Family, Work, Friends, Ironman - The Great Balancing Act of a Mother Who Runs Triathlon

March 24, 2016

We sometimes get so caught up in the rhythms and trends of life that we perhaps lose sight of what we're actually capable of. There are 24 hours in a day and even with impeccable time management skills, it's hard to

utilize each one to the best of your abilities, in a perfect schedule, that also aligns with all your needs. Raising a family, working a career, and being a triathlon athlete are each considered a full-time position and require ample time and dedication.

Often asked "how do you balance it all?" or "how do you do it?" Erika Myers, a 40-year-old working mother of two beautiful girls, a wife, a proud Michigan State alum and an Ironman gives the short answer "I really have no idea most of the time."

Erika Myers and her family are just one example of the amazing individuals that the spirit of triathlon breeds.

The following content is shared by Erika Myers of Canton, Michigan.

There are a lot of us out there – working parents trying to figure out how to fit everything in to a 24 hour day without upsetting the apple cart. I respect that there are a lot of people who handle this like me. I’m NOT the first, and certainly won’t be the last!

It is a lot of work.

This year I’m training for my second full Ironman (Lake Placid in July), and my husband is training for his first 70.3 in August. Having both of us training definitely is challenging but so far, about 11 weeks into my training, we’ve managed without letting too much slip.

Triathlons are something I’m passionate about, something I work into my life making priority along with my family, my job and my friends. By making triathlon a priority, I really need to be disciplined in my days and figure out how to fit everything in, hopefully without making anyone in my life feel left out.

There are days when I can only do part of what my coach has lined up for me because work was too busy or we had something else come up – a sporting or social event, or like this week, an illness (Influenza B is no joke, folks!).

There are days that I plan so well that I can get in a brick workout, ensure I put in a full work day (usually plus some), attend to my kids’ needs including school/after school activities, lunches, dinners, grocery shopping, laundry, household “chores” and maybe have time to sit down at the end of the day and breathe.

It is a balancing act.

But within that crazy balancing act, and even when I question how I’m going to make it through a week, I realize that I’m setting an example for my girls of responsibility, commitment and the importance of staying active. I hope that they see my dedication and know that I’m doing all of this to make them proud. I try to ensure I have a smile on my face during my races and at the finish so when I see my girls smiling, they know I’m having fun and I know they’re happy. That’s all that matters.

It is fun.

And in the end, if you have fun along with family and friends, you have it all.

For more from Erika Myers or to follow along her journey, visit
thisspartanwill.wordpress.com