Oh, by the way, I used to play hockey in a fairly competitive rec league before my son was born. I really can't wait til I can get him into skating and probably into hockey too. I have rollerbladed while pushing him in the jogging stroller which is another great exercise but I wouldn't advise it unless you do this in a park with great paved trails and make sure your skating skills are honed as well. I also forgot to mention that bringing along snacks and juiceboxes is a must and that after I exercise with him in tow I also reward him by spending an equivalent time at a playground which allows me to cool down and do some stretching as well.

I too know what you mean. I wanted and needed to be at my children's baseball, football, soccer and other events. I applaud you for doing as much as you are. I waited until I was 40 (this year) and not financially responsible for anyone but my husband and myself. You go girl, I never could find the time for myself.
I don't have much to offer but here goes:
My grandmother asked me one day "If you were gone, would your family be able to survive without you?" That was a very powerful question.
I then taught my boys and husband how to use the washer and dryer. I had to let go and let them, very hard for us sometimes. I not only taught them how to pick up their toys and sports equipment but the dishes to, how to organize their time to fit everything they want and needed to do. They learn by example. They learned how to cook and clean up afterwards,and how to clean a bathroom, afterall I hit the toilet everytime. I also taught them to communicate using a write on wipe off board.
Like I said this isn't much but my boys and their girlfriends really appreciated it in the long run.

Best of luck and remember you have dreams too.
Jackie

I know how hard it is to train and work full time, plus run a household. A lot of the responses I read were great but I thought I would add a couple more. When my daughter-9years is at swimming lessons or gymnastics I take advantage of that time to hit the treadmill or run the track at our Gym. I can stop by to watch every so often and still get in a good workout.
Winter seems to be the worse time for training, not only is it cold and snowy the nights get so long it is dark by the time I get done working. Last year I invested in a good head lamp and some good yax tracks, or similar brand and I took to the side streets (dirt) in my neighborhood in the dark. I actually enjoyed the quiet and it is so peaceful at night. Make sure you take a cell phone or mace along if your neighborhood is less than desirable.

I just ran upon all of your posts. I am so glad that I am not the only "parent" out there trying to get a decent training program in AND take care of family duties. I am training for my next marathon. It's difficult sometimes because I work full-time, my hubby & I have our own business & i have two children, 13 & 6. I seem to manage okay. I can't work out before work before I have to get up at 4:30, get my 6 year old on the bus at 6:30, then drive 30 miles to work by 7:00. I am exhausted by the late afternoons, but I have made it "my time". I ride my bike 2 x week, speed work 1 x week, easy run 1 x week & long runs, which begin at 6:30 on Saturday mornings. My kids go to the track with me to play ball or just trot around the track every so often. Sometimes they ride their bike with me on my shorter runs, 3-5 miles. We live in the country, which is great to avoid traffic issues, etc., but when it gets dark out here, it's DARK. A blessing in disguise is that my kids do not want to participate in organized sports at school, etc. I do not discourage it, I just let them make their own decisions. They get plenty of exercise with me & if their is a kids' run offered when I race, they do it. They love the challenge, plus all the excitement in cheering the runners on to victory. I try to let them do at least 1 organized run a month with me. We have 10 acres & my daughter & I are trying to talk my hubby into "mowing" a track around the perimeter so we can do speed work at home whenever we want, without running on the local asphalt track. We'll see. Good luck to all of you!