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I have 3 young kids - 10 months, 3 years, and 5 years. During the cycling season, I go out two or three times during the week after they are in bed and then one long ride on the weekend. I have a gym membership for winter and that gets a little trickier with the baby - I hate bringing a 10 month old to the gym daycare in the middle of winter. So I try and get dinner prepped and go as soon as DH gets home or after everyone is in bed. If I could drag my a$$ out of bed early enough, that would be an option, too. DH leaves for work around 6:30 so it's tough. (For me, that is.)
One thing that has helped me is coming to terms with the fact that I am not going to be able to work out 5 or 6 days per week like I did in the old days. I am not willing to let my sleep or family life suffer - so I do enough to stay lean and trim and dream of a life sometime in my future when I can really push myself physically. Let's just hope I'm not too worn down from raising these three little - uh - angels.
I should also mention, DH is pretty supportive of my getting time to work out. I am a SAHM, so biking is about my only regular escape from home. He also took up golfing this year and is very sensitive about giving me equal time out of the house. I would actually say his golfing habit has been great for me - I gladly let him go do his thing knowing that it means another ride or two for me later in the week. Not that anyone's keeping track. :D
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My kids are 9 & 6, so not really old enough to leave, too big (they think) for day care at the Y. And we also homeschool so I've got them all the time. I've just had to schedule tightly and stick to it, because there won't be any alternate opportunities. My husband is very supportive of my working out and he trains for marathons. Our weekly schedule comparison focuses heavily on getting both of our workouts in. I can get up earlier than he can. And sometimes I can drop the kids at his office for the 30-60 minute overlap between his paperwork clean up and a class or group ride I want to do.
I think that cooperation between parents is the most critical thing. Realize that your rides and workouts benefit the whole family by keeping mama happy, healthy and a shining example.
How are you cinnamontoast? Had any luck finding riding partners? We are riding tonight if you're free!
