I am asked all the time by friends, family and co-workers: How do you do it? How do you find time to swim, bike, and run and be a good parent?

Let’s face it, it can be difficult, but so is triathlon. I think that is why most of us love it. It’s a challenge.

So how do we make it work? How do we pursue the sport and lifestyle we love without adversely affecting the ones we love? Simple, get them involved. Find ways that they can reap the benefits of your hard work. Here are a few examples:

1. Have your kids follow you on their bicycles while you do your running. If you have an infant, use a jogging stroller. It will allow you to get a great workout and your child will be totally entertained by the quick paced sight seeing trip!

2. Encourage your kids to compete in races. At most events there are kids’ races that happen the day before or the same day. They will receive a t-shirt, race numbered bib, medal or trophy just for participating. This lets them feel connected to you in ways that most parents never can with their children.

3. Involve your kids in the planning process for your races. Discuss where the event is held and what fun things there are to do there.

4. Organize a workout pool. Just like a car pool, you can take turns watching each others children for certain workouts (i.e. long runs or rides).

5. Bring your kids to your track workouts. They will get a thrill to see their mom or dad racing around a track with other athletes. They may even want to run with you. Most teens would enjoy running a track workout with you, if you could offer some incentive, like a movie or something else fun. My daughter runs for her cell phone. For every lap she runs, she gets another day of cell phone use. That adds up and helps her stay active by running almost 2 miles a week!

These are just a few ideas that come to mind. So use your imagination, because every child is different and we all parent our children differently. Always remember, the best way for us to teach our children is to lead by example. Be a great example and watch them grow!

-Marty Taylor
Ironman Triathlete and single father of a 13 year old daughter and a 6 year old son with a day job