” Not cute. Looks like there are big bags under your eyes.
Cycle outside, in the cycling studio or in my basement. Deciding whether to go outside, you can consider weather, time to get bike ready, time to get geared up. (you need to wear a lot more clothes than you think!) Deciding to bike in the cycling studio, I check the cycling class times and durations. I want to not arrive in the middle of a class. I can often tack onto a class in way that works. Do I want to just be by myself in the studio? Sometimes it’s nice to be on that type of bike and be able to do a little bit of multitasking. Deciding whether to bike at home in the trainer: Is it convenient to be at home? Is the bike set up on the trainer?
I currently need to find time to buy or rent a wet suit, get to the bike shop for tune up, buy a tri suit??, get new pedals, set up rental for South Carolina, and attend a bike maintenance class.
Since I have flexibility in my work schedule, it’s a consistent effort to figure out how to best fit training into my schedule, shift things as needed, yet still try to meet the purpose of different training sessions. Sometimes you want them back-to-back, sometimes you want a double in a day. Can this be one night and the next morning? At this point I’m trying not to stress the “purpose” too much and just fit them in where I may.
Ordering materials. It seems like there’s always something to get! I just ordered a new swim suit (totally wore one out in 6 months!), protein bars, chews, gels, drinks. Amazing how often you need to order something!
Logistics, logistics, logistics! I guess I’m working to get even better at logistics!
Sounds to me like you’re pretty darn good at that already with all you’re balancing these days, Amy! xo
Thank you!! It’s very helpful to be good at logistics when you’re a triathlete!! (Or at least a beginner triathlete!)