Ultra training with kids can
Ultra training with kids can be difficult, especially given their ages (5,4, and 1). It is a little easier as both Shelly and I have summers off. Still, it takes A LOT of time-management. Having to juggle work, family time, my clinic stuff, my book stuff, writing my blog, and spending time answering questions and participating BFR communities, it can be difficult to find time to train. This is what I do:
[*]Do lots of night runs when kids are sleeping. I regularly sacrifice sleep for training.[*]Rely heavily on crosstraining, hence my affinity for high intensity interval traiing. It's fast and effective. Also, my gym offers daycare... a huge plus.[*]Don't do junk miles. I rarely go out for leisurely runs that don't serve a specific purpose. My runs are either fast tempo runs, hill repeats, or long runs. My weekly mileage is VERY low for ultras, but quality always trumps quantity.[*]Prioritize. I may disappear from the forum for a week at a time. I may not respond to every email I receive. I could do more to promote my book. I'm okay with that because I have to prioritize family time.[*]Have an understanding spouse. I'm lucky- Shelly is an avid runner/exercise freak, too. We regularly hire babysitters so we can run together.