Moms-How do you do it??

[HoddyToddy]

Thanks, limewave.

Yeah, we have the trailer, but DS is way to heavy now. But I'm sure it will get a lot of use again come May 2008!

And I want to invest in a jogging stroller as well for skating with the kids.

I'm happy that the timing of this pregnancy is such that as soon as I am physically able to start riding again, Spring will be here!

[singletrackmind]

Pulled the poor guy around in a trailer (he seemed to enjoy it) until just before his 4th b-day, now he's my best ever stoker on the tandem.

Ok, so I'm not that fast this year because he's only doing 22-50 miles with stops, it won't be forever....




....right???

[Running Mommy]

Well I only have one... But it can work if you really plan ahead- and are flexible. The best laid plans can change when kids are in the picture.

Since I was a runner before I was a triathlete, it was more about getting in the run training when he was small.
I had him in a jogging stroller at 6 weeks. He stayed in that until around 4. Then he moved on to the bike with training wheels. By 5 he was on two wheels and I had to sprint to keep up with him.
He's 10 now, and just recently took over my old road bike. Yeah- he is as tall as me now! But the good thing is we can ride together. He's not quite as fast as I am, but he keeps up pretty good.
In the past I did a lot of trainer rides. Spinervals became my friend. In fact he loves to make fun of Troy Jacobson. FIVE< FOUR< THREE<TWO ONE.... And spiiiinnnnnnn.....
Also having a gym with a good daycare is nice.
I think if you can work it out with the husband so that you can get out at least a couple of times a week and then balance that with trainer time, you'll do fine.
Oh- also getting the rides in early in the morning helps too. You are coming off the bike just as they wake up. I'm in such a good mood when I come off the bike and then see that smiling face waking up.
Of course in the winter that will involve having a good light. But it's well worth the cost IMO.
Good luck! And congrats on # 2!!

[Trekhawk]

3 kids, 1 fantastic husband who watches the kids a lot so I can ride.

[maillotpois]

RM - LOL about Coach Troy!! The PP saw the countdown clock on there and called it the countdown to "when you can be happy". And ditto on the riding in the morning, before light - though I do that more because I work 40+ hours a week than anything else. For me, though, there's no way I would ever be able to ride in the afternoons/evenings after work, because that's my time with Em to do homework, talk about her day, etc.

When she was little, I did run with a jogger stroller. I didn't get a bike til she was about 5. Cycling is tough to juggle because DH rides also. His parents live nearby (up until 2004 we lived in an in-law unit on their house) and have been EXTREMELY helpful. We couldn't do all the TNT rides and coaching we do if it weren't for them.

Now we're to the age with her (she's 11 going on 28 ) where we can go for a ride together for several hours and leave her alone. Wow!

And we only have one as well.....

Good luck. It can be done.

[cyclingmom01]

I have done all of my marathon trng in the wee hours of the morning as to not interfere with their soccer, swimming, band & whatever else we needed to get the kids to. 0430 in the morning for my last marathon trng. The biking seems to be a little harder for me becasue I won't ride in the dark and it's been dangerously hot when I'm done with my work day.
I have to realize that it's hard to stick to an actual trng schedule. I have to be okay with missing an occasional day. My kids are old enough now that they don't need a sitter and yours will be there before you know it. Don't wish them to grow up too fast.

[tjf9]

I get most of my workouts in after the kids go to bed. My husband's hobby is the XBox, so he doesn't mind staying home most nights. Last night I did my long run and didn't get home until 9:30.

On the weekends, I usually take the kids to the gym with me and I'll spin or run on the treadmill. It's not an optimal workout, but at least someone else is watching the kids!