How do you 9-5ers do it?

[Tri Girl]

I'm not a 9-5 er, more like a 7:30-4 er. I train when I get off work. Run or bike right after work and swim after 7 when the lanes open up. It eats my whole evening on most days. We don't have kids, so I have enough time to devote to it. When I was IM training, my life was consumed with it. It was like having a full time job and a part time job. I'd devote entire weekends to training, and would swim or run before work, and do the other sport after work (bike or run). It was not easy, but I managed. Not having kids and having a DH who also trains definitely helps!!!
Now I'm just a slacker who hardly trains at all.

[alpinerabbit]

I'll do a run or a swim at lunchtimes, but only about once a week and the runs mostly in the wintertime when it's dark at night. Or a swim right after work. Or on occasion, I've ran my 6k to work and showered there. I always keep a change of clothes there.

run or swim in the evenings, now that it's light out until after 8 I can even fit a 1hr+ ride into an evening or a run.

Most training happens on weekends: one Weekend day we'll do a long bike (anything from 70-140k or so), the other another shorter ride or a long run or/and a swim.
We started training on an indoor trainer (with a group while watching a DVD on projector) in Feb and went on a training holiday beginning of April.

you can train with 2 runs, 2 swims (more often in the winter if you're still learning freestyle) and 1-2 bike rides a week.

[KSH]

You make your situation work for you.

Last year during my IM training I would try before work (6:00-7:00 AM) and then after work (6:00-8:30 PM). I would fall into bed by 10:00 PM and do it all over again. My long sessions were on the weekend, where I had more free time.

This year I have been training just after work (6:00- 8:30 PM) and on the weekends. I have gotten up early here and there and have run before work (just 2.5 miles- at 6:45 AM).

NOTE: I do not have kids or a husband so my time before/after work is all mine. I admire people with FAMILIES who fit training in... now THAT is impressive!

[HillSlugger]

You make your situation work for you.

Last year during my IM training I would try before work (6:00-7:00 AM) and then after work (6:00-8:30 PM). I would fall into bed by 10:00 PM and do it all over again. My long sessions were on the weekend, where I had more free time.

This year I have been training just after work (6:00- 8:30 PM) and on the weekends. I have gotten up early here and there and have run before work (just 2.5 miles- at 6:45 AM).

NOTE: I do not have kids or a husband so my time before/after work is all mine. I admire people with FAMILIES who fit training in... now THAT is impressive!

I try to schedule my training sessions so that they'll have as little impact on the family as possible, but it really helps to have an understanding and supportive SO who is willing to take care of things on the weekends during training.

[ginny]

I have to say that I'm grateful to read this thread. I work a day job - albeit science and rather flexible... but I feel like every day is a marathon for me. In science, you are expected to work more than 40 hr/wk. I have a horse and two dogs that also need exercise... Every night I fall into bed completely exhausted! I ride my bike to work nearly every day of the year. My running has recently taken a hit - am I burnt out? I am trying to teach my horse to trot next to me while I run. My dogs are retired from running, but they still require a saunter every evening. Swimming... not so easy once one is out of school. When I was in graduate school, I used the gym at school. It kills me to pay an entire gym membership to use only the pool! Needless to say, with a move this year and readjusting my schedule, I haven't signed up for any tris this year. I could do a sprint no problem, but I am contemplating a HIM in May... dunno if it's really possible. Maybe the horse can swim with me

[bmccasland]

I admit I've been a slug lately. But when I'm good, it helps that my office sits on top of the levee, and the levee bike path goes right by - dips down off the levee to be outside the fence but once pass the building climbs back up. So I really don't have a good excuse. Bike path right there, secured parking. Now if the long work days would only be an 8 hour day, me and my bike would become friends again.

[katluvr]

Can one say "ditto, ditto, ditto". I have a bit of a flexible schedule, so I can come in a "bit later" or leave a bit early if no meetings...so I flex some. Mostly I find some days no matter how good my intentions the thought of getting up early, putting in the time to bike/run--I have a hard time really getting out of bed. Then by the time I bike or run I have to do all the regular stuff before I get out of the house and get to work. As I am going to work I see folks running/biking inteh LIGHT not in the dark. If i don't do it in the AM, again I have to stay motivated to do the workout in the evening. And with the heat right now ---it is hard. It really is motivation & good planning to say teh least. I am struggling with both right now. I have always said I could actaully be good at this if I didn't have to work! But work pays so I can play. I can train for long bike rides. I can train for 1/2 or even marathons. And I think i can train for this tri...but it is a sprint. I would have to have much more dedication/motivation and really be organized to train for a long distance tri.