Greetings,

I do strongly disagree with the opinion of training on a stationary bike.

Aside from being utterly boring and frustrating, the workout is totally different from cycling on the road. On the stationary you don't train bike handling skills, body posture (read aerodynamics), cornering skills etc. So get on the road!. The stationary is for winter training.

Just as with running, I would focus on having one long bike ride a week for endurance, as well as at least one short (e.g. 1h) intervall session to build up speed.

As for training for both a short, fast and a long, slower race at once, this is quite contradictory. I would suggest to focus on the endurance for the long race, since this usually the thing you want to have first. Thereafter try to build up speed.

LIVESTRONG

Stefan

and take the kids for some runs pack lots of food, drinks and small thing to keep them occupied OR maybe run at the track and they can play in the infield

PS try a spinervals they are not boring Coach Troy is the devil and provides a tough 45-60 min workout. definitely not boring.

Congratulations for staying with it. After the litle ones came along, I gave up tri's for several years. It just didn't seem right to be gone at work all week and then take off again Sat and Sun mornings to train, race and have fun and come home dead tired. I'm glad you are able  to balance everything.

Robb

I am a Dad with a 9 month old on my lap and 3 year old in the play room. One of the best things I found is making runs and rides include them. Using a double jogger, I run some and include a stop at a playground in the last 1/4 of the workout. The Youngest is asleep and the oldest can go play. I do the same thing with a bike trailer. Plus that makes a great strength workout.

Don't know what I would do with four kids? More power to you!

I don't normally respond to these but I have five children ages 17 to 4 so I know your pain!  in trying to find time to train.  First of all, prioritize your three races (refer to Joe Friel's Triathlete tng Bible), which one is really the most important... and maybe the sprint gets you in shape for the olympic distance and what is their timeline...  2.  Trade with a friend or put in preschool etc to get childcare for the children at school if for a just a few hours to get in the long bike ride... (I use preschool times to run long and/or bike) 3.  Get up real early for run/swim, just as early as you can and if your husband can team with you on bfast for the kids until you return  (I swim 5:30 - 6:30 or run between those times.  I did not used to be an early riser but my desire to train forced me to!!  4.  If financially possible, join a gym and use their childcare to weight train, swim or use treadmill or stationary bike -- not my favorite but the childcare is useful  5.  I use my local track and my youngest are used to the drill by me packing snacks, etc while I run, I have also done the same thing by me running at the soccer field where I can still see them by me running around in circles!  6.  Hire a teenager... I have some in my household, but the cost of babysitting would be worth getting in 2 hrs of focused tng  7.  Our children/family come first but my training times are special and a gift from God.  Doing the above I have been able to complete three marathons and three triathlons!  Good luck to you.  Marianne