I read a good article in Triathlete magazine last month about a professional triathlete who is also full time Mom. Her story on triathlon training was inspiring as a fellow triathlon parent who is also trying to keep my family on an even keel. Check out her story – Liz Lyles. My story is a bit different, though. My wife and I have two children (4 and 1), have two full time jobs, and a handsome dog – Sharkie.
No complaints, we love it and the fact that we are going for the finish line at Lake Placid is rewarding on so many levels. It keeps us fit, sets a good example of our children, and takes a tremendous amount of stress out of our lives. In addition, it gives Monique and I quality time to be with each other.
We have a system, a habit, a routine now that is working. Well, up until the Nanny decides to call in sick. Then the whole plan gets thrown out the window. It happened 6 times last month (plus 5 days of snow), happened once last week, and now again today. In fact, she quit just 15 minutes ago.
The dependence on childcare and its effects on accomplishing our goals is a topic not many have explored. Let me tell you first hand, it changes everything. We are a victim to our childcare providers.
Let me share with you my day as I am sure it will relate to some of yours. My alarm went off at 4am this morning which is the normal time each day to start my workout routine (ok some might not relate to that). Most days I get up but some days I don’t. As mentioned in a previous blog, my weekly goals are the long ride and run, then a swim, and then other work outs to build strength and flexibility. Today, was strength and flexibility day.
The alarm went off again after the second snooze so I quickly did some mental calendaring to rework my day. My new plan was to head to the pool between dropping Sasha off and arriving at work. Knowing I could work a little later tonight. Seemed like a good plan and back to sleep.
I am not sure if this is mental but I find the best sleep I get is between 4am and 6:30 after creatively reworking my day.
I naturally woke up around 6:30. We started getting the kids up and ready for their day. Put on my swim suit (a trick to keep me motivated to stop at the pool) and dressed casually for the morning, packed my work clothes, and then we started working on kid breakfasts and lunches. Monique headed out the door for an early morning meeting. And then it happened. The text from our Nanny saying she is not feeling well.
“Are you kidding me, again?!” Then 5 hours later she quits, on the spot, over text messaging. Really!! OMG! WTF! Believe me I am compassionate to others and understand that people have to do what is best for them. And I am also not here complaining about my situation or this day in particular. I have a lot to be grateful for. But the point that I am making is that any randomness of childcare will have a significant impact to your training schedule. Even bigger, your life.
Now for Plan B. Will take Simone out for a run this afternoon and contemplate what to do for childcare coverage. I am somewhat sad for her as she will never see her Nanny again. Granted, she is one, so it shouldn’t leave a scar. Instead the scar will stay with me. Especially since I had an extra slice of pizza and a couple more beers last night believing today would be a top training day. Well, on to Plan B, or C, or D, or whichever one I am on right now.
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